Events

Saint Francis University (SFU) and The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership focused on advancing research and development in AI-enabled biomaterials and digital health technologies. The collaboration aims to accelerate innovation, facilitate technology transfer, and nurture the next generation of talent in applied sciences. 

The MoU was signed by Professor Stephen Cheung Yan-leung, President of Saint Francis University, and Ir Dr Ted Suen, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI. Under the agreement, the two institutions will collaborate across three key pillars: joint research and development, technology transfer and commercialisation, and talent development. 

(from left to right) Ms Teresa Ip, member of IUPO Steering Committee; Ms Joanna Kwok, Head of Industry University Partnerships Office; Ir Dr Ted Suen, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI; Prof Stephen Cheung Yan-leung, President; Prof Annie Bligh, Provost, and Mr Luke Chu, member of IUPO Steering Committee took a memorable photo after signing ceremony together.



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Saint Francis University (SFU) welcomed representatives from the Cosmetic & Perfumery Association of Hong Kong Limited (CPAHK) and The Professional Validation Centre of Hong Kong Business Sector Limited (PVCBS) for a campus visit and exchange session in July.  

The visit commenced with a meeting between CPAHK representatives and SFU representatives to exchange views on talent development, industry engagement, workplace learning, and potential areas of collaboration. Representing SFU at the meeting were Dr Kelvin Ma, Associate Vice-President (Quality Assurance); Ms Joanna Kwok, Head of the Industry University Partnerships Office; Mr Titus Lo, Director of the Centre for Advanced and Professional Studies; Mr Gary Lam, Head of the Irene Lam Department of Design; Dr Anthony Wong, Associate Dean of the Yam Pak Charitable Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences; Dr Charles Chow, Assistant Professor of the Rita Tong Liu School of Business and Hospitality Management; and Mr Micoal Tsang, Assistant Manager of the Career Centre. The CPAHK delegation of 20 representatives was led by Mr Joseph Ho, Chief Supervisor & Councillor, and included Mr Eric Man, President of The Professional Validation Centre of Hong Kong Business Sector; Ms Bonnie Mok, Chairman of CPAHK; and Dr Jessica Chan, Chairman of the CPAHK Business-School Collaboration Committee. 

Following the meeting, CPAHK representatives toured some teaching and learning facilities to gain a deeper understanding of SFU's multidisciplinary academic strengths and applied learning environment. The campus tour was hosted by Mr Eddie Chan, Senior Lecturer cum Programme Leader of Higher Diploma in Film and Media Production of the Irene Lam Department of Design, Dr Raymond Siu, Assistant Professor of the Rita Tong Liu School of Business and Hospitality Management; Ms Amy Li, Senior Lecturer of the S.K. Yee School of Health Sciences; Mr Timothy Tsui, Assistant Librarian and Dr Jamie Lau, Centre Manager of the Physiotherapy Integrated Clinical Education Centre. 

As a University of Applied Sciences, SFU remains committed to building strong partnerships with industry and professional organisations. Through visits and exchanges such as this, SFU continues to expand opportunities for students to engage with industry, gain practical insights, and prepare themselves for future careers in an evolving and innovation-driven economy.

Saint Francis University (SFU) welcomed representatives from Microsoft Hong Kong for a campus visit and exchange session, as part of the University's ongoing commitment to strengthening partnerships with leading technology companies and creating innovative learning opportunities for students. The visit also discussed the future collaboration of artificial intelligence (AI), digital skills development and industry-academia partnerships. 

Representatives from Microsoft Hong Kong included Mr Fred Sheu, National Technology Officer; Ms Iris Mo, Education Lead; and Ms Echo Tse, Marketing Manager. Representing SFU were Ms Joanna Kwok, Head of the Industry-University Partnerships Office; Mr Paul Hodgson, Adjunct Lecturer of Yam Pak Charitable Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences (SCIS); Mr Kinson Cheung, Senior Lecturer cum Programme Leader of the Higher Diploma in Artificial Intelligence and Information and Communication Technology; Mr Keith Tsang, Lecturer cum Programme Leader of the Diploma in Practical Information and Communication Technology; and Dr Daniel Cao, Assistant Professor of SCIS. 

During the meeting, Microsoft shared their ideas on education ecosystem and AI strategy, covering areas such as teaching and learning enhancement, digital transformation in education, AI-enabled research, workforce readiness and responsible AI adoption. Both parties also explored opportunities for collaboration in AI literacy initiatives, professional certification programmes, guest lectures, workshops, and industry projects. Following the meeting, Microsoft representatives visited some teaching and learning facilities to gain a deeper understanding of SFU's multidisciplinary academic strengths and applied learning environment.   

