Medical experts from around the world bridged the gap from four different time zones and gathered before midnight for the inaugural meeting to help advance The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)'s goal of establishing a third medical school in Hong Kong, an important initiative outlined in the recent Policy Address of Chief Executive of HKSAR.
Chaired by Dr. the Hon. LEONG Che-Hung, a highly respected leader in medicine, public health, and education in Hong Kong, the first meeting of the Council Advisory Group (CAG) was held last month with the full attendance of its members including Prof. the Lord Ara DARZI from Imperial College London, Prof. David HO from Columbia University on the East Coast of the U.S., Prof. Roger KORNBERG from Stanford University on the West Coast, and Prof. WONG Tien-Yin from Tsinghua University in Beijing. CAG was established in November 2024 to provide professional and strategic advice to HKUST's Council regarding the establishment of a new medical school
The meeting that began late at night HK time lasted nearly two hours, during which substantial views and forward-looking suggestions were exchanged. The discussion centered on the principles of the proposed medical school, and members unanimously agreed that scientific research underpins the further development of medicine and medical practice for Hong Kong. The overarching goal of the new medical school is to train students to be exceptional clinicians equipped with a mindset for basic scientific research, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the challenges of future healthcare needs.
Members also envisioned a curriculum that will complement the two existing medical schools in Hong Kong with an innovative strategic position. They agreed that offering the medical program as a second-degree course would ensure that graduates are more mature and socially experienced. This approach aims at developing doctors who treat and care for patients holistically, addressing not only their illness but also their overall well-being. Additionally, members expressed confidence in attracting top-tier global academics to join the new medical school, given the robust teaching and research opportunities at HKUST and its state-of-the-art facilities.
CAG Chairman Dr. Leong described the meeting as highly constructive, adding that the members' full attendance underscores their support and enthusiasm for HKUST's vision of establishing a new medical school that will address Hong Kong's evolving healthcare needs and contribute to the global advancement of medical education and research.
"The participation of our members across four different time zones illustrates their dedication to supporting the principles and spirit behind HKUST's initiative to establish a new medical school. This collaborative effort reflects our shared vision of advancing medical education and research here in Hong Kong - not only to train competent and compassionate clinicians but also to foster a mindset oriented toward scientific research and innovation. With the setup of the new medical school, we strive to attract international medical talent and cultivate global partnerships, ultimately supporting Hong Kong's development into an international hub for medical training, research and innovation," he said.
The meeting concluded on an encouraging note, setting the stage for further discussions and progress. The next CAG meeting is scheduled, with the intention of convening in person at HKUST, allowing members to engage more deeply and experience firsthand the University's infrastructure and its commitment to advancing medical education.
About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university committed to innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. Our holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach is recognized globally. HKUST placed 3rd in the Times Higher Education's Young University Rankings 2024, 19th Worldwide and No.1 in Hong Kong in Times Higher Education's impact Rankings. Twelve of HKUST's subjects were ranked among the world's top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. Of these, "Data Science and Artificial Intelligence" ranked first in Hong Kong and 10th in the world. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently placing among the world's top 30 most sought-after employees. Our research and entrepreneurship endeavors are also innovative and impactful. Over 80% of our work was rated "Internationally excellent" or "world leading" in the latest Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of Hong Kong's University Grants Committee. As of November 2024, HKUST members have founded 1,800 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 16 exits (IPO or M&A).
