In November 2024, the Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS Alliance) was established by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China, with HKMU as one of its founding members. The Alliance aims to advance vocational and professional education and training in Hong Kong and the surrounding region, while positioning the city as an international education hub.
HKMU is committed to collaborating with other Alliance members to forge new education and industry links across the region. In June 2025, an HKMU delegation participated in a tour to the Greater Bay Area with other Alliance members, visiting leading polytechnic universities to share insights and explore collaboration opportunities.
HKMU appeared for the first time in the QS World University Rankings this year, becoming the first self-financing university in Hong Kong and the first university of applied sciences in the city to be included in the world university rankings. In QS World University Rankings 2026, HKMU was ranked in the 781–790 range, underscoring its commitment to international standards in teaching, research and faculty quality.
Among the nine ranked institutions in Hong Kong, HKMU was ranked sixth in employment outcomes and seventh in academic reputation. This recognition is a testament to the growing recognition of the calibre of our graduates by employers across various industries, as well as the positive perception of our institution in the global academic community.
In mid-2025, the Hong Kong Metropolitan University Shenzhen Research Institute (HKMU SZRI) commenced operations following extensive renovations. Equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, the institute houses cutting-edge research projects in environmental technologies, life science, quantum technology and digital fabrication.
Currently, HKMU SZRI is driving 12 innovative research projects, covering diverse areas, such as gerontechnology, cancer prevention, mangrove wetland preservation and AI-driven robotic art. HKMU SZRI will work with its Mainland partners to foster the commercialisation of research outcomes, fostering impactful innovations that benefit both the Mainland and Hong Kong.
HKMU recorded growth in the number of patents filed and granted in 2024–25, indicating an expanding array of inventions and innovations in its intellectual property (IP) base. Notably, the University secured its first IP licensing agreement during the year, allowing a UK-based healthcare company to use a proprietary early detection technology for prostate cancer – developed by Prof. A.L. Roy Vellaisamy – for further application development.
HKMU's new campus in Ho Man Tin received a huge boost in January 2025 with a generous donation of HK$300 million from the Wu Jieh Yee Charitable Foundation. This exceptional contribution represents the largest single private donation ever received by HKMU, as well as the largest single donation ever given by the Foundation. The funds will go towards the development of HKMU's new campus, positioned as “A Hub for Community Health and Wellness”, with site formation works expected to commence in early 2026.
Important literary manuscripts and relics from renowned Chinese writer Eileen Chang were gifted to HKMU during the year in a major donation by Dr Roland Soong and Mrs Elaine Soong Kingman, administrators of Eileen Chang's estate. The donation includes a significant cache of letters between the writer and her close friends Stephen Soong and Mae Fong Soong, among others.
The materials, now housed in the HKMU Library, are being digitised to facilitate broader scholarly access to these valuable resources, which will be showcased to the public through exhibitions.
HKMU organised two events this year specially to express gratitude for the generous support it receives from many groups and individuals. The annual Foundation Dinner, held in April, brought together over 360 distinguished guests, alumni, faculty and students under the theme “Inspiring Dreams Beyond Limits” to unite their efforts in supporting the University's development and nurturing future talent.
In June, the University held the “Honouring Support & Achievement – Donor-Recipient Gathering 2024/25” to express its heartfelt gratitude to donors, bringing together nearly 200 donors, corporate representatives, beneficiary students and University management. Generous community support and the related government scholarship scheme enabled the University to provide a record amount of almost HK$50 million in scholarships and bursary donations this academic year, benefiting over 2,600 students.
In October 2024, HKMU bestowed Honorary University Fellowships on four distinguished individuals: (first photo, from left) noted education administrator Mr Anthony Chan Tung-shan, a member of the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications; tourism operator and philanthropist Mr Choi Pat-tai, President of Pak Shing Travel Co. Ltd.; accounting professional Ms Jasmine Lee Shun-yi, Managing Partner of EY Hong Kong and Macao; and renowned filmmaker Mr Wai Ka-fai, winner of many local and international film awards.
In December, HKMU awarded Honorary Doctorates to four individuals for their outstanding contributions to scholarship and society: (second photo, from left) Prof. S. Tamer Cavusgil, for his significant work on international business strategy; Ms Chan Yuen-han, for her contributions to promoting social welfare and advancing the rights of disadvantaged groups; Prof. Cheng Kai-ming, for his contributions to local education policy and advancing education in Hong Kong; and Dr Choo Heng-cheong, for his work in promoting and preserving Cantonese opera.
To accommodate the increasing number of students, staff and academic programmes, the University acquired the Cheung Kei Center in Hung Hom in late 2024 and renamed it the MU Tower. With a total gross floor area of about 280,000 square feet, this additional teaching facility strengthens our capacity to nurture talent and support the University's long-term development goals.
