'Synergy effect will be achieved in uni towns'

Saint Francis University's president Stephen Cheung has proposed the establishment of a cross-institutional research fund to promote collaboration among universities in the Northern Metropolis. The Chief Executive of the Special Administrative Region, John Lee, announced in the first five-year plan that the government will expedite the development of three university towns in the region, covering more than 1,000 hectares in San Tin, Hung Shui Kiu and Ta Kwu Ling.

Cheung expressed enthusiasm for participating in a synergy effect between the high-tech industry, universities, and the community. He envisions facilities that will be mutually beneficial for all universities to use, fostering research and development as well as teaching. Cheung believes that a cross-institutional fund could be created to encourage universities to pool their research strengths together, particularly for multidisciplinary projects, while also creating synergy with industry.

However, Cheung clarified that Saint Francis University will not establish a campus in the Northern Metropolis, as the private college plans to build its second campus in Tai Wai, with construction set to commence early next year.