Bridging Global Expertise and Local Insight: HKUST Hosts Dual Meetings to Propel Medical School Vision | The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Top medical experts from the Council Advisory Group (CAG) and Medical Education Taskforce (Task Force) for The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) convened last month to advise the University on its plan to establish the city’s third medical school. The Task Force reviewed and endorsed the design of HKUST’s proposed curriculum, while the CAG encouraged the University to leverage its unique strengths in artificial intelligence (AI) and other cutting-edge technologies to cultivate clinically competent and technology-savvy physicians capable of driving innovations in medicine and healthcare.

Prof. Rosie YOUNG Tse-Tse, the first female Dean of Medicine and former Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hong Kong, has joined the Task Force as its special adviser.  During its recent meeting, the Task Force, now includes four former and current medical deans from local and mainland institutions, as well as veteran doctors and medical experts, reviewed and commended HKUST’s proposed curriculum.

Meanwhile, nearly all overseas CAG members attended their first in-person in meeting in Hong Kong.  CAG Chairman Dr. the Hon. LEONG Che-Hung welcomed the in-person participants, which included Prof. the Lord Ara DARZI from Imperial College London, Prof. David HO from Columbia University, and Prof. WONG Tien-Yin from Tsinghua University.  Prof. Roger KORNBERG from Stanford University joined the meeting virtually. Other attendees from HKUST included Council Chair Prof. Harry SHUM, President Prof. Nancy IP, Council Vice-Chairperson Ms. Edith SHIH, University Treasurer Mr. Stephen YIU Kin-Wah, and other senior management.

The CAG meeting commenced with a presentation by HKUST representatives outlining key strategic areas of the initiative, including the medical school’s positioning, curriculum design, teaching hospital partnerships, recruitment of local and international academics and staff, and sustainable funding models. CAG members offered professional advice and invaluable insights on each aspect, in particular on the benefits and feasibility of a four-year graduate-entry medical program. Members emphasized that by integrating new scientific platforms like AI and other technologies early in medical education, students can become tech-savvy clinicians prepared to drive innovations in medicine and therapeutics, while transforming healthcare delivery. With HKUST’s strong foundation in science and technology, particularly in AI, biomedical, and engineering sciences, the University can play a vital role in the future of medicine and to Hong Kong’s development as an international hub for medical training, research, and innovation.

CAG Chairman Dr. Leong recognized the efforts of HKUST. “Leveraging its unique strengths in AI and cutting-edge research, HKUST's visionary approach to medical education—focused on nurturing clinically competent and technology-savvy doctors with scientific mindset —is truly commendable. Their commitment to integrating innovative medical training approaches will undoubtedly prepare the next generation of doctors to lead breakthroughs in patient care. With the CAG’s expert guidance, I believe HKUST’s proposed medical school will address local healthcare needs while positioning Hong Kong at the forefront of global healthcare innovation,” he said. 

HKUST Council Chairman Prof. Harry Shum expressed profound appreciation for both CAG and the Task Force’s contributions. “I extend my deepest gratitude to every member of the CAG and Task Force for their unwavering commitment and expertise, especially to the overseas members who bridged the gap from four different time zones to join us either in person or online. Their diverse backgrounds and global perspectives have been instrumental in setting HKUST’s vision for the third medical school in Hong Kong, ensuring our approach to nurturing future healthcare talent embraces the evolving demands of the field,” he said. 

HKUST President Prof. Nancy Ip also expressed gratitude to both CAG and the Task Force for their strong support. “Comprising renowned local and overseas medical leaders, clinicians, and scholars, members from the CAG and the Task Group bring unparalleled practical experience and a wealth of expertise spanning medicine, public health, and education, riding on their local, mainland, and international engagements. Their guidance will help develop our medical school into a beacon of innovation that drives medical advancements. Together, we are building an institution where clinical excellence and technological ingenuity converge to shape the future of medicine,” she stated.

The two meetings concluded with a clear roadmap to advance the proposal, including finalizing the curriculum framework and a formal submission. The CAG and Task Force will continue to provide strategic guidance, ensuring the successful establishment of HKUST’s proposed medical school as a transformative institution for Hong Kong and beyond.

About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology  
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university committed to innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. Our holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach is recognized globally. HKUST placed 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, 19th Worldwide and No.1 in Hong Kong in Times Higher Education’s impact Rankings. Twelve of HKUST’s subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. Of these, "Data Science and Artificial Intelligence" ranked first in Hong Kong and 10th in the world. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently placing among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. Our research and entrepreneurship endeavors are also innovative and impactful. Over 80% of our work was rated “Internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the latest Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. As of November 2024, HKUST members have founded 1,800 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 16 exits (IPO or M&A).