2nd December 2024 – (Hong Kong) During an address at the Global University Presidents & Leaders Summit 2024 today, Chief Executive John Lee welcomed esteemed university leaders, academic experts, and elite students from over 20 countries to Hong Kong. He commended the versatility of Professor Priscilla Leung, the founding president of the Hong Kong Association for External Friendship, and humorously noted the assistance of artificial intelligence in her multilingual capabilities.
Lee highlighted Hong Kong’s commitment to attracting professional talent and fostering home-grown expertise, emphasising that the city is home to five universities ranked among the world’s top 100, including three in Asia’s top 10. He acknowledged the advantages of the “one country, two systems” principle, which facilitates both national support and global connectivity.
As a vibrant hub for international education, Hong Kong draws students from over 100 countries, with more than half of its academic staff coming from abroad. The government is actively promoting the “Study in Hong Kong” initiative and fostering international collaboration, particularly through the Belt and Road Scholarship schemes and new scholarships for local talent.
Looking ahead, Lee outlined ambitious plans for the development of a Northern Metropolis University Town, covering over 80 hectares, to enhance educational innovation and research partnerships with institutions from Mainland China and beyond. He also discussed the potential of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a rapidly integrating region with a significant collective GDP, as a driver for academic and technological advancement.
In closing, Lee encouraged collaboration over isolation in these complex times, expressing gratitude to the Hong Kong Association for External Friendship and the support of local universities. He wished attendees a fruitful summit and urged them to explore Hong Kong’s rich offerings, from its scenic hiking trails to its vibrant dining and nightlife.