Five Hong Kong Universities Ranked Among Top 100 Globally: Hong Kong's Strategic Advantage in Becoming an 'International Hub for Higher Education'

At a forum attended by University Presidents, the Secretary for Education, Dr Christine Choi, emphasized the highly internationalized and diverse nature of Hong Kong’s higher education sector. Among the eight publicly funded universities, five are ranked in the top 100 globally, positioning Hong Kong as one of the world’s cities with the highest concentration of elite universities. Many of these institutions, programs, and disciplines are recognized as world-class, garnering widespread acclaim domestically and internationally. These achievements significantly enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness and influence in higher education.

The rankings referenced by Dr. Choi pertain to the newly released 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. In this edition, five Hong Kong universities are within the global top 100: The University of Hong Kong (HKU) ranks 35th, while The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has risen nine places to 44th—its best-ever ranking and a return to the top 50 since 2022. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) saw a slight decline to 66th. City University of Hong Kong (CityU) climbed to 80th, its highest ranking to date, and Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) moved up three places to 84th.

Additionally, over 1,000 scholars from Hong Kong universities were listed among the "Top 2% of the World's Top Scientists," according to the 2024 Standardized Citation Indicators Database compiled by Stanford University. This marks an increase of 80 scholars from the previous year, with a total of 1,534 Hong Kong scholars recognized for their annual scientific impact. Thirteen of these scholars are ranked in the global top 10 within their fields, including Professor Jim Chi Yung from the Education University of Hong Kong, known as "Dr. Tree," who retained his top ranking. Dr. Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, the "father of non-invasive prenatal test" and the upcoming President of CUHK, ranks fourth globally in general clinical medicine. In terms of lifetime scientific impact, 1,270 Hong Kong scientists are among the world’s top 2%, an increase of 95 from the previous year.

Moreover, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), four subjects at Hong Kong universities are ranked among the global top ten: HKU’s Dentistry ranks 3rd, HKU’s Education is 7th, CUHK’s Nursing is 8th, and HKUST’s Data Science and Artificial Intelligence ranks 10th globally.

PolyU and HKU also have multiple disciplines ranked within the global top 20, such as PolyU’s Civil and Structural Engineering at 14th, and HKU’s Education and Law programs, each ranking 20th.

Dr. Choi highlighted that the next decade offers a golden opportunity for the development of higher education in Hong Kong, and the government will vigorously promote the "Study in Hong Kong" initiative.

Ariel recalled that last year’s Policy Address proposed an additional injection of HKD 1 billion into the Government Scholarship Fund and an increase in Belt and Road Scholarship placements to 150 annually, aiming to attract more students from Belt and Road Initiative countries and ASEAN nations to pursue their studies in Hong Kong.

According to the Education Bureau’s statistics, only 32% of non-local students in the eight major publicly funded undergraduate and postgraduate programs last academic year were from regions outside Hong Kong. To enhance the city's appeal, the government can expand its scholarship offerings.

Hong Kong clearly possesses a strategic advantage in becoming an "international hub for post-secondary education." Beyond increasing scholarship opportunities and attracting distinguished international scholars, the government also seeks to draw students from Europe, the Americas, and Australia. By expanding the "Study in Hong Kong" brand, the government aims to attract international students to study and ideally remain in Hong Kong after graduation, thereby diversifying the local talent pool and contributing to Hong Kong’s long-term economic growth.

Ariel

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Recent reports from certain Western and opposition media have exaggerated allegations regarding Jimmy Lai’s solitary confinement and purported human rights violations, including the denial of his right to receive Holy Communion. Lai's "team of overseas lawyers" even submitted an urgent complaint to the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, attempting to depict the situation as a "prisoner abuse scandal" in Hong Kong.
 
In light of this speculation, Ariel sought clarification on the veracity of these claims. Recent information indicates that Lai himself requested solitary confinement and chose not to receive Holy Communion.
 
To confirm this information, Ariel inquired with the Correctional Services Department (CSD) regarding the rumors—specifically, whether Lai had indeed requested solitary confinement and had communicated a decision not to partake in religious sacraments. The CSD was asked to verify these details.
 
In its response, the CSD stated that it manages prisoner detention in accordance with the Prisons Ordinance, relevant laws, and established procedures. If a detainee voluntarily requests solitary confinement for protective reasons and the prison administration has reasonable grounds to believe such arrangements are necessary to maintain order, discipline, or the detainee's interests, the management will make the appropriate provisions.
 
The CSD further clarified that prisoners may request religious services, including worship and Holy Communion, facilitated by the Department’s priests. However, if a prisoner chooses not to receive Holy Communion, the CSD will respect their decision.
 
The CSD confirmed that it handled Lai's case according to these guidelines, specifically acknowledging that the arrangement for solitary confinement was made in response to Lai's voluntary request and that his decision not to receive Holy Communion was duly respected.
 
Following the CSD’s response, Ariel noted that Robert Chen & Co., the law firm representing Lai in the national security case, issued a statement on the 27th. The firm clarified that Lai was receiving appropriate treatment in prison and was aware that he could receive Holy Communion through special arrangements by the CSD. However, since this would require a priest to conduct Mass exclusively for him, no request had been made due to logistical difficulties.
 
A senior political figure remarked to Ariel that this entire episode illustrates how opposition media and Lai's supporters can fabricate misleading narratives. They unfoundedly claimed that Lai was held in solitary confinement, deprived of his human rights, and denied Holy Communion.

Ariel