UGC Chief Leads European Tour to Promote Study in Hong Kong, Courts International Partners for Northern Metropolis University Town
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago8 MIN
Summary
The University Grants Committee (UGC) Secretary-General Duncan Margaret (鄧特抗) has concluded a European tour aimed at promoting Hong Kong as a leading destination for higher education. The delegation, comprising representatives from Hong Kong's eight publicly-funded universities, attended the European Association for International Education (EAIE) Annual Conference and Exhibition in Glasgow, Scotland, where they established a dedicated Hong Kong Pavilion to showcase the Study in Hong Kong brand. The tour also included visits to the United Kingdom, Austria, and Switzerland, where delegates met with senior officials from renowned higher education and research funding bodies. During a keynote seminar, Duncan highlighted Hong Kong's exceptional academic achievements, broad international perspectives, and innovative research capabilities, positioning the city as an ideal destination for talented students and top scholars worldwide. The Secretary-General also used the occasion to promote the Northern Metropolis University Town development, inviting international academic institutions to participate in what he described as a strategic priority for Hong Kong's educational expansion.
Key Points
- The UGC-led delegation attended the EAIE Annual Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, setting up a Hong Kong Pavilion to promote the Study in Hong Kong brand to international audiences .
- A dinner reception hosted approximately 200 representatives from 32 countries and over 130 partner institutions, demonstrating Hong Kong's internationalized and diverse higher education environment .
- Secretary-General Duncan Margaret (鄧特抗) delivered a keynote speech emphasizing Hong Kong's academic excellence, international outlook, and innovative research capabilities as key attractions for global talent .
- The UGC fully supports Hong Kong universities in leveraging the Northern Metropolis University Town as a strategic focus for expansion and quality enhancement, welcoming international collaboration .
- Bilateral meetings were conducted with representatives from more than 20 institutions across over 10 countries and regions to explore deeper cooperation opportunities in higher education and research .
- The European tour continued to the United Kingdom, Austria, and Switzerland, where delegates engaged with senior management and leading scholars from major higher education and research funding bodies .
Why It Matters
The timing of this promotional campaign coincides with Hong Kong's ambitious Northern Metropolis development plan, which includes the Hung Shui Kiu University Town project currently open for tender. By securing international academic partnerships now, Hong Kong positions itself to attract diverse talent and research collaboration that could drive innovation and economic growth in the coming decade. This initiative strengthens Hong Kong's competitive position against other regional education hubs while fulfilling the government's broader strategy of cultivating and retaining top-tier human capital.
The timing of this promotional campaign coincides with Hong Kong's ambitious Northern Metropolis development plan, which includes the Hung Shui Kiu University Town project currently open for tender. By securing international academic partnerships now, Hong Kong positions itself to attract diverse talent and research collaboration that could drive innovation and economic growth in the coming decade. This initiative strengthens Hong Kong's competitive position against other regional education hubs while fulfilling the government's broader strategy of cultivating and retaining top-tier human capital.