Hong Kong Baptist University to turn one of its schools private

Baptist University has invested more than HK$100 million to upgrade SCE’s campus in Shek Mun.

Photo: Handout Hong Kong’s Baptist University plans to spin off its School of Continuing Education (SCE) as a private university of applied sciences (UAS) next year, according to its president.

Unveiling the plan at a media briefing on Thursday, Professor Alexander Wai Ping-kong said a private institution would be more agile and responsive to societal changes than public universities, which often face lengthy funding approvals. “HKBU [Hong Kong Baptist University] will spare no effort to ensure the success of this future private university,” Wai said. “In terms of finance or academics, we will fully support this future private university and university of applied sciences.” A task force led by Wai will steer SCE’s application for university status, and the university will consider issuing bonds to fund the school’s development, including its UAS bid.

The 51-year-old SCE will first apply to become a registered post-secondary college, with approval expected to be granted by the fourth quarter of this year.

It will then seek private university and UAS status next year, SCE dean Professor Ronald Chung Chi-kit said.

Highlighting SCE’s advantages, Chung said it would be the only self-financing institution in the city backed by a university funded by the University Grants Committee. “And HKBU’s campus in Zhuhai can help this new institution offer practical work experience opportunities in the Greater Bay Area,” he said.

He outlined a clear division of labour: Baptist University will focus on global fundamental research, SCE on applied research, and the Zhuhai campus on national priorities.

He said it was still too early to say whether SCE would raise tuition fees after gaining university status, or whether the new private university’s name would incorporate “HKBU”.

Chung revealed that the university had invested more than HK$100 million (US$12.78 million) to upgrade SCE’s campus in Shek Mun, and would allocate additional resources to support its bid for university status.

SCE offers programmes across various disciplines, including arts and languages, business, media and communication, science and social sciences, according to its website.

It has about 6,000 students and 400 staff.

However, Chung said the school currently held no programme area accreditation (PAA) as it was part of the university.

To gain university status in Hong Kong, an institution must obt

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