Task Group on New Medical School discusses next steps for evaluating proposals on establishment of third medical school (with photo)
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At the meeting, the Task Group agreed to adopt a holistic and comprehensive approach, in accordance with the 10 key parameters as set out earlier (including the financial sustainability of the new medical school), for evaluating the proposals submitted by universities from various perspectives. The expert advisors and other members of the Task Group will conduct an in-depth evaluation of the proposals in their respective areas of expertise. Apart from evaluating the content of the proposals, the Task Group also plans to conduct interviews within the second quarter of this year with the universities which have submitted proposals to get a better grasp of the proposals for making a consolidated consideration. The Task Group expects to complete the evaluation and recommend to the Government within this year a proposal that is in line with developing Hong Kong into an international medical training, research and innovation hub.
Professor Lo said, "I hope that the final recommendation put forward by the Task Group later this year on the establishment of the new medical school will bring the standards of medical education and research in Hong Kong to new heights. In addition, the Financial Secretary has announced in the 2025-26 Budget that the Government will set aside resources to support universities in the development of the new medical school on a matching basis. In this connection, the financial sustainability of the proposed new medical school is of great importance. The funding arrangement of the new medical school is in fact also one of the 10 key parameters for consideration as set out by the Task Group earlier. The Task Group will examine in detail whether the proposals provide for a diversified funding plan, combined with viable financial management, to ensure the long-term and sustainable development of the new medical school."
Dr Choi said, "The 2024-2035 master plan on building China into a leading country in education newly released by our nation strives to accelerate the development of world-class universities and advanced disciplines. The assessment framework for the new medical school as endorsed by the Task Group lays down clear assessment requirements and criteria, including teaching and learning quality, and research excellence. As an important part of the Northern Metropolis University Town (NMUT), the new medical school not only can contribute to the overall development of the relevant university, but also enhance the academic and research excellence of the medical sector, which is conducive to developing Hong Kong into an international post-secondary education hub. We expect that the proposals to be submitted by the relevant institutions will set out collaborative development strategies with the higher education clusters and the medical sector in the vicinity of the NMUT to enhance the international competitiveness of Hong Kong's post-secondary education."
The Task Group was established in October last year and has formulated the directions and parameters for establishing the new medical school. The 10 key parameters for consideration consist of Innovative strategic positioning, Staffing, Campus and teaching facilities, Clinical exposure and learning resources, Curriculum structure and assessment methodologies, Student admission arrangements, Funding arrangements, Implementation plan, Teaching and learning quality, as well as Research excellence. The Task Group issued a letter of invitation in December last year to local universities interested in establishing the new medical school for submission of proposals by March 17 this year, and held a briefing session to introduce to universities the relevant arrangements.
Ends/Friday, February 28, 2025
Issued at HKT 18:48
Issued at HKT 18:48
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