University of Hong Kong’s next-generation smart campus sets global benchmark
Launch, in partnership with Huawei Technologies, offers rapid and stable connectivity to enhance students’ learning and research experience
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has gained an enviable global reputation since it was established as the city’s first tertiary institution in 1911. Its continued success over the past 114 years has been highlighted in this year’s influential international university rankings, which placed it second in Asia and 17th in the world.
The annual QS University Rankings, compiled by Quacquarelli Symonds, a United Kingdom higher education information provider, are based on criteria including an institution’s reputation among both global academics and employers, the ratio between its full-time staff and students and the impact of its research.
However, the university, which caters to over 30,000 students across more than 300 degree programmes at its Pok Fu Lam campus on Hong Kong Island, is also known for its willingness to embrace the use of cutting-edge technologies to enhance its learning experience and infrastructure.
Last December, HKU teamed up with Huawei Technologies, a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices, for the launch of its next-generation smart campus, which will help to accelerate the digital transformation of education.
The ceremony, titled “The University of Hong Kong & Huawei Global Smart Campus Network Showcase”, was their latest collaboration aimed at developing smarter campus network connectivity and infrastructures.
“As a world-class university, HKU is committed to providing the best teaching and research environment for global academic talent and promoting the integration of education and technology,” Flora Ng, chief information officer and university librarian at HKU, said at the ceremony.
“With the growing diversity of teaching needs and accelerating digital transformation, building a smart campus is critical for providing high-quality educational services.”
She said HKU and Huawei had built a high-quality, high-speed 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) campus network powered by Wi-fi 7 – the next-generation Wi-fi standard – for use in numerous areas including its neoclassical main building Loke Yew Hall, libraries and classrooms.