The President of Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Professor Alexander Wai, has reaffirmed his ambition to relocate the entire university to the Northern Metropolis, citing severe space constraints at the current Kowloon Tong campus that are limiting the institution's development.
In an interview with the Hong Kong Economic Times published on Sep. 7, Professor Wai said HKBU has the smallest campus among the eight publicly funded universities, with less than 100 acres of land, which severely restricts its growth. He noted that the university needs only about 40 hectares of land for the relocation – a relatively modest requirement – and that moving a complete university to the Northern Metropolis would serve as an "anchor" to foster cohesion and avoid fragmented development.
However, Professor Wai acknowledged that the estimated cost of relocating the entire campus is between HK$25 billion and HK$30 billion, a sum that would be difficult to finance through donations or loans alone. He expressed hope that the government would provide investment to support HKBU's land development in the Northern Metropolis.
When asked whether leaving the prime Kowloon Tong location would affect the recruitment of working professionals for continuing education programmes, Professor Wai said the Northern Metropolis is a long-term development and would not remain remote and underdeveloped forever. He added that if necessary, the university could rent premises or even purchase commercial buildings in the urban area to maintain a presence on both sides.
Professor Wai's term as HKBU President will end on July 31, 2027. In the remaining 11 months of his tenure, he said his priority is to finalise the Planning Exercise Proposal (PEP) to be submitted to the University Grants Committee (UGC), in order to secure more student places for HKBU. He noted that in the last allocation, HKBU recorded the highest percentage increase in student places among all eight universities and ranked second in absolute terms.
After stepping down as President, Professor Wai said he will remain at HKBU as a Chair Professor of Photonics until early 2031. He expressed his hope to lead his photonics research team towards developing "optoelectronic chips" after being freed from administrative duties.
Related News:
CE and officials hear public views on five‑year plan and Policy Address in Kowloon Tong this morning
HKBU admits 9 talented athletes: Well-rounded students excel in arts and technology
Comment