The first step towards realizing HKUST’s bold vision to redefine medical education in Hong Kong began at the groundbreaking ceremony on April 28 for HKUST’s Medical Education and Research Complex.
This ceremony marked the start of the construction for the city’s third medical school, which serves as the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s broader ambition to become an international hub for medical innovation and health technology.
Held at Shaw Auditorium, the ceremony was graced by The Hon. John K.C. LEE, Chief Executive of the HKSAR and HKUST Chancellor, Mr. ZHOU Ji, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, and Mr. LI Yongsheng, Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR, alongside a distinguished lineup of government officials and university leaders.
Prof. Harry SHUM, Chairman of the HKUST Council, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to both the Central Government and the HKSAR Government for their longstanding trust and unwavering support, which have enabled HKUST to take on the important responsibility of nurturing a new generation of medical professionals for Hong Kong.
Guided by the national “Healthy China” strategy and the 15th Five‑Year Plan, he noted that HKUST will fully leverage its strengths in technology, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration to advance high‑quality development in medical education and research.
“The groundbreaking of the Medical Education and Research Complex marks a critical milestone in translating our vision into concrete action,” Prof. Shum said. “This facility will provide future medical students with a world class environment for teaching and research, while also serving as a key platform through which HKUST contributes to and supports the long term development of Hong Kong’s healthcare system.”
Looking ahead, Prof. Shum reaffirmed HKUST’s commitment to supporting Hong Kong’s deeper integration into the national development landscape. By working closely with stakeholders across sectors, the University aims to cultivate medical talent who combine professional excellence with innovative thinking, and to make tangible contributions to enhancing healthcare standards regionally and nationwide.
The ceremony held added significance as it coincided with HKUST’s 35th anniversary. Reflecting on this milestone, HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP remarked that the establishment of the School of Medicine embodies the same courage and spirit of innovation that have defined HKUST since its founding.
“Our School of Medicine will leverage our strengths in science and engineering, business, and the humanities and social sciences to nurture a new generation of doctors who excel clinically, are guided by compassion, and are equipped with the technological and analytical capabilities required by the evolving healthcare landscape,” said President Ip.
She envisioned the new complex as a foundational base to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, strengthening both medical education and University-wide innovation.
The Hon. John K.C. LEE, Chief Executive of the HKSAR and HKUST Chancellor, also expressed his support for HKUST, noting that HKUST’s medical school will adopt a differentiated development approach to the city’s two existing medical schools. “By fostering synergy and innovation, it will generate multiplier effects and raise the city’s overall medical education capabilities,” said Mr. Lee.
He said that the National 15th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong in becoming an international hub for high-caliber talent, and that a new medical school will help turn that vision into reality, attracting and training top talent in healthcare and higher education. Equally important, the new medical school will ensure higher quality, greater efficiency, and greater capacity in local healthcare and medical services.
“The Government’s goal is to ensure that the new medical school and its teaching hospital become a key pillar of Hong Kong's medical teaching and service system. The Government is backing this commitment with substantial resources. We have set aside funding, on a matching basis, to support HKUST,” he said. “Today’s groundbreaking of the HKUST Medical Education and Research Complex is a tangible step forward. It will support the new medical school's phased development for years to come.”
The new eight-story complex on the Clear Water Bay campus, spanning a site area of approximately 6,000m2, will serve as the principal teaching and research base for the School of Medicine during its initial phase. The building is expected to be completed by mid-2028, providing state-of-the-art facilities to welcome the inaugural cohort of students.
Looking ahead to long-term integration in the University Town in the Northern Metropolis, the HKUST School of Medicine is slated to eventually relocate to a permanent home in Ngau Tam Mei, which will significantly boost the development of the Greater Bay Area.
By integrating rigorous clinical training with HKUST’s established strengths in science and engineering, the University is committed to advancing patient care, accelerating medical research, and shaping the future of medical innovation in Hong Kong and beyond.
The architectural design concept of the HKUST Medical Education and Research Complex.
HKUST Medical Education and Research Complex is expected to be completed by mid-2028.
