Detailed plans were unveiled this week for the first Chinese university to be created through a partnership between universities in Hong Kong and mainland China.
United International College (UIC), to be built in Zhuhai over the next two years, is a joint venture between Hong Kong Baptist University and Beijing Normal University. It will cater for students from both Hong Kong and the mainland.
Professor Edmond Kwok Siu-tong, vice-president designate of the college, said the new venture marked a 'major milestone' in the development of higher education in mainland China and Hong Kong.
'I want to stress that this is not a branch campus of the Baptist University of Hong Kong, nor is it a branch campus of Beijing Normal University. This is a completely new university that is being jointly established by the two universities,' Professor Kwok said.
The college would offer four-year degree programmes based on Baptist University's courses but adapted for the mainland, Professor Kwok said. Classes would be taught in Putonghua and English, the certificates being conferred by Baptist University.
Baptist University president Professor Ng Ching-fai provoked an angry response when he announced the project last year. Staff feared the college could become a financial drain on the university.
Professor Kwok stressed the project would not involve any public funding or require further investment from the university. It is being funded with a $100 million loan from the university's private School of Continuing Education.