The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) welcomes the initiatives set out in the Policy Address and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s inaugural Five-Year Plan (2026–2030). These measures aim to foster the integrated development of education, innovation and technology, talent, industry and urban growth. In particular, the plan to establish the Northern Metropolis University Town (NMUT), which will integrate talent cultivation, scientific research, knowledge transfer and industrial development, provides a clear and forward-looking blueprint for Hong Kong’s future and an important strategic platform.

As a key growth engine for higher education, innovation and technology, the Northern Metropolis is expected to generate 500,000 jobs and accommodate a population of approximately 2.5 million, creating substantial demand for education and vocational training. As Hong Kong’s largest university dedicated to teacher education and lifelong learning, EdUHK upholds the vision of “Education Futures, Diverse Talents” and has actively expanded its academic portfolio. By launching programmes in areas such as personal finance, new and social media, environmental science, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), digital marketing and e-commerce, and esports, the University is well positioned to support the region’s evolving educational and workforce development needs.

The Government plans to develop the New Territories North New Town into a hub for post-secondary education, culture and sports facilities, fostering synergy among culture, sports and tourism, while highlighting Hong Kong’s unique strengths as a meeting point of Chinese and international cultures. EdUHK has established strengths in teacher education, sports science, cultural and creative industries, and management sciences. For example, the University has introduced the “New Six Arts” curriculum, which reinterprets the traditional Chinese Six Arts (rites, music, archery, charioteering, literacy and numeracy) by integrating modern technology, sports and the arts, with the aim of nurturing future educators’ appreciation of Chinese culture and positive values. EdUHK scholars have also explored innovative approaches to promoting Chinese martial arts learning by combining panda-themed elements with technology. The University looks forward to complementing the cultural, educational and sports facilities of the new town, nurturing talent in culture, arts and sports, advancing the development of Hong Kong’s sports industry, and promoting cultural and artistic exchanges between China and the wider world.

Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, President of EdUHK, said, “We welcome the initiatives outlined by the HKSAR Government in the Policy Address and the Five-Year Plan to promote the coordinated development of education, innovation, technology and talent. These include building a hub for international talent, attracting local students to pursue studies in Hong Kong, advancing digital education, nurturing diversified talent, developing a high-quality teaching force, as well as promoting student well-being, supporting inclusive learning and strengthening the training of school professionals. All these measures are highly consistent with the mission of EdUHK and will contribute to the long-term development of education in Hong Kong.”

“The development of NMUT provides a clear blueprint for Hong Kong and an important strategic platform. As Hong Kong’s largest university dedicated to teacher education, EdUHK will leverage its expertise and distinctive strengths to expand into emerging disciplines, deepen international collaboration, nurture diversified talent and foster cultural exchange. Through these efforts, the University will contribute to the Nation’s goal of building an education powerhouse and support Hong Kong’s long-term development,” Professor Lee added.

To build an international hub for post-secondary education and high-calibre talent, the Government has emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration with world-renowned universities and research institutions. EdUHK has been actively expanding its global network. In addition to co-organising international academic conferences with leading institutions such as Harvard University, Stanford University and Tsinghua University, EdUHK has signed academic and research collaboration agreements or memoranda of understanding with top universities across Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and the Mainland, including University College London, Peking University and Fudan University. In continuing education, EdUHK has partnered with the UNESCO Teacher Education Centre (UNESCO TEC) and the UNESCO International Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (UNESCO UNEVOC) to promote basic education and teacher development globally, particularly in developing countries, through academic visits, professional training, research and educational collaboration.

In the Five-Year Plan, the Chief Executive reinforced the importance of deepening patriotic education and nurturing a new generation with virtue, ability, and proper values. Earlier in 2024, EdUHK launched the city’s first National Security and Legal Education Research Centre, introduced a Master of Laws in Digital Governance, and embedded studies of the Constitution, the Basic Law and the Hong Kong National Security Law into its general education curriculum. The University also promotes teacher ethics and Chinese culture through classroom teaching and experiential learning across Hong Kong and the Mainland. EdUHK welcomes the Policy Address initiatives to strengthen teacher development, promote digital and AI education, and support the translation of research into practice —measures that will enhance teacher preparation and the quality of basic education.

EdUHK stated that the planning of the NMUT will not only facilitate the synergistic development of education, innovation, technology and talent, and create a high-quality environment conducive to teaching, research, innovation and living in Hong Kong, but will also inject new impetus into the development of the Guangdong Hong Kong Macao Greater Bay Area and the Nation. EdUHK looks forward to leveraging its educational expertise and unique strengths to deepen collaboration with renowned institutions and research organisations locally, in the mainland and overseas, thereby contributing to regional cooperation and talent cultivation. At the same time, by actively dovetailing with the National “Belt and Road” Initiative, EdUHK will play the role of Hong Kong as a “super-connector” and “super value-adder”, integrate into and serve the overall development of the nation, and contribute to the goal of building the country into an education powerhouse.

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