40-year-old Hong Kong college gets green light to rename itself as Saint Francis University
- Kim Mak, president of former Caritas Institute of Higher Education, says upgrade to city’s first Catholic varsity will provide ‘more opportunities for quality learning’
- Education chief Christine Choi congratulates university and says she hopes private postsecondary sector will continue to play pivotal role in nurturing talent
An almost 40-year-old postsecondary college has received permission to rename itself Saint Francis University, becoming Hong Kong’s first Catholic varsity in an effort to create “more opportunities for quality learning”.
The permanent secretary for education on Tuesday gave the go-ahead for the Caritas Institute of Higher Education to change its name to Saint Francis University effective immediately, following a decision from the Chief Executive-in-Council.
University president Kim Mak Kin-wah celebrated the milestone and said the change would grant the institution fresh opportunities.
“The upgrade in title will open up more opportunities for quality learning in tertiary education and give recognition to youths who want to develop their profession,” he said. “After the name change, the university will continue to offer our distinctive curriculum.”
Kim said students graduating this year would receive graduation certificates with the university’s name on them. He promised that the upgrade would not lead to an increase in tuition fees.