OUHK's Silver Jubilee Anniversary celebration kicks off with grand opening of Kwai Hing Learning Centre |  | The OUHK proudly announced the grand opening of its Kwai Hing Learning Centre and the kick-off of its 25th Anniversary celebration programme at a ceremony held on 14 November. Secretary for Education Mr Eddie Ng Hak-kim, joined by the 25th Anniversary Steering Committee Chairman Dr Vincent Woo, OUHK Council Chairman Dr Eddy C Fong, Deputy Council Chairman Mr Edward Cheung and President Prof. John C Y Leong, officiated at the ceremony. In his welcoming speech, Dr Fong said, 'The OUHK continues to devote resources to cope with the increasing demand for teaching and learning spaces, in order to provide a better learning environment for students. Last year we acquired five floors of Kowloon Commercial Centre at a cost of more than HK$800 million, for the establishment of our new learning centre and the new LiPACE headquarters. With a gross area of over 120,000 square feet, the Kwai Hing Learning Centre is three times the size of LiPACE's original premises in Sheung Wan, and is able to accommodate 1,500 students.' With the rapid growth in the number of programmes and students at LiPACE, the existing space and facilities at the Island Learning Centre in Sheung Wan proved insufficient to keep pace with LiPACE's expansion. In addition to the aforementioned sum for the purchase of the space in Kwai Hing, a total of $70 million was spent on renovations and the purchase of equipment for the new premise, where purpose-built facilities, including several mock-up rooms such as a cabin, hotel room, hospital ward and radio/sound recording studio, were set up to provide better learning support. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Ng commended the OUHK not only for upholding its mission but also for embracing the Government's initiatives and addressing society's needs by exploring new areas of learning. Mr Ng said, 'The OUHK strives to provide continuing higher education for aspiring learners, helping them to upgrade their skills and knowledge. In this way, the OUHK plays a vital role in improving the quality of manpower resources in Hong Kong.' He added, 'To support the healthy development of the self-financed tertiary education sector, the government launched the Land Grant Scheme, the Start-up Loan Scheme, the Self-financing Post-secondary Education Fund, and the Matching Grant Scheme, among others. We are pleased to see that the OUHK, one of our important partners in the sector, benefits from these various measures, thereby helping to enhance the quality of higher education.' On the same occasion, Ms Cynthia Chin, Communications Manager of Amway Hong Kong Limited, presented a cheque for $500,000 to Prof. Leong and Dr Fong for the establishment of a scholarship and for the enhancement of the Institute's teaching facilities. To show the OUHK's appreciation of Amway's generous donation, a classroom was named the 'Amway Tutorial Room.' The ceremony also kicked off the University's Jubilee Anniversary celebration. Prof. Leong said, 'Under the main theme "Multi-mode Education, Infinite Potential", the University will continue to strive for breakthroughs and greater achievements, demonstrating its dedication to higher education for all and commitment to achieving distinction in teaching, scholarship, research and public service.' A rich array of year-round celebration activities has been launched and all are welcome to join. Check out more details from www.ouhk.edu.hk/25anniversary. Kwai Hing Learning Centre The new Kwai Hing Learning Centre is located on Levels 8-11 of the Kowloon Commerce Centre in Kwai Chung, close to Kwai Hing MTR Station. This is the headquarters of LiPACE, offering a spacious, convenient, ideal learning environment for its students.  Lecture Theatre The Theatre has a seating capacity of 120 for seminars and symposiums. Mock-up Hotel Room The room is furnished with a standard bed, a wardrobe and a bathroom for teaching and demonstration. Mock-up Cabin Furnished with passenger seats, luggage compartments and food carts contributed by Cathay Pacific, the mock-up cabin provides a real environment for students from tourism and airline-related programmes to practise their service skills. English Learning Resource Centre Multimedia facilities and self-learning resources, as well as English learning workshops and consultation services, are provided at the centre to enhance students' language ability. Mock-up Ward With hospital beds and basic medical equipment, the room simulates a general hospital ward which enables comprehensive nursing training. Radio/Sound Recording Studio Equipped with high-tech recording and mixing equipment, the studio gives students hands-on experience in operating professional equipment. An Editing Room and a Production Room are also available for use by students. Computer Laboratory The Computer Laboratory is equipped with about 100 PCs and popular PC applications for general use by students. Study Rooms Study rooms are located on different levels to provide students with quiet study space. | |