Hong Kong universities of applied sciences to launch with ‘over HK$40 million’ of government cash to boost profile of academic sector
- Government funding will be used to promote alliance of new institutions, all geared towards providing graduates in subjects sought after by industries
- Hong Kong Metropolitan University expected to be first UAS and lead alliance
When informed of the amount, Paul Lam Kwan-sing, the president of Hong Kong Metropolitan University, which is expected to be the first UAS, said the funding was sufficient to launch the publicity campaign.
He said he hoped the money could be used to hold forums for university presidents in the city and sponsor visits to countries known for their expertise in the specialist institutions. Metropolitan University is expected to lead the alliance.
A source said one of the most important criteria for UAS status, set to be announced this month, would be allowing universities to help draft course curriculums to ensure they met the requirements of the job market.
“Universities of applied sciences position themselves as producing graduates who are work-ready and the curriculums should match the job market, or they will be meaningless,” the insider said.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said in last October’s policy address that the city would develop universities of applied sciences in a bid to change poor perceptions about vocational education.