Saint Francis University (SFU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Hong Kong Computer Society (HKCS), marking the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two parties. Over the next three years, they will forge deeper and closer collaboration in key areas, including IT talent cultivation, joint curriculum development, and applied research, to advance the development of Hong Kong's IT education and industry. Preparatory work has officially commenced following the signing, with SFU establishing the SFU-HKCS Student Chapter on campus, becoming the first university to form a student chapter with HKCS.
The MoU was signed by Professor Anthony Chan, Dean of the Yam Pak Charitable Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences at SFU, and Mr Dave Chen, President of HKCS.
SFU President Professor Stephen Cheung Yan-leung and Provost Professor Annie Bligh were presented to witness the ceremony, along with Head of the Industry University Partnerships Office Ms Joanna Kwok, Adjunct Lecturer of School of Computing and Information Sciences Mr Paul Hodgson and Honorary Secretary General and Past President of HKCS Mr Stephen Lau, JP, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to nurturing future technology talent.
The two parties will deepen collaboration in multiple key areas, including industry-driven curriculum design, internship placements, and collaborative research projects. This partnership aims to enhance SFU students' employability, foster knowledge transfer, and respond to the industry's demand for talent with practical experience.
As a pioneering applied sciences university, SFU is dedicated to integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experience, and it has been actively expanding industry partnerships to foster students' holistic development. Through this collaboration, SFU students will have the opportunity to engage in real-world industry projects and gain practical experience under professional guidance.
Professor Cheung said, "This MoU represents SFU's commitment to fostering industry-academia collaboration. I believe that education must be closely aligned with the industry to provide students with learning opportunities that meet future market demands. We look forward to driving talent development through knowledge innovation and injecting new vitality into Hong Kong's technology sector."
HKCS is committed to nurturing young talent and accelerating Hong Kong's technology industry growth. Mr Dave Chen said, "We are delighted to partner with SFU to bring cutting-edge industry technologies and practical experience to campus learning. This collaboration will equip students with the capabilities to tackle industry challenges before graduation. This collaboration goes beyond resource sharing. It is about cultivating Hong Kong's tech talent with a global perspective and strengthening the industry's competitive edge."
Under the MoU, the Student Chapter will organise on-campus activities, including academic and topical seminars, technical workshops, and industry sharing sessions. The Chapter will also support students in computer-related projects and practice-oriented IT learning initiatives. These activities aim to broaden students' horizons, strengthen links with industry professionals through HKCS's diverse membership, and deepen their understanding of industry trends and practical challenges.
Under the MoU, the Student Chapter will focus on computer and information science-related fields, while also covering emerging technology topics such as artificial intelligence, providing a platform that integrates theoretical learning, professional exploration, and industry exchange. Through participating in the Chapter's diverse activities, including academic seminars, technical workshops, and industry sharing sessions, students will be able to deepen their campus learning, gradually build a comprehensive understanding of professional practice, industry trends, and professional ethics, and strengthen their industry exposure and communication skills in preparation for future internships, further studies, or careers in related professions.
This partnership lays the foundation for further collaboration between the two parties in areas such as industry-academia course design, internship support, research cooperation, and the establishment of specialised laboratories. SFU believes that building a long-term partnership with HKCS will contribute to the advancement of IT and creative education and help cultivate a diverse pool of talent equipped with professional expertise, innovative capabilities, and industry insights for Hong Kong.