Record-breaking year for full-time programmes and Police Silver Whistle Awards for Yi Jin graduates

For the 2009-10 academic year, the Institute's full-time programmes received over 3,350 applications and enrolled over 2,500 students -- the highest number so far and over 70% more than last year. The most popular programme is the Yi Jin Certificate programme in Disciplinary Forces. Two of its graduates have recently been presented with the Silver Whistle Award by the Police College. Over 1,000 full-time students graduated this year, setting another record. The graduation ceremony held at the University's Serena Yang Lecture Theatre on 29 August was divided into three sessions.

New External Advisors

Fashion designer Ms Lucy Shih and Fire Services Department Divisional Commander Ir. Tam Tai-keung have been appointed Institute External Advisors. Ms Shih is the Director of Noahart Limited and the pioneer of Hong Kong's eco-fashion development. Mr Tam was a commander of the HKSAR's search and rescue operation in Sichuan after the earthquake in 2008.

'Management in Difficult Times' Seminar

LiPACE and the Quality Tourism Services Association jointly organized a 'Management in Difficult Times' seminar on 17 August for the Association's member companies and students of the Professional Diploma in Quality Service Management programme. The speakers were Richburg Motors Chairman & CEO and best-selling writer Mr Eric Wong and Centaline Property Chairman and LiPACE Honorary Advisor Mr Shih Wing-ching.

Women empowering seminars

LiPACE and the Women's Commission jointly organized a series of four public seminars in October to empower women to respond to adversity. Over 600 participants attended the seminars, which were conducted by experts in investment and psychology as well as social leaders.

Fly high with inflight services training

The Professional Diploma in Inflight Services Programme jointly organized by LiPACE and Cathay Pacific Airways has completed six intakes since 2005. About 70% of the graduates have since entered the field. Students Daphne Fu and Kevin Sit were thrilled to have the chance of learning in an inflight setting at Cathay City at the Hong Kong International Airport. They were confident that what they had learnt would help them become professional cabin crew members in the future.

Employees Retraining Board programmes

LiPACE launched a number of full-time and part-time re-training courses under the 'Manpower Development Programme' for the Employees Retraining Board from October to December 2009, covering areas such as accounting, English, Putonghua and clinical assistant work. Trainees in some courses are provided with fee subsidies, allowances and job placements. For details, please visit the website at www.ouhk.edu.hk/lipace/ERB.

New investment programmes

Last year's financial tsunami exposed major knowledge gaps in financial institutions and investment products. LiPACE has launched four new programmes, namely Professional Diploma in Financial Analysis and Investment Management, Professional Diploma in Compliance for Financial Services, Professional Course in Back Office Operations of Treasury Market and Advanced Value Investing as part of its investment education series. Please visit the website at www.ouhk.edu.hk/lipace/newprog for details.

Professional training for energy and carbon auditors

To combat global warming, the HKSAR Government has set up a $450 million fund for building owners to conduct Energy-cum-Carbon Audit (ECA) projects under the Building Energy Efficiency Funding Schemes. In view of the increasing manpower needs, LiPACE has launched a Professional Training Course for Energy and Carbon Auditors, in collaboration with the University's School of Science and Technology and SGS (Hong Kong) Ltd. For details, please visit the website at www.ouhk.edu.hk/lipace/carbon.