Global Higher Education Leaders Gather in Hong Kong to Fuel Future Innovation and Talent

Klik

Pictured at the World Class University Presidents Forum 2026 in Hong Kong are (from left) HKUST President, Professor Nancy Ip; HKSAR’s Acting Chief Executive, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Minister of Education, Mr Huai Jinpeng; HKSAR’s Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin; and HKUST Council Chairman, Professor Harry Shum

HONG KONG — Global education leaders, university presidents, and renowned scholars representing over one-third of the world’s top 50 universities gathered at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) for the World Class University Presidents Forum 2026 (November 4–5). The high-level summit underscored Hong Kong’s strategic vision as an international hub for higher education and global talent.

Held under the theme "Higher Education Reimagined: Innovating for the Future," the forum focused on talent cultivation in the age of artificial intelligence, technology-driven economies, and the role of academic institutions in tackling global challenges.

Hong Kong as an International Education Capital

Opening the forum, Chan Kwok-ki, Acting Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), highlighted the vital role higher education plays in Hong Kong's development.

World-Class Standing: Hong Kong is home to five universities ranked among the global top 100, with three holding spots in Asia's top five according to the latest QS World University Rankings: Asia 2027.

Bridge Between East and West: The city provides an internationalized ecosystem that attracts global talent to address shared global issues.

Strategic Vision: Secretary for Education Dr. Choi Yuk-lin noted that the forum forms part of a strategic push to promote the "Study in Hong Kong" brand alongside major international events like the APAIE Conference.

QS World University Rankings (Asia 2027)

Northern Metropolis & Strategic Partnerships

A key highlight of the event was the physical expansion of Hong Kong’s academic landscape through the Northern Metropolis University Town.

Industry-Academia Integration: Developed under a "One town, Five elements" framework, the new university town serves as a gateway to Mainland China, aligning academic research directly with industry capabilities under the 15th Five-Year Plan.

Global Collaborations: The forum hosted several major MoU signings, including a joint innovation center between Zhejiang University and HKUST, a trilateral seed fund between the University of Warwick, NTU, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and agreements linking Central South University with Monash University as well as Trinity College Dublin with Nanjing University.

The two-day summit reinforced Hong Kong’s growing influence in shaping global higher education and its position as a primary destination for future-ready talent. (*/ed).