Dear Colleagues,
The 2025 Townhall Meeting on April 1 drew over 350 participants and covered a wide range of topics. We collected all the questions and feedback from participants and analysed the information for further follow-up action.
Among the topics raised, at least two are particularly prominent.
First, we have several major campus development projects currently underway. For example, major renovation work at MU88 will start in June this year and finish before the start of the academic year in 2026. New teaching facilities are being constructed in the MU Tower and should be ready for use by September 2025. Toilets in Block B (main campus) are being replaced. And a new conference and catering facility, which will accommodate up to 120 guests, on the 12th Floor of Block A (main campus), will be open for use by the end of 2025.
This large-scale renovation and construction work in an already congested space will inevitably cause disturbance and inconvenience. I would like to thank all faculty, staff and students for your forbearance and patience during this period. I am fully confident that once the work is completed, all HKMUers will appreciate and enjoy the new facilities for years to come.
There was also the question regarding our policy on retirement age. My inclination is to maintain the current normal retirement age (NRA) at 60. However, Deans and Directors will be empowered to nominate individual faculty or staff for an extension beyond the NRA. The final decisions will be made by the Central Administration considering the manpower needs, succession plans and career prospects of our colleagues.
In the coming months, we will identify other major topics of interest and invite the relevant vice-presidents, directors and deans to hold focus group discussions with the relevant stakeholders. Management can only gain from the frank exchange of ideas to develop sound policies for the benefit of the entire HKMU community and beyond.
The action we take today will bear fruit tomorrow.
Lastly, I invite you to view the recorded event by visiting the “Internal Communications” section on the President’s Message webpage.
Paul LAM Kwan-sing
President
