The government has announced that the third medical school in Hong Kong will be established by HKUST, saying that HKUST will provide part of the funds for the new medical school through its own resources, including donations, etc., to coordinate with the policy of funding the school establishment in a matching form raised in The Budget. The government will also reserve resources to support the development of the new medical school and provide funding from the University Grants Committee to support the enrollment of students and the school's operation.
Dr Choi Yuk-lin, the Secretary for Education, said that the new medical school will be established in Ngau Tam Mei of Northern Metropolis, enjoying a strategic geographical advantage. Its location will be conducive to carrying out outstanding academic research, promoting collaborative efforts in the Greater Bay Area and other regions, and attracting more students and scholars from home and abroad to study or conduct research in Hong Kong.
When asked about the proportion of non-locals among the 50 students admitted in the first stage, Dr Choi said that the current quota for non-local students in funded universities is 50%. Considering medical education is a special human resources planning discipline, the admission of the new school will be monitored.
As for whether a residence period in Hong Kong will be set for the non-local students and whether the courses will require graduates to understand Cantonese as to communicate with patients, Dr Choi believed that HKUST will take the factor of language into consideration for the course arrangement. In her opinion, after the non-local students come to Hong Kong, they will understand that their main aim is to serve the local medical system and contribute to the medical innovation in Hong Kong.
Dr Choi Yuk-lin, the Secretary for Education, Photo source: reference image
Professor Lo Chung-mau, the Secretary for Health, said that doctors need to have communication skills when facing patients. Since Hong Kong is an international city, the medical personnel are expected to be proficient in Cantonese, English, and Mandarin. At present, the two existing medical schools both have language requirements for student enrollment. When it comes to the third medical school, the school also needs to set some requirements for admission and arrange some courses focusing on the development of language communication skills.
Professor Lo Chung-mau, the Secretary for Health, Photo source: reference image
Professor Lo claimed that the establishment of the third medical school is hoped to bring about healthy competition rather than a vicious one. The strategic positioning of the new medical school will combine medical services and scientific research, aiming to cultivate scientists in the field of medicine. The school will admit students through "second degree" programs, which will help to expand the scope of talent recruitment, such as attracting "first degree" undergraduate graduates from the world's most renowned universities, especially those with a background in biomedicine education.
He also said that although HKUST doesn't offer medical-related education currently, the university still has many strengths in life sciences, artificial intelligence, big data, etc. He hoped that the university could apply such advantages to clinical biomedical sciences in the future.
The new medical school aims to cultivate scientists in the field of medicine, Photo source: reference image
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) hosted "Nobel Heroes@HKUST", a special forum featuring four Nobel Laureates who engaged in close interactions with over 400 students, faculty members, and public guests on January 13th. Held as highlight of HKUST's 35th anniversary celebrations, the event underscored the University's dedication to bridging world-renowned scholars with the local community and reinforcing its role as a leading hub for knowledge and talent development.
A group photo of the four Nobel Laureates Prof. Tim HUNT (fifth right), Prof. Louis J. IGNARRO (forth right), Prof. Robert C. MERTON (sixth left), Prof. Konstantin NOVOSELOV (fifth left), HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP (sixth right), HKUST senior management and our esteemed guests. Photo source: HKUST
The Nobel Laureates—honored in Physiology or Medicine, Economic Sciences, Chemistry, and Physics—shared their personal research journeys and insights into the boundless world of scientific discovery. Moderated by HKUST Council Member and Adjunct Professor of the Department of Management, Prof. Poman LO, the forum included vibrant Q&A sessions that explored pressing global challenges and the future of innovation. The distinguish Nobel Laureates were:
Prof. Tim HUNT (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2001), recognized for discoveries of key regulators of the cell cycle;
Prof. Louis J. IGNARRO (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1998), honored for revealing the role of nitric oxide as a signalling molecule in the cardiovascular system;
Prof. Robert C. MERTON (Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences 1997), acclaimed for developing a new method to determine the value of derivatives
Prof. Konstantin NOVOSELOV (Nobel Prize in Physics 2010), distinguished for groundbreaking experiments on the two-dimensional material graphene.
Prof. Hunt shared the journey of his team's discovery of the cell cycle regulator, noting that it was initially deemed "theoretically impossible" by the academic community. However, through years of persistent research and repeated verification, they ultimately succeeded in confirming the existence and function of this factor. He emphasized that researchers should focus on exploring fundamental scientific questions with significant impact, rather than being constrained by their immediate practical applications.
Prof. Ignarro recalled how an accidental observation of a postdoctoral researcher's cigarette smoke inspired him to reveal the property of nitric oxide in dilating arteries. He emphasized the importance of curiosity in scientific research and encouraged researchers to embrace innovative thinking and forge their own paths. He also encouraged young researchers to uphold a never-give-up spirit. Drawing on his personal experiences in sports such as baseball, he stressed that the key to success lies in “playing to win,” not merely seeking enjoyment.
Prof. Merton inspired the audience with an analogy from the investment world: risk and return are inseparable—the greater the risk undertaken, the higher the potential return. He emphasized that to pursue more promising opportunities, one must be prepared to accept a corresponding increase in uncertainty.
Prof. Novoselov pointed out that research work should be grounded in genuine passion and curiosity, rather than chasing fleeting trends that lack long-term value. He advised researchers to choose fields that can consistently ignite their enthusiasm for inquiry, avoiding the pitfall of giving up midway due to a mere whim.
HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP extended her heartfelt gratitude to the distinguished Nobel Laureates and the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings for this exceptional partnership, which meaningfully coincides with HKUST's 35th‑anniversary celebrations. She remarked, "Education is not a one-way transmission of facts; it is a vibrant dialogue that stretches the imagination and reshapes assumptions. Today's dialogue is not just an opportunity to meet these esteemed scientists; it is a chance to engage with the very essence of scientific inquiry and discovery. The journeys of our Nobel Laureates exemplify the spirit of curiosity, creativity, innovation, and resilience that we strive to nurture at HKUST. Their achievements demonstrate that science knows no boundaries and that collaboration across disciplines and borders is essential for addressing the challenges we face."
Co-organized by HKUST, Laureates City Holdings Limited, Red Carpet Investments Limited, and Sunwah Kingsway Capital Holdings Limited, and proudly supported by the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, this event underscores Hong Kong's growing stature as a global hub for innovation, technology, and academic exchange.
Moderated by HKUST Council Member and Adjunct Professor of the Department of Management, Prof. Poman LO (first right), the Nobel laureates engage in an interactive Q&A session with participants. Photo source: HKUST
