Universities are always undergoing change, but the year 2021–22 has seen Hong Kong Metropolitan University undertake some of the most ambitious and furthest-reaching changes in its 33-year history. This chapter highlights some of the bold initiatives of the year under review that are redefining the role and direction of HKMU, further raising its reputation, and establishing it as a major contributor to the future prosperity of Hong Kong and the wider region.

HKMU has a strong tradition of teaching and learning and has pioneered many new innovations in pedagogy, driven by its historical mission of ‘Education for All’. The challenge it has now set itself is to take its teaching and learning capabilities and achievements to a new level. In the past year, it has launched new initiatives to reform its academic credit system, introduce new core subjects, attract high quality faculty members from around the world, and add new academic areas to its curricula.

HKMU’s faculty bring all their academic skills to bear to help students learn effectively. But this is by no means the only way that the University shapes its students’ learning experience. HKMU knows that well-rounded graduates need real-world exposure, and opportunities to challenge and extend their existing skillsets. This chapter surveys some of the ways that HKMU is helping its students shine outside the classroom.

HKMU’s research capacity has expanded significantly in recent years, and that has brought exciting new challenges in terms of research funding, staffing, and the commercialisation of research outputs. The chapter summarises the most significant milestones in HKMU’s research development over the past 12 months.

An HKMU education is not just about absorbing knowledge for personal enhancement, but also about giving of oneself for the greater good of the community. This can be seen in the University’s promotion of service-learning and volunteering, its hosting of public talks and television series, and its recognition of those who have been role models in giving to society. This chapter looks at various giving initiatives promoted or organised by HKMU in the year, as well as some of the benefits it has itself received through funding and partnership activities.

In fiscal year 2021–22, the third year in which the University community was impacted by the global coronavirus pandemic, the University’s priorities were to sustain academic excellence and fiscal strength while safely restoring full campus operations. Throughout this challenging year, our staff and students have shown great resilience and adaptability in confronting these issues.