Hong Kong Delegation Visits Korea to Study University Town Development Models for Northern Metropolis Project

CS leads delegation of Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town to commence visit to Korea

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, led the delegation of the Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis to commence a four-day visit to Korea today (April 21). The delegation will conduct on-site visits to study the development models and practical experiences of local university towns, with a view to providing a solid reference for the planning and construction of the Northern Metropolis University Town (NMUT).

The delegation first met with the Ambassador for International Relations of Sejong City Government, Mr Lee Ho-shik, to learn about the local development of shared university campuses, as well as the experiences of industry-academia-research integration and talent attraction. They also exchanged views on deepening co-operation in the education field between the two places.

Mr Chan said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is actively developing the NMUT, with the aim of establishing it as an international education and innovation and technology hub. He expressed hope that through the visit, the delegation could draw on Sejong's successful experience in building a multi-university ecosystem and learn from its experiences, considerations and insights in campus planning, shared facility management, talent attraction strategies, and the creation of a university community that drives innovation and economic growth. He also hoped the visit would promote exchanges and co-operation in the education sector between the two places.

Afterwards, the delegation visited the Sejong Common Campus. Officially opened in 2024, the campus houses a number of Korea's top-tier universities, including Seoul National University, Chungbuk National University, Chungnam National University, Hanbat National University and the Korea Development Institute School of Public Policy and Management. The delegation toured institutions and facilities, including a shared academic and cultural support centre. They also met with the Chairman of the Sejong Common Campus Foundation, Mr Han Seog-soo, to gain an in-depth understanding of the campus's operation and planning.

Mr Chan said that the Sejong Common Campus created an integrated, open and collaborative ecosystem with multiple institutions, which is innovative and forward-looking in higher education development. Meanwhile, the campus has integrated education, technology and talent development, achieving results in sustainable and smart campus development, deep integration of industry, academia and research, as well as the establishment of an entrepreneurship ecosystem. Mr Chan hoped to bring the successful experience from Sejong back to Hong Kong, helping the city build a more innovative, sustainable and vibrant NMUT that effectively integrates education, research and industry, while continuing to promote deeper exchanges and co-operation in the education sector between the two places.

Mr Chan, the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, and other members of the delegation will proceed to Daejeon tomorrow (April 22) to continue the visit.

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (April 21) led the delegation of the Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis to visit Korea. Photo shows Mr Chan (third right), the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin (fourth right), and the delegation visiting the Sejong Common Campus. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (April 21) led the delegation of the Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis to visit Korea. Photo shows Mr Chan (second right) and the delegation visiting the Sejong Common Campus. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (April 21) led the delegation of the Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis to visit Korea. Photo shows Mr Chan (second right), the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin (third right), and the delegation visiting the Sejong Common Campus and being briefed on the campus' operation and planning. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (April 21) led the delegation of the Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis to visit Korea. Photo shows Mr Chan (fifth left), the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin (seventh left), and the delegation meeting with the Ambassador for International Relations of the Sejong City Government, Mr Lee Ho-shik (sixth left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (April 21) led the delegation of the Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis to visit Korea. Photo shows Mr Chan (third left), the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin (second left), and the delegation exchanging views with the Ambassador for International Relations of the Sejong City Government, Mr Lee Ho-shik (fourth left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects dangerous drugs case and seizes suspected drugs worth about $27 million

Hong Kong Customs detected a dangerous drugs case yesterday (May 12), and seized about 35.7 kilograms of suspected cocaine, 235 grams of suspected ketamine and 64g of suspected crack cocaine in Tseung Kwan O and Shau Kei Wan. The total estimated market value was about $27 million. A 31-year-old man was arrested.

During an anti-narcotics operation conducted in Tseung Kwan O yesterday afternoon, Customs officers intercepted a suspicious man and seized about 30kg of suspected cocaine inside a suitcase and a backpack carried by him. The man was subsequently arrested. Customs officers later escorted him to a residential premises nearby for a search and further seized about 5.4kg of suspected cocaine. Upon a follow-up investigation, the man was further brought to an industrial premises in Shau Kei Wan for a search, and about 307g of suspected cocaine, 235g of suspected ketamine, 64g of suspected crack cocaine and a batch of suspected drug packaging paraphernalia were seized.

The arrested man has been charged with three counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs and will appear at the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (May 14).

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs detects dangerous drugs case and seizes suspected drugs worth about $27 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects dangerous drugs case and seizes suspected drugs worth about $27 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases