In an opening speech at the Global University Presidents and Leaders Summit at the Convention and Exhibition Centre on Tuesday, he said Hong Kong, with a total land area of about 1,100 square kilometres, is home to five institutions that are ranked among the world’s top 100.
The Northern Metropolis mega project lies at the core of Hong Kong’s future, with its main focus being the university towns that will be springing up, he said.
Lee said the mega project’s university towns of San Tin, Hung Shui Kiu and Ta Kwu Ling are positioned to attract the world’s best scholars and students and that they would each have a distinct focus.
“The towns are also designed to empower industry,” he said.
“We will encourage university staff to undertake research at companies. We will encourage industry professionals to contribute to university teaching and research.
“Our goal is to strengthen the links between industry, academia and research – enabling them to complement and reinforce one another.”
The government will also invite universities to establish basic research institutes and large-scale shared research platforms at the university towns, Lee added.
The two-day event in Wan Chai has attracted more than 50 renowned university leaders from more than 20 countries and regions.