CityUHK co-hosts APAIE 2026 Conference and Exhibition to promote the “Study in Hong Kong” brand
City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), recognised as the “Most International University in the World” by Times Higher Education (THE) for two consecutive years in 2024 and 2025, has actively responded to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government’s promotion of the “Study in Hong Kong” brand, with the aim of developing Hong Kong into an international hub for higher education.
The 2026 Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) Conference & Exhibition, hosted by The Chinese University of Hong Kong and co-hosted by CityUHK and six other universities funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC), is being held from 23 to 27 February at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. At the opening ceremony, Professor Lee Chun-sing, Provost and Deputy President of CityUHK, was among the officiating guests to kick off the event.
After the ceremony, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government, Mr Tim Lui, Chairman of the UGC and Professor Tang Tuck-hong, Secretary-General of the UGC, led guests on a tour of the exhibition booths, including the “Study in Hong Kong” Pavilion, jointly hosted by the eight UGC-funded universities. Today, representatives from approximately 15 universities are meeting with CityUHK’s Global Engagement Office. This event provides an excellent platform for CityUHK to strengthen ties with existing partners, explore collaboration opportunities with potential partners, and promote cooperation in various areas such as student exchanges.
The event features numerous pre-conference workshops, thematic discussions, exchange activities and guided tours of local university campuses. Its overarching goal is to promote the internationalisation of higher education in the Asia-Pacific region and globally. The Presidents’ Dialogue, the core session of the event, was held today, bringing together approximately 70 university presidents and representatives from over 40 universities worldwide to explore critical issues impacting the field.
Professor Anderson Shum Ho-cheung, Vice-President (Research) of CityUHK, participated in a panel themed “Partnership for the Global Good: Navigating Challenges, Excelling Innovation and Building Trust”. He remarked, “To cultivate impactful global partnerships, universities should focus on co-designed initiatives that align institutional strengths for mutual benefits and enduring networks.”
He quoted CityUHK’s strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi University as an excellent example for advancing Belt and Road academic and research collaboration.
In addition, CityUHK scholars, including Professor Ray Cheung Chak-chung, Associate Provost (Digital Learning), and Professor Alex Wong Chun-yuen, Dean of Students, will participate in discussion sessions titled “Innovation in Teaching and Learning: Shaping Global Education in Hong Kong” and “Supporting International Student Success: Building Community and Empowerment in Hong Kong’s Universities”, respectively, facilitating the exchange of ideas and best practices among leaders of various higher education institutions.
Other CityUHK representatives in attendance include Professor Julie Li, Deputy Vice-President (Mainland Strategy); Professor Jennifer Lin, Associate Vice-President (Global Strategy); Professor Steven Wang, Associate Vice-President (Resources Planning); Professor Wang Xin, Dean of the College of Science, and Professor Kenneth Leung Mei-yee, Associate Dean (Outreach and Internationalisation) of the College of Science.
Themed “Asia-Pacific Partnerships for the Global Good”, the event has brought together over 3,000 leaders and experts from more than 70 countries and regions worldwide to discuss important issues and emerging trends in higher education. The event showcases the unwavering commitment of Hong Kong institutions to promoting the “Study in Hong Kong” brand, their world-class teaching facilities and outstanding achievements, and highlights Hong Kong’s immense potential as an international education hub, attracting top talent to study in Hong Kong.