Home to five universities ranked among the world’s top 100, Hong Kong stands out as an attractive destination for post-secondary education. PolyU is playing a key role in strengthening this position through its vision of internationalisation and its active efforts to promote Hong Kong’s educational excellence to a global audience.

In February, PolyU co-hosted the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) 2026 Conference and Exhibition along with the seven other University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities as the key highlight of the “Study in Hong Kong” Week. The landmark event, themed “Asia-Pacific Partnerships for the Global Good”, attracted more than 3,000 global education leaders from over 70 countries and regions, underscoring Hong Kong’s status as a vibrant hub for international academic exchange.

Professor Teng shared insights at the President’s Dialogue

Prof. Teng moderated the panel discussion at the Presidents’ Dialogue at APAIE, which focused on building partnerships for the global good. He also shared valuable insights into driving the long-term development of education and research through innovation.

PolyU President Professor Jin-Guang Teng moderated a panel discussion in the Presidents’ Dialogue, a highlight of the APAIE conference. The Dialogue brought together global education and industry leaders to address key challenges in higher education. Together with presidents and representatives from leading universities worldwide, Professor Teng explored how institutions can respond to today’s fast-changing landscape by fostering innovative frameworks for mutually beneficial collaborations. He also shared valuable insights on driving the long-term development of education and research through innovation.

Prof. Ben Young, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) of PolyU, delivered a seminar on supporting international students during APAIE. He introduced PolyU’s comprehensive support tailored for international students, and discussed how Hong Kong can leverage its advantages to attract top students from around the world.

PolyU’s three strategic pillars to support internationalisation

In comments to the media about APAIE, Professor Teng reaffirmed PolyU’s commitment to supporting the internationalisation of Hong Kong’s higher education sector. He noted that PolyU advances this mission through three strategic pillars: academic excellence, future-ready education, and global engagement.

“Our rise to 54th in the latest QS World University Rankings, with seven subjects in the global top 30, sends a clear signal to the international market that Hong Kong delivers world-class education. We reinforce this with an innovative curriculum designed around future challenges.” One example is PolyU's decision to make artificial intelligence education compulsory for all undergraduates back in September 2022, a pioneering move that reflects the University’s forward-thinking approach.

The University is also broadening its global recruitment reach, particularly in emerging regions such as Southeast Asia and along the Belt and Road. Initiatives like the PolyU Summer Institute and the PolyU International Summer School bring high-achieving students from around the world to experience Hong Kong’s academic and cultural strengths firsthand. Additionally, PolyU has set a clear target that all undergraduate students graduating in or after the 2027/28 academic year will participate in at least one non-local learning experience before graduation, enabling them to gain the international exposure and the global perspective needed to thrive in an interconnected world.

Connecting global partners during “Study in Hong Kong” Week

PolyU Partners Day welcomed over 180 representatives from the University’s partner institutions across 37 countries and regions, fostering meaningful exchanges and global collaboration. Campus tours and networking sessions with staff and students deepened the partnerships.

The five-day APAIE conference concluded with more than 150 APAIE delegates visiting PolyU to explore its campus and learn about the University’s recent developments and accomplishments. The visit further cemented PolyU’s collaboration with institutions worldwide and expanded its global partnership network.

International students at PolyU celebrated the Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival through calligraphy, paper cutting, traditional costume experiences, and festive delicacies organised by the PolyU Chinese Language Centre and the Confucius Institute of Hong Kong.

PolyU will continue to advance the “Study in Hong Kong” initiative through multiple efforts, including strengthening its global recruitment network with targeted outreach to emerging markets. The University will offer a wide range of scholarships and support to attract international students, while enhancing academic partnerships with world-leading institutions such as the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Through these sustained efforts, PolyU is helping to elevate Hong Kong as an international hub for higher education, enhancing the appeal of the “Study in Hong Kong” initiative.