​The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, spoke at the World Class University Presidents Forum 2026 today (November 5), highlighting Hong Kong's growing strength, global voice, and strategic vision as a premier international higher education hub.

     Addressing an international audience of university presidents and academic leaders, Dr Choi noted that the forum gathered leaders and university presidents representing more than one-third of the world's top 50 universities. "Assembling such a distinguished constellation of global academic leadership strongly reaffirms Hong Kong's standing as an international education hub and significantly enhances the city's discourse power in the global educational arena," she said.

     Dr Choi emphasised that Hong Kong's institutional strength is firmly rooted in academic excellence, robust national support, and open connectivity. Citing the latest QS World University Rankings: Asia 2027, she noted the impressive achievements of Hong Kong institutions, and pointed out that Hong Kong continues to set regional benchmarks, with five local universities securing places among Asia's top 10. Serving as a vital bridge between East and West, Hong Kong offers a fertile ecosystem characterised by internationalisation and diversification which brings global talent together to address shared global challenges.

     "Alongside signature international events such as the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education Conference and Exhibition held in February this year, the World Class University Presidents Forum 2026 forms part of a strategic series of signature initiatives promoting the 'Study in Hong Kong' brand worldwide, underscoring the city's role as a key driver shaping the future of global higher education," added Dr Choi.

     Elaborating on the forum's theme, "Higher Education Reimagined: Innovating for the Future", Dr Choi stressed that no matter how the global landscape evolves, universities remain fundamentally tied to economic development, societal well-being, and human progress. World-leading institutions must stand at the forefront, guiding that transformation. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's educational future is taking concrete physical shape through the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town.

     Under the "One Town, Five Elements" framework, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is building a holistic campus ecosystem integrating higher education, advanced research, market innovation, vibrant living spaces, and top-tier talent. Positioned at the gateway to the Chinese Mainland, the University Town will foster deep industry-academia-research integration, linking academic research directly with industry capabilities to serve national development under the 15th Five-Year Plan.

     As a premier global event in higher education, the World Class University Presidents Forum 2026 aims to further demonstrate Hong Kong's unique strength and pivotal status as a bridge connecting the Mainland with the global higher education system. Bringing together presidents, renowned scholars, and international education leaders from dozens of world-leading universities, the forum addresses key issues including talent cultivation in the intelligent age, technology and innovation driving the future economy, and universities' responses to major global challenges.

Ends/Thursday, November 5, 2026
Issued at HKT 13:21

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