Columbia Southern University has partnered with the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, the biggest labor organization in Hong Kong. The new relationship reflects a growing number of international students at Columbia Southern University, an online higher-education institution.
With the partnership, more than 300,000 members of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions will be eligible for a 10 percent discount on tuition. Additionally, these individuals will have access to distance-learning programs that will allow them to earn associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions was founded in 1948, and when it began, it had 22,000 members and 22 affiliated unions. Today, it consists of 175 affiliated unions and 46 associated unions.
Wong Chimei, Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions deputy general secretary, said the educational alliance have the potential to improve the quality of life for the federation’s members.
“We want to encourage our members to grasp educational opportunities that will advance their professional growth,” Chimei said.
The alliance also provides for opportunities members of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions have not enjoyed before.
“Our partnership with Columbia Southern University offers new and unique online education possibilities that will make completing a degree program more affordable and attainable for the working population,” Chimei said.
The federation will be promoted on the university’s Web site, in its marketing materials and at conferences and speaking engagements. All organizations that partner with Columbia Southern University receive the same promotion, including Commtest, a high-tech manufacturer based in New Zealand known for its condition-monitoring equipment.
Columbia Southern University also is allied with U.S. companies such as Boeing, Delta Air Lines and the Federal Protective Service.
Robert Mayes, Columbia Southern University president, said it is important for the institution’s aim to go beyond the United States.
“We take pride in offering educational opportunities with a global reach,” he said.
Additionally, Mayes said Columbia Southern University strives to meet the needs of its students and not make geography a boundary.
“Because all of our degree programs are completely online, students can accomplish their goals of higher education from anywhere in the world,” he said.
An emphasis on being global is not limited to students — members of the Columbia Southern University will take part in at least 100 conferences this year held in Canada, Italy and Vietnam, as well as all over the United States.
