With support from the Education Bureau, the Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences was officially launched, the Government announced today.
 
The alliance comprises four post-secondary institutions as founding members, with the Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) and Saint Francis University as full members, and Tung Wah College and the Technological & Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong as associate members.
 
While speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing expressed that he was pleased that the Government's direction of developing universities of applied sciences (UAS) has received strong support from various sectors.
 
He added that he was glad to see that UAS and other aspiring post-secondary institutions responded to the Government's policies proactively to establish the alliance, promoting vocational and professional education and training (VPET) development with concerted efforts, as well as supporting Hong Kong's development into an international post-secondary education hub.
 
Apart from pointing out that he looks forward to all sectors of society and the alliance to continue strengthening collaboration, Mr Cheuk said he hopes there will be co-operation between industries and education, as well as integration of science and education. 

He also said he hopes, that through sharing of experience and resources, the quality and recognition of VPET will be enhanced, thereby nurturing applied talent to contribute to the development of Hong Kong and the country.
 
The alliance also held a panel discussion today. Representatives from the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong, the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce were invited.
 
They exchanged and shared insights on how the industries could collaborate with UAS and other post-secondary institutions under the Government's strategy of fostering industry-institution collaboration and diversified development for promoting VPET development and nurturing quality talent with applied knowledge and skills.
 
The 2024 Policy Address announced that the Government will continue to press ahead with the development of UAS in Hong Kong.
 
It has allocated a startup fund of $100 million to support the establishment of the alliance, which will embark on joint promotions with industries and stakeholders, including organising international conferences, strengthening exchanges and collaboration with applied sciences institutions from other places, and initiating collaboration and research on applied education at the post-secondary level.
 
The bureau noted that all UAS may apply to become the alliance’s full members, whereas institutions aspiring to become UAS may apply to become associate members. The HKMU serves as the secretariat of the alliance.
 
Furthermore, the bureau emphasised that it has established a steering committee on the alliance to advise on its development and strategy, as well as approving and supervising the use of the startup fund.