Hong Kong as the stage for APAIE 2026

With The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) serving as the lead local host, seven other University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities as co-hosts and with the support of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, UGC and Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), APAIE 2026 was the biggest to date, welcoming over 3,500 delegates from 72 countries and regions. The opportunity to connect with peer institutions attracted more than 600 exhibiting organisations from around the world.  Featuring over 120 sessions, the conference provided a dynamic platform for exchanging insights, best practices and latest developments shaping international education worldwide. 

Inspiration from hiking and the big screen

Taking place just after the Lunar New Year, what better way was there, but to officiate the opening with a spirited lion dance.  Packed to a full house during the opening, the delegates heard from the award‑winning Hong Kong filmmaker Mr. Robin Lee who shared his story behind the making of his documentary Four Trails which follows runners competing in the Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge.  Robin inspired the audience with the tribulations of the runners and of himself and drew similarities with international education. Quoting from his film, Robin told the audience, “It’s not about the kilometers travelled, but the people who travelled the kilometers.”

Advancing international education through leadership and partnerships

The presence of so many distinguished university leaders here in Hong Kong during the week provided an exceptional opportunity to bring together thought leadership for meaningful dialogue.   Hosted by the local hosts, the Presidents’ Dialogue convened 70 participants, including 25 university presidents and vice-chancellors and 45 senior higher education leaders, representing 40 universities across 19 countries and regions, spanning Australia, Canada, the Chinese Mainland, Europe, Hong Kong SAR, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Asia-Pacific region.

Themed “Building Resilience and Trust in an Era of Global Risks”, the Dialogue drew on insights from the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report and addressed pressing challenges faced by higher education institutions worldwide.  Through high level, candid exchanges, participants explored strategies to strengthen institutional resilience, foster trust, and navigate uncertainty amid many challenges.

Inspiration from students’ voices

The Student Plenary featured international and local students who have thrived in Hong Kong. Student participants comprised of local and non-local representatives from each of the eight University Grants Commmittee (UGC)-funded universities in Hong Kong, representing diverse cultural and international backgrounds, which brought a wide range of perspectives to the discussion.  The students were from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Indonesia, India, France, Mexico, Spain and Russia. Through exchanges and personal reflections on themes including life in Hong Kong, university learning experiences, and future aspirations, the Student Plenary highlighted the richness of student journeys and the many opportunities available to students in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.   

Enjoying all that Hong Kong has to offer

The conference wasn’t just all work. The delegates got to enjoy everything that Hong Kong has to offer. From an exclusive reception at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, where guests admired relics of China’s history, to swaying to famous Hong Kong tunes, to running along the scenic harbour front, to learning the art of Tai Chi, and of course savoring Hong Kong’s culinary delights; the delegates thoroughly enjoyed the week. 

Concerted effort showcasing the Study in Hong Kong brand

This event brought together all eight UGC funded universities to showcase Hong Kong’s world-class academic excellence and cosmopolitan character. The unflagging support from the Hong Kong SAR Government, the UGC, and the Hong Kong Tourism Board was instrumental to the success of the event.  As a founding APAIE member and the 2026 conference lead host, CUHK reaffirmed its commitment to developing impactful global partnerships and nurturing future global citizens.