The fully equipped facilities and resources in the newly opened Academic 2 (AC2) will help City University of Hong Kong (CityU) nurture more young professionals for the world of work.

AC2, which was officially opened at a ceremony on 17 February, provides first-class facilities for the ever-growing CityU.

Altogether the new 9-storey building will add to campus 20,900 square metres of net operational floor area, 12 lecture theatres, 45 classrooms, 11 computer rooms, a canteen with a capacity of 800 diners, staff offices, a number of multi-function rooms, and plenty of learning resources and common areas.

Officiating guests attending the ceremony were Dr Norman Leung Nai-pang, Pro-Chancellor; Mr Raymond Or Ching-fai, Acting Council Chairman; Mr Vincent Chow Wing-shing, Treasurer of the University; Mr Chan Ka-kui, Council Member and Chairman of the Campus Development Project Steering Group; and Professor Way Kuo, President.

The opening of AC2 was a historic day for the CityU community and for the people of Hong Kong, Dr Leung said in his remarks. “It is a day for celebrating all that CityU has achieved in its relatively short history. Our many new buildings enhance learning and research at CityU. Upon completion, we will be better positioned to advance our professional teaching and problem-driven research mission,” he said.

AC2 symbolises CityU’s readiness to ensure a smooth transition to the new 4-year curriculum, which will be implemented in full at the start of the 2012 academic year, Mr Or said. “The extra space of AC2 will boost the overall learning experience for our students and create better facilities for our scholars to pursue their research,” he added.

Professor Kuo thanked the CityU community for contributing to the completion of AC2 and the growth of the campus. He said he hopes the new building will offer students the best possible learning experience.

Campus will also benefit from Academic 3 (AC3), which will be completed soon, while the newly opened Student Residence Phase IV offers more students the chance to experience independence and cultural exchanges with overseas students.