UGC Secretary-General visits United Kingdom, Austria and Switzerland to promote advantages of "Study in Hong Kong" (with photos)
******************************************************************************************
The Secretary-General of the University Grants Committee (UGC), Professor James Tang, led a delegation to the United Kingdom (UK), Austria and Switzerland from September 7 (Glasgow time) to 19 (Zurich time) to proactively promote "Study in Hong Kong" as well as Hong Kong's post-secondary education internationally with a view to driving the city to develop into an international hub for post-secondary education.
Along with the delegation from all eight UGC-funded universities under the aegis of the Heads of Universities Committee's Standing Committee on Internationalisation (HUCOMSCI), Professor Tang attended the European Association for International Education (EAIE) Conference and Exhibition in Glasgow, Scotland. With funding support from the UGC, the HUCOMSCI set up a Hong Kong Pavilion and hosted a dinner reception for around 200 representatives of over 130 partner institutions from 32 countries to promote the "Study in Hong Kong" brand. The event provided an opportunity to showcase Hong Kong's international and diverse higher education environment and vibrant exchanges and collaborations with partners around the world.
Speaking at a dedicated session during the EAIE Conference and Exhibition, Professor Tang highlighted that Hong Kong, with its outstanding academic achievements, broad international outlook and innovative research capabilities, as well as the city's vibrant and liveable environment, is a most attractive destination for outstanding students and top-tier scholars from around the world to pursue their aspirations there. He also shared the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's vision for the future of Hong Kong's higher education through the promotion of innovative education technology, the implementation of measures to attract and nurture talent, and the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town (NMUT).
Professor Tang said, "The land area and projected population of the Northern Metropolis will account for about one-third of Hong Kong's total. The development of the NMUT is the Government's flagship initiative in consolidating Hong Kong's position as an international education hub and fostering the integrated development of education, technology and talent in support of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. The UGC fully supports Hong Kong's institutions in leveraging the NMUT as a strategic focal point to expand capacity and enhance quality, and warmly welcomes the international academic community to join hands with Hong Kong universities to take part in these ambitious developments at the NMUT." During the conference, Professor Tang attended bilateral meetings with representatives from 20 organisations of over 10 countries and regions to exchange views on the latest developments in the higher education sector globally and explore the potential for closer collaboration with institutions from around the world.
Professor Tang then continued his visit, meeting with senior management and leading scholars from prominent higher education and research funding institutions in the UK, Austria and Switzerland to exchange views on the latest development trends in higher education and research. He underscored the worldwide recognition of the remarkable research achievements of Hong Kong's higher education sector and highlighted the support provided by the Research Grants Council under the UGC for world-class and cutting-edge research projects through various funding schemes and working in collaboration with domestic and foreign research funding agencies both nationally and internationally.
The UGC welcomes the announcement of the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) and the Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address which have set out a clear direction for the Government's dedication to fostering high-quality development, nurturing talent, advancing research and innovation, and strengthening Hong Kong's distinctive strengths as an international hub for post-secondary education and high-calibre talent. By harnessing the development opportunities of the NMUT, the UGC will continue to work hand in hand with the eight UGC-funded universities, steadfastly cultivating talent, advancing research excellence, enhancing knowledge transfer, and deepening international engagement and cross‑sector collaboration.
Ends/Friday, September 25, 2026
Issued at HKT 15:30
Issued at HKT 15:30
NNNN
Photo
