Pacific Rim Universities eye up Esports opportunities
The Association of Pacific Rim Universities’ International University Centre at the Cyberport business park will offer serviced working spaces and a range of on-site facilities to “advance talent development, digital adoption, and innovation in the APAC and beyond”.
“By opening an expanded headquarters in Hong Kong, the APRU network looks to deepen its collaboration between Hong Kong and leading research universities internationally,” said Christopher Tremewan, secretary general of APRU.
“Our aim is to build productive relationships in education, research and innovation”
“Our aim is to build productive relationships in education, research and innovation to solve common challenges for the common good. We see great potential for partnerships with the public and private sectors across the Asia-Pacific region.”
The centre in the digital technology hub will allow universities and partners to collaborate with the APRU on joint programs, research collaborations, faculty and student recruitment, and alumni networking and fundraising.
The association has already worked on initiatives for university students passionate about Esports, which included an Esports Fellowship Program.
An upcoming APRU Student Esports Paper Competition will also seek to support esports as an academic speciality, with scholarships worth a total of US$12,000 being made available.
“As the flagship of digital technology innovations in Hong Kong, Cyberport is the perfect platform for innovative co-creation in digital tech applications and for talent cultivation,” said Peter Yan, Cyberport chief executive officer.
Along with the APRU Esports Fellowship Program supporting esports as an academic area of study and fostering future Esports leaders, Cyberport has collaborated with APRU on the Esports MetaGame Conference during Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum 2020.
“Together with APRU, we look forward to taking our collaborations to the next level to empower innovative talent and steer the esports industry forward,” Yan added.
APRU member Tecnológico de Monterrey from Mexico will again partner with APRU and Cyberport on the second cohort of the six-month APRU Esports Fellowship Program which features workshops, and internship and entrepreneurship opportunities.
“Universities are at the centre of the esports ecosystem through collegiate esports, academic degree programs, and students who are gamers and future leaders of the industry,” Tremewan added.
“The Esports Paper Competition and Fellowship Program facilitate entry points for students to the esports industry, enhancing skills development and leadership to prepare them for their futures.”