SED officiates at opening ceremony of APAIE 2026 Conference and Exhibition (with photos)
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The APAIE Conference and Exhibition ranks among the world's top three international higher education conferences. This year's event is expected to attract nearly 3 000 leading international education professionals to explore the latest trends and critical issues in higher education.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Choi noted that Hong Kong, as Asia's world city, possesses advantages in global connectivity, world-class infrastructure, and rich cultural experiences that attract outstanding talent. The universities funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC) enjoy international renown, with five institutions ranked among the world's top 100 and consistently placing highly in global rankings for university internationalisation. As the "super connector" of the global education network, Hong Kong's hosting of the APAIE Conference and Exhibition is a testament to the city's status as an international post-secondary education hub, and provides an important platform to facilitate collaboration on teaching and research among Hong Kong's education representatives and their counterparts worldwide.
Dr Choi also visited the "Study in Hong Kong" Pavilion, established with UGC funding by the Heads of Universities Committee's Standing Committee on Internationalisation. She learned about the promotional efforts of UGC-funded universities and how they expand international networks to recruit students from various regions for study and exchange in Hong Kong. She also visited other booths at the exhibition, exchanging views on higher education development with representatives from various countries and regions.
Dr Choi held separate meetings with the State Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic, Mr Róbert Zsembera, and the Director General of the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam, Dr Nguyen Thu Thuy, to exchange views on the development, co-operation, and promotion of international higher education.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong was the lead host of the APAIE 2026 Conference and Exhibition, while the other seven UGC-funded universities were cohosts. Held from February 23 to 27 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre under the theme "Asia-Pacific Partnerships for the Global Good", the event featured pre-conference workshops, summit forums, keynote speeches, and exchange activities.
Meanwhile, to further strengthen Hong Kong's role as an international education hub, and promote Hong Kong higher education and the "Study in Hong Kong" brand globally, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has designated February 23 to March 1, 2026, as Study in Hong Kong Week. Dr Choi officially launched the Week yesterday (February 23) at the Hong Kong Reception of the APAIE 2026 Conference and Exhibition. Major events include the APAIE 2026 Annual Conference and Exhibition, as well as the International Symposium of the Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences on academic-industry-government collaboration.
During the Study in Hong Kong Week, UGC-funded universities will host campus tours, allowing overseas guests to experience first-hand the fusion of diverse cultures from different regions. Universities will also organise student exchange activities to foster friendships among international students from different regions, deepen their understanding of Hong Kong, and help them better integrate into local campus life.
To tie in with the Study in Hong Kong Week, the Government will vigorously promote the "Study in Hong Kong" and "Study Tour in Hong Kong" brands, along with the Belt and Road Scholarship, through social media platforms and local and international media channels. The Education Bureau has also invited overseas Economic and Trade Offices and Mainland Offices to promote the advantages of Hong Kong's tertiary education during the Lunar New Year celebratory events worldwide.
Ends/Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:48
Issued at HKT 16:48
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