The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government will announce which institutions can move into Hung Shui Kiu University Town early next year, with selection 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 the latest Policy Address, senior officials held a news conference to elaborate on the education, talent, labor and legal affairs policies outlined in the two documents, and to discuss progress 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 areas for campus, technology, industry and living community, according to the Policy Address.
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 open for applications from eligible institutions. According to the officials, the three sites span areas of about 16.5 hectares, 5.3 hectares and 4.4 hectares, respectively. One is located west of the planned MTR Hung Shui Kiu station on the Tuen Ma Line, another is north of the station, and a third is near the proposed Hung Shui Kiu logistics cluster.
The deadline for applications is Dec 31, with the successful institutions expected to be revealed early next year.
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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.
He stressed the need for institutions that apply to have a deep collaborative relationship with top Chinese mainland and international universities and enterprises. The University Town will 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.
He added that institutions are being encouraged to develop shared facilities with other tertiary education institutions.
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 other university towns, Chan said.
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The SAR government will set aside HK$10 billion ($1.27 billion) in loans to boost the development of all three university towns. Land for the three university towns will be granted at a nominal premium rather than at market price.
Chan said he will chair a dedicated panel to review proposals and approve land and loan applications, with institutions able to opt out of loans. He said there are no rigid caps on institution numbers or loans, and proposals will be reviewed on overall quality.
Though preliminary talks suggest finances are not a major concern for applicants, he added that a viable financial plan is still needed.
Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin said institutions can apply to erect permanent campuses at one or more of the three sites, reprovision existing premises, or build other teaching and supporting facilities, including student dormitories.
Priority will go to institutions that don’t need loans or those offering competitive loan proposals, Choi said.
She added that the Education Bureau will hold a briefing on application procedures next week.
Contact the writer at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com
