Wednesday, 16 October 2024
Below is the response of Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) to the 2024 Policy Address delivered by the Chief Executive today (16 October):
HKBU welcomes the Government’s establishment of the Committee on Education, Technology and Talents led by the Chief Secretary for Administration. Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU, said that the Committee’s establishment can steer the integrated development of education, technology and talents in Hong Kong at a high level. This helps to consolidate the relevant policies so that education development can fully align with the strategic needs of Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and the Nation.
HKBU supports the Government’s proposal to create the “Study in Hong Kong” brand. Professor Wai pointed out that Hong Kong’s higher education enjoys the unique advantage of being an international talent hub that integrates the East and the West. It has many universities which are highly internationalised, backed by the huge talent pool as well as education and research resources of the Mainland. These essential conditions are conducive to attracting outstanding overseas students to study and pursue their career development in Hong Kong. HKBU also welcomes other relevant initiatives proposed by the Government, including strengthening global promotion, improving hostel facilities, and providing scholarships for non-local students. HKBU hopes that the Government can continue to invest resources in the future to help higher education institutions elevate their education qualities as well as teaching and research facilities to support the development of the “Study in Hong Kong” brand.
The Policy Address also mentioned that the Government has earmarked over 80 hectares of land in the Northern Metropolis for the Northern Metropolis University Town, and plans to publish the Northern Metropolis University Town Development Conceptual Framework in the first half of 2026. Professor Wai stated that HKBU will explore related policies and seek to partner with Mainland and overseas institutions to develop more diversified projects in joint programme, research and exchange in support of the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town.
HKBU also welcomes the numerous initiatives proposed by the Government to support the development of scientific research and innovative industries, including establishing the third InnoHK research cluster and launching a new round of Research Matching Grant Scheme totalling HK$1.5 billion. The Government also plans to set up a HK$10 billion I&T Industry-Oriented Fund, redeploy HK$1.5 billion from the Innovation and Technology Venture Fund to set up funds jointly with the market, and launch the I&T Accelerator Pilot Scheme with a funding allocation of HK$180 million. Professor Wai said that these measures will support the translation of research outputs of universities and other research bodies, further reinforce the collaboration between the industry, academic and research sectors, and promote the development of Hong Kong's innovative technology in an industry-oriented manner.
On the development of Chinese medicine, Professor Wai said that HKBU fully supports the Government’s vision of developing Hong Kong into a bridgehead for the internationalisation of Chinese medicine. As the contractor for the service deed of the first Chinese Medicine Hospital in Hong Kong, HKBU is working in full gear on the preparatory work for the Hospital, which is expected to be completed and begin its phased operation next year. This will support the Government’s initiative in exploring the application of big data to promote research on the interaction of Chinese and Western medicines and expanding the integrative Chinese-Western medicine service.
In addition, the Policy Address stipulated that the Government will invite universities interested in establishing a new medical school to submit their proposals. Professor Wai said that HKBU has been committed to improving the health of the public through quality medical education, research and services. The University supports the plan to establish a third medical school by local universities, and will actively explore this matter.
HKBU proactively supports the Government in enhancing Hong Kong's role as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange in order to strengthen the cultural soft power of Hong Kong and the Nation. The University’s teaching and learning, research, innovation and translation efforts in two of its strategic areas, namely creative media and practice as well as humanities and cultures, complement fully the Government’s measures in promoting cultural and art exchange between the East and the West.
Regarding sports development, the Policy Address has proposed bolstering the training system and setting up a committee to oversee the development of sports medicine and sports science. Committed to promoting the development of sport in Hong Kong, HKBU has been conducting sport science research and offers comprehensive and diversified sport science and management programmes. The University will seek to engage actively in the relevant Government initiatives in this area.