HONG KONG – The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) on Wednesday launched its 2026-2030 strategic plan, “Leaping to Greatness,” anchored by a new TIGER framework designed to propel the institution into a new era of global academic leadership and societal impact.

The announcement comes as CUHK reaches a historic milestone, climbing to 18th place in the latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings — its first time in the global top 20.

Speaking at a media luncheon marking the official launch, CUHK Vice-Chancellor and President Dennis Lo Yuk-ming said the five-year road map aligns with Hong Kong’s and the nation’s development priorities, including the 15th Five-Year Plan.

The TIGER acronym outlines five interconnected pillars: talent attraction and development; institutional development; global and alumni engagement; education and student experience; and research and innovation.

Lo said the TIGER framework embodies courage, agility, and drive. “CUHK will continue to drive breakthroughs in life and health sciences, artificial intelligence, quantum science and other frontier fields, and participate in national scientific research initiatives, leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantages and position as China’s most international city, with an aim of cultivating world-class talent and new knowledge that benefit the world.”

The plan emphasizes translating CUHK’s collegiate system and global network into a driver for social progress amid the AI revolution and climate challenges, said Isabella Poon Wai-yin, provost of CUHK.

A key highlight of the plan is the establishment of CUHK’s 10th college, a dedicated postgraduate college designed to foster a vibrant, international environment for cross-disciplinary dialogue and holistic development.

The university will also introduce flagship international undergraduate programs embedding innovation and sustainability, while strengthening industry-academia collaboration and links with CUHK-Shenzhen.

CUHK is also intensifying its internationalization efforts. Ranked perfectly in QS’ international faculty ratio, the university saw a 75 percent surge in applications from outside the Chinese mainland China this year, primarily from Southeast Asia and the Middle East. To attract top-tier students, CUHK launched the new Fenghuang Scholarship, offering financial support and overseas exchange opportunities.

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The strategic plan further reinforces CUHK’s role in national scientific research. The university has recently demonstrated technological prowess with the launch of CUHK Sat-1 — the world’s first AI satellite for urban sustainability — and its leadership in developing the laser heterodyne spectrometer for China’s Tianwen-3 Mars mission. In 2026, the Hong Kong Centre for Logistics Robotics established the city’s first full-stack embodied intelligence laboratory, further cementing Hong Kong’s status as an innovation and technology hub.