PolyU is on a mission to create an international learning environment, strategically expanding its reach across continents. With new alliances in Southeast Asia and outreach to Africa, the University aims to promote Hong Kong as an international hub for post-secondary education, attracting diverse talent from around the world. These initiatives position PolyU at the vanguard of academic excellence, amplifying its impact in education, research, and knowledge transfer.

Historic collaborations in Southeast Asia

On 29 July, Professor Ben Young, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Laotian educational institution. This marked the first-ever educational collaboration between Hong Kong and Laos, witnessed by dignitaries including Mr John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; and Mr Saleumxay Kommasith, Laos’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The momentum continued on 2 August, with MoUs exchanged with a Vietnamese educational institution and the prestigious Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City. This event was witnessed by Mr John Lee Ka-chiu and Mr Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee.

With these landmark agreements in Laos and Vietnam, PolyU is set to unlock a wealth of opportunities, offering comprehensive scholarships that cover full tuition and living allowances. This initiative will empower top-tier local students to pursue quality university education and foster dynamic exchanges in research and education.

Professor Young’s visit to Indonesia further solidified PolyU’s commitment to Southeast Asia. Connecting with multiple educational institutions, the visit underscored PolyU's dedication to empowering young talents on the global stage and strengthening ties in the region.

Prof. Ben Young, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) (2nd from left), exchanged MoUs on behalf of PolyU with Prof. Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai, Vice Chancellor of the Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City and the Principal of the High School for the Gifted, VNUHCM (1st from left) in the witness of Mr John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of HKSAR (3rd from left), and Mr Phan Van Mai, Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee (4th from left).

Prof. Ben Young, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs), and other PolyU representatives presented PolyU updates in Indonesia.

Pioneering opportunities in Africa

PolyU's global vision extends to Africa, highlighted by a recent trip to Rwanda led by Dr Lam Tai-fai, Council Chairman. The delegation engaged in productive discussions with the Minister of Education and visited key institutions, including the University of Rwanda, a top high school, a centre that prepares students for overseas studies, the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda, and a Mainland construction company operating locally.

This immersive experience deepened the delegation's understanding of Rwanda's educational landscape and sparked exciting conversations about potential collaborations. Among the possibilities is the establishment of a dual Bachelor’s degree programme with the University of Rwanda, paving the way for partnerships in the region.

PolyU's strategic alliances and courtesy visits serve a dual purpose: bolstering its global presence and laying the groundwork for thriving educational exchanges. By cultivating these connections, PolyU demonstrates its unwavering commitment to shaping the future of global education. The University empowers students worldwide to pursue their dreams and create meaningful impact, transcending borders and unlocking limitless potential.

Dr Lam Tai-fai, Council Chairman (2nd from left); Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President (2nd from right); and Prof. Ben Young, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) (left), met with Mr Gaspard Twagirayezu, Minister of Education (centre), during their visit to Rwanda.

PolyU delegation paid a visit to the University of Rwanda to exchange ideas and experience and explore possible collaborations.

Dr Lam Tai-fai, Council Chairman (2nd from left); Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President (right) and Prof. Ben Young, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) (left) met with Mr Wang Xuekun, Ambassador of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Rwanda (2nd from right), during their visit.

Dr Lam Tai-fai, Council Chairman (front row, 6th from left) and Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President (front row, 7th from left) took a group photo with students from a local high school.