Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) and the Institute of Dining Professionals (IDP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today (28 June) to join forces to support continuing education, training and talent development in the food and beverage industry to promote the sustainable growth of the industry in Hong Kong.

The MoU was signed by HKMU Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration (Business School) Dean Prof. Alan Au Kai-ming and IDP Chairman Maurice Kong Chi-hang, and witnessed by the ceremony's Guest of Honour, Tao Heung Holdings Ltd Chairman Chung Wai-ping, and HKMU Council Chairman Ir Dr Conrad Wong Tin-cheung.

Under the MoU, HKMU and IDP will carry out various types of academic collaboration and exchange, most notably the development of a “Master of Professional Management in Food and Beverage Business” programme by HKMU, which will be launched in Spring 2024. The programme aims to respond to the needs of industry professionals for continuous learning and value enhancement and to expand their management knowledge and skills, as well as global perspectives, in the context of the food and beverage industry. This will be the first master's degree programme in Hong Kong that specialises in food and beverage business management.

Addressing the ceremony, Chung Wai-ping emphasised the importance of talent in the development of the food and beverage industry, saying that he would do his best to support the programme to nurture more talent for the industry. “Hong Kong's food and beverage industry is currently facing various economic challenges,” he said. “Managers and practitioners have to equip themselves properly to excel in this fiercely competitive business environment. Therefore, they should seize every opportunity to upgrade themselves, take suitable courses and gain work experience that will benefit their professional development. This will prepare them for not only the continuous development of Hong Kong's food and beverage industry, but also emerging opportunities in the Greater Bay Area.”

Ir Dr Wong Tin-cheung pointed out that the food and beverage industry is not only the backbone of Hong Kong's economy, but also a pillar supporting its tourism and hospitality industries. In addition to serving local residents, it provides a large number of job opportunities for people at all levels of society. He said he believes that this collaboration will leverage the academic expertise of the HKMU Business School and the industry experience of IDP, strongly benefiting Hong Kong's overall sustainable growth. “The pandemic has taken a toll on both the food and beverage sector and the tourism sector in Hong Kong,” he said, “resulting in the loss of talent in many related professions. As the Hong Kong and global economy are gradually recovering from the impact of the pandemic, there is a growing need for talent in the food and business industry. HKMU is delighted to strengthen our collaboration with IDP at this time and work together to develop high-calibre talent for the industry.”