Dear Colleagues,
In June, a delegation from the Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences (AUAS), led by the Education Bureau of the HKSAR, visited Guangdong Industry Polytechnic University, Shenzhen Polytechnic University and the Department of Education of Guangdong Province.
Discussions during the visit reaffirmed the commitment of all parties to advancing the development of applied and professional education. They called for closer cooperation among like-minded institutions in the Greater Bay Area to achieve greater synergy.
In this connection, a “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Alliance (GHMA)” is being established to spearhead this endeavour. HKMU, the first university of applied sciences (UAS) in Hong Kong, has been designated as one of the three Founding Members of the GHMA.
In my view, deep cooperation and collaboration among GHMA member institutions, especially in sharing teaching methodologies and laboratory facilities, facilitating credit recognition and transfer, and expanding staff and student exchange and internship opportunities, will yield significant benefits for the faculty and students of HKMU and beyond.
There has also been an active discussion about the need to enhance undergraduate and postgraduate training opportunities for outstanding athletes, particularly those who have retired from high-level competitive sports.
In this context, an HKMU delegation visited Higher Education Press, Beijing Sport University, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, and Peking University to explore ways in which our University can support athletes. We also took the opportunity to discuss related issues with officials from the Ministry of Education.
Coincidentally, in September 2026, HKMU will launch a new programme, the Master of Professional Management in Global Sports Business, which will be delivered in both English and Putonghua. This timely offering, together with about 180 academic programmes on offer at HKMU, ensure a diverse range of choices for these prospective students.
In my view, the role of UASs should not be confined to serving industry, trade organisations and professional bodies. The goal of UASs should ultimately be to address the practical needs of, and make valuable contributions to, society as a whole.
Paul LAM Kwan-sing
President
