Hong Kong — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has announced plans to establish the city’s third medical school, focusing on integrating artificial intelligence into medical training. At a press conference on Monday, council chairman Lam Tai-fai outlined the university’s commitment to fund the initiative, promising that neither the current nor future government would bear financial burdens associated with the project.
The proposed medical school, intended for Yau Tam Mei in the Northern Metropolis, aims to alleviate the government’s fiscal deficit by fully covering all associated costs. Lam expressed confidence in the application process, stating, “If PolyU’s application is successful, the government would not have to pay anything ahead of the launch.”
PolyU President Teng Jinguang emphasized the institution’s extensive background in healthcare education, boasting over 45 years of experience and a strong focus on “medical-engineering integration.” He highlighted the university’s advanced laboratory facilities and robust research track record, stating that these strengths position PolyU to cultivate a new generation of medical professionals equipped for the AI era.
“Innovation, efficiency, and sustainability will be at the core of our medical school,” Teng noted, indicating a commitment to community-based healthcare and preventive medicine as essential components of the curriculum.
The proposed four-year program aims to recruit top students with relevant degrees, emphasizing clinical skills development while adhering to the certification standards of the Medical Council of Hong Kong. Key curriculum features will include technology empowerment, research skills, primary healthcare, preventive medicine, and interprofessional collaboration.
Teng outlined plans for AI-enabled, student-centered teaching methods and a collegiate system designed to foster interdisciplinary research training. This approach is expected to streamline the training of medical professionals, further enhancing Hong Kong’s reputation as an international hub for medical innovation and higher education.
PolyU’s proposal was submitted to the Task Group on New Medical School alongside applications from Hong Kong Baptist University and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. As the competition heats up, the outcome could significantly impact the future landscape of medical education in Hong Kong.
