Now PolyU says it wants to build on border loop
A second Hong Kong university has voiced interest in building facilities in a no-man's land near the border.
Polytechnic University would have a proposal ready by month's end for construction on the Lok Ma Chau Loop, said president Timothy Tong Wai-cheung. He said it wanted to set up research laboratories.
'We also hope to offer programmes for students from Hong Kong and Shenzhen,' Professor Tong said. 'We are discussing what subjects are most suitable. Commerce, engineering and community studies will very likely be included.'
Chinese University's vice-chancellor, Lawrence Lau Juen-yee, voiced a desire last month to set up facilities on the loop, which was created by straightening the Shenzhen River more than a decade ago.
The area belongs to Hong Kong but is north of the river, has no physical link to the rest of the city, and is covered in a layer of toxic sludge.
The site has been earmarked by the two cities for university facilities, research and creative industries.
Professor Tong - in charge at PolyU for four months - said its development plans included expansion in the Pearl River Delta region.
'What happens there has direct influence on Hong Kong. Although we are in Hong Kong, Polytechnic University has to be far-sighted and strengthen collaboration with local businesses and institutes in such fields as scientific research and training,' he said.
Professor Tong said the university had been in contact with local governments in the delta about the development of higher education.
'Several city governments have shown interest in getting outside institutes to provide education to their residents. We are also in talks with more than one university in the delta and a concrete plan will be laid down within 12 months.'
He said the university's vision for developing higher education would not be confined to the delta. 'We have set up training centres in various places on the mainland, including Xian , Wuhan , Hangzhou and Shenzhen. We will keep our focus on how to develop continuing education on the mainland and won't concentrate on the delta at the expense of other places.'
Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen has unveiled a plan to pursue Hong Kong's long-term growth by developing services sectors including education.
