Community is our partner

Financial support for students continues to grow, enabling them to continue studies and access international conferences, internships and study tours. Through outreaching visits to mainland and overseas institutions as well as welcoming visitors from around the world, the OUHK network is further extended and more collaboration opportunities are explored. The Open for Learning Sunday broadcasts of 26 years are renewed with TVB and the Great Speakers Series are launched to enlighten all. The University’s dedication and commitment to the community is mirrored by the activities and services performed by its students, alumni and staff.

OUHK advances with community support

Jockey Club healthcare volunteers training

The nine-month Jockey Club Home Health Watch Programme has equipped 300 volunteers with essential healthcare knowledge and skills. The graduation ceremony was officiated by Secretary for Labour & Welfare Mr Matthew Cheung, Deputy Director (Services) of Social Welfare Mr Lam Ka-tai, Vice Chairman of Elderly Commission Dr Lam Ching-choi, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Mr Anthony W K Chow, Volunteer Training & Development Manager of the Agency for Volunteer Service Mr Lau Ting-chung and President Prof. Yuk-Shan Wong on 18 July 2015. The Community Healthcare Day was held on the same day and featured interactive games, an exhibition and assessment counters.

Donation for testing & certification

The only scholarship designated for full-time students in testing & certification, valued at HK$2 million, was donated by the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong. Twelve annual grants of $10,000 each will go to academically outstanding students: eight for the Bachelor of Science with Honours in Testing & Certification and four to top-up degree students in Bachelor of Science with Honours in Testing Science.

Applied research & publishing fund

OUHK Honorary Fellow and alumna Miss Katie Shu Sui-pui has donated HK$1 million to establish the ‘Katie Shu Sui Pui Charitable Trust — Research & Publication Fund (Applied Research)’. It seeks to foster a research culture, support applied research of benefit to Hong Kong, and encourage quality research publishing at the OUHK. Nine tenths of the fund will support applied research seed projects. The balance will be disbursed as monetary reward for outstanding published research.

MPhil student sponsored for IEEE Congress Japan

Sponsored by the CASH Education Fund, School of Science & Technology MPhil student Leung Man-fai participated at the 2015 IEEE (Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers) Congress on Evolutionary Computation in Sendai, Japan on 24–28 May 2015. His paper was accepted for publication in the proceedings.

Record HK$6.3 million scholarships & bursaries

The Scholarship and Bursary Awards Presentation Ceremony 2014-15 was held on 25 August 2015 and attended by close to 600 scholarship recipients, their families and friends as well as donors. Seventy-three scholarships and bursaries, including newly established awards, the Dr T Y Cheng Memorial Scholarship and the Lai Ho Yau Scholarship, were presented to distance learning and full-time students.

Collaboration and exchanges

Stronger ties with Thai Open University

A memorandum of understanding was signed between the OUHK and Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) after the visit of Ms Ratip Pukkeson, Head of International Affairs, on 19 May 2015 to explore collaboration opportunities. She was received by Dr Li Kam-cheong, Director of the OUHK’s University Research Centre.

More collaboration with SUST Shenzhen

President Prof. Yuk-Shan Wong led an OUHK delegation to the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUST) in Shenzhen on 8 April 2015 to discuss collaboration on undergraduate, continuing education and corporate training programmes. On 27 May, the two universities signed a memorandum of understanding on OUHK campus and started exploring establishment of a joint-venture to offer professional education at tertiary level, to develop talent for the economic transformation of the Pearl River Delta.

Collaboration with Correctional Services Department

The ageing of inmates in correctional institutes and the increasing number of inmates with non-communicable diseases present new challenges for the Correctional Services Department (CSD) in healthcare provision to inmates. The OUHK collaborated with the CSD to launch the Certificate in Health Studies (Correctional Health Care) programme in September 2015. This academic programme is the first of its kind in Hong Kong. It aims to equip correctional services officers with the essential knowledge and skills to support the healthcare needs of inmates within the custodian environment.

