The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) will hold regular meetings with a government task group to coordinate development of its new medical school starting this quarter, President Nancy Ip Yuk-yu said Monday.
Speaking at the HKUST media reception, Ip said the university expects to sign a memorandum of understanding with the government in the first quarter covering course accreditation, funding arrangements, teaching hospital resources and faculty recruitment.
She said the university is currently recruiting a founding dean and academic staff. A temporary administrative office has been established to support the process, led by Fok Tai-fai, former dean of the Chinese University’s Faculty of Medicine.
Ip noted that interest has been strong, with several dozen applications under review for the new faculty — which will become Hong Kong’s third medical school.
Ip will also chair a newly formed steering committee tasked with providing strategic direction for the establishment and development of the medical school. Members include university management and prominent healthcare leaders.
On admissions, Ip said the school will follow existing government guidelines, admitting up to half non-local students and at least half local students.
She added that HKUST’s current non-local student body is roughly evenly split between mainland Chinese and international students, and the medical school is expected to maintain a similar composition.
Ip said foundation work has begun on the integrated medical school building at the Clear Water Bay campus, with completion targeted for 2028.
The university has also signed more than 40 cooperation agreements with local and overseas medical schools and healthcare institutions to jointly train medical professionals.
