Delegation Explores Beijing and Xiong'an for Insights on Northern Metropolis University Town Development

2026-04-01 20:18 Last Updated At：21:33

CS leads delegation of Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town to visit Beijing Municipal Administrative Center and Xiong'an New Area in Hebei

The delegation of the Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis, led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (April 1) continued its visit. Representatives from the eight University Grants Committee-funded universities also joined the delegation today. They visited the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center and Xiong'an New Area in Hebei, which are listed as part of the "one core and two wings" national development strategy, to learn about practical experience in large-scale new area planning and construction, with a view to providing solid reference for the planning and construction of the Northern Metropolis University Town (NMUT).

Click to Gallery

CS leads delegation of Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town to visit Beijing Municipal Administrative Center and Xiong'an New Area in Hebei (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

More Images

CS leads delegation of Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town to visit Beijing Municipal Administrative Center and Xiong'an New Area in Hebei (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

In the morning, the delegation visited the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center, touring the planning exhibition hall, the Yunhe Business District, the Beijing Library and the Grand Canal Museum of Beijing. They learned about the overall planning and development of the Center, its experience in attracting and concentrating higher education resources, as well as promoting the integration of the industry, academic and research sectors. They also observed the canal-side development and conservation and the construction of major public cultural facilities there.

Mr Chan said that the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center has been developed into a world-class harmonious and liveable demonstration area through high-standard planning, green and smart development, and a model of integration between campus and city. He said he hopes to draw on its valuable experience in relieving city functions, sharing resources, and innovation ecosystems, thereby providing practical inspiration for the top-level design, smart campus development and sustainable growth of the NMUT.

In the afternoon, the delegation visited Xiong'an New Area in Hebei, touring the comprehensive service centre of Xiong'an's start-up area. They learned about its planning and construction, as well as its "one-stop" integrated services for relieving Beijing of functions that are not essential to its role as the nation's capital. Subsequently, the delegation visited the University Town of Fifth Cluster North Collaborative Innovation Exhibition Hall and the Beijing Forestry University Xiong'an Campus Smart Exhibition Hall and project construction site.

Mr Chan said that the first batch of Beijing universities' campuses in Xiong'an has entered a large-scale construction stage, achieving campus-city integration, deep integration of industry and education, and smart and green development, injecting strong innovative vitality into the new area. He added that the delegation learned about Xiong'an New Area's experience in fields such as higher education institution and industry linkage, infrastructure-led development, and sustainable planning. It will provide valuable insights for the high-quality planning and construction of the NMUT, helping it develop into a hub for international education, innovation, and technology.

Mr Chan, the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, and other members of the delegation returned to Beijing tonight and will continue their visit tomorrow (April 2).

Immigration Department Celebrates 65th Anniversary at Passing-out Parade for New Officers

Director of Immigration officiates at Passing-out Parade

The Director of Immigration, Mr Benson Kwok, officiated at the Passing-out Parade at the Immigration Service Institute of Training and Development today (April 1) to review 130 officers on parade, including 41 Immigration Officers and 89 Immigration Assistants.

In his speech, Mr Kwok said that the year 2026 marks the significant milestone of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the Immigration Department (ImmD). He stated that since its establishment in 1961, the ImmD has always walked abreast with the Hong Kong community, staying united in guarding Hong Kong and serving the public. Reflecting on his 36 years of service with the ImmD, he has witnessed the continuous evolution of its services, which has fully demonstrated the spirit of keeping pace with the times and striving for excellence. With the department's headquarters relocated to Tseung Kwan O, all its branches have been working together to enhance efficiency by proactively embracing technology and harnessing AI to move towards the era of a "Smart ImmD" while steadfastly upholding its original aspiration of providing "people-oriented" services.

Looking ahead, Mr Kwok remarked that the ImmD will continue to stand at the forefront of Hong Kong's development, supporting the National 15th Five-Year Plan, and to better integrate into and serve the overall development of the country. Specifically, this will include further enhancement of clearance modes at various control points, implementing "collaborative inspection and joint clearance" and "contactless clearance"; deep integration of AI with next-generation identity-identification technologies to ensure Hong Kong's continued leading position in immigration management internationally; and constant refinement of visa policies to inject new impetus into Hong Kong's economic development.

Mr Kwok encouraged the graduates to remain united and display team spirit. He also urged them to demonstrate integrity and probity during law enforcement, while maintaining a warm and sincere attitude when delivering services to honour the uniform they put on. He expressed hope that the graduates, in whatever positions, would "identify, respond to and steer changes" to ensure that ImmD service has always acted ahead of time.

During the parade, the Immigration Band played multiple pieces of military band music of a new era, patriotic songs and pop classics, then assembled with the Guard of Honour to form the number "65", followed by concentric circles representing the department's values. This was to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the department's establishment, and to symbolise that all members of the ImmD work in seamless harmony with one heart and one mind. The ImmD is committed to taking the safeguarding of national security as its primary mission by upholding its core values of "Patriotism and Perseverance", thereby guarding the southern gateway of the country while fully supporting social development and the needs of the community.

Delegation Explores Beijing and Xiong'an for Insights on Northern Metropolis University Town Development

HK