Through collaborations with organisations such as Microsoft, SFU continues to enhance opportunities for students to develop AI competencies, digital literacy and industry-relevant expertise, preparing them for success in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Industry University Partnerships Office (IUPO) successfully hosted the HR Forum under the theme "Human First AI- Growing Future Talent", bringing together industry leaders, human resources professionals, academics and stakeholders to exchange insights on emerging talent trends in the AI era. The forum was co-organised with our Career Centre and the Centre for Advanced and Professional Studies, plus supported by the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management (HKIHRM) as our strategic partner, together with 10 different industry players, including: 

• Chief Happiness Officer Association (CHOA) 
• Dialogue in the Dark (HK) Foundation (DIDF) 
• Hong Kong Association of Interactive Marketing (HKAIM) 
• Hong Kong Computer Society (HKCS) 
• Hong Kong Information Technology Federation (HKITF) 
• Hong Kong Physiotherapists' Union (HKPU) 
• Hong Kong Retail Management Association (HKRMA) 
• The Cosmetic & Perfumery Association of Hong Kong Ltd (CPAHK) 
• The Rotary Club of Eminence Hong Kong 
• Physiotherapy Integrated Clinical Education Centre, Saint Francis University 

 


Prof Stephen Cheung Yan-leung, President of SFU, delivered welcome speech, highlighting the importance of nurturing talent equipped with both academic knowledge and practical skills to meet evolving workforce demands in the AI-driven economy. 


In opening remarks, Mr Choy emphasised that industry-university collaboration is a key trend in future talent development, adding that curricula shaped by industry needs can better address the evolving demands of the market.

Two dynamic panel discussions followed, moderated by Ms Joanna Kwok, Head of IUPO, and Mr Ian Choy, President of HKIHRM, featuring industry representatives who explored: 

• Gen Z's expectations of the workplace in the AI era 
• The importance of university–industry collaboration in shaping practical curricula and future workforce 

The forum provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange between academia and industry, strengthening partnerships and fostering collaboration to address future talent needs. 

SFU will continue to leverage its strengths as a university of applied sciences in promoting industry engagement, enhancing talent development strategies, and preparing graduates for the rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

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Saint Francis University (SFU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Hong Kong Computer Society (HKCS). Preparatory work on setting up the SFU-HKCS Student Chapter, the first of its kind for HKCS, has been underway.


The MoU was signed by Professor Anthony Chan, Dean of the Yam Pak Charitable Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences at SFU, and Mr Dave Chen, President of HKCS.  


SFU President Professor Stephen Cheung Yan-leung and Provost Professor Annie Bligh were presented to witness the ceremony, along with Head of the Industry University Partnerships Office Ms Joanna Kwok, Adjunct Lecturer of School of Computing and Information Sciences Mr Paul Hodgson and Honorary Secretary General and Past President of HKCS Mr Stephen Lau, JP, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to nurturing future technology talent. 

The Department of Design of Saint Francis University (SFU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Association of Motion Picture Post Production Professionals (AMP4) at AI Academy during the FILMART, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council in late March.


(from left to right) Mr Eddie Chan, Programme Leader of Film and Media Production of SFU; Mr Tony Chow, Permanent Honorary President of AMP4; Mr Mak Chun Hung, President of AMP4; took a memorable photo after signing ceremony together with SFU representatives including, Mr Gary Lam, Department Head of Design; Prof Stephen Cheung Yan-leung, President; Prof Annie Bligh, Provost; Ms Joanna Kwok, Head of Industry University Partnerships Office.

The Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences held its inaugural international forum in late February 2026 under the theme "Industry–Academia–Government Collaboration to Advance the Development of Vocational and Applied Education." The forum brought together government officials, academic leaders, industry elites and international experts to explore how universities of applied sciences can foster cross-sector collaboration, drive innovation and nurture talent. Saint Francis University (SFU) was invited to attend the forum and host a panel session together with industry representatives.


The Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences held its first International Symposium late February 2026. Pictured is a group photo featuring Prof Stephen Cheung Yan-leung (forth left), President of SFU; Dr Choi Yuk-lin (sixth left), Secretary for Education; and other attending guests.


