Deep Dive delves into hot issues in Hong Kong and mainland China. Our easy-to-read articles provide context to grasp what’s happening, while our questions help you craft informed responses. Check sample answers at the end of the page.
News: Officials face questions about plans for Hong Kong’s new university town
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Universities urge the government to explain how much land they will get in the Northern Metropolis
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Baptist University is thinking of moving its campus to the new academic town
In 2023, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu proposed making a university town in the Northern Metropolis megaproject. The aim was for Hong Kong’s tertiary institutions to work with top mainland and overseas universities.
The project also hopes to help Hong Kong schools work with industry.
But the higher education sector is still waiting for details. Some universities have urged officials to plan more quickly. They are hoping for more details about the land they could use.
The academic hub’s size has grown. In 2023, it covered 60 hectares. Now, it covers 100 hectares.
The government said it grew the hub’s size for a few reasons. It was following calls from the community. Officials also wanted the university town to host Hong Kong’s third medical school. They also aim to turn the city into an international higher education hub.
In the first half of this year, officials are set to reveal a “development conceptual framework” for the university town. The academic hub is a key part of the Northern Metropolis megaproject. This project aims to turn 30,000 hectares of land into an area for economic growth and housing. It is located near Hong Kong’s border with Shenzhen.
In 2023, 19 local institutions submitted proposals to the government to set up operations or build facilities there.
Some want to set up satellite campuses to have more academic and research space for innovation. Others plan to promote vocational education by working with industries and combining science with education. Some want to set up shared facilities. This could include data centres, student hostels, sports facilities and libraries.
In 2023, Baptist University told the government that it was interested in moving its campus to the new academic hub. Right now, the school’s campus is in the expensive Kowloon Tong area.
The university’s move to the Northern Metropolis will mean giving up a prime site. It will be heading to a spot where most of the land is not yet ready for construction.
But there are benefits to the move. For example, the university town will be close to Shenzhen, a mainland tech hub. It will also be near the Lok Ma Chau Loop, which will have an innovation and technology park.
Alexander Wai Ping-kong is the president of Baptist University.
“The Northern Metropolis neighbours the most innovative city in mainland China,” Wai said. “While Hong Kong is developing innovation and technology, we can utilise the resources in the vicinity.”
He added: “Our students and professors can reach Shenzhen and the Lok Ma Chau Loop directly and conveniently.”
Staff writers
Question prompts
1. Which of the following statements is false?
(1) Baptist University is thinking of moving part of its campus to the new university town.
(2) The university town will cover 100 hectares of land.
(3) The city’s third medical school will not be in the academic hub.
(4) The Northern Metropolis aims to boost economic growth.
A. (1), (2) only
B. (1), (3) only
C. (2), (4) only
D. (3), (4) only
2. List TWO plans that local institutions have for creating facilities in the new university town.
3. Explain how the Northern Metropolis will drive the city’s economic growth.
Illustration
Question prompts
1. Based on information from the news, which school is the man pushing? What is he pushing it towards?
2. Name ONE benefit and ONE challenge that this school faces if this move is successful. Explain using the news, glossary and your own knowledge.
Glossary
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university town: a new academic hub that Hong Kong is making near its border with Shenzhen. It is part of the government’s “Study in Hong Kong” plan to attract overseas talent.
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satellite campuses: extra university facilities that are not near the main campus. They often focus on certain studies or areas.
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Lok Ma Chau Loop: 87 hectares set aside for innovation and technology use. It is being made as a special area to work with the nearby 302-hectare site in Shenzhen.
Sample answers
News:
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B
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setting up satellite campuses / setting up shared facilities, such as animal centres, data centres, student hostels, sports facilities and libraries / moving their campus / promoting vocational education that involves science or collaboration with industry (any two)
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The Northern Metropolis aims to drive economic growth by providing the physical space for large-scale research, industry collaboration and cross-border synergy that was previously unavailable. Part of the plan is a university town that can foster partnerships between academia and industry. If universities establish research facilities in this hub, they can easily partner with nearby innovative companies. These companies can also help the universities develop cutting-edge vocational programmes and science programmes.Furthermore, with the project’s proximity to Shenzhen, mainland China’s premier tech hub, and the Lok Ma Chau Loop innovation park, this strategic location facilitates the direct flow of talent, research and resources across the border, allowing Hong Kong to integrate more closely with national development strategies.
Illustration:
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Based on information from News, the man is pushing Baptist University to Hong Kong’s border with Shenzhen.
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Benefits: Baptist University will be close to the most innovative city in mainland China, and students can easily access internships and other opportunities there. / Baptist University will be close to the Lok Ma Chau Loop, part of which will become an area for innovation and technology, and students will be able to access resources there. (any one)
Challenge: Baptist University will be losing its prime site in the upmarket Kowloon Tong area. / It will take some time before Baptist University can even begin building its campus in the Northern Metropolis. (any one)
