EdUHK Signs Memorandum of Understanding with University of Colombo
Strengthening Academic and Research Links with Sri Lanka
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) and the University of Colombo signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 30 July at EdUHK’s Tai Po campus, marking the first formal collaboration between EdUHK and a Sri Lankan higher education institution. The agreement establishes a solid foundation for cooperation in areas including scientific research, faculty and student exchanges, doctoral supervision, and the co-organisation of academic conferences and seminars.
The signing ceremony took place during the “EdUHK International Postgraduate Conference and Research Forum (IPCRF) 2026,” with Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, President of EdUHK, and Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Colombo, representing the two universities. Professor Athambawa Abdul Azeez, Senior Professor in Finance and Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the University of Colombo, also attended the ceremony.
Professor Lee delivered a welcome address in English, followed by his digital avatar “AI John,” developed by Professor Song Yanjie, Assistant Dean of the Graduate School. The AI greeted guests in Sinhala and Tamil, the two official languages of Sri Lanka, demonstrating EdUHK’s innovation in cross‑cultural communication and technological application.
Professor Lee remarked, “This collaboration symbolises the shared commitment of both institutions to advancing excellence in education, conducting impactful research, and nurturing the next generation of scholars and leaders. The signing of this MoU not only provides an important framework for deepening our partnership, but also highlights our joint efforts to expand the boundaries of knowledge, promote intercultural exchange, and contribute positively to sustainable development at, national, regional, and global levels.”
Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake said, “The signing of this MoU represents our shared commitment to strengthening international cooperation, advancing knowledge, and creating new opportunities for students, academics, and researchers. By bringing together the strengths, expertise, and experiences of both institutions, we can explore emerging fields and address the challenges of a rapidly changing world.”
EdUHK representatives present at the signing ceremony included: Professor Chetwyn Chan Che-hin, Vice President (Research and Development), Dr Tom Fong Wing-ho, Vice President (Administration), Professor Ken Yung Kin-lam, Associate Vice President (Knowledge Transfer and Sustainability), Ms Helen Gai Huixia, Associate Vice President (Mainland Engagement and Development), Professor Michelle Gu Mingyue, Assistant Vice President (Research), Professor Xu Guandong, Assistant Vice President (Artificial Intelligence and Education Innovation), Mr Edmond Kuo Hoi, Assistant Vice President (Institutional Effectiveness), Professor Ferrante Neri, Dean of Faculty of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Professor Chen Junjun, Dean of Graduate School, Professor Kevin Chan Ka-shing, Acting Dean of Faculty of Education and Human Development, Professor Hou Wai-kai, Associate Dean of Graduate School, and Professor Song Yanjie, Assistant Dean of Graduate School.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of EdUHK’s retitling. The collaboration further expands EdUHK’s global network and underscores its commitment to promoting educational innovation and digital transformation among countries along the Belt and Road. Looking ahead, EdUHK and the University of Colombo will continue to work hand in hand to expand the boundaries of knowledge and make positive contributions to regional and global development.
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EdUHK Signs Memorandum of Understanding with University of Colombo Strengthening Academic and Research Links with Sri Lanka
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