The Chief Executive in Council announced in the 2024 Policy Address support for a third medical school by a local university to train more medical practitioners and enhance Hong Kong's healthcare system while positioning it as an international hub for medical training and research. After over a year of efforts, Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau announced on Nov. 18 the approval of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) to establish the school. He commended HKUST for its strategic vision, strong academic capabilities, and financial resources, enabling a co-funding model. Over 25 years, HKUST and the government will provide equal funding at a 1:1 ratio. The first cohort of 50 students is expected to enroll in 2028, with graduates starting internships in 2032. HKUST will hold a press conference today, Nov. 19.
Preparations for HKUST's new medical school advancing in an orderly Manner
The Task Group and expert advisors conducted a thorough evaluation of proposals from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), and Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) based on ten key criteria, including curriculum design and research quality. They ultimately recommended HKUST to establish a renewable four-year second-degree medical program. HKUST will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the government regarding curriculum accreditation, finances, staffing, and campus development.
For funding, HKUST will use its resources, including donations, to partially finance the new medical school and will invest over HK$2 billion in a new building on its Clear Water Bay campus. Over the next 25 years, funding will be shared equally between HKUST and the government, adhering to the matching fund policy in the budget. The government will also provide resources in advance for the school’s development and additional student placements through the University Grants Committee.
Professor Lo mentioned that the current medical schools rely on Hospital Authority (HA) hospitals for clinical instruction, but the new school will coordinate with HA to assign students to various teaching hospitals for internships. C. Y. Choi, Secretary for Education and co-chair of the Task Group, emphasized the unity of the higher education sector in medical training, which will enhance HK's position as an international education hub and align with the national master plan for 2024-2035 to develop world-class universities.
Sydney Chung highlighted the importance of orderly preparation for the new medical school, with accreditation from the Medical Council of Hong Kong being crucial for graduates to practice in HK. He hopes these future practitioners will uphold high professional standards and engage in research and innovation, driving advancements in HK's medical sciences, including areas like AI and robotic surgery.
HKUST's new medical school aims to cultivate 'physician-scientists' in new positioning
HKUST, approved to establish the city's third medical school, will hold a press conference today (Nov. 19) to discuss preparatory efforts and plans. In a statement on Nov. 18, the university highlighted that the new school will leverage HKUST's unique strengths, integrating its global network and expertise in data science, AI, and robotics, with a focus on incorporating advanced technology into clinical training to develop a new generation of medical leaders with strong ethics and clinical skills.
The university promotes an interdisciplinary model that combines science, engineering, and business, enabling graduates to tackle complex medical challenges. It will emphasize translational research to achieve breakthroughs in disease diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.
Professor Harry Shum, Chairman of the HKUST Council, stressed the university's commitment to supporting the government's vision for medical innovation and talent development, aiming to cultivate medical pioneers who integrate clinical competence with advanced technologies. President Nancy Ip noted the importance of rigorous clinical training alongside technological literacy to produce healthcare professionals with exceptional skills and a forward-thinking approach.
Regarding student recruitment, Secretary for Education C. Y. Choi mentioned that universities funded by the University Grants Committee have a cap on non-local student admissions, typically not exceeding 50% of total intake. She added that the Education Bureau will monitor recruitment closely, ensuring the language proficiency of non-local students aligns with HK's healthcare needs. The current "Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates" allows a 24-month visa period for graduates, applicable to the new medical school.
Professor Lo emphasized that effective communication is vital in medical education, expecting healthcare professionals to be proficient in Chinese and English, as well as Cantonese and Putonghua. The third medical school will establish language standards and enhance training in communication skills as part of its curriculum.
Moving forward, collaboration and development among all parties will be strengthened
With the focus on developing "physician-scientists," H. Shum and C. Y. Choi expressed their commitment to collaborating closely with the government, Hospital Authority, the Medical Council of HK, existing medical schools, and community partners to nurture top medical talent and foster innovation in global medical technology and clinical practices.
The Hospital Authority is expected to create synergies with all three medical schools, enhancing the overall standard of healthcare in Hong Kong.
The University Grants Committee welcomed the establishment of the third medical school at HKUST, believing it would encourage an innovative spirit, promote cutting-edge research, and attract talented individuals from abroad to build their careers in Hong Kong. This development aims to enhance Hong Kong's international standing and strengthen the "Study in HK" brand, contributing significantly to the city's long-term growth.
Both the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong's medical faculties expressed their support for HKUST's new medical school. They are eager to collaborate with HKUST in medical education and research to improve the training and availability of healthcare professionals, ultimately raising healthcare service standards and research quality in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, addressing society's long-term healthcare needs and establishing Hong Kong as a global hub for medical innovation.
As competing institutions, both HKBU and PolyU respected the government's decision and reiterated their commitment to utilizing their strengths to support the HKSAR government in training healthcare professionals and advancing medical technology for societal benefit.
(Source: Wen Wei Po | English Editor: Yuki, Liu Yu)
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