HKU SPACE is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement with the Universiti Technologi Malaysia, School of Professional and Continuing Education(UTMSPACE), to develop a programme that supports the “One Belt One Road” initiative, and meets the fast growing demand for retail and shopping mall marketing management talents in Malaysia. Both Schools, in collaboration, will introduce the first “Professional Diploma in Retail Marketing and Shopping Mall Management” in Malaysia, with a focus on training a new generation of professionals for retail and shopping mall management. This is also the first transnational education programme offered by HKU SPACE outside of Hong Kong and China, reaching a significant milestone in its international development.

The partnership between HKU SPACE and UTMSPACE stems from the relationship with the Universiti Technologi Malaysia (UTM), a public research-centred university (formerly the Treacher Technical School). UTM was established in 1904 and received its university status in 1972.  UTM and HKU SPACE have a long-established relationship; in the past UTM has sent their staff to Hong Kong to learn from HKU SPACE experience in developing continuing education programmes. In 1993 UTM established its own School of Professional and Continuing Education, also named SPACE, with the same mission to promote lifelong learning.

Professor William Lee, Director of HKU SPACE, said: “Since its establishment over half a century ago, the School has not just assumed a leading role in the field of continuing education; it has also created many new precedents in response to the needs of the public. In recent years the School has been planning to go international, and support China’s “One Belt One Road” initiative. The School has long been closely connected with UTM, we are glad to join hands with UTMSPACE to launch our newly developed programme of continuing education in retail management. Since our introduction of international courses in collaboration with prestigious universities abroad, this is our first transnational education programme in a Belt and Road country which will be awarded within The University of Hong Kong (HKU) system through HKU SPACE. This marks an important step in the internationalisation of HKU SPACE.”

 “In order to meet the local demand for retail talents, the programme includes modules such as Multichannel Marketing Communications which enables students to integrate digital and social media with conventional promotion channels in retail marketing planning, Retail Management and Operations, Shopping Mall Marketing and Shopping Mall Leasing and Management, etc. to enhance the professional standard of the local retail industry. The School expects to provide more appropriate programmes in other Belt and Road countries such as Indonesia, which will continue our efforts in enhancing and extending our international dimension”, he added.

The “Professional Diploma in Retail Marketing and Shopping Mall Management” programme is open for application now and will start in early 2019 at UTMSPACE Kuala Lumpur. The programme comprises of 10 modules, which include Principles of Marketing, Business Economics, Essentials of Accounting, Consumer Behaviour, Multichannel Marketing Communications, Introduction to Management, Retail Management and Operations, Strategic Retail Marketing, Shopping Mall Marketing, and Shopping Mall Leasing and Management. The programme is offered in a one-year full-time mode and in a two-year part-time mode. The programme is recognised by the Hong Kong Institute of Marketing (HKIM) and students are eligible to apply for HKIM affiliate membership. The award will be issued within the HKU system through HKU SPACE. Some modules will be conducted by HKU SPACE lecturers from Hong Kong.