HONG KONG, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- From February 23 to 27, the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) 2026 Conference and Exhibition was led by The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) as the lead host with seven other University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities serving as co-hosts. The conference was supported by the HKSAR Government, the UGC and the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Under the theme "Asia-Pacific Partnerships for the Global Good", the event attracted over 3,500 participants and 600 exhibitors from 72 countries and regions, a record high for the conference.
CUHK previously hosted the APAIE Conference and Exhibition in 2013. As one of the world's three most significant international education conferences, the 2026 event not only showcased Hong Kong's dynamism as an international education hub, but also charted a future-oriented blueprint for Asia-Pacific higher education cooperation.
Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK, emphasized that Hong Kong has become a vital international education hub, capable of comprehensively showcasing its higher education strengths to the outside world, including its facilities, research, talent cultivation, and scientific and technological innovation achievements.
At the start of the conference, the Education Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government officially launched the "Study in Hong Kong" week, aiming to showcase the city's unique value as a top-tier study destination to students worldwide.
Hong Kong, an international metropolis with a population of approximately 7.7 million, boasts five universities ranked among the world's top 100 — a density of world-class higher education institutions rarely seen globally.
Dr. Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government, said that as a "super-connector" in the global education network, Hong Kong is dedicated to fostering a highly internationalized and diverse academic ecosystem. For global students, studying here means not just earning a degree from a top university, but also taking ownership of your future and building the skills that matter.
Backed by the vast Chinese Mainland market and connected to the world, Hong Kong enjoys unique advantages in both basic and higher education, Professor Lo said. He affirmed that, when combined with the HKSAR Government's proactive talent attraction policies, comprehensive study and employment schemes, social stability and safety, Hong Kong is undoubtedly a top study destination for students globally.
Speaking on Hong Kong, Professor Venky Shankararaman, President of APAIE, said that as Asia's World City, Hong Kong possesses international connectivity advantages, world-class infrastructure and rich cultural experiences, and is a "melting pot" of Eastern and Western cultures.
"Its open, internationalized environment makes it an ideal gateway connecting China with the world, providing unique fertile ground for cultivating international talent and fostering diverse innovation," Professor Shankararaman said during the APAIE 2026 Conference and Exhibition.
Experts noted that educational opportunities are not isolated phenomena but are deeply intertwined and mutually reinforcing with macro trends, such as regional economic integration, technological revolutions, demographic shifts, and the evolution of global governance.
Professor Lo said the driving forces of Asian economic growth are undergoing a fundamental shift, with mutual dependence, synergy from intra-regional trade, and investment increasingly becoming key engines, altering the previous singular reliance on exports to Western markets.
Professor Lo emphasized that the new wave of technological revolution, led by artificial intelligence (AI), and the green energy transition, represented by the photovoltaic industry and electric vehicles, are becoming core factors reshaping Asia's economic resilience and defining future competitiveness.
In this context, emerging markets like Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam are performing remarkably, and their substantial demand for higher education and pursuit of continuous improvement are expected only to increase further, he said.
"By deepening regional education cooperation, expanding teacher and student exchange networks, and jointly building research collaboration platforms, we can effectively promote the cross-border flow and optimal allocation of educational resources, achieving complementary advantages and synergistic development," said Professor Shankararaman in an interview.
He noted that while educational resources in the Asia-Pacific are unevenly distributed, the region possesses prominent complementary advantages.
"This complementarity of differences will not only enhance the overall quality of education and innovation efficiency in the region, but also provide solid talent and intellectual support for addressing shared global challenges and promoting inclusive growth," Professor Shankararaman said.
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APAIE 2026 Conference and Exhibition successfully held, Hong Kong's educational strengths draw global talent
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Agoda shows an increase in interest in destinations offering a magical ambiance during the rainy season
SINGAPORE, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Traveling in Indonesia during the rainy season gives travellers a refreshing break from the usual hustle, plus it's perfect for unique adventures. Magical ambiance can be felt in the cities or destinations that offer cozy spaces, lush green landscapes, or unique culinary scenes. Agoda has unveiled its five recommended destinations for the rainy season, based on accommodation search query volume, all of which reflect an increase compared to previous year.
