University of Hong Kong to launch new master’s degree in low-altitude economy in 2025

Professor Huang Lixi says course will mainly focus on three aspects: hardware, software, and economic aspects and policies

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HKU will launch a master’s degree programme in the low-altitude economy next year. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 3:38pm, 11 Nov 2024Updated: 6:28pm, 11 Nov 2024

Hong Kong’s top university is aiming to launch a new master’s degree programme focused on the low-altitude economy by September next year, driven by what it calls an urgent need to develop talent in the rapidly growing sector.

The initiative was unveiled on Monday after the University of Hong Kong struck a strategic partnership with the Greater Bay Area Low-Altitude Economy Alliance, which was set up in September and is led by lawmaker Elizabeth Quat.

Professor Huang Lixi, deputy head of the university’s department of mechanical engineering, said he was trying to speed up the establishment of the degree.

“The development of the low-altitude economy is moving very quickly. If we wait for another two years, everything will change again,” said Huang, who is expected to lead the courses.

Several teachers were already on board, and there were plans to hire up to four more, he added.

“Under normal processing times, we would not have launched the course before 2026, but we want to accelerate it to 2025,” he said.

Lawmaker Elizabeth Quat leads the Greater Bay Area Low-Altitude Economy Alliance. Photo: Elson Li