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Opinion | How to transform Hong Kong into ‘Asia’s World University City’
- As Hong Kong seeks to recover its status as a global finance and aviation hub, we must not overlook the industries of tomorrow
- The city should recast itself as more than a financial powerhouse and strive to be one of the world’s great education and technology hubs
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As Hong Kong emerges from the fifth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, much is being said about how the city can recover its status as a major international financial centre, a gateway to the mainland and a crucial aviation hub. This is rightly so, as these areas have been fundamental to our historic competitiveness.
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But just as imperative is the city’s economic transformation in preparation for the industries of tomorrow. Higher education in Hong Kong, with its globally recognised reputation for innovation and technology, is a crucial building block for this transformation.
Governments, universities and industry leaders around the world are in a race for talent. Take artificial intelligence: reportedly, there are fewer than 25,000 people considered scientific experts in the field. The gap in quantum computing – the technology that will redefine our ability to solve complex problems and revolutionise economies – is even starker, with reports of fewer than 1,000 qualified scientists.
The good news is that Hong Kong’s universities are well placed to take on these challenges. Five universities are comfortably ranked in the Times Higher Education world top 100, an impressive feat for a city of 7.5 million people. Two of our universities are among the top 10 of the world’s most international universities.
Hong Kong is also the best city for students in China, according to the latest QS Best Student Cities ranking. It ranked 15th globally compared to 25th for Beijing, 27th for Taipei and 37th for Shanghai.
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Hong Kong provides a highly desirable, internationally oriented yet regional destination for mainland students as well as a beacon for the world to study in China.
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