(from left to right) Dr Choi Ching Man Tiffany, Programme Leader of Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physiotherapy; Prof Chan Tak Mau Simon, Dean of Graduate Studies; together with panelists, Mr Kenneth Au Yeung, President of Hong Kong Physiotherapists' Union; Ms Cora Chu, CEO of Dialogue in the Dark; Ms Joanna Kwok, Head of Industry University Partnerships Office; Dr Turo Kilpeläinen, President and CEO of the LAB University of Applied Sciences;  Prof Chan Sin Wai, Dean of Ip Ying To Lee Yu Yee School of Humanities and Languages & Dr Wan Lap Man, Executive Director of Hong Kong Playground Association; plus SFU senior management, Prof Lo Tit Wing, Vice-President (Research and Development) and  Prof Annie Bligh, Provost attended. 

Industry University Partnerships Office successfully  hosted our inaugural Conference, "CEO Dialogue in the AI Era" in enhancing industry partnerships between Saint Francis University (SFU) with business circles. Over 100 participants, with 15 Supporting Organisations engaged  in this event.

• Asia CEO Community 
• Asia Executive Development Association (AEDA)
• Asia Family Office Foundation (AFOF)
• CFA Society Hong Kong (CFAHK)
• Chinese Western Culture Arts Association (CWCAA)
• CXO Committee, Central 100
• Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited
• Financial Services Development Council (FSDC)
• HK Applied Science & Technology Research Institute (ASTRI)
• HK Computer Society (HKCS)
• HK Institute of Bankers (HKIB)
• HK Internet & Ecoomerce Assoication (HKIECA)
• HK Investor Relations Association (HKIRA)
• HK Science & Technology Parks (HKSTP)
• HK Synergetic Alliance (HKSA)

Thanks to our 15 Supporting Organizations.

Prof Stephen Cheung Yan-leung, President of SFU, delivered a welcome remarks. Ms Grace Li Wai Ting, Principal Assistant Secretary (Further Education) of Education Bureau, shared her greeting remarks. Prof Annie Bligh, Provost of SFU, introduced Industry University Partnerships Office partnership opportunities.

Mr Esmond Lee, Honorary Advisor of HKIB, Former Executive Director, Financial Infrastructure Department of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA); Prof Sunny Wong, Executive Director of CWCAA and  Former Chairman of Carlsberg Greater China; Dr Ted Suen, CEO of ASTRI and Former President of HKCS.

Our heartfelt gratitude to our 3 speakers for their sharing.
Prof Sunny Wong; Prof Anthony Chan Hing Hung, Dean of Yam Pak Charitable Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences; Prof Annie Bligh; Dr Ted Suen; Mr Esmond Lee; Ms Joanna Kwok, Head of Industry University Partnerships Office.

Valuable insight gathering panel discussion.

Prof Stephen Cheung Yan-leung together with Ms Grace Li; Mr Albert Chow, Executive Director of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications; Mr Luke Chu, President of Hong Kong Internet & Ecommerce Association; Mr Joseph Ho; Ms Sara Law and Ms Jessica Chan, the Cosmetic & Perfumery Association of Hong Kong; Prof Simon Chan and Ms Joanna Kwok of SFU.

Mr Albert Chow, Prof Sunny Wong and Prof Annie Bligh attended with our guests including Mr David Lau, Prof Kevin Yue, and  Prof Lo Tit Wing, Dr Anna Ng Hoi Nga and Prof Simon Chan Tak Mau of SFU.

Ms Jennifer Veigel, Austrian Trade Commissioner, attended the event.

Mr Edward Cheung, Sai Kung District Council Member, attended the event.

Thanks to a bunch of guests supporting and attending the event.

Ms Joanna Kwok together with Mr So Kam Pang Stephen, Specialist; Prof Anthony Chan Hing Hung; Dr Hang Ching Nam,  Assistant Professor; Mr Tsang Kin Kei Keith, Programme Leader & Prof Wong Sing Wing Dennis, Professor of School of Computing and Information Sciences (CIS).

Mr Fletcher Ng, COO of AEDA, and Mr Michael Wong, Co-President of AFOF, together with speaker Prof Sunny Wong and Ms Joanna Kwok.

Industry University Partnerships Office (IUPO) acted as co-organiser and Ms Joanna Kwok, Head of IUPO served as moderator of this executive leadership gathering.

Industry University Partnerships Office (IUPO) acted as a strategic partner and Ms Joanna Kwok, Head of IUPO, served as moderator in supporting the health seminar.