In an era where higher education faces unprecedented pressures from globalisation, technological advancement, and societal demands, the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) continues to strengthen its global footprint towards making meaningful contribution for the sector. This commitment was vividly demonstrated when Professor Mok, Provost and Vice-President (Academic and Research), attended the exclusive App.LE Club Workshop at Sunway University in Malaysia on 29 November 2025. As a core component of the AppliedHE XChange 2025 conference, this session delved into strategic ranking alignment to maximise educational and social impact, fostering dialogues and partnerships among higher education leaders, policymakers, and industry partners from across the globe.
The workshop transcended traditional metrics by reimagining university rankings as catalysts for meaningful change rather than mere competitive scorecards. Amid animated debates, participants advocated for a paradigm shift: integrating authentic voices from students, alumni, and stakeholders into evaluation frameworks to ensure rankings drive holistic improvements in teaching, research, and community engagement. A standout emphasis was placed on collaborative models that envision institutions not as solitary silos but as vibrant, interconnected ecosystems. These networks, the discussions posited, could collectively redefine success – prioritising sustainable development, equity, and real-world impact over isolated achievements.
HSUHK's, as a self-financing university deeply rooted in its distinctive "liberal + professional" education model, resonates deeply with the workshop's core themes of student-centred innovation, societal relevance, and cross-border synergies. "This workshop offered profound insights into synchronising our institutional aspirations with evolving global standards, particularly in amplifying student satisfaction, career readiness, and partnerships with communities and industries," Professor Mok reflected. "It not only validates our pursuit of innovative, impactful education and research but also inspires us to forge deeper cross-border alliances that empower our students and faculty, whilst elevating the higher education ecosystem in Hong Kong and beyond."
Through such high-calibre engagements, HSUHK is not merely participating in global dialogues but actively contributing to productive inter-university collaborations for student learning enhancement. As Hong Kong strives to solidify its status as an international education hub and talent highland, HSUHK believes collaboration is the key, where shared wisdom propels institutions toward a more inclusive and transformative future in supporting HSUHK's "Care for Learning, Learning to Care" educational vision.
