By Lau Chi-pang
The year 2026 marks the beginning of China's 15th Five-Year Plan and represents a pivotal moment for Hong Kong as it continues its transition from stability to prosperity. In the Government Work Report delivered by Premier Li Qiang, clear support was expressed for Hong Kong to develop into an international hub for high-calibre talent and an international innovation and technology centre.
As a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) representing the education sector, and Chairman of the Legislative Council Panel on Education, I believe Hong Kong must fully leverage the distinctive strengths of its higher education sector. It should evolve from a traditional "super connector" into a "super value-adder", thereby integrating more deeply into the nation's overall development strategy. In this regard, I would like to put forward the following recommendations.
Leveraging the "Northern Metropolis University Town" to deepen industry–education integration and cross-border collaboration
The Northern Metropolis serves as a strategic platform for Hong Kong's integration with the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, while the proposed Northern Metropolis University Town represents a key vehicle for developing a regional education hub. I recommend that the HKSAR Government and universities seize this opportunity to attract leading institutions from both mainland China and overseas to establish branch campuses or joint programmes in the Northern Metropolis.
These initiatives should focus on priority fields aligned with the objectives of the 15th Five-Year Plan, including artificial intelligence, life and health technologies, financial technology, and new energy materials. At the same time, stronger connections should be forged between the university cluster and innovation platforms such as the San Tin Technopole, forming a close industry–academia–research collaboration framework.
Through initiatives such as joint laboratories with enterprises in the Greater Bay Area and the promotion of technology transfer, Hong Kong can realise integrated development across education, technology and talent, enabling its strengths in basic research to contribute more directly to the development of the nation's modern industrial system.
Strengthening the "Study in Hong Kong" brand and diversifying international student sources
Hong Kong is home to five universities ranked among the world's top 100 and offers a fully English-language teaching environment, giving it strong global competitiveness. To further enhance the "Study in Hong Kong" brand, the Government and universities should intensify international promotion efforts.
In addition to consolidating traditional student markets, greater attention should be given to countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, particularly members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Young people in these countries generally have high levels of English proficiency and a strong demand for quality higher education.
I therefore propose allocating additional resources to promote Hong Kong's higher education through Belt and Road scholarships and overseas Economic and Trade Offices. Universities should also improve campus support services, including the provision of halal dining options and appropriate religious and cultural facilities, to foster a more inclusive and welcoming multicultural environment that can attract more outstanding international students.
Deepening Belt and Road educational cooperation to cultivate interdisciplinary high-level talent
The 15th Five-Year Plan clearly supports Hong Kong and Macao in participating more deeply in the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative. The internationalisation of Hong Kong's higher education should not be limited to recruiting overseas students; it should also involve proactively "going global".
Local universities should be encouraged to establish deeper strategic partnerships with leading institutions in Belt and Road countries, including the establishment of joint research centres and the development of joint master's and doctoral programmes tailored to regional development needs.
Such initiatives will help cultivate interdisciplinary professionals who understand the languages and cultures of Belt and Road countries and are familiar with international rules and practices. At the same time, educational collaboration can help foster people-to-people connectivity. Leveraging strengths in areas such as business management, shipping and logistics, and public policy, Hong Kong's universities can help train professionals needed for governance and development in partner countries, thereby contributing to China's broader strategy of opening up to the world.
Advancing digital transformation in education to build a smart education ecosystem in the Greater Bay Area
The national development blueprint emphasises the need to advance the Digital China strategy and fully implement the "AI+" initiative. Hong Kong should accelerate the digital transformation of education, not only by using technology to enhance teaching effectiveness and enable personalised learning, but also by leveraging its international platform to promote digital education collaboration across the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area.
I suggest establishing a Greater Bay Area Digital Education Demonstration Alliance, creating a cloud-based education community that facilitates the two-way sharing of high-quality teaching resources. For example, internationally oriented programmes in fields such as data science and financial technology offered by Hong Kong universities could be shared online with mainland institutions. Meanwhile, the mainland's advanced experience in areas such as artificial intelligence applications and engineering technologies could also provide valuable learning opportunities for Hong Kong students and faculty.
Through the joint development of immersive digital learning programmes and regional youth innovation competitions in digital technology, we can cultivate future talent equipped with the digital literacy required for regional development.
Lingnan University as an example of aligning with national development priorities
Amid the opportunities presented by the 15th Five-Year Plan, universities in Hong Kong must take proactive steps. Lingnan University, where I serve as Special Advisor to President on Publicity and Professor of the Department of History, provides a good example of how local institutions are promoting innovation and internationalisation in higher education.
The University recently announced the launch of the Samuel C.C. Ting Elite Class (CCT Class) in the 2026/27 academic year. Named after Nobel Prize-winning physicist Prof Samuel C.C. Ting, the programme will select the best undergraduate students from among recipients of the University Entrance Scholarships for this comprehensive learning opportunity.
Students admitted to the CCT Class will receive four-year full tuition scholarships and fully funded accommodation, along with AI training provided by leading international companies. The initiative aims to nurture a new generation of research-oriented liberal arts professionals with innovative thinking and a global perspective, while carrying forward Prof Ting's spirit of scientific exploration.
At the same time, Lingnan University has been actively promoting the "Study in Hong Kong" brand through overseas exchanges, service-learning programmes and cross-cultural initiatives. Through study tours, humanitarian technology research, international internships and entrepreneurship programmes, students are able to gain first-hand exposure to the cultures and economic development of countries along the Belt and Road. These programmes have attracted participants from Europe, Asia and the Americas, further strengthening the diverse international community on Hong Kong campuses and reinforcing the city's role as a global higher education hub.
Conclusion
Against the backdrop of rapid technological advancement, the global higher education landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. Hong Kong must capitalise on its institutional strengths and educational excellence to position itself strategically within the nation's development blueprint. By doing so, it can play a greater role in contributing knowledge, talent and innovation to the country's future development.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of DotDotNews.
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