HONG KONG — Hong Kong’s tertiary institutions are rallying behind the government’s newly unveiled first five-year plan and the 2026 Policy Address, with leaders from three universities expressing strong support for initiatives spanning the Northern Metropolis University Town, industry-academia collaboration, and international education.

Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU), the city’s first university of applied sciences, said it will fully support efforts to accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town and deepen collaborative development across industry, academia and research.

The university also pledged to advance the “Study in Hong Kong” brand and nurture talent with international perspectives and practical experience.

“HKMU has consistently kept pace with societal and market needs, driving the deep integration of education, technology and talent development,” said Paul Lam Kwan-sing, HKMU president.

He emphasized the university’s backing for developing three university towns in San Tin, Hung Shui Kiu and Ta Kwu Ling, viewing the Northern Metropolis as a new engine for developing Hong Kong’s new quality productive forces.

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The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) also welcomed the policy directions. Its president, Joshua Mok Ka-ho, expressed hope that the government will provide more concrete support for self-financing universities participating in the University Town development, and said he expects to work with world-class universities on new academic and research projects.

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) voiced staunch support, highlighting its planned second campus in the Northern Metropolis as a “dedicated incubator for creative technology and interdisciplinary research.”

Ranked 10th globally and first in Asia for performing arts, the academy will launch its Creative Futures and Innovation Centre in early 2027, featuring green theater standards and AI-enriched curricula.

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AI transformation

The Hong Kong Generative AI Research & Development Center (HKGAI) has applauded the strategic directions outlined in the HKSAR policies, particularly initiatives focused on artificial intelligence, computing infrastructure and digital governance.

Guo Yike, chief vice-president of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and director of HKGAI, said the center is committed to turning research into practical solutions.

“HKGAI is firmly rooted in Hong Kong, utilizing locally developed large models as our core, converting Hong Kong’s research outcomes, computing resources and governance experience into exportable solutions that accelerate enterprise AI transformation,” he said. “We will work hand in hand with the government, industry and all sectors to realize the policy of ‘AI industrialization and industry AI-ification.’ We firmly believe AI can drive economic growth across all fields and scenarios, propelling Hong Kong into a smart city.”