HKUST assures med complex, talent can advance together

The president of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) on Tuesday expressed confidence that the construction of a new medical research complex and the recruitment of top-tier talent could move forward simultaneously, ahead of the facility's planned opening in 2028. A medical education and research complex is now under construction at the university's Clear Water Bay campus, following the government’s approval last November to establish the city’s third medical school. The complex will house the university’s new School of Medicine and play a key role in supporting teaching and research during its initial phase. Speaking to reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony for the complex on Tuesday, Nancy Ip said the new medical school had already drawn strong interest from international medical professionals. She noted that seven clinical professors have joined so far, and positive responses have come from individuals in the United States, Europe, Australia and Singapore who are keen to join the university. Ip said she is highly confident that the future medical school’s professors will bring international experience. She also highlighted the potential for collaboration between the third medical school and the city’s two existing medical schools, which could enhance Hong Kong’s contributions to innovative healthcare. Regarding tuition fees and curriculum design, Ip said the university would refer to industry standards. "We will benchmark against the two existing outstanding medical schools and also benchmark against other medical schools in the region. That is an ongoing process," she said. Ip added that HKUST graduates will be both clinically excellent and technologically adept, ready to serve the public as safe, competent and future-ready doctors who can leverage new technologies to improve patient care. Meanwhile, HKUST Council Chairman Harry Shum said the purpose of the third medical school is to provide more medical talent to serve the city’s community. Edited by Tony Sabine