National Open University explores collaboration

A delegation from the National Open University, Taiwan, visited the OUHK on 16 April 2015 to discuss future collaboration and developments in distance & e-learning. The visitors were met by the Dean of the School of Science & Technology Prof. Ho Kin-chung, Director of Educational Technology & Publishing Unit Dr Yuen Kin-sun and other senior staff.

Visit to UK Open University

President Prof. Yuk-Shan Wong led a seven-member delegation, including Associate Vice President Prof. Ip Yiu-keung, School Deans and senior staff members, to the Open University in the UK (UKOU) from 5–8 October 2015. Vice Chancellor of the UKOU Mr Peter Horrocks, Faculty Deans and senior administrative staff members received the visitors. Models of open universities, quality frameworks, course materials, innovation in teaching and learning, and student data and analytics were discussed. Separate deans’ meetings were arranged for intensive exchanges on academic programmes and curricula.

Visit by Wuyi University

Wuyi University Chairman of Board of Directors Mr Wu Rongzhi, Party Secretary Prof. Zhang Kun, Deputy Secretary Mr Li Aikang, President Prof. Zhang Yunhua and Deans met with OUHK President Prof. Yuk-Shan Wong and senior management on 28 January 2016. They exchanged views on topics related to computing, information engineering, and electronic and mechanical engineering. The delegation also toured the testing and certification laboratories with representatives from the OUHK programmes in the field.

Welcoming business leaders

Led by President Dr Eddy Li, the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong visited the OUHK on 27 May 2015 to discuss collaboration in Testing & Certification, and to provide internship opportunities. On 29 May, President of the Hong Kong Chiu Chow Chamber of Commerce Mr Cheung Sing-hung led an eight-member delegation to better understand OUHK programmes and to explore supporting study pathways for students.

Visit to Guangxi

Associate Vice President Prof. Ip Yiu-keung and Mainland China Projects Coordinator Ms Shi Xuemei visited a government department and education institutions in Guangxi on 19–20 October 2015 to gain insights and exchange ideas. They visited Department of Education of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guangxi Open University, Guangxi College of Education, Guangxi Teachers Education University, Guangxi Region Enrolment Examination Yuan and Nanning No.14 Middle School.

Delegation from Fujian Province

On 9 December 2015, a 12-member delegation from Fujian Province, led by Vice Director of the Standing Committee of Fujian Provincial People’s Congress and Chairman of Fujian International Culture & Economy Exchange Centre Ms Chen Hua, was warmly received by President Prof. Yuk-Shan Wong, Vice Presidents Prof. Danny Wong and Prof. Lee Wing-on, Associate Vice President Prof. Ip Yiu-keung and other senior staff members. Collaboration on programmes and student exchanges were discussed.

Seminars to promote OUHK on mainland

From April to June 2015, information seminars were organized on the mainland to promote the OUHK’s top-up and postgraduate programmes. Associate Vice President Prof. Ip Yiu-keung, Mainland China Projects Coordinator Ms Shi Xuemei, and programme leaders from the School of Arts & Social Sciences and the Lee Shau Kee School of Business & Administration visited Xian University of Finance & Economics, Shunde Polytechnic Institute, Shaoguan University, United International College in Zhuhai, Huashang College of the Guangdong University of Finance & Economics and the Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University.

Yuen Yuen Institute checks out full-time programmes & facilities

A delegation from the Yuen Yuen Institute consisting of Chairman Dr Chan Kwok-chiu, Vice Chairman Mr Henry Tong Sau-chai, Director Mr Chan Shing-bong and Executive Committee member Mr Chan Sing-jee visited the OUHK on 23 October 2015. They were welcomed by Chairman of the Council Dr Eddy C Fong, President Prof. Yuk-Shan Wong and other senior staff members. The delegation was briefed on the latest developments with a focus on full-time programmes. They visited the testing and certification laboratories, creative arts studios and other facilities for full-time students at Jubilee College.

