Hong Kong, 18 August 2022 – The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today (Thursday, 18 August) with Microsoft Hong Kong to jointly uplift the digital competency of its students and staff members, and to enable THEi to become a data and artificial intelligence (AI) driven academic research and development (R&D) institution driving innovation across industries.
Under the collaboration, THEi has become a Microsoft Certification Exam Centre in which THEi students can obtain industry recognized Microsoft certifications in various scopes of technology free of charge for the first time. Staff members of THEi can also apply for a subsidy to cover the examination fee for Microsoft Certification. It will strengthen the digital application skills such as cloud computing and applications of smart platforms among students and staff members of THEi. Students of THEi can also master professional knowledge and skills through the Microsoft Learn online platform, as well as other Microsoft resources, while staff members can be empowered by Microsoft Learn for Educators (MSLE) Program by exploring digital skills training resources and integrating them into their teaching materials and curriculum. Furthermore, Microsoft provides AI and related tools to support THEi’s academic R&D projects by providing researchers with regular technological knowledge and tools update so as to lift the efficiency of academic research.
The MOU signing ceremony was held at Chai Wan campus of THEi where Professor Christina HONG, President of THEi and Cally CHAN, General Manager of Microsoft Hong Kong and Macau signed the MOU. Professor Hong remarked that, “As we are the Technological and Higher Education Institute, technology has been in THEi’s DNA. We embrace technology in our operations and in our industry-relevant learning and teaching approaches to ensure that our graduates are indeed, Work-Ready and Future-Ready professionals. We anticipate that the MOU between THEi and Microsoft Hong Kong will further strengthen the collaborations which has been already started. THEi will extend its education and training possibilities in technology and innovation, workforce upskilling and reskilling, and expand the competitive advantage of our students and alumni as they step into and grow their careers over time.”
“In today’s new normal, digitization is vital to transform organization operations and secure business continuity. We see a significant increase in adoption of AI, big data and cloud computing amongst business,” said Cally CHAN, General Manager of Microsoft Hong Kong and Macau. “With the aligned vision to nurture young talents and enhance Hong Kong’s status as International Innovation and Technology Hub, we are pleased to line up THEi to groom students with in-demand digital skills and support its academic R&D projects with Microsoft AI technology. Not limited to students, educators can also obtain the same skills through Microsoft Learn for Educators (MSLE) Program. Through this partnership, we hope to enrich the local talent pool and equip people from all walks of life with practical and strategic knowledge. Inspire and unleash talents’ full potential to drive innovations and empower Hong Kong to achieve more in the future through infinite possibilities.”
Photo1: (From left to right) Fred SHEU, National Technology Officer of Microsoft Hong Kong, Cally CHAN, General Manager of Microsoft Hong Kong, Prof. Christina HONG, President of THEi and Dr. Albert CHEUK, Director (Corporate and Enterprise) of THEi kick off the partnership between Microsoft Hong Kong and THEi to nurture work-ready and future-ready professionals.
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The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi)
The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) is a member of VTC Group. It offers vocationally-oriented degree programmes across three faculties: Design and Environment, Management and Hospitality, and Science and Technology. The programmes are offered in areas where the VTC has strengths, and which are also growth industries not only in Hong Kong but also across the region. They feature the synthesis of knowledge acquisition and practical applications that enable students to grow into professionally-competent graduates. With its strong links with industry partners, THEi provides students with a vital platform for enhanced development. Website: www.thei.edu.hk
About Microsoft
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more.
