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In a landmark celebration of its 60th anniversary, the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) hosted the Diamond Jubilee University Presidents’ Forum on December 9. This signature global thought leadership event brought together 32 university presidents hailing from 18 countries and regions spanning six continents, with over 120 global academic leaders and key stakeholders in attendance.

The forum, themed “Innovation and Edupreneurship: The Shifting Research and Education Agenda,” took centrestage in CUHK’s milestone celebrations. Hong Kong’s Secretary for Education Dr Choi Yuk-lin extended a warm welcome to the academic leaders from more than 30 universities at this esteemed gathering and congratulated The Chinese University of Hong Kong for its Diamond Jubilee. She also mentioned the Government’s policy initiative of developing Hong Kong into an international hub for post-secondary education, as announced in the 2023 Policy Address, and highlighted the competitive edges of Hong Kong, which include our high degree of internationalisation, huge investment in education by the Government, quality research and teaching, and the support from our nation.  

Professor Rocky S. Tuan, CUHK’s Vice-Chancellor and President, welcomed participants, emphasising the dynamic nature of academia amidst technological advancements, evolving societal needs, and a dynamic global economy. He underscored the unique responsibility of global university leaders to shape the future of education, research, and innovation in response to the changing landscape.

The keynote address, delivered by Ms Nisa Leung, Managing Partner at Qiming Venture Partners, provided thought-provoking perspectives on critical issues regarding the global interface of biotechnology development and venture capital. The ensuing four panel discussions ignited lively exchanges among university leaders, exploring the profound impact of innovation and edupreneurship on teaching and learning, research agendas, external partnerships, and university governance.

Distinguished speakers, including global higher education leaders such as University of Oxford Vice-Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey, University of California Los Angeles Chancellor Professor Gene D. Block, Peking University President Professor Qihuang Gong, University of Toronto President Professor Meric Gertler, University of Auckland Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater, among others, lent their insights to the enriching discussions.

The Presidents’ Forum served as a platform for university leaders to share insights and experiences on the transformative power of innovation and edupreneurship, reflecting on the evolving role of universities in an ever-changing academic landscape. It also bolstered CUHK’s global partnerships, aligning with the university’s commitment to fusing Chinese and Western academic traditions through collaborations with over 480 institutions worldwide.

As CUHK continues its journey of internationalisation, the Presidents’ Forum stands as a testament to the university’s long history of global engagement and a symbol of its commitment to excellence in education and research on the global stage.