The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Hong Kong government this month outlining the framework for the city's proposed third medical school, covering curriculum accreditation, funding, teaching hospital resources and faculty recruitment.

University management announced at a media reception on Monday that it will also begin holding regular meetings with the government to report the medical school’s progress, starting in the first quarter of this year, as both sides move to accelerate the establishment of the medical school, which aims to admit its first 50 students by 2028.

The preparatory work for the new medical school ranks among the university's top priorities in 2026, as the higher education institution marks the 35th anniversary of its establishment. The government gave its approval to HKUST to run the medical school in November.

READ MORE: HKUST to establish city's third medical school by mid-2027

HKUST President Nancy Ip Yuk-yu told reporters at the reception that she had briefed the government on initial steps toward establishing the new medical school at a kick-off meeting in December.

The signing of the MoU and the regular reporting mechanism will help fast-track the work, Ip said, adding that HKUST will also set up a steering committee to offer strategic advice on the project, and an interim executive office to coordinate the key work needed before the founding dean assumes office.

When asked about faculty recruitment, Ip said the university has already received inquiries from a number of medical professors, many of whom have expressed an interest in joining.

The third medical school is expected to admit its first cohort of 50 medical students by 2028, with half coming from local schools and half from outside Hong Kong, Ip added.

A new complex on HKUST's Clear Water Bay campus, which will serve as the medical school's initial premises, is undergoing foundation construction, which Ip said was progressing satisfactorily.

Tam Kar-yan, vice-president for administration and business at HKUST, said that after the completion of the medical school’s dedicated campus in the Ngau Tam Mei New Development Area, some facilities will remain at the Clear Water Bay complex.

READ MORE: HKUST’s bid to establish city’s third medical school nears finish line

Frederik Anseel, dean of HKUST's School of Business and Management, said the new medical school will enhance the university's appeal to students and offer fresh perspectives to those in other disciplines.

Business students, he said, will have more opportunities to observe and analyze the healthcare industry's operations. "They could become executives and CEOs in healthcare businesses in the future," Anseel added.

The university also underscored its dedication to helping the city better align with the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) through its expertise in technology, innovation and education, while contributing to the city's strategic goals of becoming global hubs for education, innovation and medicine.

Contact the writer at williamxu@chinadailyhk.com