City University of Hong Kong and THE to launch inaugural reputation lab
At the 2026 Global Sustainable Development Congress, the inaugural reputation lab will offer universities a space to shape their identity and strengthen global partnerships
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As expectations around sustainability, impact and trust intensify, reputation has become a strategic priority for universities across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. At the 2026 Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC) in Jakarta, Indonesia, Times Higher Education (THE) will partner with City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) to deliver the inaugural reputation lab – a practical workshop focused on building authentic, purpose-driven university reputations.
Led by Shirley Chong, director of communications and institutional research at CityUHK, and Asia’s representative on the THE World 100 Reputation Network committee, the session will explore how universities can proactively shape their global standing in an increasingly crowded and fast-moving information environment.
“In today’s world, being excellent is no longer enough,” says Chong. “Universities must clearly communicate who they are, what they stand for and the impact they create, particularly in sustainability.”
Mei Mei Lim (left), THE’s president for APAC, and Shirley Chong (right), director of communications and institutional research at CityUHK, speak at 2025 Asia Universities Summit in Macau
Reputation, sustainability and impact
With sustainability now central to institutional strategy, reputation is increasingly shaped by how effectively universities demonstrate real-world impact. From contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to partnerships with industry and communities, institutions are expected to show leadership beyond the campus.
“GSDC is an important platform for sharing knowledge and translating research into meaningful action,” Chong notes. “Reputation grows when universities communicate their purpose and progress with clarity and credibility.”
Practical insights for APAC and Middle East institutions
Designed for professionals who are responsible for institutional positioning and global partnerships, the reputation lab will focus on practical skills rather than high-cost branding exercises. Participants will be guided to identify their institution’s most compelling sustainability stories and translate them into clear, trusted narratives. The programme combines data insights and case studies with collaborative problem-solving discussions and personalised group coaching.
“Reputation is not about spending more,” Chong explains. “It is about telling authentic stories, especially those that reflect how universities are contributing to society.”
The workshop will also address cultural perspectives on reputation, encouraging universities in APAC and the Middle East to share their achievements with confidence on the global stage.
CityUHK’s global leadership
CityUHK’s role as co-organiser of the reputation lab reflects its strong international outlook. Ranked the world’s most international university by THE in 2024 and 2025, CityUHK has also strengthened its performance in THE’s Global Academic Reputation Survey in recent years, highlighting its growing influence and international recognition. The university continues to play an active role in advancing global dialogue on sustainability, research and impact.
Looking ahead, Chong believes that collaboration and engagement will define successful university reputations: “Institutions that connect beyond traditional boundaries and engage openly with the world will be best positioned to build lasting trust.”
The inaugural reputation lab at GSDC 2026 will take place on 22 June in Jakarta, offering universities a timely opportunity to rethink reputation as a strategic expression of purpose, sustainability and global engagement.
Professor Shirley Chong is director of communications and institutional research at CityUHK, where she leads the university’s communications, rankings and reputation strategies in alignment with its strategic goals. A specialist in higher education marketing, internationalisation and branding, she is a 2024 visiting fellow at the University of Cambridge’s Lucy Cavendish College, an adjunct professor in the Department of Media and Communication at the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at CityUHK, and a management committee member and trainer within THE’s W100 Reputation Network.