Global Leaders Converge to Shape the Future of Higher Education in Asia

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 April 2026 – The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Times Higher Education (THE) co-hosted the Asia Universities Summit 2026 from April 22 to 24. Under the theme “Igniting Global Transformation: Asia’s Leadership,” the three-day premier event explores Asia’s pivotal role in reshaping global innovation and addressing pressing societal challenges through higher education.

The Summit holds particular significance as it coincides with HKUST’s 35th anniversary and marks a decade of partnership between the University and THE since the inaugural summit. This year’s event has attracted over 600 university presidents, policymakers, and industry titans from 25 countries and regions, underscoring a collective commitment to advancing the academic landscape across the continent.

The Summit officially commenced on April 22 at HKUST’s Shaw Auditorium, with the opening ceremony officiated by Dr. SZE Chun-Fai, Jeff, Acting Secretary for Education of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government; Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST; Phil BATY, Chief Global Affairs Officer, and Mei Mei LIM, President, Asia Pacific, from THE.

In her opening remarks, President Ip underscored the need for cross-border collaboration and the evolving role of universities in a rapidly changing world. She said, “As HKUST celebrates its anniversary and a decade of partnership with Times Higher Education, we gather at a defining moment for our region. Asia is increasingly shaping the direction of global innovation, talent development, and societal transformation. In this era of rapid technological advancement and constant change—from artificial intelligence to climate resilience—the challenge of progress lies in anticipating needs and shaping solutions, which calls for a fundamental rethinking of how universities lead. At HKUST, we firmly believe that no single institution can address these global challenges alone; progress will come through openness, partnership, and shared responsibility.

Hong Kong is unique in being the only city in the world with five universities ranked among the global top 100, underscoring its role as a leading international hub for exchange and innovation. Building on this strength, HKUST has initiated dialogues with the world’s leading universities and invited them to Hong Kong to explore opportunities for a university town. This Summit reflects our long‑standing commitment to bringing institutions together to exchange ideas, build meaningful collaborations, and take collective action. By convening leaders from across Asia and beyond, we aim to turn thoughtful dialogue into real impact for our communities and for society at large.”

Dr. SZE Chun-Fai, Jeff, highlighted Hong Kong’s unique position as an international education hub, stating, “Universities today are not only centers of knowledge creation but also powerful drivers of innovation, resilience, and societal impact. In an era of rapid technological advancement, higher education must translate cutting-edge research into real-world solutions that address global challenges. HKUST exemplifies this excellence and achieves remarkable rankings, with its entrepreneurial story equally unmatched, demonstrating the worldwide impact of its research discoveries. Hong Kong has long served as the world’s super-connector and super-value adder, bridging East and West. Our highly internationalized and diversified post-secondary education system positions us ideally to facilitate this convergence between global academic networks and the opportunities of the Chinese Mainland and the wider region. Education, technology, and talent form a foundational triad for success. By fostering talent attraction, interdisciplinary education, industry-academic partnerships, and research collaborations with our counterparts elsewhere, we are building a vibrant ecosystem that strengthens Hong Kong’s innovation edge, contributing to Asia as well as national development.”

Phil Baty reaffirmed THE’s enduring partnership of trust with HKUST and celebrated Asia’s rising global influence, stating, “A decade ago, right here on this stunning campus, THE launched its first-ever Asia Universities Summit. Today, we are witnessing a tilt in the balance of power in global higher education and research from the West to the East. This extraordinary trajectory is driven by Asia’s booming research productivity and global ambitions. Hong Kong, with five universities now ranked among the world’s top 100, stands at the heart of this transformation—a city which we believe will remain the flagship atop the rising tide across Asia, cementing its position as a world-leading powerhouse. New knowledge creation is not a zero-sum game, as we all gain from the leapfrogging Asian university sector. This Summit is a celebration of your excellence and the glorious diversity of our academic community.”

Following the opening ceremony, President Ip joined Prof. Martin O. BERGÖ, Vice-President of Karolinska Institutet, in a keynote fireside chat on longevity science. The discussion explored how advances in biomedicine, neuroscience, and translational research can extend both lifespan and healthspan, while contributing to resilient and equitable societies. President Ip shared insights from her pioneering neuroscience research, including the University’s efforts to decode the biological basis of healthy aging. She said, “Healthy aging is not just about adding years to life, but adding life to our years. We need a paradigm shift from reactive to proactive care. At HKUST, we are focused on monitoring risks for any diseases early and implementing preventive measures. Longevity science is about extending the ‘healthspan’ and as a university, we have much to offer through our research and collaborations. We are uniquely positioned to contribute to this field.”

A spotlight on the first day was a fireside chat between Prof. Harry SHUM, Chairman of the HKUST Council, and Judson ALTHOFF, CEO of Microsoft’s Commercial Business. The dialogue delved into the transformative power of AI across both industry and academia, discussing how universities can collaborate with global technology leaders to prepare students for an AI‑pervasive world. Emphasis was placed not only on technological capability, but also on trust, critical thinking and mindset change within institutions.

