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The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) hosts the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Annual Presidents’ Meeting (APM) 2026 from 21 to 23 June. Marking the 30th anniversary of APRU, this year’s meeting is held under the theme “The Next Horizon: Shaping Universities for a Changing World”. The event brings together about 150 distinguished presidents and senior leaders from 45 leading research universities across 19 economies in the Asia-Pacific region to address pressing challenges, including the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on teaching, learning, and research; the need to build sustainable and inclusive higher education systems; and the evolving role of universities as trusted institutions in an increasingly complex geopolitical and socio-economic landscape.

An opening ceremony was held today (22 June) in Hong Kong. Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, CUHK’s Vice-Chancellor and President, said in his welcome remarks: “Universities stand at a defining threshold. As knowledge institutions, we must not only respond to technological and societal change, but actively help shape it. CUHK is honoured to host the APRU Annual Presidents’ Meeting on its campus, and to support the Association in convening this important dialogue. By bringing global university leaders together to reflect on innovation, inclusion, and sustainability in higher education, we will contribute to the collective effort of envisioning the next horizon of universities and their responsibility to society.” Professor Lo added that Hong Kong is particularly well positioned to host this important event, given its position as an international education hub and its deep commitment to driving innovation and technology. As a gateway connecting the Chinese Mainland and the world, Hong Kong has provided a unique platform for fostering collaboration across cultures and systems.

Professor Lo joined the panel titled “The Transformation of Learning: Designing Education Together”, where he emphasised the importance of ensuring graduates remain deeply human in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and automation, while highlighting the unique role of Asian universities in shaping innovative and globally relevant education models.

Professor Ho Teck-hua, President of Nanyang Technological University and Chair of APRU, said: “The APRU Annual Presidents’ Meeting at CUHK gives us the opportunity to discuss the changes brought about by new talent flow dynamics across the world and the rise of artificial intelligence. These new talent flows will help spread academic talent and ideas around the world. The disruptions caused by AI force us to consider how we can best prepare our students for the job market of the future while also emphasising the importance of humanity.”

Professor Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive of APRU, said: “For three decades, the APRU Annual Presidents’ Meeting has provided a trusted space for university leaders to think critically and act collectively. The conversations in Hong Kong reflect both the urgency and the opportunity before us. Universities must lead with purpose, drawing on evidence, collaboration, and innovation to help societies navigate complexity. Through this meeting, APRU aims to strengthen shared priorities and advance solutions that serve the Asia‑Pacific region and contribute meaningfully to the global public good.”

APRU presidents reaffirmed their commitment to advancing innovation, inclusion and sustainability in higher education, working together to shape a new vision for universities while upholding the public good and responding to the evolving needs of the Asia Pacific and the world.

APRU Senior International Leaders’ Meeting to foster global exchange

In addition to the APM, CUHK will host the Senior International Leaders’ Meeting (SILM) 2026 from 23 to 24 June under the theme “What does it mean for Global Engagement to be Resilient and Inclusive?”, further underscoring CUHK’s commitment to promoting global academic exchange. Delegates will visit the CUHK Art Museum and its latest exhibition, “The Qianlong Emperor: A Legacy in Art, The Huaihaitang Collection”.

Professor Josh Yiu Chun-chong, Director of the CUHK Art Museum, said: “The CUHK Art Museum is honoured to welcome the APRU Senior International Leaders’ Meeting as a space for dialogue, reflection, and exchange. Museums and universities share a common purpose in bringing diverse perspectives into conversation, fostering openness, and deepening understanding across cultures. We are pleased to host APRU’s international leaders here, and to contribute to a gathering that places community, inclusivity, and shared learning at the heart of global engagement.”

CUHK’s hosting of these two flagship APRU meetings reflects its longstanding commitment to advancing global engagement and to shaping the future of higher education through collaboration, dialogue and shared purpose. Internationalisation is deeply embedded in the University’s mission, supported by an extensive network of over 400 international partners. With a strong focus on fostering global collaboration in education and research, CUHK continues to advance knowledge, nurture future generations, and address global challenges with innovative and impactful solutions.

About APRU

APRU is a network of 64 leading universities across Asia, North America, South America and Australasia across 20 economies, fostering collaboration to address global challenges through research, policy dialogue and academic partnership.

As an active member of APRU, CUHK has contributed leadership to key network initiatives spanning sustainability and biodiversity, global health, sustainable cities and landscape, virtual exchange, global citizenship, and student mobility, demonstrating its strong academic leadership and professional capacity across APRU priorities.