香港公开大学：开放教育的开拓者
香港公开大学（Hong Kong Metropolitan University，2021年更名为香港都会大学，但仍广为人知其历史名称）成立于1989年，是香港第一所以开放及远程教育为使命的高等学府。创校之初定名为"香港公开进修学院"，1997年升格为大学。其成立背景源于香港社会对高等教育的迫切需求，旨在为在职人士和未能通过传统途径升学的学习者提供深造机会。作为香港自资高等院校的先驱，公大始终秉持"有教无类"的办学理念，打破时空限制，开创了香港开放教育的新模式，至今已培养超过15万名毕业生。
The educational philosophy of HKMU is built upon the principles of accessibility and flexibility. While maintaining rigorous academic standards, the university has pioneered innovative teaching methods that combine distance learning with face-to-face instruction. Its unique multi-mode learning system includes printed materials, online platforms, video conferencing, and weekend tutorials, allowing students to balance study with work and personal commitments. The university places strong emphasis on practical relevance, with curriculum developed in consultation with industry professionals. Through its six academic schools, HKMU offers over 100 programs ranging from undergraduate to doctoral levels, particularly excelling in business, education, and healthcare disciplines.
大学的教学体系极具特色且以学生为中心。采用"开放入学"政策，为不同学术背景的人士提供升学途径。课程设计注重实用性和专业性，大量引入真实案例和工作场景。师资队伍包括学术专家和行业翘楚，确保教学内容与时俱进。学习支持系统完善，提供24小时在线图书馆、学术辅导和职业咨询服务。大学还建立了广泛的企业网络，为学生提供实习和就业机会。这种全方位的学习生态系统，使公大毕业生深受雇主欢迎，就业率长期保持优异水平。
The admission policy of HKMU reflects its commitment to educational inclusivity. For most undergraduate programs, the university adopts a flexible approach that considers not only academic results but also professional qualifications and work experience. Mature applicants (age 25 or above) without formal qualifications may be admitted based on their relevant working experience and demonstrated learning ability. The admission process includes interviews and aptitude tests to assess applicants' potential. This open yet rigorous approach has enabled thousands of working adults and non-traditional learners to access quality higher education, making significant contributions to Hong Kong's human resource development.
香港公开大学以其创新的办学模式、灵活的教学方法和包容的入学政策，在香港教育史上写下了独特篇章。它不仅是香港开放教育的奠基者，更是终身学习理念的实践者。虽然现已更名为香港都会大学，但其开拓开放教育的初心不变，继续为不同背景的学习者提供优质教育机会，为推动香港学习型社会建设和人力资本发展发挥着不可替代的作用。
