Global Leaders Converge to Shape the Future of Higher Education in Asia

HKUST and Times Higher Education Co-Host Asia Universities Summit 2026

This year’s event attracts over 600 university presidents, policymakers, and industry titans from 25 countries and regions.
This year’s event attracts over 600 university presidents, policymakers, and industry titans from 25 countries and regions. [Download Photo]

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Times Higher Education (THE) co-hosted the Asia Universities Summit 2026 from April 22 to 24. Under the theme “Igniting Global Transformation: Asia’s Leadership,” the three-day premier event explores Asia’s pivotal role in reshaping global innovation and addressing pressing societal challenges through higher education.

The Summit holds particular significance as it coincides with HKUST’s 35th anniversary and marks a decade of partnership between the University and THE since the inaugural summit. This year’s event has attracted over 600 university presidents, policymakers, and industry titans from 25 countries and regions, underscoring a collective commitment to advancing the academic landscape across the continent.

The Summit officially commenced on April 22 at HKUST’s Shaw Auditorium, with the opening ceremony officiated by Dr. SZE Chun-Fai, Jeff, Acting Secretary for Education of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government; Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST; Phil BATY, Chief Global Affairs Officer, and Mei Mei LIM, President, Asia Pacific, from THE.

A key highlight of the Summit was the fireside chat, “AI’s Next Frontier: What Will Shape the Future of Work and Learning?”, featuring HKUST Council Chairman Prof. Harry SHUM and Microsoft Commercial Business CEO Judson ALTHOFF. They explored how AI is reshaping innovation, industry, and education worldwide.

School of Engineering faculty and students played an active role in the Summit. Provost and Chair Professor of Computer Science and Engineering Prof. GUO Yike contributed to a discussion on trusted AI and governance, while Vice-President for Research and Development and Chair Professor of Electronic and Computer Engineering Prof. Tim CHENG shared insights on translating research into ventures. Vice-President for Institutional Advancement, CLP Holdings Professor of Sustainability, and Chair Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering Prof. Charles NG addressed climate-resilient megacities, and Dean of Engineering and Chair Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering Prof. Hong K. LO moderated a session on smart cities. Dean of Fok Ying Tung Graduate School (effective May 1, 2026) and Chair Professor of Electronic and Computer Engineering Prof. Bert SHI led a discussion on longevity science, while MPhil in Computer Science and Engineering student Annie WONG shared her HKUST journey at the “Student Reflections” session.

These engagements underscored HKUST’s role as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration, reinforcing Asia’s leadership in shaping a resilient, forward-looking global higher education landscape.

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The opening ceremony is officiated by Dr. Sze Chun-Fai, Jeff, Acting Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government (second left); Prof. Nancy Ip, President of HKUST (second right); Phil Baty, Chief Global Affairs Officer (first right), and Mei Mei Lim, President, Asia Pacific (first left), from THE.
The opening ceremony is officiated by Dr. Sze Chun-Fai, Jeff, Acting Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government (second left); Prof. Nancy Ip, President of HKUST (second right); Phil Baty, Chief Global Affairs Officer (first right), and Mei Mei Lim, President, Asia Pacific (first left), from THE.
Following the opening ceremony, Prof. Nancy Ip (center) joins Prof. Martin O. Bergö, Vice-President of Karolinska Institutet (right), in a keynote fireside chat on longevity science, moderated by Prof. Bert Shi, Director of Center for Aging Science and Chair Professor of Electronic and Computer Engineering at HKUST (left). 
Following the opening ceremony, Prof. Nancy Ip (center) joins Prof. Martin O. Bergö, Vice-President of Karolinska Institutet (right), in a keynote fireside chat on longevity science, moderated by Prof. Bert Shi, Director of Center for Aging Science and Chair Professor of Electronic and Computer Engineering at HKUST (left). 
Prof. Bert Shi
Prof. Bert Shi
A fireside chat between Prof. Harry Shum, Chairman of the HKUST Council (right), and Judson Althoff, CEO of Microsoft’s Commercial Business (center), delves into the transformative power of AI across both industry and academia, discussing how universities can collaborate with global technology leaders to prepare students for an AI-pervasive world. The session is moderated by Prof. Frederik Anseel, Dean of Business and Management of HKUST (left).
A fireside chat between Prof. Harry Shum, Chairman of the HKUST Council (right), and Judson Althoff, CEO of Microsoft’s Commercial Business (center), delves into the transformative power of AI across both industry and academia, discussing how universities can collaborate with global technology leaders to prepare students for an AI-pervasive world. The session is moderated by Prof. Frederik Anseel, Dean of Business and Management of HKUST (left).
Judson Althoff
Judson Althoff
Prof. Harry Shum
Prof. Harry Shum
Prof. Frederik Anseel
Prof. Frederik Anseel
Prof. Guo Yike, Provost of HKUST (second left), participates in a panel discussion titled “Trusted AI in higher education and research: Governance, capability and institutional strategy”.
Prof. Guo Yike, Provost of HKUST (second left), participates in a panel discussion titled “Trusted AI in higher education and research: Governance, capability and institutional strategy”.
Prof. Guo Yike
Prof. Guo Yike
Prof. Hong K. Lo, Dean of Engineering and Chair Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering (left), moderates a session on smart cities.
Prof. Hong K. Lo, Dean of Engineering and Chair Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering (left), moderates a session on smart cities.
Prof. Hong K. Lo
Prof. Hong K. Lo
Prof. Charles Ng, Vice-President for Institutional Advancement of HKUST (right), and Prof. Jimmy Fung, Associate Provost of Teaching and Learning (center), participate in a panel discussion titled “Climate-proofing our megacities: Engineering resilience”, moderated by Prof. Christine Loh, Chief Development Strategist, Institute for the Environment of HKUST (left).
Prof. Charles Ng, Vice-President for Institutional Advancement of HKUST (right), and Prof. Jimmy Fung, Associate Provost of Teaching and Learning (center), participate in a panel discussion titled “Climate-proofing our megacities: Engineering resilience”, moderated by Prof. Christine Loh, Chief Development Strategist, Institute for the Environment of HKUST (left).
Prof. Tim Cheng, Vice-President for Research and Development of HKUST (second left), participates in a panel discussion titled “The unicorn factory: A practical guide from lab to launchpad”.
Prof. Tim Cheng, Vice-President for Research and Development of HKUST (second left), participates in a panel discussion titled “The unicorn factory: A practical guide from lab to launchpad”.
Prof. Tim Cheng
Prof. Tim Cheng
MPhil in Computer Science and Engineering student Annie Wong (right) shared her HKUST journey at the “Student Reflections” session.
MPhil in Computer Science and Engineering student Annie Wong (right) shared her HKUST journey at the “Student Reflections” session.
Annie Wong
Annie Wong
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