PolyU participates in Global University Presidents and Leaders Summit 2026 to explore universities’ social responsibility and talent development
With rapid advances in artificial intelligence, accelerating industry transformation and increasingly complex global challenges, universities are being called upon to rethink their role and mission. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) participated in the Global University Presidents and Leaders Summit 2026, organised by the Hong Kong Association for External Friendship with the full support of the University Grants Committee. The Summit brought together university presidents and leaders from around the world to exchange perspectives on key issues, including the globalisation of knowledge and how university education can respond to a rapidly changing world and evolving societal needs.
The Summit featured a series of panel discussions on major issues shaping the future of higher education, from academia-industry-government collaboration and talent development to artificial intelligence, social responsibility and sustainable development. As a supporting institution, PolyU played an active role in the event. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, moderated a panel discussion entitled “Corporate Social Responsibility in Higher Education: Curriculum Design and Talent Development for Industry Needs”, bringing together four university representatives to explore how curriculum design and talent development can better respond to the changing needs of industry and society.
During the discussion, Prof. Teng said, “Higher education is transitioning from the traditional discipline-based and curiosity-driven model to the fourth-generation university model, characterised by being demand-driven, problem-oriented, interdisciplinary, with integration of academia and industry.” Prof. Teng illustrated how PolyU is putting this model into practice by developing an integrated ecosystem that transforms frontier research into technologies, products and enterprises, creating tangible benefits for society. The University has established interdisciplinary research platforms, co-established research institutes with industry, and set up translational research institutes in cities across the Chinese Mainland. Together, these initiatives take knowledge and innovation beyond the campus and respond directly to the needs of industry and society.
Other panellists included Prof. Yong SHUAI, Vice President of Harbin Institute of Technology; Prof. Dr. Jan S. HESTHAVEN, President of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology; Prof. So Young KIM, Vice President of the International Office of Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology; and Prof. Weisheng ZHAO, Vice President of Beihang University. Drawing on the experiences of their respective institutions, they shared perspectives on how universities can navigate the challenges brought about by artificial intelligence, technological innovation and rapid industry transformation. The panellists highlighted the need for universities to move beyond traditional discipline- and classroom-based models by strengthening interdisciplinary and experiential learning, incorporating real-world industry challenges into curricula and talent development, and deepening collaboration with governments, industry and society. They also underscored the importance of advancing personalised learning and knowledge creation to better equip students to meet the future needs of industry and society.
PolyU has long been committed to aligning professional education and innovative research with the needs of society, while advancing innovation in education and research through collaboration with governments, industry and global partners. Looking ahead, the University will continue to advance its vision of becoming a “fourth-generation university”, building on its strengths in talent development, scientific research and knowledge transfer. PolyU will further deepen its engagement with higher education institutions and different sectors worldwide, nurturing future-ready talents with a strong sense of national pride, a global perspective and social responsibility, and contributing to the development of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world.
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