THEi Launches Taikoo Learning Centre as a "Future Workplace Sandbox," Accelerating Upgrade to a UAS to Cultivate the Next Generation of Industry Leaders

HONG KONG, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) hosted the opening ceremony for its Taikoo Learning Centre alongside a press conference today. The newly inaugurated Centre features an Immersive Experience Room, using advanced technology to simulate a "Future Workplace" environment directly on campus. This effectively activates THEi's strategies of "Expanding Capacity and Enhancing Quality" as well as "Integrating Industry, Academia, Research, and Application with Employment." THEi also announced it has successfully completed all Programme Area Accreditation (PAA) requirements for upgrading to a university. The Institute is now collaborating with departments to advance the procedures, moving at full speed to establish itself as Hong Kong's next university and University of Applied Sciences (UAS).  

Immersive Room Unlocks Access to Five Applied Science Environments

The Hon Jeffrey LAM Kin-fung, GBM, GBS, JP, Chairman of the THEi Board of Governors, attended the event alongside fellow Governors. Speaking at the Ceremony, Chairman LAM said that the newly established Immersive Experience Room at the Taikoo Learning Centre reflects the Institute's educational philosophy: "We invest every available resource in teaching facilities that are closely aligned with industry needs, cost-effective, and of genuine practical value." He described the new Learning Centre not as an "ivory tower" but as a "practical sandbox" where students can gain hands-on experience and transition seamlessly into their future careers.

Users can seamlessly immerse themselves in cutting-edge teaching and industrial scenarios with 3D glasses in the Immersive Experience Room, unlocking a look at the "future workplace." Featured projects include the POWERMAN, a mobile EV charging robot resolving the rigidity of fixed energy facilities; the user-centric "Plover" multi-purpose chair, an innovative furniture design that has captured multiple prestigious international design accolades; and a low-altitude economy smart logistics network. Collectively, these interdisciplinary projects fully demonstrate THEi's robust capabilities in leveraging practical innovations to address societal demands.

All PAAs Completed, Accelerating Path to Becoming a UAS

At the press conference, Professor Alan LAU Kin-tak, President of THEi, emphasised that the Institute's curriculum is industry-oriented. He noted that teaching spaces and resources have been comprehensively upgraded through the "Expanding Capacity and Enhancing Quality" strategy, ensuring that both software and hardware meet or exceed the standards of a university in the future. Professor LAU announced that following the successful accreditation of the first two programme areas, "Sports and Recreation Management" and "Built Environment," the final programme area, "Computer Science and Information Technology," also successfully passed accreditation in May this year. With this milestone, THEi has passed all mandatory PAAs required for its university title upgrade and is steadily advancing step-by-step toward official designation as a UAS.

In addition, three current students shared their experiences and personal journeys in choosing THEi. They highlighted that the Institute prioritises "hands-on practice" and "rapid alignment with industry demands"—has effectively given them a distinct competitive edge, allowing them to be "employed at graduation, leading the race from the start."

OR Hau Ching Zoe, a Year 4 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Multimedia Technology and Innovation student and co-designer of the Immersive Experience Room, who has seamlessly integrated her passion into real-world practice to demonstrate immediate career readiness. Katrina CHEUNG Pui-ting, a Year 1 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Horticulture, Arboriculture and Landscape Management student, who graduated from a traditional academic university and worked for several years before returning to campus to pursue her passion, fully embodying the value of professional career transformation. Furthermore, Grégoire GIRON, a Year 1 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Fashion Design student and graduate of an international school, has chosen to complete his degree and build his career in Hong Kong, vividly underscoring the Institute's attractiveness to global talents from diverse backgrounds.

Professor LAU remarked that THEi is dedicated to cultivating talent equipped with "immediate career readiness" and an agile, innovative mindset. "Every student starts from a different point, but joining THEi proves one thing collectively: THEi is never anyone's 'second choice'. Instead, it serves as the 'premier golden choice' for a new generation of students to accurately align themselves with future professional tracks."

Driven by the opening of the Taikoo Learning Centre and successive Institutional breakthroughs in programme accreditations, THEi is leading the development of applied science education and the UAS model in Hong Kong with a practical and forward-looking approach.

About Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) 

The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) offers over 30 professional "Applied Science-Oriented" undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes across seven academic areas: Product and Fashion Designs, Sports and International Events Management, Digital Construction and Building Services, Horticulture, Arboriculture and Landscape Management, Chinese Medicine and Food Science, Hotel Management and Culinary Arts and Technology, and Digital Technology and Innovative Business. The programmes integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications, and cover industries with growth potential in Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region, ensuring that students can apply what they learn effectively.

THEi's undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes are accredited by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications. The curriculum emphasises the practical application of applied science, aligning with the latest developments in business and industry. The undergraduate degree programmes offer 100% work-integrated learning training to support students in building their career paths at an earlier stage.

THEi Chai Wan Campus was awarded the "Leadership in Sustainable Design and Performance Award - Institutional" of the Asia Pacific Leadership in Green Building Awards presented by the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) in 2020.

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Ms Tiffany Lee
Tel: (852) 3890 8083
Email: [email protected] / [email protected] 
 
Mr Anson Ko 
Tel: (852) 3890 8087
Email: [email protected] / [email protected] 

SOURCE Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi)