KFUPM delegation visits CityUHK to deepen strategic cooperation in research, innovation and international education
A delegation from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) in Saudi Arabia, led by its President, Dr Muhammad Al-Saggaf, visited City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) on 14 July. Ranked first in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Arab Region University Rankings 2026 and 63rd in the QS World University Rankings 2027, KFUPM exchanged views with CityUHK senior management on strategic developments in higher education and explored cooperation in research, innovation and global talent development, laying a stronger foundation for a long-term strategic partnership.
The delegation was warmly welcomed by Professor Chun-Sing Lee, Acting President of CityUHK; Professor Li Wen Jung, Vice-President (Talent and International Strategy); Professor Yu Xinge, Associate Vice-President (Resources Planning) and Associate Director of the Institute of Digital Medicine; and Professor Shirley Chong, Chief Communications and Global Affairs Officer. During a strategic exchange meeting, representatives of the two sides held in-depth discussions on their latest developments and future directions for collaboration.
CityUHK and KFUPM reached a consensus on several key areas for deepening long-term cooperation. These included exploring Master’s and Doctoral Dual Degree programmes, establishing mobility schemes for faculty members and postdoctoral researchers, and jointly setting up interdisciplinary research centres to pursue collaborative research in key areas such as advanced materials, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, clean energy and digital medicine.
The two sides also explored the potential establishment of a cross-regional academic consortium, the joint organisation of international academic conferences, and the development of executive education programmes to support Chinese enterprises expanding into the Middle East and Middle Eastern companies entering the Chinese Mainland market. In addition, the two universities aim to build on their existing student exchange arrangements by expanding opportunities in joint research, internships and dual-degree programmes, thereby deepening talent development and academic exchange.
Professor Lee said that CityUHK has been actively expanding its global partnership network and is committed to building strategic partnerships with leading universities worldwide to advance education, research and innovation. He expressed confidence that, by leveraging their complementary strengths in research and innovation, the two sides could deepen cooperation in areas of shared interest, nurture globally minded talent, and jointly address global challenges.
During the meeting, Professor Lee introduced CityUHK’s latest developments and international achievements. CityUHK has been named the world’s most international university by Times Higher Education (THE) for three consecutive years. It has risen to 47th position globally in the U.S. News & World Report 2026–2027 Best Global Universities Rankings and is ranked 52nd worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2027. Professor Lee also highlighted CityUHK’s efforts to promote research translation, innovation and entrepreneurship. Through HK Tech 300, the University nurtures start-ups and deep-tech talent while continuing to expand its global partnership network and advance research, innovation and talent development.
Dr Al-Saggaf introduced KFUPM’s latest developments, highlighting the university’s institutional transformation and strategic focus on frontier disciplines including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, advanced materials, clean energy and cybersecurity. KFUPM has also continued to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, research translation and international collaboration.
The two universities recognised their complementary strengths in research excellence, innovation and internationalisation. CityUHK and KFUPM agreed to maintain close communication and actively advance the proposed initiatives, aiming to further enhance their international impact through cooperation in education, research and innovation.