Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) and the Auxiliary Medical Service (AMS) jointly organised the “HAPPY to U” Online Self‑study Certificate Course in Medical and Public Health. The inaugural certificate-presentation ceremony was held on 27 September, at which 36 participants were awarded certificates. The course aims to equip the participants to apply what they have learnt, promote medical and public health in the community and create a positive impact.

In 2023, HKMU and AMS signed a Memorandum of Understanding, initiating a series of collaborative projects, including inaugural online studying projects. Distinguished guests attending the presentation ceremony included Prof. Paul Lam Kwan‑sing, HKMU President; Prof. Charles Kwong Che-leung, Vice President (Administration and Corporate Development); Prof. Janet Wong Yuen-ha, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences; Dr Ronald Lam Man-kin, Commissioner of the AMS; and Mr Alex Wong Ying‑keung, Chief Staff Officer of the AMS.

In his speech, Prof. Lam highlighted the close, longstanding partnership between HKMU and the AMS. Over the past two years, both organisations have co‑organised a series of activities to stimulate AMS Cadets' interest in the healthcare professions. The cadets had the opportunity to experience HKMU's advanced laboratory facilities in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, where they practiced caring for simulated patients and explored potential career pathways.

“As Hong Kong's first university of applied sciences, HKMU is committed to offering programmes that address societal needs and cultivate talent to serve the community,” said Prof. Lam. “These include Nursing, Physiotherapy, Medical Laboratory Science, and a Bachelor's programme in Diagnostic Radiography, which will be launched next year, in response to Hong Kong's ageing population.”

Dr Lam remarked that the Medical Ambassador Certificate Course enhanced the cadets' healthcare knowledge, while also fostering a sense of responsibility. “I hope that after completing this course, the cadets will act as 'Medical Ambassadors', spreading medical and public health messages throughout the community and generating a positive influence,” he said. He added that the online self‑study mode offers flexibility and autonomy, while also allowing cadets to learn together with their parents, thereby enhancing the parent‑child relationship.

Dr Lam encouraged the cadets to maintain their enthusiasm for learning and invited them to join the upcoming online self‑study courses, including the First-Aid Ambassador and Health Ambassador courses, to further equip themselves as knowledgeable, skilled and empathetic young leaders.

Jointly offered by HKMU and the AMS, the “Medical Ambassador Certificate” course spans three years, with six modules per year. It covers topics such as healthcare, first aid and public hygiene. The cadets are encouraged to make good use of their spare time to learn fundamental healthcare knowledge and develop proper health concepts through the online-learning platform.