The University of Hong Kong's medical school has received over 30 applications from overseas professors after a delegation was sent to the prestigious universities in the United Kingdom -- including Cambridge and Oxford -- to recruit talent.
Lau Chak-sing, the Dean of the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), believed that the overseas professors were interested in the growth prospects that Hong Kong offers, as he led the delegation on the visit last month.
Lau said the professors are attracted not only by Hong Kong but also by China's development opportunities. This comes after China's rapid advancements in science and technology, which present a promising and competitive future for talents.
A minor concern they had, however, was the high cost of living in the city, especially rent. "But fortunately, our tax rates are relatively low and our salaries meet international standards," said Lau.
Strong demand for new graduate entry track
In addition to recruiting faculty members, HKUMed is actively attracting students with its newly launched four-year full-time Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) graduate entry track for degree holders program that offers only 25 spots in its first year.
Despite this, the University has received more than 900 applications, with more than 800 of them coming from local students.
Many applicants have completed their undergraduate studies abroad at institutions like Cambridge, Oxford, and the University College London with strong academic results, according to Lau.
"We hope to bring diverse learning cultures to Hong Kong, foster greater integration, and broaden the international perspectives of local students," added the Dean.
With the growing number of medical students, Lau emphasized the need for two additional student dormitories and related training facilities in the near future.
(Khan Heeba Lazmi and Natasha Ng)
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