The Hong Kong government will announce which institutions can move into Hung Shui Kiu University Town in early 2027, with selection to be based on the extent to which those institutions focus on frontier research serving regional industries, collaborate with top universities and enterprises globally, and contribute to Hong Kong’s progress to build an international education hub.
A day after the city released its first five-year plan and latest Policy Address, senior officials held a press meeting to elaborate on the policies on education, talent, labor and legal affairs outlined in the two documents, and also to discuss progress underway at Hung Shui Kiu University Town.
Hung Shui Kiu University Town is one of three hubs forming the 1,000-hectare (10-square-kilometer) Northern Metropolis University Town, alongside San Tin and Ta Kwu Ling. Each university town will comprise campus area, technology area, industry area and living community area, according to the Policy Address.
ALSO READ: 19 local institutions submit proposals for HK university town
Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki announced that the three sites, totaling 26 hectares, for Hung Shui Kiu University Town’s campus area will soon be open for applications from eligible institutions. The deadline is Dec 31 this year, with institutions whose applications have been successful expected to be announced early next year.
The government will set aside HK$10 billion ($1.27 billion) in loans to boost the development of all three university towns. The land for the three university towns will be granted at a nominal premium rather than at market price.
The officials said that the financial situation of institutions that apply will not be the only factor to be taken into consideration. Chan said that applicants must be focused on frontier interdisciplinary research, especially technologies needed by key industries in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
READ MORE: Bigger roles for Hetao, University Town in HK's 5-yr plan, Policy Address
He also stressed the need for institutions that apply to have a deeply collaborative relationship with top Chinese mainland and international universities and enterprises. The University Town is set to help build Hong Kong’s international education ecosystem, and give local students easier access to quality international institutions while attracting students from around the world, Chan said.
Institutions are also encouraged to develop shared facilities with other tertiary education institutions, he added.
Authorities will review the effectiveness of the admissions procedure for Hung Shui Kiu University Town and continue to draw on best practices locally and overseas to fine-tune the approval criteria for the other university towns, Chan said.
Contact the writer at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com
