Editorial | Hong Kong poised to further excel as international hub for higher education

University global rankings rise and fall for different reasons. But they do reflect the quality and stature of the respective institutions to a certain extent. Hong Kong is justifiably proud in this respect, with five local varsities again making the world top 100 and no fewer than four climbing further this year. With clear strategies and sound policy support and coordination, the city can further excel as an international hub for higher education.

The relatively favourable assessment by the British-based Times Higher Education came as local university chiefs shared their visions and development strategies in a forum this month. They were joined by some of their counterparts in the Greater Bay Area, with a view to exploring ways to nurture the city into an international university hub. The timing of the release of the rankings and the forum may just be coincidental. But it shows that the city is well-positioned to take on greater challenges.

Much has changed since the forum was held a decade ago. Most of the university chiefs have been replaced. Meanwhile, the city’s less-politicised environment is also deemed more conducive to the development of research and applications. There is also a stronger consensus that universities should move up the innovation and technology chain, attract more overseas students and foster closer international exchange and collaboration.

Addressing the forum, Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin noted that the resolution adopted at the nation’s third plenary session in July included supporting Hong Kong’s transformation into an international hub for high-calibre talent. “The coming 10 years is the golden opportunity to develop Hong Kong’s higher education,” she said. The tertiary institutions shouldered the responsibility of nurturing talent and scientific research to achieve the nation’s aim of making the city a leader in education, she added.

While Hong Kong universities operate independently, the government still has a leading role to play when it comes to strategic development. This includes fostering an environment conducive to research and attracting talent, and coordinating the universities to further develop their edge. But the real work comes from individual institutions. It is incumbent upon them to seize the opportunities. Enhancing competitiveness and producing talent and research applications that benefit the city and country should be the priority.

This is easier said than done, as reflected in a wealth of challenges highlighted by the university chiefs at the forum. From diversification to the pursuit of excellence, there is still much to do. The universities must set clear goals and action plans according to their strengths if the city is to become a genuine international education hub.