The rainy season has its own charm, and traveling can still be fun and exciting. Travelers can enjoy vibrant scenery, peaceful vibes, and tranquil activities like museum hopping or trying local cafes. Indonesia's enchanting atmosphere is at its best. From tea plantations and rice fields to unique food spots, the country's destinations offer a refreshing break.
Gede Gunawan, Senior Country Director of Agoda for Indonesia says, "The rainy season is redefining travel trends, with more explorers seeking destinations that offer unique experiences despite the weather. Indonesia's vibrant landscapes and rich culture are drawing travellers who are eager to experience the magic of the rain. Agoda empowers these adventurers with seamless planning and unbeatable deals, making it easier than ever to explore trending hotspots and create unforgettable memories."
Below are the trending destinations, according to Agoda, based on accommodation search queries and recommended for experiencing the best of Indonesia's rainy season.
1. Bali- Bali has been placed at the top of the list of destinations with the highest accommodation searches and witnessing a 27% increase compared to the previous year. Travellers flock to Ubud to enjoy the tropical downpours that turn the rice terraces and jungles into vibrant and deep green wonders. You can enjoy world-class spas, yoga retreats, and boutique cafes while watching the rain fall over the forest. Travelers can also visit the many art galleries or enjoy a traditional Balinese dance performance.
2. Bandung, West Java- Bandung ranked second on the list, and registered a 27% increase in accommodation searches on Agoda. Boasting a cool climate that pairs perfectly with rain, Bandung is often called the "Paris of Java" for its colonial architecture and fashion. Bandung is also famous for its culinary scene. Savouring Batagor, Seblak, or Cuanki in the cool, misty weather should be at the top of the bucket list while traveling to Bandung. Travellers can also head to the highlands of Lembang or Dago Pakar to find restaurants with stunning valley views blanketed by fog.
3. Yogyakarta (Jogja)- Jogja has a nostalgic atmosphere during the rainy season, where the city feels slower and more poetic. Ranked third in accommodation searches with a 40% increase from previous year, Jogja offers the best attractions, many of which are also indoors or sheltered, such as the Kraton (Sultan's Palace) and the museums. The coffee culture (Kopi Joss) is also best enjoyed while it's raining outside. Some unique activities travellers can enjoy including taking a batik-making class or visiting the Ullen Sentalu Museum in Kaliurang, which feels very mysterious and beautiful in the rain.
4. Malang & Batu, East Java- Malang, ranked fourth on the list having a 47% increase in accommodation searches, offers a crisp, cool air that becomes even more refreshing in the rain. Batu, on the other hand, features many indoor "Theme Museums" such as Museum Angkut (Transportation Museum), Brawijaya Museum (military), and Mpu Purwa Museum (Hindu-Buddhist historical artifacts), making it an ideal destination for a rainy day.
5. Bogor, West Java- Known as "The City of Rain" (Kota Hujan), Bogor is perfectly suited for this weather. It ranks fifth on the list, with a 15% increase in accommodation searches. The Bogor Botanical Gardens look incredibly lush and refreshing after a downpour. The city is also famous for its street food like Asinan Bogor and Soto Kuning, which are perfect for rainy days. A must-do is visiting the traditional gong craftsmanship for cultural insight or simply relaxing in a villa in the Puncak area with a hot cup of local tea.
Travelers making their 2026 rainy season traveling plans are encouraged to check out Agoda's great value deals on over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities and experiences that are available on the platform. The latest deals are available in the Agoda app or on agoda.com/deals.
