Hong Kong's largest public university dedicated to teacher training is considering restructuring its academic program to ensure long-term financial sustainability amid the declining demand for teachers as the demographic paradigm continues to shift.
The review may lead to the discontinuation of underperforming programs, with decisions based on productivity, enrollment trends, and relevance to Hong Kong’s development, John Lee Chi-kin, president of the Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK), said at a press conference on Thursday.
His remarks came as the university revealed its 2025-2031 Strategic Plan, which warns of “financial sustainability” risks due to a lower demand for teacher-training programs, and identified the need for fiscal resilience.
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Among programs under review is the Master of Arts in leading innovative learning organizations, an online degree that may be phased out after feedback indicated that employers prefer candidates with face-to-face learning experience.
The new strategic plan, themed "Education Futures", also outlines an ambitious program to prepare students for the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The university aims to cultivate educators with interdisciplinary skills and positive values while enhancing its research impact and knowledge transfer capabilities for sustainable development. Internationalization and deeper stakeholder engagement also feature prominently on the roadmap.
“Hong Kong's higher education sector is facing significant external and internal challenges. EdUHK is committed to advancing research and development, while nurturing talents equipped with innovative thinking and diverse skill sets. We aim to cultivate educators and professionals who will contribute to Hong Kong and the nation's high-quality development and the establishment of an education powerhouse," Lee said.
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The university's strategy dovetails with a newly unveiled educational blueprint in the Chinese mainland, which vows to build a strong education system by 2035 to support the nation’s modernization drive and rejuvenation. The university will strive to cultivate top-tier innovative talent, strengthening scientific and technological capabilities while streamlining technology transfer processes.
Tom Fong Wing-ho, EdUHK's vice-president for administration, announced the Sept 1 opening of the university's new teaching center in West Kowloon Cultural District. The facility will host 11 postgraduate programs, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration between education and the arts.
Contact the writer at stacyshi@chinadailyhk.com
