The research task force set up by the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis’ Working Group on Planning & Construction of the University Town (WG) will visit Europe to advance the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town.

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki will depart for Germany tonight, while Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin will begin her visit to Switzerland on May 20.

Mr Chan will lead a delegation to Aachen, Stuttgart and Heilbronn to tour higher education campuses and university towns. The group will meet with officials, institutional representatives, experts and scholars to discuss campus operations, the development of universities of applied sciences and industry-education collaboration.

They will also visit an artificial intelligence (AI) innovation park to study AI development and talent cultivation. Representatives from the Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences will join parts of the itinerary.

Separately, Ms Choi will travel to Bern, Basel and Zurich alongside representatives from the WG and the Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences. They will tour local universities and meet with education officials to discuss strengthening collaboration.

Mr Chan will return to Hong Kong on the morning of May 22. During his absence, Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing will be the Acting Chief Secretary.

Ms Choi will return on the morning of May 24. Under Secretary for Education Sze Chun-fai will be Acting Secretary during her absence.