Prof. Shum underscored the importance of embracing AI across disciplines, “For our university, at this time, the number one priority is really a mindset change—to focus on AI for science, engineering, business, humanities, and medicine. AI is already here. We do not have to be afraid of this technology. It is a powerful new tool for us and a wonderful thing that we must learn and master to drive growth and innovation.”

Throughout the Summit, President Ip participated in two leadership meetings with over 15 university presidents and senior leaders from institutions across Asia, engaging in candid, strategy‑focused exchanges on shared regional challenges. One session examined how Asia’s emerging innovation corridors—from the Greater Bay Area to other fast‑growing technology belts—can redefine global technology leadership, with discussions centered on governance models and cross‑border collaboration. Another session focused on shaping next‑generation cities, exploring how universities can align research, talent development and policy engagement to support sustainable urban transformation amid rapid technological and societal change. These high-level dialogues emphasized the need for strategic alignment between academic research and regional development, reinforcing the Summit’s mission to leverage Asian leadership for global transformation through collaborative institutional design and shared expertise.

Across a series of high‑level sessions, HKUST senior leadership played an active role in shaping discussions on inclusive leadership, trusted AI in higher education, research commercialization, climate resilience, and global research collaboration. The sessions examined how universities can strengthen governance frameworks to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI, while cultivating innovation ecosystems that translate research outcomes into socio-economic impact.

The dialogue also addressed strategies for nurturing entrepreneurship, climate‑proofing rapidly growing cities through interdisciplinary engineering approaches, and sustaining borderless research collaboration amid rising geopolitical and regulatory pressures. Collectively, these contributions highlighted HKUST’s commitment to advancing responsible innovation, international partnership, and university leadership attuned to Asia’s evolving challenges and global responsibilities.

The three-day event concluded with a closing ceremony, cementing new strategic partnerships and a shared vision for the future of higher education in the region.

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From China’s Hainan rice noodles and India’s curry prawns to South Korea’s kimchi, a mouthwatering array of regional delicacies is on display. As athletes savor diverse flavors and share their culinary cultures, friendships are quietly blossoming over the shared joy of food.

Beyond cuisine, the Village also hosts activities that blend traditional Chinese culture with local Hainan charm. These events allow nearly 1,800 athletes from 45 countries and regions to use culture as a bond to forge genuine friendships off the field, perfectly embodying the Games’ aspiration of “Passing Friendship, Meeting in Sanya.”

As a main thoroughfare, the corridor in the Athletes’ Village International Zone buzzes with activity. Athletes from various nations often gather here to share amusing training stories, hometown delicacies, traditional songs and dances, and local folklore. Amid this lively hubbub, language and geographical barriers begin to close effortlessly. More than just a place to rest, the Village has become a true “home away from home” for the Games.

“I believe that when we come together for sports and cultural exchange, the most important thing is to fully engage in the sports themselves. That’s what helps us build friendships, and it’s a wonderful experience,” said Chaladol Boonsri, a Thai team official. He noted that athletes from across Asia have gained a deeper understanding of one another through these activities, forging closer ties that will ultimately make the world a better place.

The local Hainan cultural experience has become one of the most anticipated highlights of these exchange activities. Xing Liting, head of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Exhibition Area at the Village, explained that athletes can get up close to ICH items such as Li brocade, coconut carving, and Li pottery, personally experiencing the unique charm of Hainan culture. On the other side of the Village, the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic has also proven highly popular, with many athletes making special trips to experience traditional therapies such as Tuina (massage) and moxibustion.

“I really love this experience. Immersing myself in Chinese culture is truly enjoyable,” said Chmaissani Issa, a Saudi Arabian ju-jitsu athlete, after trying his hand at Hainan rattan and bamboo weaving.

During the Games, the Athletes’ Village will host eight themed cultural performances, including “Quintessence of China,” “Joyful Songs of the Sea,” and “Trendy Sounds of the Free Trade Port.” The debut performance, “Quintessence of China,” took the stage on April 19. The spectacular show had athletes involuntarily clapping along to the rhythm. “This is my first time watching a Chinese performance in an Athletes’ Village, and it’s incredibly interesting,” Issa added.

An official from the Sanya ABG Organizing Committee stated that a professional service team had been assembled to fully address athletes’ daily needs during the competition. By offering diverse forms of care, such as birthday wishes and congratulatory messages for medal winners, the committee ensures that athletes can fully concentrate on their events while fostering mutual understanding and friendship in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.

The 6th ABG marks the first comprehensive international sporting event held after the launch of independent customs operations at the Hainan Free Trade Port. The cultural exchange activities at the ABG Athletes’ Village not only serve as a bridge of communication for Asian youth but also showcase Hainan’s openness and inclusiveness to the world. “I look forward to making more friends, sharing training experiences, and exploring different cultures,” said Shhijir-Erdene Bat-Enkh, a Mongolian beach volleyball player. “This will undoubtedly become a beautiful, unforgettable memory for me.”

As the Games progress, the cultural exchange activities within this “home away from home” will also continue, allowing the seeds of friendship to take root and grow amidst the coconut breezes and coastal scenery of Sanya, and ensuring the spirit of the Asian Beach Games is continuously passed on through cultural integration.

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