Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) welcomes the initiatives proposed by the Financial Secretary in the Budget to accelerate the development of the “Northern Metropolis University Town”. These include rolling out three sites in the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area shortly for application by UGC-funded universities and universities of applied sciences (UASs) for campus development and earmarking $10 billion to provide loans to support these developments.

As Hong Kong's first UAS, HKMU fully supports these initiatives. The University looks forward to leveraging the geographical advantage of the Northern Metropolis to deepen industry-academic-research collaboration with enterprises and research institutions in the Greater Bay Area. The aim of the collaboration is to create synergies and expand development opportunities for Hong Kong's higher education sector, while actively nurturing talent. The loan scheme will provide vital financial support to institutions, enabling the University refine its campus development planning in line with its long-term roadmap for teaching and research.

Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing, HKMU President, said, “The construction of the Northern Metropolis University Town will inject strong impetus into the development of HKMU and other UASs. The University will actively respond to the Government's initiatives and leverage its unique strengths as a UAS to nurture applied talent with a global perspective. We are committed to consolidating Hong Kong's status as an international hub for high-calibre talent and joining hands to promote the 'Study in Hong Kong' brand.”

Regarding talent development, HKMU welcomes the Budget's proposal to prioritise the inclusion of AI-related programmes in the Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP), starting in the 2027/28 academic year. HKMU has always been closely aligned with market needs. Its “Bachelor of Science with Honours in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence”, “Bachelor of Science with Honours in Computer Science” and “Bachelor of Arts with Honours in New Music and Interactive Entertainment”, along with some other programmes, are already included in the SSSDP. Covering core technologies and applications such as computer algorithms, machine learning and data interpretation, these programmes nurture AI talent for industry. The University will continue to launch and optimise related programmes, including the “Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours in Robotics and Automation Engineering”, which will be launched in the 2026/27 academic year. It hopes that more programmes will be included in the SSSDP to respond to the keen demand for AI talent in society.

Furthermore, HKMU is actively aligned with the Government's “AI+” strategy and the goal of “AI Training for All”. In addition to specialised training, the University integrates AI elements into courses such as “Effective Communication and Teamwork” and “Entrepreneurial Mindset and Leadership for Sustainability”. It is also formulating a “Student AI Competency Framework” combining elements of social sustainability and lifelong learning to cultivate ethical judgment, critical thinking and an innovative mindset among students when applying AI technologies.

In addition, HKMU has introduced an in-house built AI platform in various courses to help staff develop teaching materials and students master language skills, thereby comprehensively enhancing the effectiveness of teaching and learning.