Liaison Office’s
legal delegates briefed

President Prof. Yuk-Shan Wong, the Vice Presidents and senior management received visitors from the Law Department of the Central Government’s Liaison Office on 20 January 2016. The delegation was briefed on the University’s recent accomplishments and future development plans, and toured the testing and certification and multimedia laboratories. The delegation comprised Director-General Prof. Wang Zhenmin, former Director-General Dr Liu Xinkui, Deputy Director Mr Liu Chunhua and Head of Research Office Mr Wang Jianyuan.

Nursing Council renews accreditations

The Nursing Council of Hong Kong met with staff members of the Division of Nursing & Health Studies, and nursing students and alumni, including students taking practicum at Castle Peak and St Teresa’s hospitals, in August 2015. The visit was part of the re-accreditation exercise of four programmes: the two Bachelors of Nursing with Honours (General Health Care & Mental Health Care), and the two Higher Diplomas in Nursing Studies (General Health Care & Mental Health Care). Accreditation for another five years was granted.

Stronger ties with mainland counterparts

A delegation from Hua Qiao University was briefed on Hong Kong’s higher education system by Associate Vice President Prof. Ip Yiu-keung and Mainland China Projects Coordinator Ms Shi Xuemei on 19 May 2015. Ways of strengthening ties and collaboration were explored. Vice President Prof. Danny Wong and Ms Shi visited the Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University on 17 June to discuss joint postgraduate programmes.

Promoting OUHK programmes to mainland students

On 9 January and 4 February 2016, the Office of Mainland Affairs briefed high school students from Shanghai and Guangxi respectively on undergraduate programmes of the OUHK. A seminar on postgraduate study was organized for Yulin Normal University of Guangxi on 26 February 2016. Mainland China Projects Coordinator Ms Shi Xuemei visited Zhongshan Huaqiao Middle School on 9 January and hosted a seminar on admission requirements for OUHK undergraduate programmes.

Great Speakers Series — All of Hong Kong is our lecture hall

Extending the collaboration of 26 years, the OUHK and Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) announced a new series of Open for Learning TV programmes and the launch of the Great Speakers Series at the ‘All of Hong Kong is OUHK Lecture Hall’ press conference on 14 October 2015. TVB Deputy Controller of Marketing & Sales Division Mr Tso Shiu-to, Head of Sales of TVB Pearl Marketing & Sales Division Ms Amy Chan, Assistant Controller of Programme Division Ms Nancy Lai and senior management from the OUHK participated. Several artistes and Miss Hong Kong 2015 winners talked about their learning experiences.

‘Silk Road: Past, Present and Future’ by
Prof. Chang Hsin-kang

Prof. Chang Hsin-kang, President Emeritus of City University of Hong Kong, is an expert in Islamic culture. On 29 October 2015, he illustrated the geographical advantages, historical figures, and religious and linguistic evolution of the Silk Road in pre-modern times, and shared his observations on economic development. He expects a bright future for countries along the Silk Road.

‘Behind the Lyrics’ by Mr Lo Kwok-jim

Renowned lyricist Mr Lo Kwok-jim shared his experiences ‘Behind the Lyrics’ on 28 November 2015. A living legend in the music industry, Mr Lo has penned 3,000 canto-pop lyrics and TV commercial songs. The Grace of Homeland is a reflection of his childhood in the countryside, whereas A Rosy Future is an inspirational piece for a TV drama. The talk ended with Night on a Fishing Boat sung by President Prof. Yuk-Shan Wong.

‘Odyssey of a Chinese-American Physicist’ by Prof. Paul Chu

World-renowned physicist and former President of the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST) Prof. Paul Chu shared his odyssey as a Chinese-American physicist on 7 December 2015. Teachers, schoolmates, celebrities and scientists at universities and beyond inspired him. Prof. Chu is passionate about high temperature superconductivity and expects wider use of these technologies. He encouraged the young to treasure and enjoy every moment of life.

