Chief Executive John Lee today met the University Grants Committee (UGC) to exchange views on the latest developments in Hong Kong’s higher education sector.

The discussion focused on several key areas, including strengthening the integration of industry, academia and research through the Northern Metropolis University Town Area development. The meeting also covered building Hong Kong into an international education hub through national and global partnerships, as well as promoting the city’s leadership role in research, teaching and learning in the digital era.

UGC Chairman Tim Lui briefed Mr Lee on the committee's latest strategic initiatives to reinforce Hong Kong's position as an international post-secondary education hub. These initiatives include organising high-profile summits and forums to facilitate forward-looking exchanges with global academic leaders and stakeholders.

Mr Lui noted that these events will explore how local higher education can align with national development priorities and Hong Kong's strategic planning objectives, thereby showcasing the city’s academic achievements and promoting the “Study in Hong Kong” brand. He added that the UGC actively supports local institutions in nurturing local talent and attracting global talent.

Mr Lee thanked the UGC members for their advice and their ongoing efforts to enhance the internationalisation and diversification of UGC-funded universities. Highlighting Hong Kong's widely recognised global standing, he stated that the development prospects for higher education in the city remain highly promising.

Mr Lee announced that the Government will soon release Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan to actively align with the National 15^th Five-Year Plan. This plan will advance core strategies such as accelerating the Northern Metropolis development, growing into an international innovation and technology centre, and building a hub for high-calibre talent.

The Government will adopt a town area concept for the Northern Metropolis University Town, integrating education, technology, talent, industry and urban development. Mr Lee emphasised that this approach will create a high-quality university town area that drives synergy in industry, academia and research.

He said that through digital transformation, deepening collaboration and international partnerships, the Government will consolidate Hong Kong's position as a leading education hub, strive for research excellence and nurture future-ready talent.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin, Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Lillian Cheong, Head of the Chief Executive's Policy Unit Stephen Wong, and Permanent Secretary for Education May Chan.