Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) is celebrating an enduring transnational education (TNE) partnership with Hong Kong-based HKU SPACE – which began 50 years ago.
The two institutions began working together in the early 1970s, thanks to relationships forged in Hong Kong by ENU’s first Principal, Dr Joseph Dunning.
The first certificates in Medical Laboratory Technology were awarded in 1973, as part of a collaboration between what were then Napier Technical College and the Department of Extra Mural Studies of Hong Kong University. The course was designed to address a specific shortage of expertise in the city at the time.
Since then, around 8,000 students have graduated, with 12 collaborative degree programmes on offer today in subject areas such as biological sciences, social sciences, mass communications, accounting and finance, and tourism and business.
Representatives of the two universities have met to mark the 50th anniversary during a celebration in Hong Kong – which included a speech by Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal & Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University.
Prof Nolan (pictured above with HKU SPACE Director Prof William Lee) said: “Our partnership with HKU SPACE has without a doubt helped to shape the identity of Edinburgh Napier as an outwardly facing international institution.
“When I first joined the University I was struck by how the experience of teaching in Hong Kong over so many years had helped to root a deep sense of internationalisation within our staff community, and the benefits this has brought.
“HKU SPACE is very much part of the woven fabric of ENU’s identity. I would like to thank its staff for the many years of strong support for our partnership.”
The partnership with HKU SPACE contributes to a wide range of TNE degree programmes offered by ENU.
During the last academic year, they saw more than a thousand students graduate in numerous locations, including Singapore, Sri Lanka and Myanmar.