QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific 2025 | Institutional Planning and Analytics Office

2025Nov7_QS Higher Ed Summit_recap_thumbnail

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) participated in the QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific 2025 in Seoul, Korea, from 4 to 6 November 2025. Under the theme "Advancing Generational Potential: Skills and Partnerships in the Asia Pacific", the Summit assembled over 2,000 distinguished academics, university leaders, industry experts, and government officials from across the region. The event featured exhibitions from over 130 institutions representing more than 20 countries, and included over 60 panel discussions addressing key challenges and opportunities in higher education.

Prof. Geoffrey Shen, Associate Vice President (Global Partnerships) and Director of Global Engagement, led a delegation to participate in the Summit, sharing PolyU’s commitment to education excellence. The delegation included Prof. Xiangen Hu, Director of Educational Research Centre & Chair Professor of Learning Sciences and Technologies; Prof. Richard Li, Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Social Sciences and Department of Computing; Prof. Charles Wong, Associate Dean (Teaching & Global Engagement) of the Faculty of Construction and Environment; Prof. Jonathan Nam, Associate Professor of School of Accounting and Finance; Prof. Francis Lau, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the Faculty of Engineering; Prof. Yung Ka-fu, Joseph, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the Faculty of Science; as well as representatives from Global Engagement Office and Institutional Planning and Analytics Office.

The panel discussion on “The Asian Tigers: The Roar of a New Big Four?” brought together experts to examine how Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan are rapidly emerging as major players in international student recruitment. Prof. Geoffrey Shen discussed Hong Kong's rising appeal as a destination for international students, highlighting recent policy changes that have increased admission quotas for non-local students at public universities. He emphasised the expanding employment opportunities available to international graduates and outlined strategic approaches to further enhance the city's attractiveness for global talent. Through PolyU's experience, Prof. Shen illustrated how the University is positioning themselves in this dynamic regional landscape through relevant and superior-quality education.

When addressing the moderator's inquiry about support services for international students, Prof. Shen outlined PolyU's comprehensive integration strategies. He explained that the University has dedicated teams to assist non-local students in adapting to the new environment, with prompt support available whenever needed. He also pointed to favorable government policies that enhance post-graduation employment opportunities in Hong Kong. Prof. Shen made special mention of the Work-Integrated Education (WIE) program, a compulsory part of the undergraduate curriculum. This program enables students to gain practical experience through internships with local and international companies, which enhances their competitiveness upon graduation.

In another panel discussion hosted by PolyU on “Future-Proofing Higher Education: Cultivating Critical Thinkers in a Tech-Driven Era”, the discussion focused on embedding critical thinking across curricula, using AI tools to personalize learning and promote equity, and aligning educational outcomes with employer needs.

Prof. Xiangen Hu emphasised the importance of using AI intelligently in education, cautioning against its misuse as a shortcut that undermines human creativity. He advocated for AI to provide hints and feedback rather than direct answers, thereby fostering cognitive development and critical thinking skills that enhance students’ employability.

Prof. Richard Li urged faculty members to integrate AI into teaching and assessment practices, warning against using it merely as an answering mechanism. He highlighted AI’s potential for collaborative learning and language skill improvement, particularly for computing students. Together with Prof. Hu, he introduced PolyU’s innovative “AI as a Tool for Language Learning” curriculum, designed to make language learning more accessible and effective.

Beyond the panel discussions, PolyU showcased the University's innovative programmes and engaged with prospective partners and students as well as education experts at the exhibition. Through the Summit's insightful discussions, dynamic knowledge exchange, and valuable networking experiences, PolyU reaffirmed its dedication to fostering international partnerships and advancing higher education across the Asia Pacific region.