HKBU thinks big, seeks move to Northern Metropolis

Hong Kong Baptist University has expressed interest to move to Northern Metropolis' university town to the government and the University Grants Committee, according to president and vice chancellor Alexander Wai Ping-kong.

Wai said HKBU's campus is small and the university hopes any future site could have good transport connections and an area for future expansion.

He, however, stressed that any move is up to the government to decide, including what would become of the current campus in Kowloon Tong.

Wai, speaking in a spring reception yesterday, also stressed that some overseas national security laws are strict and he is not worried if Article 23 legislation would affect academic freedom and the recruitment of education talent.

HKBU also opened up on other developments, including its governing council reviewing the merger plan for the arts and social science faculties in March.

Daniel Lai Wing-leung, dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, said he has not heard of any strong opposition, stressing that students can take trans-disciplinary courses easier after the merger.

Albert Chau Wai-lap, vice president (teaching and learning) and Faculty of Arts acting dean, said resources will not be reduced and promotional opportunities will increase with the reduction of administrative work.

Also, HKBU has proposed changes to its governing council to increase it external members to account for 68 percent from the current 50 percent.

Meanwhile, its Jockey Club Campus of Creativity will be completed on schedule and will have the first batch of students moving in this August.

Offering 1,700 student accommodations, the campus comprises cutting-edge creative arts facilities, including an Asian-first immersive experimental space.

It is going to work with the Airport Authority, M+, Tai Kwun, and even renowned Canadian filmmaker James Cameron, according to interim chief innovation officer Terrance Lau Lok-ting.

With a gross floor area of 7,500 square meters, the campus costs HK$2.3 billion to construct, with HK$1.1 billion from the UGC, HK$400 million from the Jockey Club, and contributions from others, according to vice president (administration) and secretary Christine Chow Oi-wan.

An artificial intelligence media lab will be launched by HKBU's School of Communication as early as next month, said newly appointed dean Zhong Bu.

It is modeled after the Massachusetts Institute of Technology media lab.

Separately, HKBU is set to receive millions of dollars from the Department of Science and Technology of Guangdong next month.

Wai said the provincial government made the offer due to HKBU's presence in Zhuhai, the United International College, which is a collaboration with Beijing Normal University.

Since last October, 180 HKBU exchange students from 40 countries have joined programs at the UIC.

Hong Kong's first Chinese medicine hospital, operated by HKBU, will commence service next year.

Wai said it could help standardization and internationalization of Chinese medicine, leveraging on the city's Hospital Authority experience.

School of Chinese Medicine acting dean Li Min said the school has been collaborating not only with mainland counterparts but with German ones too.