The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) has been actively pursuing the goal of becoming a University of Applied Sciences in recent years. Recently, the Institute has been invited to join the Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences as an Associate Member, demonstrating its strength in these areas. To align with the Government’s policies and industry trends, THEi has launched its first master’s degree programme: Master of Business Administration in Digital Transformation. The Institute will also introduce three additional bachelor’s degree programmes focusing on digital technology and applications in the 2025-26 academic year, thereby broadening the talent pool for the innovative technology market.
Government Forecasts Rising Demand for Talent in Digital Transformation
In an era of rapid digital development, digital transformation has become a crucial new direction for traditional enterprises. According to the Government’s Report on 2023 Manpower Projection, the demand for new job roles related to digitalised operations is expected to rise, indicating a serious labour shortage issue in Hong Kong over the next five years. Therefore, the Government encourages collaboration among the public and private sectors to tackle these challenges and jointly enhance the quality and quantity of the local workforce.
With a commitment to cultivating professionals in applied digital technology, THEi recently announced the launch of the “Master of Business Administration (Digital Transformation)”, which is set to commence in February next year. The course aims to enhance students’ digital skills and data analysis skills, assisting businesses in reshaping their commercial and operational models to implement more precise marketing strategies. The programme is also supported by Cyberport, fostering collaboration between industry and academia to cultivate professionals who are current and proficient in digital technologies.
Specifically, Cyberport will provide industry insights and case studies from its business community. It will also collaborate with THEi on joint seminars that share practical cases and solutions. Internship opportunities will be promoted on campus to facilitate career matching and networking aligned with the master’s programme, as well as to explore innovative projects supporting the programme’s goals.
As THEi’s first master’s programme, it not only represents a significant milestone in the Institute’s development but also showcases its forward-looking approach to education. The programme reflects the market’s demand for relevant talent, offering students a systematic learning experience in the new trends and methods of transformation for the corporate sector in the digital age, preparing them for future digital transformation roles.
Three New Bachelor’s Degrees to Meet Talent Needs in Emerging Industries
THEi has experienced rapid development in recent years and has received recognition from both industry and academia. Recently, the institution was invited by the Government to become an Associate Member of the Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences. Prof. Alan Lau Kin-tak, President of THEi, emphasised that ‘The institution is committed to providing “Applied Science-based” bachelor’s degree programmes that meet industry needs and keep pace with the times, focusing on the integration of practical application and theoretical knowledge.’ To further discover local talents in applied sciences, THEi will introduce three new bachelor’s degree programme about digital technology and applications in the upcoming academic year, addressing the talent demands of various industries.
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Music Technology and Management*
The cultural and creative industries in Hong Kong have always flourished. This programme seeks to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the music industry, with a particular focus on Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the Mainland. The new programme aims to cultivate students with a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic intersection between music, technology, and management principles. It will equip students with the necessary expertise and competencies to embark on successful careers in the ever-evolving music industry. Graduates can work in creative media development of different organisations, pop culture companies, sound mix studios, post-production houses, advertising firms, and audio production department in television broadcasting.
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Cyber Security*
Hong Kong is actively promoting the digital economy and building smart cities, making cybersecurity a major development issue. Through the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world cybersecurity challenges and solutions, students can gain practical experience and develop skills that are required by the industry. The programme encompasses 4 core cybersecurity topics including software security, network security, data security, and security management and human factor, ensuring a well-rounded education in cybersecurity. Graduates may enter career as security analyst, system security administrator, security engineer, security specialist, security auditor, system administrator, system engineer and I.T. technical support.
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Digital Manufacturing*
Industry 4.0 is a significant development in the digital age. Therefore, the new programme provides students with advanced knowledge in digital technology and manufacturing, enhancing their abilities to work as professional engineers and take on leadership roles. It also cultivates skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and leadership/management, preparing them for their professional practice. As various industries continually adopt advanced manufacturing technologies, and move towards Industry 4.0, graduates with expertise in digital manufacturing will have a considerable advantage in driving innovation and efficiency in the manufacturing sector. Graduates may be employed as intelligent infrastructure engineers, research and development engineer, business analyst and data analyst, and more.
The programme is under accreditation. Details will be announced on the THEi’s website.