World Class University Presidents Forum 2026 Strengthens Hong Kong's Education Hub Status

World Class University Presidents Forum 2026 elevates Hong Kong's global voice in higher education

The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, spoke at the World Class University Presidents Forum 2026 today (November 5), highlighting Hong Kong's growing strength, global voice, and strategic vision as a premier international higher education hub.

Addressing an international audience of university presidents and academic leaders, Dr Choi noted that the forum gathered leaders and university presidents representing more than one-third of the world's top 50 universities. "Assembling such a distinguished constellation of global academic leadership strongly reaffirms Hong Kong's standing as an international education hub and significantly enhances the city's discourse power in the global educational arena," she said.

Dr Choi emphasised that Hong Kong's institutional strength is firmly rooted in academic excellence, robust national support, and open connectivity. Citing the latest QS World University Rankings: Asia 2027, she noted the impressive achievements of Hong Kong institutions, and pointed out that Hong Kong continues to set regional benchmarks, with five local universities securing places among Asia's top 10. Serving as a vital bridge between East and West, Hong Kong offers a fertile ecosystem characterised by internationalisation and diversification which brings global talent together to address shared global challenges.

"Alongside signature international events such as the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education Conference and Exhibition held in February this year, the World Class University Presidents Forum 2026 forms part of a strategic series of signature initiatives promoting the 'Study in Hong Kong' brand worldwide, underscoring the city's role as a key driver shaping the future of global higher education," added Dr Choi.

Elaborating on the forum's theme, "Higher Education Reimagined: Innovating for the Future", Dr Choi stressed that no matter how the global landscape evolves, universities remain fundamentally tied to economic development, societal well-being, and human progress. World-leading institutions must stand at the forefront, guiding that transformation. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's educational future is taking concrete physical shape through the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town.

Under the "One Town, Five Elements" framework, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is building a holistic campus ecosystem integrating higher education, advanced research, market innovation, vibrant living spaces, and top-tier talent. Positioned at the gateway to the Chinese Mainland, the University Town will foster deep industry-academia-research integration, linking academic research directly with industry capabilities to serve national development under the 15th Five-Year Plan.

As a premier global event in higher education, the World Class University Presidents Forum 2026 aims to further demonstrate Hong Kong's unique strength and pivotal status as a bridge connecting the Mainland with the global higher education system. Bringing together presidents, renowned scholars, and international education leaders from dozens of world-leading universities, the forum addresses key issues including talent cultivation in the intelligent age, technology and innovation driving the future economy, and universities' responses to major global challenges.

The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, attended the World Class University Presidents Forum 2026 today (November 5). Photo shows Dr Choi (centre) with the Secretary-General of the University Grants Committee, Professor James Tang (left), and the Provost of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Professor Guo Yike (right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, attended the World Class University Presidents Forum 2026 today (November 5). Photo shows Dr Choi (centre) and the guests. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, speaks at the World Class University Presidents Forum 2026 today (November 5). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Labour Department highly concerned about fatal work accident that happened in Sha Tin today

The Labour Department (LD) is highly concerned about a fatal work accident that happened on a construction site in Sha Tin this morning (November 5). While washing vehicle tyres on the vehicular lane at a site entrance, a female worker was run over by a grab lorry to death. The LD is saddened by the death of the worker and expresses its deepest sympathy to the deceased’s family members.

The LD's spokesman said, "We commenced an immediate on-site investigation as soon as we were notified of the accident and issued suspension notices to the contractors concerned, suspending any work on the vehicular lane at the site. The contractors cannot resume the work process until the LD is satisfied that suitable measures to abate the relevant risks have been taken."

The spokesman added, "We will complete the investigation as soon as possible to identify the cause of the accident, ascertain the liability of the duty holders and recommend improvement measures. We will take actions pursuant to the law if any violations are found during the investigation."

To prevent workers from being struck by vehicles, the LD reminds employers to take adequate precautionary measures, including placing suitable barriers to segregate workers from vehicular lanes. If setting up barriers is not feasible, employers shall ensure that workers keep a safe working distance from vehicles. In addition, employers shall provide reflective vests to workers and ensure their proper use.

The general duty provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance require employers to provide safe working environments, plant and systems of work for their employees. Those who contravene the relevant provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for two years.

In regard to today's accident, the LD will issue a Work Safety Alert through its mobile application "OSH 2.0", website and email, giving a brief account of the accident concerned to duty holders, workers' unions, professional bodies of safety practitioners and others, and reminding the industry of the importance of following safety precautionary measures to prevent a recurrence of similar accidents.

The LD will also remind the employer concerned of the liability for employees' compensation under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance, assist family members of the deceased to claim employees' compensation and closely follow up on the case. For those with financial difficulties, the LD will assist them to apply for appropriate emergency funds. Subject to the needs and wishes of family members of the deceased, the LD will also liaise with the Social Welfare Department for financial or other assistance.

For the sake of securing the safety and health of employees at work, the LD appeals to employers to provide plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health. Employees should also co-operate with their employers, adopt all safety measures and use personal protective equipment provided properly to avoid endangering their own work safety and that of other workers.

Source: AI-found images