CUHK Diamond Jubilee University Presidents’ Forum discusses the big issues in global higher education
32 university presidents of leading universities from around the world and members of CUHK staff take part in the CUHK Diamond Jubilee University Presidents’ Forum.
In a landmark celebration of its 60th anniversary, CUHK hosted the Diamond Jubilee University Presidents’ Forum on 9 December. This signature global thought leadership event brought together 32 university presidents hailing from 18 countries and regions spanning six continents, with over 120 global academic leaders and key stakeholders in attendance.
The forum, themed ‘Innovation and Edupreneurship: The Shifting Research and Education Agenda’, took centre stage in CUHK’s milestone celebrations. Hong Kong’s Secretary for Education Dr. Choi Yuk-lin extended a warm welcome to the academic leaders and shared the Hong Kong SAR Government’s initiative to develop Hong Kong into an international hub for post-secondary education.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rocky S Tuan welcomed participants, emphasising the dynamic nature of academia amid technological advancements, evolving societal needs, and a dynamic global economy. He underscored the unique responsibility of global university leaders to shape the future of education, research, and innovation in response to the changing landscape.
Inspiring insights
The keynote address, delivered by Ms. Nisa Leung, Managing Partner at Qiming Venture Partners which has more than 530 portfolio companies in China, provided thought-provoking perspectives on critical issues regarding the global interface of biotechnology development and venture capital. The ensuing four panel discussions ignited lively exchanges among university leaders, exploring the profound impact of innovation and edupreneurship on teaching and learning, research agendas, external partnerships, and university governance.
Distinguished speakers, including global higher education leaders such as University of Oxford Vice-Chancellor Prof. Irene Tracey, University of California Los Angeles Chancellor Prof. Gene D. Block, Peking University President Prof. Qihuang Gong, University of Toronto President Prof. Meric Gertler, University of Auckland Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dawn Freshwater, among others, lent their insights to the enriching discussions.
There are lively exchanges on the profound impact of innovation and edupreneurship in higher education.
Strengthening global partnerships
The Presidents’ Forum served as a platform for university leaders to share insights and experiences on the transformative power of innovation and edupreneurship, reflecting on the evolving role of universities in an ever-changing academic landscape. It also bolstered CUHK’s global partnerships, aligning with the university’s commitment to fusing Chinese and Western academic traditions through collaborations with over 480 institutions worldwide.
The insights from the floor add depth and perspective to the discussions.
Some of the delegates of the Presidents’ Forum visited CUHK, Shenzhen on 11 December and joined the World University Leadership Summit, exploring ways to strengthen collaboration between universities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the world.
Watch the video to revisit highlights of the event: