PolyU hopes funding cuts will be 'more bark than bite'

Ayra Wang

Polytechnic University will "share both prosperity and hardship" with the administration amid potential cuts to university funding, council chairman Lam Tai-fai said.

Lam said yesterday that the administration has indicated its intentions to reduce financial support for universities in both direct and indirect ways due to years of fiscal deficits.

However, he expressed hope that such cuts would prove to be "more bark than bite," saying PolyU is committed to supporting society through its challenges. "I believe the university and government have the wisdom and courage to approach the issue," he said.

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

It will continue to recruit talent and explore cost-saving measures, with Lam saying that "no matter how tight our budget, we will keep moving forward."

Lam also said PolyU would submit its proposal to set up Hong Kong's third medical school on schedule.

He dismissed public speculation that the new school might take the form of a collaboration with Baptist University and University of Science and Technology, labeling such claims "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 the race for a medical school.

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