The Saint Francis University (SFU) and the LAB University of Applied Sciences in Finland signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 6 November 2024 to officially launch a series of collaborations aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and facilitating staff exchanges in applied degree education. The MOU was signed by the President and CEO of the LAB University of Applied Sciences, Dr Turo KILPELÄINEN, and the Acting President of the SFU, Prof LO Tit Wing.
Prof LO Tit Wing pointed out that while the University of Applied Sciences (UAS) in Hong Kong is still in its initial phase, the development in Europe is considered successful and well-recognised. As a large and experienced UAS, the LAB University of Applied Sciences offers programmes in a wide range of areas, serving as a valuable reference point for Hong Kong. He believes that this collaboration will be mutually beneficial for both institutions.
He also revealed that SFU will initiate cooperation with other UAS worldwide in various aspects, including sharing experiences, exchanging students, facilitating teacher visits and joint research, with the aim of showcasing Hong Kong's strengths and educational aspirations globally. Simultaneously, SFU aims to leverage foreign experiences to further elevate the quality of teaching and research.
SFU has been officially approved by the Education Bureau to become a UAS on 1 November and has been privileged to pioneer Applied Degree Programmes. These programmes include the Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) (Applied Degree), part of the Education Bureau's 2020 first-round Applied Degree Programme Pilot Scheme, and the Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) in Hotel and Tourism Management (Applied Degree), part of the second round of the Applied Degree Programme Pilot Scheme, which commenced in September this year.
In the future, SFU plans to introduce more Applied Science programmes. Currently, SFU is preparing to launch two new programmes next year: Higher Diploma in Crime and Security Science at QF Level 4 and the Bachelor of Crime and Security Science at QF Level 5. These new programmes are interdisciplinary, with designs distinguishing from traditional social science approaches, incorporating elements of data science, business research, security research, criminology, criminal justice, as well as information and communication technology (ICT), including elements of artificial intelligence. ICT and related content will constitute over 50% of the weight of both programmes.