HKUST hosts global university forum; eyes Northern Metropolis ties

The World Class Universities Presidents Forum is taking place over two consecutive days at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

Some participating presidents from non-local institutions say they are exploring opportunities to establish a presence in the Northern Metropolis University Town.

Hosted in Hong Kong for the first time, the World Class Universities Presidents Forum is themed "Higher Education Reimagined: Innovating for the Future."

It brings together more than 130 university presidents and scholars from some 50 universities worldwide to exchange views on talent cultivation in the smart era, the role of universities in addressing global challenges and fostering an open research ecosystem.

Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng and Acting Chief Executive Eric Chan attended the opening ceremony.

In his speech, Chan highlighted Hong Kong's performance in the latest QS Asia University Rankings, where five local universities made it into the top ten.

He attributed this achievement to clear policy direction and the hard work of the universities, adding the government will continue to advance Hong Kong's positioning as an international post-secondary education hub.

A prime example of our forward-looking strategy is the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town.

And together with the the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Innovation Cooperation Zone, which consists of the Hong Kong Park and the Shenzhen Park and located on two sides of the Shenzhen River.

The university towns will be Hong Kong's main launchpad into the Greater Bay Area.

They will drive innovation and serve our nation's future.

Several institution representatives attending the forum expressed interest in establishing a presence in the Northern Metropolis, citing its unique advantages.

President of Fudan University Jin Li said their exchanges with several universities in Hong Kong mainly focus on understanding the future development and planning of the University Town.

With the project of the Northern Innovation Metropolis District, I think this is the most we've heard about "research without borders," and this is actually the physical "research without borders," connecting both sides to technology development, research, talent cultivation and not only that but the translation of research into commercial opportunities to benefit society and economy at large.

During the forum, multiple panel discussions and roundtable meetings will also be held, focusing on critical issues shaping the future of higher education.