To cater for the development of vocational education and training and learning needs of students, VTC member institution the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) will have a new campus in Chai Wan. The ceremony to mark the superstructure commencement of the new award-winning THEi campus, which will be completed in 2016/17 and will offer a quality learning environment combining state-of-the-art facilities for about 3,000 students on bachelor degree programmes, took place today.
 
Officiating at the Superstructure Commencement Ceremony, the Secretary for Education Mr Eddie NG said, “The establishment of THEi increases the articulation opportunities for students to further studies with multiple entry and exit points, and reinforces the message that vocational education covers programmes and qualifications up to degree level with a high percentage of specialised contents in vocational skills or professional knowledge.  The new campus will further facilitate whole-person development of the students, through a contemporary campus with advanced facilities.”
 
VTC Chairman Dr Clement CHEN said, “The superstructure commencement ceremony for the new campus of THEi marks a significant milestone in the history of the VTC. The campus encourages the exchange of ideas, nurtures creativity, be at one with the environment, and invites the surrounding community to take part in its activities. It is believed that with the strong support from our industry partners, our students are able to become a work-ready graduate by combining theoretical knowledge with practical know-how.”
 
The new THEi campus will marry environmentalism with modernity to create a sustainable and interactive learning environment for students. The design of the campus won the Green Building Award 2014 (New Buildings Category - Building Projects under Design) and the internationally-recognised 2014 Cityscape Awards for Emerging Markets (Community and Culture Project Award – Future).
 
The twin-tower main building will face north-south, effectively buffering solar heat and noise while at the same time channeling prevailing winds. Greening both the façade and campus-wide will reduce temperatures and increase the ratio of green space. Good air flow and a low-carbon indoor environment will produce a healthy learning environment and will save overall energy usage by 30%. To ensure sustainable development and environmental-friendliness of the campus, many of the facilities will be constructed from recycled materials. The campus will also introduce water conservation fixtures and a rainwater collecting system for irrigation that will save water use. (See Attachment for more details)
       
THEi offers vocationally-oriented, self-financed degree programmes across three faculties: Design, Management and Hospitality, and Science and Technology, with a strong focus on industrial attachment and combination of theoretical knowledge with practical know-how. The new campus, equipped with state-of-the-art and professional teaching facilities, will provide an inspiring, practice-based learning environment for students. THEi offers 16 degree programmmes in AY2015/16, four of which are newly launched: Horticulture and Landscape Management, Public Relations and Management, Food Science and Safety and Building Services Engineering. Programmes provide students with a progression pathway through vocational education and nurture professionals who will go on to benefit the local economy.
 

Attachment

Information on new THEi Campus