HKJC Pledges HK$3 Billion for Northern Metropolis Life Sciences Research Building
Thestandard · 3 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago3 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has pledged HK$3 billion to support the construction of a life and health academic research building at the Northern Metropolis University Town in San Tin. The announcement followed Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu's 2026 Policy Address, which unveiled plans for an integrated teaching and scientific research complex aimed at advancing education, fostering scientific exchange, and nurturing top-tier research talent through shared institutional resources. The proposed facility will be located in the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, providing more than 30,000 square metres of gross floor area dedicated to life and health science research. HKJC Chairman Martin Liao Cheung-kong said the project reflects the Club's commitment to working alongside the HKSAR Government to drive long-term prosperity as the city prepares to mark the 30th anniversary of its establishment in 2027.
Key Points
- The HK$3 billion donation by the Jockey Club Charities Trust will support construction of a life and health academic research building at San Tin University Town in the Northern Metropolis
- The building will be situated in the Hong Kong Park within the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, offering over 30,000 square metres of gross floor space for life and health sciences
- The project aligns with both the National 15th Five-Year Plan and Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan, as well as the government's broader Northern Metropolis University Town initiative spanning San Tin, Hung Shui Kiu and Ta Kwu Ling
- San Tin University Town will focus on medicine, life and health technology, artificial intelligence, robotics and microelectronics, with Building 1 of Hong Kong Park due for completion by end of 2026
- The HKJC highlighted its JC Stem Lab initiative and early career research fellowship programme as examples of its commitment to nurturing cutting-edge talent and research
Why It Matters
The HKJC's landmark HK$3 billion contribution represents one of the largest private-sector commitments to Hong Kong's innovation and technology infrastructure in recent years, positioning the city to capitalise on opportunities in life and health sciences as part of the Greater Bay Area development strategy . The shared research facility will enable collaboration among multiple tertiary institutions, addressing a longstanding need for joint infrastructure that can attract international talent and drive commercialisation of research outcomes in strategic sectors .
The HKJC's landmark HK$3 billion contribution represents one of the largest private-sector commitments to Hong Kong's innovation and technology infrastructure in recent years, positioning the city to capitalise on opportunities in life and health sciences as part of the Greater Bay Area development strategy . The shared research facility will enable collaboration among multiple tertiary institutions, addressing a longstanding need for joint infrastructure that can attract international talent and drive commercialisation of research outcomes in strategic sectors .