PolyU faces financial challenges but remains committed to growth

Hong Kong Polytechnic University will “share both prosperity and hardship” with the government amid potential cuts to university funds, council chairman Lam Tai-fai said. 

Speaking at a media luncheon on Wednesday, Lam noted that the government has indicated intentions to reduce financial support for universities in both direct and indirect ways due to consecutive years of fiscal deficits. 

However, he expressed hope that such cuts would prove to be "more bark than bite," saying PolyU’s commitment to supporting society through challenges.

“We will share both prosperity and hardship, and I believe the university and government have the wisdom and courage to approach the issue,” he said. 

Despite financial pressures, Lam said that PolyU would not halt its development plans. 

The institution will continue to recruit talent and explore cost-saving measures, saying , “No matter how tight our budget is, we will keep moving forward.” 

Lam also confirmed that PolyU would submit its proposal for establishing a third medical school in Hong Kong on schedule. 

He dismissed public speculation that the new medical school might adopt a collaborative model with Hong Kong Baptist University and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, labeling such claims as “merely opinions.” 

President Teng Jinguang highlighted the university's extensive experience in offering medical-related programs, boasting tens of thousands of graduates, and believes it has an advantage in establishing a medical school. 

Teng added that the university plans to recruit more clinical medicine teaching and research staff if the bid is successful. 

(Ayra Wang)