The Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) was established in 1989 to offer education for anyone residing here who wishes to study on a distance-learning basis. More than 120,000 people have followed OUHK courses so far, and in any one year, enrolment swings from 25,000 to 50,000.
The OUHK was modelled, like many similar educational institutions around the world, on the British Open University. The 'university of the air' concept, with lectures broadcast over the radio and lessons conducted through correspondence, was championed by former British prime minister Harold Wilson, while he was leader of the Labour opposition, and described in a famous speech made in Glasgow.
The first open university was created by a royal charter in 1969, and the first students were enrolled in 1971.
The OUHK is a largely self-funding government organisation, offering distance-learning courses in a wide range of subjects from sub-degree to postgraduate level. Content is delivered in text and multimedia on paper, through the Internet and on CD-Rom.
Students come from all walks of life, which was the intention when the government set up the OUHK. No prior degree studies are required to take undergraduate courses.
'We are open - you can just walk in off the street and sign up,' says OUHK registrar Richard Armour.