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Education in Hong Kong
Opinion
SCMP Editorial
Editorial
SCMP Editorial

Universities must rise to the Northern Metropolis challenge

The significance of three university towns goes beyond enhancing higher education. They form part of a new engine for regional integration

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An aerial view of the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area in the New Territories on September 14. Photo: Karma Lo
SCMP Editorial
Editorials represent the views of the South China Morning Post on the issues of the day.
Hong Kong’s university town project is transforming from an ambitious vision into a concrete and deliverable action plan. With applications now open for campuses in Hung Shui Kiu, the government has set out the land, financing framework, timetable and strategic purpose of the first of three university towns. The challenge is to ensure that this flagship project becomes a showpiece of the Northern Metropolis mega development, paving the way for the mission to turn Hong Kong into a global education and talent hub under the city’s newly released five-year development plan.

The government is inviting applications for the Hung Shui Kiu University Town until the end of the year, with results expected in early 2027. Three sites covering more than 26 hectares have been identified, with institutions allowed to propose new campuses, relocate existing facilities or develop teaching, research, hostel and other ancillary facilities.

Taking into account the 100-hectare San Tin University Town and the 180-hectare Ta Kwu Ling University Town, the campus areas of the three towns will take up 300 hectares in the New Territories.

It is encouraging that the project is no longer merely an idea attached to a long-term planning blueprint. It is gathering momentum with well-defined targets, parameters and timetables.

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