CUHK
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The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is proud to announce that it will host the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) Conference and Exhibition in 2026. The prestigious event, which will take place from 23 to 27 February at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, marks a significant milestone for CUHK and the Hong Kong higher education sector. The APAIE Conference and Exhibition is one of the three most prominent international education conferences, bringing together international educators, university leaders, policymakers, supporting industries and experts from around the world to discuss important topics and emerging trends in international higher education.

CUHK last hosted the APAIE Conference in 2013, as part of its golden jubilee celebrations. The event was a resounding success, attracting some 1,200 participants from 46 countries and regions. The APAIE 2026 Conference will build on this success; CUHK anticipates over 2,500 participants. With the support of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, the University Grants Committee, the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the seven other UGC-funded universities, CUHK is committed to delivering an impactful event that will underscore the “Study in Hong Kong” brand, reinforcing Hong Kong as a highly acclaimed international education hub and showcasing the city’s world-class universities and vibrant community.

At the official closing handover ceremony of the APAIE 2025 Conference and Exhibition in Delhi, India on 27 March 2025, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR, received APAIE’s flag, marking the formal start of CUHK’s journey as host. Dr Choi remarked: “Hong Kong is an international hub for higher education, attracting talented students and exceptional academics from around the world. With our universities consistently ranking among the best globally, Hong Kong stands out as a beacon of academic excellence. Hosting the APAIE Conference and Exhibition in 2026 will provide an invaluable opportunity to showcase Hong Kong’s commitment to fostering international education partnerships and promoting cross-cultural and academic exchanges.”

CUHK, with its longstanding commitment to international education, extensive global partnerships and successful student mobility and international programmes, embodies the spirit of global engagement that the APAIE Conference celebrates. As a founding member of APAIE in 2004, CUHK is dedicated to advancing international higher education and fostering collaboration among universities worldwide. Professor Dennis Lo, Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK, said: “CUHK is thrilled to once again host this prestigious event in Hong Kong after a 13-year interlude. Global engagement has always been at the core of CUHK’s mission and we have nurtured numerous successful partnerships in international education, student mobility and research over the years. This event offers a unique opportunity to showcase our excellence in teaching, research and innovation to stakeholders in higher education worldwide, paving the way for future collaborations that will advance our global endeavours to new heights.”

Professor Venky Shankararaman, President of APAIE, said: “With its unique blend of East and West and its strong global connectivity, Hong Kong is the perfect host for the APAIE 2026 Conference and Exhibition. As a hub of innovation, diversity, and international collaboration, it embodies APAIE’s mission to advance education, build partnerships, and connect the Asia-Pacific with the world. We look forward to an inspiring gathering of higher education leaders, policymakers, and industry professionals, driving mutual respect, collective progress, and new opportunities in international education.”

The event will include pre-workshops, keynotes, parallel sessions, roundtable discussions, networking functions and local university campus tours. Participants will learn about new developments in higher education in other parts of the world, share best practice and explore new opportunities for collaboration.