The University's School of Nursing and Health Studies took an active part in the fight against COVID-19 by supporting the Government's Universal Community Testing Programme, sending 275 students, alumni and teachers to help collect specimens at various community testing centres.
After a delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the University conferred its 2019 Honorary University Fellowships on four distinguished awardees at a ceremony; they were Chinese dialectology scholar Prof. Chang Song-hing, Deputy Commissioner of Police Ms Edwina Lau Chi-wai, computer security expert Mr Jason Wu Shang-hong (top picture, from left), and sinologist Prof. Michael Lackner (bottom picture).
The University achieved a record amount for the projects it had submitted for funding from the RGC's Competitive Research Funding Schemes for the Local Self-financing Degree Sector. In total, 17 projects together attracted RGC funding of over HK$15 million — the highest amount obtained by any of the 15 eligible self-financing institutions.
In response to a need for data to support the Government's Long-Term Housing Strategy announced in 2019, the University's Public and Social Policy Research Centre released the 'OUHK HOS (Home Ownership Scheme) Price Index', a new price indicator for the local subsidized housing market.
After a postponement from 2019, in early October the University conferred Honorary Doctorates on medical scientist Prof. Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, entrepreneurial leader Dr the Honourable Allan Zeman, and eminent accountant Dr Silas Yang Siu-shun (top picture, from left). Later in the month, it also held its Honorary University Fellowship Presentation Ceremony 2020 to honour three more distinguished individuals: engineering expert Mr Paul Chong Kin-lit, Cantonese opera virtuoso Mr Choo Heng-cheong, and economist Dr David Wong Yau-kar (bottom picture, from left).
At the University's 2020 Honorary Degrees Ceremony, four distinguished individuals were recognized for their contributions to scholarship and society. They were former Secretary for Food and Health Dr Ko Wing-man, professional accountant Mrs Nellie Fong Wong Kut-man, the Life Honorary Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce of Hong Kong Dr Jonathan Choi Koon-shum, and renowned scientist Prof. Xu Yangsheng (from left).
The School of Nursing and Health Studies hosted Hong Kong's first-ever International Conference on Gerontechnology, with a focus on the application of modern technology to the care of the elderly. Notable overseas scholars and local experts came together at the conference to share their research and experience in this important and fast-developing field.
A time capsule buried 26 years ago, containing a trove of valuable historical documents and objects from the early days of the institution, was unearthed and formally opened, its contents put on display. The time capsule had originally been buried at the time of the University's Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony in December 1994.
Two MOUs were signed that enhanced the ability of the University to support aspiring sports professionals. An MOU signed with the Hong Kong Sports Institute gave elite athletes the opportunity to enrol in business programmes offered by the University, with mentors to help them manage study in their busy training schedules. The other one, signed with Spanish football league LaLiga, is leading to new international collaborations in sports training and research.
The University signed an MOU with the Heep Hong Society, its longstanding partner in the special education sector. As a result of the MOU, a Child Development Centre was established at the Jockey Club Institute of Healthcare in January 2021 to support children with special educational needs (SEN), and to train students in this field.
A number of important graduation ceremonies brought together thousands of graduates in celebration of success. The 2019 (Make-up) and 2020 Graduation Ceremonies ran from 23 November to 4 December 2020, some held virtually due to the pandemic, when various awards were presented to over 13,000 graduates. LiPACE graduates had their day on 10 November, when over 2,500 graduates received their qualifications. Taking place online due to the pandemic, the 15th and 16th Graduation Ceremony of the Capacity Building Mileage Programme on 20 November saw around 940 graduates receive certificates.
After several months of deliberation on the many suggestions put forward for a new name for the University, the title 'Hong Kong Metropolitan University' (HKMU) was chosen. It was selected because it most effectively conveyed a sense of the University's current mission and role within Hong Kong, as well as reflecting its ambitions to develop into new areas to meet the changing learning aspirations and talent needs of society.
