The Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) Centre for Continuing and Community Education has been given a new titlewThe Li Ka-shing Institute of Professional and Continuing Education (LiPACE)wto acknowledge the $40 million donation made by the Li Ka Shing Foundation, the largest personal contribution ever received by the University for setting up a Regional Learning Centre on Hong Kong Island.
Director of LiPACE Prof. Lui Yu-hon said, “As a distinguished member of the OUHK’s “Partners in Learning” scheme, Dr. Li Ka-shing is widely lauded for his dedication to education. Apart from being a lifelong learner himself, he has always encouraged and supported people to keep on learning and refresh their knowledge and skills. We, as an Institute serving adult learners’ education and training needs, share the same vision.”
Established in 1992, LiPACE will strengthen its provision of professional and workplace training programmes and explore more opportunities for collaboration with overseas institutions in offering degree programmes. It will also continue to provide various choices of credit bearing and general studies courses to OUHK students.
Prof. Lui added that LiPACE is planning to offer daytime programmes. It will also develop more custom-made and accredited programmes for members of professional bodies. Meanwhile, in response to the market demand, LiPACE will introduce more E-commerce and information technology programmes.
LiPACE will soon move into the Regional Learning Centre located on the fourth floor of Shun Tak Centre in Sheung Wan. Upon completion, the 3,100-square metre Centre will house a number of tutorial rooms, a free-access computer centre as well as a lecture theatre; and can accommodate 1,000 students attending classes and tutorials at one time. In addition, a student lounge will be specially designed to allow students to conduct group discussion and browse Web sites as part of their studies.
The teaching and learning facilities will be shared by the OUHK’s four SchoolswArts and Social Sciences, Business and Administration, Science and Technology, Education and Languages, and LiPACE. Together with the main campus in Ho Man Tin, the Centre can provide up to 70 per cent of current space needs for tutorials and lectures.
A total budget of $142 million has been earmarked for the project including furnishing, fitting out and equipment expenses. Apart from the Li Ka-shing Foundation’s contribution, the Government has allocated $50 million while the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has pledged $15 million, plus another $37 million from the OUHK reserve.