The professional training and applied research are tailored to meet Hong Kong's needs in talent, skills and technology
THE MOTTO, 'TO LEARN and apply for the benefit of mankind', has guided The Hong Kong Polytechnic University over the past 70 years and defined the institution's evolution and spirit of endeavour.
Starting off in 1937 as the Government Trade School, the institution developed into Hong Kong Technical College and then Hong Kong Polytechnic in 1947 and 1972 respectively, before being renamed a university in 1994.
Each stage has called for different priorities, but all have been geared to meet specific social and economic needs as Hong Kong progressed from its industry-based days to a secondary manufacturing economy and today's knowledge-based, service-orientated economy.
University president Poon Chung-kwong said the emphasis on professional training and applied research had helped the institution meet Hong Kong's increasingly sophisticated demands for talent, skills and technology.
'The Polytechnic University has always championed a dual emphasis on theory and application,' Professor Poon said. 'We train our students to be hands-on professionals with a good all round background, and we work positively to put our research into practice. Our goal is to cater to the practical needs of business and industry, promote Hong Kong's development and competitiveness, and contribute to China's modernisation.'