PolyU to invest 'money and effort' in a bid to build HK's third medical school

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University will “contribute money and effort” to establish the city’s third medical school, with Council Chairman Lam Tai-fai vowing to build an artificial intelligence-driven training institution for medical talent.

Speaking at a media conference on Wednesday, Lam noted that if PolyU’s application for the third medical school is successful, “the current and next government would not have to pay anything” before moving to Yau Tam Mei in the Northern Metropolis.

He stressed that the university can cover all associated financial costs, aiding the SAR government in navigating its fiscal deficit.

President Teng Jinguang stated that they aim to establish an innovative, efficient, and sustainable medical school to cultivate a new generation of medical talent for the AI era. 

He highlighted the university’s unique strengths, including over 45 years of experience in developing healthcare professionals, a foundation in “medical-engineering integration,” extensive laboratory facilities, and a strong record in medical-related research.

“We will also put special focuses on community-based healthcare and preventive medicine,” added Teng.

He stated these advantages will enable faster and more cost-effective training of medical professionals in Hong Kong, enhancing the city’s status as an international hub for medical innovation and higher education while contributing to the nation’s educational goals.

Regarding the curriculum design, Teng introduced that it will be a four-year medical program aimed at recruiting top students with relevant first degrees.

The school’s program will emphasize the development of clinical skills and meet the certification standards of the Medical Council of Hong Kong.

Key features of the curriculum include technology empowerment, research skills, primary healthcare, preventive medicine, and interprofessional collaboration. 

Teng stated that the university will utilize AI-enabled, student-centered teaching methods and adopt a collegiate system to provide in-depth interdisciplinary research training.

PolyU submitted its proposal to the Task Group on New Medical School on Monday afternoon, alongside Hong Kong Baptist University and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

(Cheng Wong)