Prof. Alan Au Kai-ming
Vice President (Strategic Initiatives)
Upon entering Prof. Au's office, one's attention is immediately drawn to two pieces displayed on his walls. Behind his desk hangs a calligraphy artwork — the childhood handiwork of his elder son. It features the Chinese characters “祥和”, signifying serenity and harmony. Across the room, a world map emblazoned with the title “A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins Here” is dotted with pins that mark the locations of his international collaborators. Together, the pieces perfectly encapsulate Prof. Au's life philosophy, professional ethos and leadership style.
Last July, Prof. Au transitioned from his role as Dean of the Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration (Business School) to become the University's first Vice President (Strategic Initiatives). This role places him at the helm of the Mainland and International Affairs Office, the Office of Planning and Analysis, and the newly established Office of Strategic Initiatives. His mandate encompasses three key areas: advancing the development of HKMU as Hong Kong's first university of applied sciences (UAS), promoting the broader use of data within the University to facilitate decision-making and future planning, and expanding the University's outreach efforts both in the Chinese Mainland and internationally. These areas complement one another, creating a synergistic effect.
Many of his responsibilities are new to the University, and Prof. Au candidly admits that the role is filled with unknown challenges. He likens himself to a trailblazer, stating, “These pioneering endeavours may seem daunting, but I strongly believe that any visionary plan requires the fortitude to make that crucial first step.”
Advancing HKMU’s development as a UAS
Since its designation as Hong Kong's first UAS in March last year, the University has launched several professional programmes in collaboration with industry partners, covering areas such as aviation, gemology and jewellery, diagnostic radiography, and robotics and automation engineering. “Becoming the first UAS is a testament from the Government to our long-standing educational philosophy and strategic direction,” Prof. Au explains. “As a self-accrediting university offering programmes from undergraduate to doctoral levels, many of which are developed in partnership with industry, we possess a distinct advantage in terms of both breadth and depth.”
He further notes that HKMU's new positioning as a UAS has invigorated its curriculum design and research initiatives, significantly enhancing opportunities for applied learning and research. The University is also strengthening its role as a bridge, connecting students with society and actively responding to evolving industry demands.
One crucial component of HKMU's Strategic Plan 2024–2028 is the enhancement of a data-driven decision-making system. “Over the past year, we have focused on optimising our data management, analysis and decision-making systems,” Prof. Au says. “Thanks to the newly established role of Associate Vice President (Strategic Initiatives) and the appointment of an Acting Director of Planning and Analysis, we have successfully leveraged the expertise of the Office for Advancement of Learning and Teaching (ALTO) in collecting and utilising teaching and learning data within the Online Learning Environment. This has reinforced the integration of different data systems of the University.” The University is also actively promoting the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in its operation and activities. In addition to integrating AI into academic programmes, it is exploring ways to leverage AI to enhance teaching, research and administrative efficiency, contributing to its overall development.
In the realm of mainland and international affairs, HKMU has been actively exploring collaboration opportunities in the Greater Bay Area and other mainland cities, while forging strategic partnerships with various overseas institutions and actively participating in international education exhibitions to elevate its international profile.
Prof. Au has long championed internationalisation within the Business School, particularly through his brainchild, the Global Immersion Programme. “By leveraging the network and experience of the Business School,” he remarks. “I hope to boost the University's overall number of exchange students by tenfold in the 2025–26 academic year.”
Under the President's leadership and the collective efforts of faculty and staff, HKMU has made its debut in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, securing a position in the 781–790 range among approximately 1,500 universities worldwide ranked by QS. This landmark achievement makes HKMU the first self-financing university and UAS in Hong Kong to be placed in the prestigious world rankings.
“Every member of the University community plays a vital role in advancing our mission. This achievement places HKMU on the map and affirms that we are moving in the right strategic direction,” Prof. Au emphasises. “It is a testament to the calibre of our faculty, students and graduates, giving them the due recognition they deserve.”
While tangible results are starting to emerge after a year of pioneering work, Prof. Au sees this as just the beginning. He believes that precisely because the journey ahead is long and arduous, it is essential to maintain a spirit of “祥和” (serenity). It requires fostering harmony — both within oneself and among all the moving pieces across these challenging initiatives — to pave a road towards success, one steady step at a time. “Only with serenity can we create win-win outcomes and sustain our efforts throughout the thousand-mile journey,” he reflects. This is not just a philosophy he has shared with his sons, but a principle he strives to embody every day. Now beautifully rendered in his son's calligraphy, this piece serves as a heartfelt reminder for him to forge on with a heart of serenity.
Since taking on his new role, Prof. Au has simultaneously served as Acting Dean of the Business School. Both roles come with an avalanche of responsibilities. Yet, this dual role has created unique opportunities to align resources, seize chances and expand networks, enabling the School and the University to drive each other forward and achieve greater synergy. “I am grateful to the School colleagues, whose understanding and support have been invaluable during this transitional period,” he acknowledges.
Looking back on his 30-year journey at the University, Prof. Au expresses deep gratitude to the leaders he has encountered along the way. “From Prof. Gajaraj Dhanarajan, who first hired me, to our current President, Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing, it has been an honour to witness how each successive leader has steered HKMU to new heights.” It is this legacy of forward momentum, guided by a philosophy of harmony and purpose, that he is now committed to carrying into the future.
