A unique programme for nurturing talent for the energy, environmental and sustainability industries was officially launched by City University of Hong Kong (CityU) after the signing of memorandums of understanding (MOU) with a range of renowned industry partners in Hong Kong. 

Established by the School of Energy and Environment (SEE) at CityU, the “Industry Ready Programme” has received overwhelming support from the industry for providing various out-of-classroom work-related training to SEE undergraduates in order to broaden their job knowledge and skills in the energy, environmental and sustainability fields. 

Officiating guests at the virtual MOU Signing Ceremony on 14 January included Mr Wong Kam-sing, Secretary for the Environment, HKSAR Government, President Way Kuo of CityU, Professor Richard Yuen Kwok-kit, Chief-of-Staff, Professor Chan Chak-keung, Dean of SEE, and Ir Dr Vincent Cheng Sai-yau, Chairman of SEE Advisory Committee. Joining them in the online ceremony were over 50 senior executives of the industry partners. 

In his address, Mr Wong congratulated the programme on its fruitful outcomes. He said he was delighted to see the collaboration between academics and industry are training young people to handle the challenges presented by climate change and improve the environment.

President Kuo expressed his gratitude for the tremendous support provided by the collaborative partners of the Programme. “The collaboration between SEE and a wide range of industry partners illustrates CityU’s strategic efforts to offer an interdisciplinary curriculum. I am confident that our students, industry partners and Hong Kong will all benefit from the Programme in the long run,” President Kuo said in his opening remarks. 

“SEE aspires to enhance students’ employability by equipping them with the most sought-after skills and knowledge in the job market such as training on BEAM affiliates, WELL building standards, retro-commissioning and energy audits. In SEE, we strive to nurture talented and innovative young professionals who can contribute to a sustainable future,” Professor Chan said in his welcome remarks. 

Seven collaborative organisations and companies signed the MOU with the School online including Allied Sustainability and Environmental Consultants Group Limited, BEAM Society Limited, Building Services Operation and Maintenance Executives Society, CLP Power Hong Kong Limited, Federation of Hong Kong Industries (Group 26) (Environmental Industries Council), Hong Kong Green Building Council and Hong Kong Institute of Qualified Environmental Professionals Limited. 

At the signing ceremony, SEE alumni shared how they have benefited significantly from the systematic training provided by the School and industry partners. Ms Chiu Lau-ching was excited to share that she had the opportunity to work for a property management company as a summer intern after joining the Programme. It enabled her to understand the daily operation of a chiller plant and the energy saving strategies applied in building. Because of her outstanding performance during the summer internship, she secured a job offer with the same company as an assistant engineer upon graduation. 

Established in 2009, SEE is the first dedicated school for combining subject of energy and environment in Hong Kong. It aims to be the leading school in Asia, fostering an interdisciplinary approach to developing sustainable energy and environmental technologies. It contributes to the development of Smart City and One Health, which are two areas of focus detailed in CityU’s new Strategic Plan for 2020–2025, titled World-class Research and Education.  

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