The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government announced on the 18th that the Chief Executive, in conjunction with the Executive Council, has approved the establishment of a third medical college and approved in principle that the new medical college will be organized by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) to offer a new four-year second degree medical program. HKUST aims to admit the first batch of 50 students in the 2028/2029 academic year. The Chief Executive of the Special Administrative Region, Li Jiachao, stated that Hong Kong is actively developing into an international hub for medical training, research, and innovation. The establishment of a third medical college will train more medical talents, which is crucial for enhancing local medical services in Hong Kong. The third medical school will closely cooperate with the existing two medical schools, complement each other's advantages, enhance the level and strength of scientific research and medical education in Hong Kong, and respond to the grand goal of building an educational powerhouse in the country. The Director of the Medical and Health Bureau of the Special Administrative Region Government, Lu Chongmao, stated that the establishment of a new medical college will train more outstanding doctors to support the local healthcare system in Hong Kong in providing high-quality services. At the same time, it will enhance the level and strength of scientific research and medical education in Hong Kong, making it a leading hub for cultivating innovative medical research and clinical talents. The Director of the Education Bureau of the Special Administrative Region Government, Cai Ruolian, stated that the establishment of the new Medical College will inject new impetus into Hong Kong's higher education, further consolidating Hong Kong's position as an international hub for tertiary education and a gathering place for high-end international talents. The President of HKUST, Ye Yuru, stated that HKUST will deeply integrate rigorous clinical training and technological literacy to cultivate a new generation of medical talents. She hopes that these graduates will become medical personnel with excellent practical abilities and forward-looking vision in the future, and take on important responsibilities in the rapidly changing medical field. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology introduces that its School of Medicine will be based on innovation and guided by public service, committed to cultivating a new generation of medical leaders who possess both medical ethics, excellent clinical skills, and technological literacy. The new medical school will fully utilize the leading advantages of HKUST in data science, artificial intelligence, and robotics technology, and integrate advanced technology into clinical training. Currently, there are two medical schools in Hong Kong, one established by the University of Hong Kong and the other by the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The Chief Executive of the Special Administrative Region announced in the 2024 Policy Address that he will support the establishment of a third medical school by local universities in Hong Kong, to increase the number of doctors in Hong Kong and to support the development of Hong Kong into an international medical innovation hub. (New Society)