Strategic Partnership between HKBU and Shanghai Industrial Investment to Advance Medical Education and Research
In a significant move to bolster medical education and research, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has entered into a strategic partnership with Shanghai Industrial Investment (Holdings) Co., Ltd. (SIIC). This collaboration aims to establish a new medical school in Hong Kong, addressing the growing demand for healthcare professionals and advancing translational medicine research.
Background and Objectives
The partnership between HKBU and SIIC is part of HKBU's broader initiative to establish a new medical school in Hong Kong. This initiative was announced in November 2024, with the university expressing its intention to respond to the government's call for the establishment of a new medical school. The proposed medical school aims to provide a comprehensive and innovative medicine program designed for students with a first degree, focusing on transdisciplinary education and research in Hong Kong. The curriculum is designed to nurture future medical professionals capable of tackling challenges brought by an aging population and other healthcare issues .
Role of Shanghai Industrial Investment
SIIC, a state-owned enterprise based in Shanghai, brings substantial resources and expertise to the partnership. The collaboration with SIIC is expected to provide significant support in the development of the new medical school, including funding, infrastructure, and access to a network of medical institutions and professionals. This partnership aligns with the government's vision of developing Hong Kong as an international health and medical innovation hub .
Integration of Translational Medicine
A key focus of the partnership is the advancement of translational medicine research. This approach aims to bridge the gap between laboratory research and patient care, ensuring that scientific discoveries lead to tangible health benefits. The collaboration is expected to foster innovation in medical research, leading to the development of new treatments and therapies that can be applied in clinical settings.
Curriculum Development and International Collaboration
The proposed medical school will adopt innovative approaches to admission, recruitment, curriculum design, and clinical training. The curriculum will prioritize competency-based education and research opportunities, preparing students for successful careers in medicine. To ensure the program meets international standards, HKBU has engaged world-renowned medical educator Professor Ronald M. Harden as chief advisor on medical curriculum development. Professor Harden is known for inventing the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) in 1975, an assessment tool used by medical institutions worldwide .
Support from Global Experts
The initiative has garnered support from global experts in the field of medicine. Nobel Laureate Sir Michael Houghton and Dr. Robert J. Spiegel have expressed their endorsement of the proposal, highlighting the innovative curriculum and the integration of an "East meets West" approach in medical education. Their support underscores the potential impact of the new medical school on addressing public health challenges and advancing medical research .
Future Prospects
The partnership between HKBU and SIIC marks a significant step towards enhancing medical education and research in Hong Kong. By combining HKBU's academic excellence with SIIC's resources and expertise, the collaboration is poised to create a world-class medical school that will contribute to the development of healthcare professionals and the advancement of medical research. The establishment of the new medical school is expected to have a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.
In conclusion, the strategic partnership between HKBU and Shanghai Industrial Investment represents a forward-thinking approach to addressing the evolving needs of medical education and research. Through this collaboration, both institutions aim to foster innovation, enhance healthcare delivery, and contribute to the global medical community.