PolyU pledges to spend time and money on 'school for the AI era'

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 press conference yesterday, Lam said that if PolyU's application for the third medical school is successful, "the current and next government would not have to pay anything" ahead of the launch of the project in Yau Tam Mei in the Northern Metropolis.

He said the university can cover all associated financial costs, aiding the 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 talent for the AI era.

He highlighted the university's 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 focus on community-based healthcare and preventive medicine," he said.

Teng said 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, Teng said that it will be a four-year medical program aimed at recruiting top students with relevant first degrees. The 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 said that the university will use 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, alongside Hong Kong Baptist University and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.Cheng Wong