Over 50 global universities, including Harvard University and University of Cambridge, are set to converge at the Global University Presidents and Leaders Summit 2026 from October 27 to 28 in Hong Kong, to weigh in on future of education.
The event aims to serve as a global communication platform, with the newly announced Northern Metropolis University Town (NMUT) acting as a catalyst for the city’s education push.
Consisting of 10 sessions, this year's event focuses on NMUT — the city's major proposed education, innovation, and technology hub — and on fostering cooperation among government, industry, academia, research, and investment. A total of 10 universities from Hong Kong will participate, including eight University Grants Committee-funded universities, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, and The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong. In addition to the attendance of university presidents or administrators, each university may nominate one student representative to take part.
Priscilla Leung Mei-fun, founding president and CEO of the Hong Kong Association for External Friendship (HKAEF), the organizer of the summit, said that this year's event has increased the participation of universities with applied sciences, noting the importance of generating greater synergy through universities, disciplines, and applicability to help Hong Kong build top-tier disciplines.
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Leung noted that attendees will explore cutting-edge education models at the summit, and the Hong Kong side will introduce the city’s "Study in Hong Kong" brand and the in-the-making university town to global partners. Representatives from the Hong Kong SAR government will explain details on various strategies, including the city’s university town plan, to directly respond to questions from global partners.
“It is believed to be the first time to have a discussion of this scale focused on the development of NMUT and guiding educational investment,” Leung said.
She stressed that in addition to governmental support, public and private investment is important for the development of the Northern Metropolis.
In addition to the presidents and researchers, the summit also invited some rising stars to build a cross-generational, cross-national and cross-sectoral discussion, Leung added.
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Gordon Lam Chi-wing, honorary vice-governor of HKAEF, said he hopes to engage the business community and global advocates to generate more opportunities for top talent through this event.
Lam said he believes that the summit can bring more opportunities to Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, showcasing the HKSAR’s role as a superconnector and super value-adder, while reinforcing Hong Kong’s integration into the Greater Bay Area and its commitment to serving national development.
Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com
