The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

The agreement establishes an academic exchange programme between The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, ranked among the Top 200 universities in the world.

The agreement provides for study abroad programmes for students, faculty exchanges, academic cooperation and programmes for the development of young talent in the hospitality industry.

Photo: Ron Hilvert, Managing Director of The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, and Dr Jack Lo, Director of the School of Professional Education and Executive Development (SPEED) at Hong Kong Polytechnic University

The School of Professional Education and Executive Development (SPEED) at Hong Kong Polytechnic University provides world-class education and aims at producing graduates who meet the industry's needs, an objective which it shares with The Academy.

Commenting on the new partnership between the two universities, Ron Hilvert, Managing Director of The Academy, said: "We are confident that this collaboration of two world-renowned education institutes will provide students and faculty with great experiences in two destinations that are known for their tourism and hospitality industries."

Jack Lo, Director of SPEED, added, "The MOU represents both organisations' continuous effort in establishing formal links with tertiary institutions delivering consistently high standards in the hospitality sector. The synergy created enhances the professional and academic development of our students, teaching faculties and ultimately the hospitality industry around the world."

In March 2011 Jumeirah Group opened its first property in China, the five-star luxury Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel in the Pudong area of Shanghai. The company has a further five properties under development in Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Sanya, Macau and Qiandaohu.