EdUHK Advance Global Collaboration at THE World Academic Summit 2025
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) participated as a content partner in the Times Higher Education (THE) World Academic Summit 2025, held from 7 to 9 October at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. Themed ‘Universities as Agents of Progress’, the summit was attended by over 700 global university leaders, researchers, policymakers, and industry experts to explore the role of higher education in fostering innovation, regional connectivity, and societal impact.
EdUHK’s delegation was led by President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, alongside Vice President (Research and Development) Professor Chetwyn Chan Che-hin, Chair Professor of Film and Media Studies also Department Head of Literature and Cultural Studies Anne Mette Hjort, and Director of the Office of Institutional Data and Research Mr Xiao Sizhe Jesse.
The University contributed to two key panel sessions, highlighting its leadership in regional integration, Belt-and-Road collaboration, and innovative strategies:
- Universities as Regional Connectors: Advancing Integration and Opportunity across the Greater Bay Area and Belt-and-Road Countries
Hosted by EdUHK and chaired by President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, this session featured Chair Professor Anne Mette Hjort and EdUHK PhD alumni as panelists. It focused on EdUHK-led collaborations as catalysts for regional integration, providing insights into cross-border partnerships that enhance student mobility, research, and sustainable development. - Bridging Research and Diplomacy: Leadership for Agile and Connected Universities
Professor Anne Mette Hjort served as a panelist. The session explored integrating research excellence with global strategies to build resilient universities, addressing key questions on enhancing global influence and adaptive leadership amid rapid change.
EdUHK's delegation also held productive discussions with senior leaders from top global universities, exploring opportunities in research, curriculum development, and international exchanges.
Reflecting on the summit, Professor John Lee Chi-Kin said, “This World Academic Summit underscores how universities can shape education and society. Particularly, the insightful panel discussion based on EdUHK’s regional connections, demonstrated how senior higher education leaders are able to build partnerships that enhance student experience, research impact, and regional development. Guided by our Strategic Plan 2025-2031, EdUHK is committed to preparing future-ready educators and talents, while advancing regional and global partnerships that generate lasting social impact.”
The event reinforced EdUHK's commitment to educational excellence, deepening ties with leading institutions for enhanced collaboration in research, teaching, and exchanges.
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