HKSH and SUSTech Forge Alliance to Advance Medical Innovation in GBA

HONG KONG – December 29, 2025 – A pivotal new chapter in cross-border medical collaboration has begun, as HKSH Medical Group and Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) have formalized a partnership aimed at bolstering medical education and research innovation. The two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on December 15, signaling a concerted effort to merge Hong Kong's clinical excellence with the Chinese Mainland's burgeoning research power.

The agreement brings together HKSH, a healthcare provider with a century-long legacy, and SUSTech, a dynamic, research-focused university celebrating its 15th anniversary. The collaboration is designed to create a powerful synergy in the fields of medicine and medical physics, ultimately enhancing the quality and accessibility of healthcare services throughout the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

During a formal ceremony, Dr. Walton LI, Chief Executive Officer of HKSH Medical Group, and Professor JIANG Hong, Party Secretary of SUSTech, signed the agreement. They were joined by witnesses Mr. Wyman LI, Chief Operating Officer of HKSH Medical Group, and Professor WANG Peng-fei, Joint Party Secretary of SUSTech's School of Medicine, solidifying a partnership poised to create a new paradigm for medical training and technological advancement in the region.

A Bridge for Talent and Technology

At the heart of the MOU is a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of medical professionals. HKSH Medical Group, renowned for its high-end medical services and a history of nurturing talent, will provide strategic support for SUSTech's graduate programme in medical physics. This includes opportunities for professionals from both institutions to engage in training and exchanges, fostering a two-way flow of knowledge and expertise.

Dr. Walton LI emphasized the group's foundational belief in the power of human capital and technology. "HKSH firmly believes that talent and technology are paramount to advancing healthcare," he stated in his address. "We are committed to providing advanced, high-end, and internationally recognised medical services, particularly in the realm of oncology, where we offer comprehensive one-stop specialty services and cutting-edge equipment."

HKSH's deep expertise is exemplified by its robust team of over 30 experienced certified medical physicists, a group cultivated over two decades. This specialized workforce will be a cornerstone of the collaboration, providing invaluable practical insight for SUSTech's aspiring students and researchers.

On the other side of the partnership, SUSTech brings formidable academic and research capabilities. "As an innovative research-based university, SUSTech is proudly entering its 15th anniversary," said Professor JIANG Hong. He highlighted the university's world-class expertise in physics, mathematics, life sciences, bioengineering, and artificial intelligence. "This collaboration will provide vital support for cultivating innovative talents in science, engineering and medicine," he added, pointing to the university's proven ability to translate scientific research into practical applications.

The Crucial Role of Medical Physics

The partnership's specific focus on medical physics is particularly significant. Medical physics is the critical discipline that applies the principles of physics to healthcare, underpinning the safety and efficacy of modern diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy. It is the science behind technologies like MRI, CT scans, and, most notably, the sophisticated linear accelerators used in cancer treatment. Without highly trained medical physicists, the precise calibration, quality assurance, and safe operation of this life-saving equipment would be impossible.

HKSH's long-standing investment in this area, resulting in one of the region's most experienced teams, provides a rare and valuable resource for an academic program. By connecting SUSTech's graduate students with practicing professionals, the collaboration aims to close the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical reality. This ensures that newly trained physicists are not just academically proficient but also ready to meet the complex demands of a modern hospital environment, particularly in the highly specialized field of oncology.

This focus directly addresses a growing need for specialized medical talent within the rapidly advancing healthcare landscape of the GBA, ensuring that the adoption of new technologies is matched by the human expertise required to deploy them effectively and safely.

Powering the Greater Bay Area's Healthcare Vision

This collaboration is more than an agreement between two institutions; it is a strategic move that aligns with the broader ambitions of the Greater Bay Area initiative. The GBA aims to create a deeply integrated economic and innovation hub, and a world-class healthcare system is a fundamental component of that vision.

Mr. Wyman LI, Chief Operating Officer of HKSH, articulated the regional significance of the partnership. "This collaboration is profoundly significant, as it promises to establish a comprehensive cooperation between HKSH and SUSTech... thereby offering a new paradigm for integrating medical education and technological innovation in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area," he asserted.

By facilitating the exchange of talent and sharing best practices in healthcare service delivery, the partnership aims to elevate the standard of care across the region. The MOU outlines plans for HKSH to share its experience with SUSTech's affiliated hospital, helping to build its clinical capabilities. This direct support is expected to drive advancements in medical technology and service models, ultimately benefiting a larger patient population. "Both institutions will enhance medical exchanges, cultivate additional medical professionals, and facilitate healthcare development in the region, ultimately benefitting more patients and the entire community," Mr. Li added.

A Synergy of Legacy and Innovation

The alliance represents a compelling fusion of legacy and innovation. HKSH Medical Group, with its flagship Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital established in 1922, brings a century of clinical wisdom, patient trust, and a proven track record of service excellence. Its motto, 'Quality in Service, Excellence in Care,' reflects a deep-rooted commitment to patient outcomes.

In contrast, SUSTech is a young and agile institution that has rapidly established itself as a leader in scientific research and innovation. Its modern approach and synergistic development mechanism are designed to accelerate the journey from laboratory discovery to real-world impact. The combination of HKSH's established clinical platforms and SUSTech's dynamic research engine creates a fertile ground for breakthroughs.

This synergy will manifest in tangible ways, from joint research projects exploring new medical technologies to the development of enhanced training curriculums that are both academically rigorous and clinically relevant. The long-term vision is to create a self-sustaining ecosystem where clinical challenges inform research directions and research findings are rapidly translated into improved patient care, solidifying the Greater Bay Area's position as a global leader in medical science.