(Hong Kong, 16 June 2025) – The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) is committed to cultivating applied talents and advancing social and economic development. THEi held the “2025 Annual Press Conference” today to announce its development strategy for expanding capacity and enhancing quality in the 2025/26 academic year. This strategy aims to provide high-quality teaching and support, paving the way for its upgrade to a University of Applied Sciences (UAS) next year and facilitating the Hong Kong SAR Government’s efforts to establish Hong Kong as an international hub for higher education.
New Academic Year to Increase Dormitory Beds and Develop New Campus and Facilities
THEi has recently received approval from the Education Bureau to increase the student admission quota for Mainland, Macau, and Taiwan students to 20% starting from the 2025/26 academic year. To meet the growing demand for accommodation and teaching facilities for non-local students, the Institute is implementing multiple approaches to increase dormitory supply. This includes signing a Memorandum of Understanding with business partner earlier to identify suitable hotels or commercial projects on Hong Kong Island to convert into student dormitories, as well as engaging in discussions with Y Hostel at Youth Square to offer affordable accommodation rental plans. It is estimated that at least 250 to 350 beds will be provided to meet future needs.
To align with the Government’s policies for self-financing tertiary education institutions, THEi will enhance teaching and research facilities and bolster support services for non-local students. The Institute is actively seeking a new campus in a convenient area within Tai Koo. By increasing the number of classrooms, it aims to accommodate teaching, events, and themed seminars. It is expected that the new campus will be ready within 2025/26 academic year. In addition, to accommodate the launch of new programmes and upgrade to UAS, a series of state-of-the-art facilities will soon be completed, including: “Hydrogen Energy Education and Talent Development Centre” (Funded by Environment and Conservation Fund), “Security Operations Centre*” (SOC), “Integrated Digital Science Sports Management Centre*”, “Ensemble Practice and Recording Room*” and “Wu Jieh Yee Horticulture Education and Research Centre.” THEi expected that the new campus and facilities can enhance the overall student learning experience and establish a stronger foundation for its upgrade to UAS.
*The names of the facilities are provisional and may be modified in the future based on actual circumstances.
Throughout their studies, the Institute will help non-local students adapt to and integrate into life in Hong Kong, including offering language support services and cultural integration activities. The Institute will also facilitate connections between businesses and non-local students to build and expand their professional networks, thereby attracting international high-calibre talent to Hong Kong and alleviating the local talent shortage in the long run.
President Prof Alan LAU: THEi Obtains Accreditations in Two Programme Areas, Upgrading to UAS is imminent.
Prof Alan LAU Kin-tak, President of THEi, hopes that these initiatives will strengthen the “Study in Hong Kong” brand and position the city as an international hub for higher education. He believes that the “Applied Science-oriented” programmes offered by the Institute will complement the strengths of public-funded institutions, allowing for a flexible and timely response to industry talent needs. This strategy aims to promote the integrated development of education, technology, and talent while supporting the HKSAR Government’s efforts to attract international high-calibre talent.
On the same day, Prof LAU also announced the Institute’s progress in upgrading to a University of Applied Sciences (UAS). He stated that after the first accreditation for the “Sport and Recreation Management” programme area was approved in February this year, THEi obtained the second accreditation for the “Built Environment” programme area last month. It is expected that the final accreditation, “Computer Science and Information Technology,” will complete its review within the next year, with hopes of upgrading to an UAS in the same year.
Launching New Programmes to Address Industry Talent Gaps
THEi will introduce a new Master programme: “Master of Science in Sports Mega Event Management*” in the upcoming academic year to respond to the urgent demand for Sports Mega Event professionals in the industry. The Institute aims to enhance the professional skills of individuals aspiring to enter fields such as sports, culture and tourism through integrated interdisciplinary courses and practical applications, enabling them to become pillars of their industries. Prof LAU hopes that the Master programme will promote the “industrialisation of sports in Hong Kong” and strengthen the city’s status as a hub for cultural and artistic exchange between China and the world.
*The programme is under accreditation. Details will be announced on the THEi’s website.