Agoda shows an increase in interest in destinations offering a magical ambiance during the rainy season
SINGAPORE, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Traveling in Indonesia during the rainy season gives travellers a refreshing break from the usual hustle, plus it's perfect for unique adventures. Magical ambiance can be felt in the cities or destinations that offer cozy spaces, lush green landscapes, or unique culinary scenes. Agoda has unveiled its five recommended destinations for the rainy season, based on accommodation search query volume, all of which reflect an increase compared to previous year.
The rainy season has its own charm, and traveling can still be fun and exciting. Travelers can enjoy vibrant scenery, peaceful vibes, and tranquil activities like museum hopping or trying local cafes. Indonesia's enchanting atmosphere is at its best. From tea plantations and rice fields to unique food spots, the country's destinations offer a refreshing break.
Gede Gunawan, Senior Country Director of Agoda for Indonesia says, "The rainy season is redefining travel trends, with more explorers seeking destinations that offer unique experiences despite the weather. Indonesia's vibrant landscapes and rich culture are drawing travellers who are eager to experience the magic of the rain. Agoda empowers these adventurers with seamless planning and unbeatable deals, making it easier than ever to explore trending hotspots and create unforgettable memories."
Below are the trending destinations, according to Agoda, based on accommodation search queries and recommended for experiencing the best of Indonesia's rainy season.
1. Bali- Bali has been placed at the top of the list of destinations with the highest accommodation searches and witnessing a 27% increase compared to the previous year. Travellers flock to Ubud to enjoy the tropical downpours that turn the rice terraces and jungles into vibrant and deep green wonders. You can enjoy world-class spas, yoga retreats, and boutique cafes while watching the rain fall over the forest. Travelers can also visit the many art galleries or enjoy a traditional Balinese dance performance.
2. Bandung, West Java- Bandung ranked second on the list, and registered a 27% increase in accommodation searches on Agoda. Boasting a cool climate that pairs perfectly with rain, Bandung is often called the "Paris of Java" for its colonial architecture and fashion. Bandung is also famous for its culinary scene. Savouring Batagor, Seblak, or Cuanki in the cool, misty weather should be at the top of the bucket list while traveling to Bandung. Travellers can also head to the highlands of Lembang or Dago Pakar to find restaurants with stunning valley views blanketed by fog.
3. Yogyakarta (Jogja)- Jogja has a nostalgic atmosphere during the rainy season, where the city feels slower and more poetic. Ranked third in accommodation searches with a 40% increase from previous year, Jogja offers the best attractions, many of which are also indoors or sheltered, such as the Kraton (Sultan's Palace) and the museums. The coffee culture (Kopi Joss) is also best enjoyed while it's raining outside. Some unique activities travellers can enjoy including taking a batik-making class or visiting the Ullen Sentalu Museum in Kaliurang, which feels very mysterious and beautiful in the rain.
4. Malang & Batu, East Java- Malang, ranked fourth on the list having a 47% increase in accommodation searches, offers a crisp, cool air that becomes even more refreshing in the rain. Batu, on the other hand, features many indoor "Theme Museums" such as Museum Angkut (Transportation Museum), Brawijaya Museum (military), and Mpu Purwa Museum (Hindu-Buddhist historical artifacts), making it an ideal destination for a rainy day.
5. Bogor, West Java- Known as "The City of Rain" (Kota Hujan), Bogor is perfectly suited for this weather. It ranks fifth on the list, with a 15% increase in accommodation searches. The Bogor Botanical Gardens look incredibly lush and refreshing after a downpour. The city is also famous for its street food like Asinan Bogor and Soto Kuning, which are perfect for rainy days. A must-do is visiting the traditional gong craftsmanship for cultural insight or simply relaxing in a villa in the Puncak area with a hot cup of local tea.
Travelers making their 2026 rainy season traveling plans are encouraged to check out Agoda's great value deals on over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities and experiences that are available on the platform. The latest deals are available in the Agoda app or on agoda.com/deals.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Agoda Highlights Indonesia's Rainy Season Destinations for Unique Adventures
