Address by Professor Paul LAM Kwan-sing, President
26 August 2025
Dear Students and Colleagues,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU).
Today marks the beginning of an exciting journey as you join this proud institution.
Our University has some important characteristics:
When considered separately, these characteristics may not seem that special.
However, our university is unique because it is the only university in Hong Kong that possesses all these features.
This uniqueness makes us the most flexible university in Hong Kong and allows us to respond quickly to market trends and industry needs.
One of our greatest strengths is the breadth of academic programmes we offer, spanning various fields, including psychology, creative arts, music, early childhood education, languages, nursing, physiotherapy, medical laboratory science, information technology, testing and certification, and a full spectrum of business disciplines.
For the 2025/26 cohort, HKMU was awarded about 2,000 places under the Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP), accounting for nearly 40% of the total number of funded places, the largest share among the eight participating institutions.
In this connection, applications for HKMU programmes listed as the top three choices (Band A) increased for the fourth consecutive year, reaching nearly 18,000, a significant 21% rise compared to that of last year.
The number of both applicants and applications for HKMU programmes surged by 10%, reflecting the University's growing recognition and popularity within our community.
To recruit students who can take full advantage of an HKMU education, starting in 2025, we have accepted in our undergraduate programmes only NCEE (gaokao) applicants who attain Tier one level (一本線).
Last year, we proudly became Hong Kong's first university of applied sciences. This recognition reflects our commitment to transforming higher education by integrating academic knowledge with practical, real-world experience.
Regarding research, I am pleased to report that our proposals to the Research Grants Council drew $34.5 million in funding in the latest round of applications, the highest among all self-financed institutions.
This allocation accounts for 40% of total funding for the self-financed institution sector this year.
Our research performance, in terms of publications, citations and patents, has gone from strength to strength.
This year, the HKMU Angel Fund supported the first batch of five startups established by HKMU students, staff and alumni.
On 19 June this year, Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) announced that Hong Kong Metropolitan University made its debut in the QS World University Rankings, placing between 781 and 790 among approximately 1,500 universities ranked by QS worldwide. This is a major milestone for HKMU as the first self-financing university and the first university of applied sciences in Hong Kong to achieve this recognition.
Additionally, among the nine Hong Kong universities ranked in the QS World University Rankings, HKMU stands 6th in employment outcomes and 7th in academic reputation. These rankings reflect the growing recognition of the quality of our graduates by employers across various disciplines, as well as the strong reputation of our university within the global academic community.
Beyond academics, our Student Affairs Office has prepared a rich array of activities for you. Through service-learning, entrepreneurial projects and various extracurricular opportunities, you will develop new friendships, enhance your interpersonal skills, and grow into confident, well-rounded individuals ready to make meaningful contributions to our community.
I encourage you to explore beyond your major and broaden your horizons. Seek and take full advantage of the overseas exchange opportunities that come your way.
To support your growth, we are also expanding our campus with new and modern facilities.
We expect to commence construction on the HKMU Hub for Community Health and Wellness near our Homantin campus towards the end of this year.
Our newly acquired MU Tower in Hung Hom will provide inspiring spaces for learning, teamwork and community engagement.
Following one year of operation, MU88, our university student accommodation will undergo a complete transformation this academic year. MU88 will reopen in September 2026, providing 439 bed places, together with brand new facilities and enhanced services.
You can be sure that HKMU will continue to develop its physical campus, strive for academic excellence, and improve its learning and teaching facilities.
I look forward to seeing you on campus and witnessing your accomplishments in the years ahead.
Once again, welcome, and thank you.
