​The research task force set up by the Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town (WG) under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis will pay visits to Europe. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will depart late tonight (May 17) for visit to Germany, while the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, will commence her visit to Switzerland on May 20. They will respectively conduct site visits to local higher education and innovation and technology (I&T) infrastructure, and exchange views with officials, experts and scholars on their successful experiences and development strategies to efficiently advance the construction of the Northern Metropolis University Town.

     The delegation led by Mr Chan will visit Aachen, Stuttgart and Heilbronn to inspect local higher education campuses and university towns, and exchange views with officials, representatives from higher education institutions, experts and scholars on the operation and development of the campuses, the development of universities of applied sciences and their industry-education collaboration. The delegation will also visit an AI innovation park to learn about its efforts in promoting AI development and nurturing I&T talent. Representatives of the Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS Alliance) will join parts of the trip.

     Dr Choi will visit Bern, Basel and Zurich with representatives of the WG and the UAS Alliance to inspect various local universities, and exchange views with education officials on strengthening collaboration.

     Mr Chan will conclude his visit to Germany and depart for Hong Kong on May 21, arriving on the morning of May 22. During his absence, the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, will be the Acting Chief Secretary for Administration. Dr Choi will conclude her visit to Switzerland and depart for Hong Kong on May 23, arriving on the morning of May 24. During her absence, the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Sze Chun-fai, will be the Acting Secretary for Education.

Ends/Sunday, May 17, 2026
Issued at HKT 9:00

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