PolyU hailed the topping-out for the redevelopment of its former staff quarters Pak Sui Yuen in Tsimshatsui East on 11 March 2010. The new premises, which is scheduled for completion in late 2010, will be home to SHTM and a unique teaching and research hotel. With its distinct design and prominent location by the side of the Cross-Harbour Tunnel's Kowloon entrance, the new infrastructure is set to become a new icon in the heart of the city.

The Topping-out Ceremony was held on the redevelopment site with Ir Dr Ng Tat-lun, deputy Chairman of PolyU Council; Prof Timothy W. Tong, PolyU President; Prof Kaye Chon, Chair Professor and Director of SHTM; Mr Rocco Yim, Executive Director of Rocco Design Architects Limited; and Ir Dr Stanley Wong, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Paul Y. Engineering Group Limited, as the officiating guests. About a hundred guests, senior management executives and staff of PolyU were also drawn to the Ceremony to witness the significant moment.

Addressing the Ceremony, Prof Timothy Tong said the Project marked a new milestone in the history of the University. Prof Tong was confident that, by having dedicated premises for SHTM, the School would attract even more world-class teaching staff as well as students from around the world, thus playing a bigger role in helping to meet the industry's demand for quality manpower and expertise.

Situated in Tsimshatsui East and adjacent to the PolyU campus, the redeveloped complex houses a teaching and research hotel which is now named Hotel ICON, conference facilities, School offices and new staff quarters. Upon completion of the entire project, the international status of the School as a world-class institution will be further strengthened, thereby facilitating the School's collaboration with the hospitality and tourism industry and education institutions around the world.

PolyU had the foresight to establish SHTM as one of the best hotel and tourism schools in the world. In view of the development needs of the University and the rising importance of hospitality and tourism education and research, PolyU unveiled a plan to redevelop its former staff quarters Pak Sui Yuen in 2005.

As the anticipation builds for Hotel ICON's grand opening, the future is well and truly underway in Tsimshatsui East, Hong Kong.