In a landmark visit, Minister of Education Mr Huai Jinpeng led a delegation to PolyU, engaging in in-depth discussions with the University’s management team and researchers to gain insights into the latest advancements in research and knowledge transfer, with a particular emphasis on cutting-edge technological breakthroughs in medicine, healthcare, and AI-powered medical innovations.

Mr Huai commended PolyU’s educational philosophy of nurturing young students with a strong sense of national pride, competence, and responsibility. Guided by this approach, generations of PolyU talent have advanced their professions while contributing to the development of Hong Kong and the Nation. He further lauded PolyU as a world-class institution that commands societal respect through its value creation and scholarly achievements, developing innovative solutions that address global challenges. More importantly, through its emphasis on technological innovation and talent development closely aligned with real-world societal needs, PolyU has solidified its standing as a leading university in the modern era.

Accompanied by Dr Lam Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman; Professor Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU President and other management team members, the delegation visited the AIR Lab at the University’s Industrial Centre. During the visit, PolyU scholars presented and demonstrated 10 groundbreaking projects in medicine, healthcare and AI, showcasing the University’s research advancements in medicine-engineering integration and AI-powered medical technologies.

In the meeting, Dr Lam outlined the University’s strategic development plan and elaborated on the proposal to establish Hong Kong’s third medical school, stating, “PolyU is committed not only to driving innovations and AI applications, but also to nurturing healthcare professionals with compassion and patient-centred values. With our extensive experience in healthcare-related education, robust research capabilities, exceptional operational performance, and institutional cohesion, we are well prepared to undertake this mission with the same level of dedication we demonstrated in supporting the Nation’s landmark space missions. PolyU pledges to mobilise the required financial and human resources, unite our collective efforts, and overcome any challenges to establish Hong Kong’s third medical school. The HKSAR Government can be assured of our capability to deliver on this important initiative.”

Professor Teng emphasised PolyU’s strong commitment to supporting the Government in establishing Hong Kong’s third medical school. This initiative will not only elevate the development of healthcare services for both the Nation and Hong Kong, but also position the city as an international health and medical innovation hub. He hopes to relocate PolyU’s research staff and facilities to the Northern Metropolis University Town upon its completion, enabling the University’s research to seamlessly connect with the industries and markets of cities in the Greater Bay Area, and to establish an AI-powered teaching hospital.

A delegation led by Mr Huai (8th from left, front row) visited PolyU, including Mr Luo Yonggang, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR (LOCPG) (6th from left, front row); Dr Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government (6th from right, front row); Dr Yang Dan, Director of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges and Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs of the Ministry of Education (5th from left, front row); Mr Chen Wei, Director of Bureau IV of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee (5th from right, front row); Dr Zhou Tianhua, Director of the Department of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education (4th from left, front row); Mr Zhou Dawang, Director of the Department of Technology of the Ministry of Education (4th from right, front row); and Prof. Wang Weiming, Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of LOCPG (3rd from left, front row), Mr Chen Dali, Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges of the Ministry of Education (3rd form right, front row); Mr Lee Chung Sin, Esmond, Deputy Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government (2nd from left, front row). They were received by PolyU representatives, including Dr Lam (7th from left, front row); Prof. Teng (7th from right, front row); Prof. Wing-tak Wong, Deputy President and Provost (2nd from right, front row); Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) (1st from left, front row); Prof. Cao Jiannong, Acting Vice President (Education) (1st from right, front row); and other PolyU representatives and guests.