The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) held a Lunar New Year media luncheon on February 12, 2025. Prof. Alan Lau Kin-tak, THEi President, Prof. Paul Tsang Wai-kei, Vice President (Academic), and Mr. Edmund Lee Tak-man, Vice President (Operation and Enterprise), along with department representatives, extended greeting to media friends to share the latest developments at the institute.
First Accreditation for the Programme Area Achieved; Master Progamme in Sports and Recreation Management to be Launched
During the event, Prof. Alan Lau announced that the programme area of “Sports and Recreation Management” has successfully achieved accreditation with the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ). This means that only two other programme areas remain before THEi can transition to a university. The subject areas of “Built Environment” and “Computer Science and Information Technology” are also expected to complete their reviews by mid-2025 and 2026, with hopes of upgrading to a “University of Applied Sciences” in 2026.
With the Government’s establishment of the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau, which actively promotes the integrated development of culture, sports, and tourism, the demand for related professionals has surged due to increasingly diverse activities and the launch of Kai Tak Sports Park. In response to the industry’s urgent need for talent, THEi will launch a master programme in “Sports and Recreation Management,” expected to recruit students in the 2026 academic year.
Hold a Belt and Road Forum to Actively Promote International Cooperation among Applied Science Institutions
While steadily advancing towards the upgrade to a University of Applied Sciences, THEi is also actively collaborating with Belt and Road enterprises and educational institutions in response to the Government policy. Led by THEi, “The Belt and Road Leaders Forum on Applied Science and Vocational Education” is planned for mid-2025. Prof. Alan Lau hopes this will strengthen exchanges and collaboration with institutions worldwide and foster cooperation and research in applied education at the tertiary level.
Hydrogen Energy Education and Talent Development Centre to Open in September
In addition to focusing on institutional development and promoting academic programmes, THEi places great importance on cooperation with local and overseas industries to help the industry prepare for transformation. Given that the transition to a green economy is an irresistible trend, hydrogen energy has become one of the most popular environmentally friendly energy sources. The Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong, released by the Government, emphasises exploring the feasibility of its developments in preparation for widespread commercialisation in the future. Supported by the Government, THEi, which has a strong connection with the industry, has collaborated with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, overseas institutions, and local and mainland enterprises to establish “Hydrogen Energy Education and Talent Development Centre”, which is expected to open for public visits in September this year.
Prof. Alan Lau stated that the Centre will feature models of hydrogen energy conversion instruments and will use interactive teaching approaches to enhance students’ and the public’s understanding and interest in related industries. The Centre will also host industry sharing forums to gradually deepen public awareness of hydrogen energy and attract the younger generation to engage in sustainable renewable energy development.
Finally, Prof. Alan Lau expressed gratitude to the media for their support of the institute, working together to promote the overall development of education in Hong Kong and supporting students on their educational journeys.