An insider suggests the University of Hong Kong needs a new leader with a fresh mindset to drive change, particularly regarding the Northern Metropolis megaproject and leveraging technology. The current president's contract expires in two years.
Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis is poised to drive future economic growth, with plans to optimize public housing sizes, increase private housing unit minimums, and raise public open space standards by 30% to 3.5 sqm per capita.
Hong Kong must develop its Northern Metropolis into a 'science and education city' to align with China's national strategy and maintain competitiveness. This initiative integrates technology, education, and research through the San Tin Technopole, university town, and Hetao Innovation Cooperation Zone.
Hung Shui Kiu in Hong Kong's New Territories is undergoing a transformation, blending rural landscapes with logistics yards. The project's success hinges on market buy-in, with its first test being the recent site tender. Despite a property downturn, a single bid was received, which some view as a success given the project's scale and complexity.
Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis project, designed for growth and integration, risks compromising its vision by pressuring remaining farmland. This land is vital for food security, biodiversity, climate buffering, and cultural heritage, not just food production.
A network of over 20 artificial fish ponds in Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis development is occupying government land without authorization. A green group warns that materials used at the site also threaten the ecology of the nearby Mai Po Nature Reserve and Inner Deep Bay wetlands.
Hong Kong's Education Minister announced the first tender for a university town in the Northern Metropolis will launch in two months. A 22-hectare site in Hung Shui Kiu will be developed first, with land allocation based on university proposals.
Hong Kong's development chief Bernadette Linn welcomed diverse bids for the Northern Metropolis pilot project, noting the government's aim to pair property developers with industry operators. Two bids were received for the Hung Shui Kiu project, with Henderson Land bidding alone and Sino Land partnering with five other firms, including e-commerce giant JD.com.
Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis, aimed at being a science and innovation hub, faces challenges as universities prioritize campus expansion over research and industrial incubation, highlighting a mission mismatch and lack of pathways to translate discoveries into industry.
As Hong Kong marks 29 years since its return to Chinese rule, the city's economic transformation efforts, including the Northern Metropolis bet, face significant challenges. Restaurant worker Molly Lam and pastry restaurant co-founder Celeste Yeung highlight the struggles of the working class and the food/retail sectors amid a downturn.
The EU and Hong Kong are discussing a financial services dialogue, with EU companies interested in opportunities within Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis. Ambassador Harvey Rouse highlighted potential cooperation in sustainable finance and the green transition.
Hong Kong and Shenzhen are discussing implementation details for a pilot project to ease the cross-border flow of data, materials, and capital within the Hetao Innovation Zone. The initiative aims to foster collaboration and support Hong Kong's ambition to become a global innovation hub.
Hong Kong and Shenzhen will pilot new measures this year to ease cross-border flows of data, materials, and capital within the Northern Metropolis development, focusing on the Hetao Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone. The initiative aims to foster collaboration and support Hong Kong's ambition to become an international I&T hub.
Hong Kong and Shenzhen will launch pilot initiatives this year to ease cross-border flows of data, materials, and capital within the Northern Metropolis development. The measures aim to foster collaboration and support Hong Kong's ambition to become an international I&T hub.
Hong Kong's education authorities may miss the first-half deadline for a university town concept plan, as it needs to align with the city's upcoming five-year plan. The framework, initially slated for early 2026, is in a 'highly dynamic state' of planning.
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, plans to expand a proposed university town near the mainland border to over 1,000 hectares, integrating education with industry and innovation. Beijing's endorsement highlights its role in economic and tech development.
Xia Baolong, Beijing's point man on Hong Kong affairs, began a two-day visit inspecting housing and technology projects. He visited a public housing site using modular construction, highlighting Greater Bay Area manufacturing capabilities to address Hong Kong's housing shortage.
Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, will visit Hong Kong for two days to inspect the city's alignment with the national 15th five-year plan and the advancement of the Northern Metropolis megaproject. His visit coincides with the start of a public consultation for Hong Kong's first five-year plan.
Hong Kong's first five-year plan, set to be finalized by end of 2026, will focus on economic upgrading, leveraging AI for job creation, and promoting inclusive development. Public consultation begins Monday.
Hong Kong official John Lee emphasized the Northern Metropolis project's importance in attracting talent, crucial for industrial upgrades and competing globally. Early success stories, like the Hetao cooperation zone, are needed to draw investors.
Hong Kong evicts 20 Tin Sam Tsuen villagers for Northern Metropolis project despite unresolved compensation and relocation concerns.
Hopewell Holdings' 90-year-old founder, Wu, expresses caution on investing in Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis project, citing the need for government to first resolve land ownership and transport issues. He also advocates for large-scale reclamation off Lantau to address future population growth.
Hong Kong is boosting efforts to make its Northern Metropolis a hub for ASEAN businesses looking to access the Greater Bay Area. A delegation of diplomats and business leaders from Southeast Asia toured the development zone, highlighting opportunities in innovation, technology, and logistics.
Hong Kong authorities evict residents from Yick Yuen Tsuen village in Tuen Mun for the Northern Metropolis project, despite some receiving short notice, while others left voluntarily.
