The following is issued on behalf of the University Grants Committee:

     The World Class University Presidents Forum 2026 concluded yesterday (November 5). Themed "Higher Education Reimagined: Innovating for the Future", the Forum brought together over 130 higher education leaders from more than 50 leading universities and institutions worldwide, fully demonstrating Hong Kong's role as a premier international education hub.

     As a flagship event in the global higher education calendar, the Forum provided a valuable platform for dialogue among global higher education leaders on the future of universities in the rapidly changing world. Through detailed panel discussions and roundtable sessions across three key topics: "The University in the AI Era", "The University and Society", and "The University and Civilization", participants exchanged forward-looking insights and inspiring strategies regarding how the higher education sector can navigate rapid technological advancements, demographic shifts, global competition for talent, and the imperative of sustainable development.

     At the closing ceremony of the Forum, the Chairman of the University Grants Committee (UGC), Mr Tim Lui, noted that Hong Kong's higher education sector is shaped by openness, exchanges and connectivity. The UGC-funded universities are globally recognised for their academic distinction, research excellence and international character.

     Mr Lui highlighted that the eight UGC-funded universities have established over 2 700 exchange agreements and are working on almost 8 000 international collaborative research projects with universities worldwide, including many top universities presented in the Forum. The extensive global collaborations are a resounding testament to the collective dedication of the universities, the world-class scholars and the steadfast support of the nation. With its world-class universities, international outlook, proximity to the Chinese Mainland, and the golden opportunities arising from the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town and related initiatives, Hong Kong serves as a true "super connector" between the nation and the world. The UGC looks forward to gathering great leaders of global higher education sector in future editions of the Forum.

     Looking ahead, the UGC will continue to work closely with the eight UGC-funded universities and relevant stakeholders to cultivate future-ready talent, and deepen national, international and cross-sector collaboration, thereby further consolidating Hong Kong's distinctive role as an international hub for post-secondary education and high-calibre talent.

Ends/Friday, November 6, 2026
Issued at HKT 17:58

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