‘Demystifying the Chinese Economy’ by Prof. Justin Lin Yifu

Prof. Justin Lin Yifu, former Senior Vice President & Chief Economist of the World Bank and OUHK Honorary Doctor, spoke to a full house of 240 participants from Government, banking and finance, commerce and education on 16 December 2015. Referencing historical and economic evidence, Prof. Lin described the strategies for economic reform which have saved China from falling into the recession that many other countries have suffered in recent times. He believes China can sustain economic growth with good opportunities for investments and relatively stable economic conditions.

‘Education for the Future’ by Mr Antony Leung

Mr Antony Leung, former Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR and former Chairman of the Education Commission and the University Grants Committee, talked about ‘Further Thoughts on Education’ on 21 January 2016. He outlined major trends, including technological development, globalization of markets, changing values of the new generation and an ageing population. He urged enhancement of the education system to equip students to face these changes. Leung believes society will need talent with the ‘T-type’ knowledge structure, i.e. general knowledge and social skills, as well as domain expertise. He emphasized the importance of ethical and moral values.

‘The Beauty of Scientific Research:
The 30th Anniversary of Dr Rebecca Lee’s
Polar Expedition’ by Dr Rebecca Lee &
Prof. Ho Kin-chung

Dr Rebecca Lee Lok-sze, the first female polar explorer and Founder of the Polar Museum Foundation, talked about ‘The Beauty of Scientific Research: The 30th Anniversary of Dr Rebecca Lee’s Polar Expedition’ on 1 March 2016, along with the OUHK’s Dean of the School of Science & Technology Prof. Ho Kin-chung. An artist and designer, Dr Lee has recorded atmospheric changes, ocean and ice movements and the activities of animals with camera and brush, witnessed the harm of global warming and become dedicated to the cause of environmental conservation over the past three decades.

Hand in hand with community

Lifeline Express charity run/walk

Around 100 students, alumni and staff members participated in the annual Lifeline Express charity run/walk on 28 November 2015, to raise funds for needy cataract patients in China.

Students & stars try elderly conditions

LiPACE and the Vocational Training Council launched a joint programme, ‘In Silvery Wig — Promoting Timely Management for Active Aging’, to raise concern for the elderly. A student from the Capacity Building Mileage Programme, members of the pop group C AllStar and two tertiary students tried an interactive experience of life in an elderly home. To feel the physical constraints of the elderly, they donned heavy sandbags, wore goggles and used wheelchairs. Their experiences were featured in four short films to raise public awareness. Highlights from the short films were shown at the film premiere on 16 January 2016, officiated by the Secretary for Labour andWelfare Mr Matthew Cheung.

Charity Walk for Millions

On 10 January 2016, President Prof. Yuk-Shan Wong led 20 OUHK staff, students and alumni on the Hong Kong & Kowloon Walk for Millions. Organized by the Community Chest, it raises funds for a wide range of welfare services in Hong Kong.

OUHK Marathon Team

Over 300 students, alumni and staff members joined the OUHK marathon team for the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon on 17 January 2016. To prepare for the race, a training workshop by the NIKE+ Run Club was held on 5 December 2015. Mr So Hoi-nam, former member of the Hong Kong Athletics Team and former Hong Kong junior record holder in the 3,000m steeplechase, 10km and half-marathon events, shared running techniques and tips. Another training workshop conducted by the OUHK Runner Club was held on 5 January 2016.

Orienting youngsters towards healthcare

The OUHK and the Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service jointly launched the ‘Navigation Scheme for Young Persons in Care Service’. The orientation day on 12 October 2015 was officiated by Assistant Director (Elderly) of the Social Welfare Department Ms Pang Kit-ling, Chief Executive of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service — Hong Kong Ms Susan Chan, President Prof. Yuk-Shan Wong and Head of Division of Nursing & Health Studies Prof. Joseph Lee. Under this two-year scheme, students will work at elderly care or rehabilitation centres, while studying for the Diploma in Health Studies (Community Health Care) programme at the OUHK. Upon completion, their tuition fees will be reimbursed by the Social Welfare Department.