EdUHK Delegation Received by Omani Minister of Education and Chinese Ambassador Deepening Sino-Oman Higher Educational Collaboration
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) President, Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, led a delegation to the Sultanate of Oman in February 2026, engaging in a series of high-level dialogues with Oman's educational authorities and leading universities. The visit further strengthened EdUHK's influence and partnership network in the Middle East. The delegation was also received by H.E. Mr Lyu Jian, Chinese Ambassador to Oman, who commended EdUHK’s efforts in advancing educational exchanges under the Belt and Road Initiative.
The delegation comprised Ms Helen Gai Huixia, Associate Vice President (Mainland Engagement and Development), Professor Michelle Gu Mingyue, Assistant Vice President (Research), Professor Lam Chak-fu from the Academy for Educational Development and Innovation, Dr Faye Wang Yifei, Project Manager for Internationalisation, and Ms Michelle Chiu Chung-yeung, Assistant Project Manager in the Office of the President.
The delegation led by Professor Lee was received by senior Omani officials, including H.E. Dr Madiha bint Ahmed bin Nassir Al Shaibaniyah, Minister of Education. Also in the meeting were representatives from Majan University College, a long-term partner of EdUHK, including Dr Maha Kobeil, Chief Executive Officer. Their discussions focused on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and vocational training, with both parties agreeing to deepen cooperation. The Minister praised EdUHK’s expertise in educational research and interdisciplinary collaboration, expressing expectation in the University’s contributions to Oman’s educational development. The delegation visited the campus of Majan University College and further discussed advancing collaboration.
Professor Lee also met with H.E. Dr Saif bin Abdullah bin Sulaiman Al Hadabi, President of the Research and Innovation Authority, Oman’s central body for governing and advancing research and innovation. With technological innovation both a core strength of EdUHK and a pillar of Oman’s national strategy, both sides agreed to deepen collaboration. EdUHK was invited to provide capacity-building programmes for Authority staff and to support the promotion of educational technology across Oman’s education sector, extending benefits to wider communities.
To broaden academic collaboration, the delegation visited Sultan Qaboos University, Oman's leading university, meeting with His Highness Dr Fahad bin Al-Julanda Al Said, the University’s Vice-Chancellor. Building on the high-level consensus with the Omani Government, the two parties discussed practical initiatives including academic conferences, joint research, and mobility programmes. Professor Lee highlighted the pivotal role of education in advancing cultural sustainability through shaping identity and preserving cultural values, and expressed a positive vision for deepening educational and cultural cooperation with Omani universities.
During the visit, the delegation paid a special call on the Chinese Embassy in Oman, briefing Ambassador H.E. Mr Lyu Jian on EdUHK’s achievements in cooperation with Oman under the Belt and Road framework. The Ambassador acknowledged EdUHK’s contributions, noting Oman’s strong development momentum, its current stage of significant opportunity, and the country’s friendly relations with China. He highlighted the growing demand for Chinese language learning, which is opening new avenues for bilateral cooperation. He encouraged EdUHK to leverage its expertise to actively align with local development needs and affirmed the Embassy’s sustained support for Sino-Oman educational collaboration.
In recent years, EdUHK has been deepening its educational strategy in Oman, promoting initiatives such as capacity-building workshops, educational research, and student exchanges. These efforts leverage Hong Kong's role as an international education hub and contribute to the high-quality educational development under the Belt and Road Initiative.
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EdUHK Delegation Received by Omani Minister of Education and Chinese Ambassador Deepening Sino-Oman Higher Educational Collaboration
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