Central Queensland University, one of Australia’s youngest tertiary institutions, will graduate one of its oldest accounting students at a graduation ceremony in Hong Kong this Saturday, November 6.

Mr Kwok Leung Lee - a 60-year-old, former Hong Kong Government employee - retired from work five years ago and instead of settling down to the normal retiree activities of newspaper reading, chess and collectibles, he decided to enhance his academic achievements with an accounting degree.

Mr Lee enrolled in the Master of Accounting degree through CQU and its partner in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong College of Technology.

CQU, an Australian university based in Rockhampton, Queensland, is a leader in providing international education in Australia and in Asia, with international students totalling about 40% of the student population.

The Master of Accounting degree, in which Mr Lee has recently completed, is accredited by CPA Australia (Certified Practicing Accounts) and addresses a wide range of professional accounting knowledge and skills tested by a combination of coursework and examinations.

Taking him two years to complete, studying two courses a semester, Mr Lee will graduate with the degree at a formal ceremony at the Harbour Plaza this weekend.

Mr Lee commended CQU and the Hong Kong College of Technology for their high quality tuition and efficient logistic support.

"I feel indebted to both institutions," Mr Lee said.

"On my part, it was meticulous planning, self-discipline and determination to win, that accounted for my success despite the handicap of age.".

Proving age is no barrier, Mr Lee offered his encouragement to all students studying accounting, especially those at CQU.

Meanwhile, demands for Australian higher education is set to boom with IDP Australia forcasters predicting a four-fold increase over the next 20 years.

Amongst Australia's top providers of university education to international students is Central Queensland University, based in Rockhampton, Queensland, but with campuses along the east coast of Australia and course delivery sites in Singapore, Hong Kong and China.

CQU ranked first in Queensland for teaching full-time overseas students, according to the latest statistics from IDP Australia Ltd. In fact, international students represent over 40% of the student population at CQU.

No stranger in Hong Kong, CQU has been providing university education to international students there for about seven years.

This week the University in conjunction with its partner Hong Kong College of Technology will perform its sixth graduation ceremony in Hong Kong with 49 graduands receiving CQU qualifications. CQU has been holding graduation ceremonies in Hong Kong since 1998 with a total of 342 graduates to date.

An Australian leader in international education both on-campus in Australia and through its delivery sites in Asia, CQU offers programs in areas of business and information technology.

For further information regarding the graduation contact Erica Lau on 852 2711 9202 or erica.lau@hkct.edu.hk or information regarding CQU's operations contact Director of CQU International in Australia Professor Debbie Clayton on 07 4930 9428.