University of Cape Town to Sign Historic MoU with Hong Kong Metropolitan University

On August 16, 2024, the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the Metropolitan University of Hong Kong (HKMU) will sign a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the first official collaboration between the two institutions. This landmark agreement, coordinated by the South African Consulate, aims to foster stronger people-to-people relations and enhance cooperation between South Africa and Hong Kong in the realm of education diplomacy.

The Metropolitan University of Hong Kong, formerly known as The Open Learning Institute of Hong Kong, was established by the Hong Kong Government in 1989. It was later renamed The Open University of Hong Kong in 1997 and became known as Hong Kong Metropolitan University in 2021 to better reflect its current status and future ambitions.

The South African Consulate has developed strong working relationships with various universities in Hong Kong, including HKMU. This collaboration has already borne fruit, most recently through a partnership with Freedom Park to host events celebrating 30 years of South African democracy. These events, held from June 17 to 21, 2024, included a month-long exhibition on Mandela’s legacy, which concluded on July 31, 2024, at HKMU.

The MoU between UCT and HKMU is grounded in the principle of mutual benefit and is designed to promote collaboration in various areas, including:

• Joint Lectures: Both universities will host lectures on general topics, as well as subjects specific to South Africa and the African continent, aimed at audiences in Hong Kong.
• Study Tours and Online Courses: The Centre for Extra-Mural Studies at UCT will introduce study tours and online courses to learners in Hong Kong.
• Joint Award Programmes: The institutions will explore the possibility of establishing joint award programmes.
• Professional Exchanges: Staff from both universities will engage in professional exchanges focused on continuing education and lifelong learning.
• Academic Activities: Additional academic activities will be considered to promote lifelong learning exchanges between Hong Kong and South Africa.

This MoU represents a significant milestone, as it establishes the first formal relations between UCT and HKMU, further strengthening bilateral ties between South Africa and Hong Kong. The agreement is a testament to the successful forging of global collaborations and underscores the importance of education diplomacy in fostering meaningful international partnerships.