Applications for Hung Shui Kiu uni town campuses open

Institutions interested in developing campuses in Hung Shui Kiu, one of Hong Kong's three university towns earmarked for growth, can now submit applications, according to Secretary for Education Christine Choi. Addressing a press conference on the government's five-year plan and annual Policy Address, Choi revealed three potential locations for eligible institutions to apply.

The first site is located west of the projected Hung Shui Kiu station on the Tuen Ma line, encompassing 11 sites. The second location is north of the station project, consisting of three sites adjacent to enterprise, technology, and housing developments. The third area is a single site situated near a modern logistics cluster. Choi emphasized that institutions may apply for land in one or multiple areas simultaneously for various purposes, such as constructing permanent campuses, relocating existing ones, providing or upgrading facilities, and establishing student hostels.

Furthermore, institutions aiming to establish themselves in the university town must promote complementary advantages and coordinated development across all areas through curriculum design, talent cultivation, industry-academia-research collaboration, and shared facilities. Choi stressed that the university towns should function as bridges connecting education, industry, the community, and the region, while the development sites should enhance Hong Kong's status as an international education hub, with a focus on frontier interdisciplinary research, addressing key industries' needs, and collaborating with local businesses to cultivate necessary talent.

Institutions are encouraged to collaborate with prominent mainland and overseas institutions and leading enterprises, as well as develop shared facilities. Regarding financing, Choi noted that loan proposal submissions are optional and must adhere to basic loan terms. Those submitting competitive proposals or not requiring loans will receive priority consideration.

According to the Education Bureau's website, applications are due by December 31. The Policy Address also mentioned that sites in the Northern Metropolis will be allocated for international school development the following year. Choi acknowledged that the location and sites are still in a dynamic planning stage, and more details will become available as the demand, population, and implementation of the Northern Metropolis University Town progress.