The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has established a Medical Education Task Force (Task Force) to help achieve HKUST's goal of establishing the third medical school in Hong Kong. Operating under the Planning Committee for the New Medical School, the Task Force, comprising veteran scholars and doctors with profound experience in medical education planning and public healthcare, will provide strategic advice to HKUST on planning an innovative medical curriculum.
Led by HKUST Honorary Court member Dr. Michael MAK Hoi-hung, the Planning Committee set up last year consists of a diverse lineup of Council members and external experts from various fields, spanning medical services, higher education, law and finance. It advises on a host of important activities critical to the successful establishment of the third medical school including strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and identification of partners and talents. The Medical Education Task Force, on the other hand, focuses on the medical curriculum for the new medical school and provides professional advice in relation to global medical education trends, local societal needs, and requirements of the Medical Council of Hong Kong, charting the way for HKUST to nurture talents for Hong Kong healthcare system.
To consolidate efforts in developing a curriculum that meets international medical education standards and aligns with the local clinical training environment, current and former medical school deans from the Planning Committee have joined the Medical Education Task Force. They include the two Task Force co-chairs Prof. FOK Tai-Fai, former Dean of Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), a five-time teaching award winner and a world-renowned expert in neonatology, and Prof. Raymond LIANG Hin-Suen, former Dean of Medicine at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and a specialist in haematological and haematological oncology; as well as Prof. WONG Tien-Yin, Dean of Tsinghua Medical, a prominent Singaporean ophthalmologist and physician-scientist.
The Task Force also consists of members with extensive experiences from local public hospitals, such as Dr. HO Hiu-Fai, former Deputy Chief Executive of Queen Elizabeth Hospital who had served in the hospital's Accident & Emergency Department for over 30 years, and Dr. SO Hing-Yu, President of the Hong Kong College of Anaesthesiologists at the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, who previously served as Director of the Intensive Care Unit at Prince of Wales Hospital. Together with Prof. WONG Yung-Hou, Dean of Science at HKUST and a former member of the Medical Council of Hong Kong, the Task Force will support HKUST to develop a medical program that prepares students for local medical practice and future clinical challenges, with a patient-centered approach and the integration of cutting-edge technology and clinical medicine.
HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP expressed her gratitude for the support from distinguished medical educators and professionals in pursuing the University's vision. "The formation of the Medical Education Task Force under the Planning Committee reflects our commitment to advancing medical education in planning for the third medical school in Hong Kong. The members of this Task Force are respected figures in medical education and clinical practice within public healthcare. Their extensive experience and insights will provide essential guidance as we develop a forward-thinking curriculum dedicated to nurturing the next generation of medical professionals who are compassionate, patient-centered, and equipped with a scientific mindset to address the challenges of future medicine. With the backing of our Council Advisory Group and the Planning Committee, we are poised to establish a medical school that will meet the highest international standards while catering to local healthcare needs," she stated.
The University is also forging partnerships with leading medical schools and hospitals both nationally and globally to facilitate collaboration in medical education, clinical training, research and innovation.
*Please refer to the annex for full membership list of the Planning Committee and Medical Education Task Force.
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).
