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A delegation led by the University Grants Committee (UGC) and the Heads of Universities Committee (HUCOM), comprising senior representatives from the eight UGC-funded universities and the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, visited Paris from 21 to 22 May to attend the inaugural France-Hong Kong University Presidents’ Forum and engage with more than 50 presidents and vice-presidents from French institutions. During the visit, the delegation also met with multiple French research and academic institutions. The eight UGC-funded universities also signed a Letter of Intent with France Universités, laying a solid foundation for deeper collaboration between higher institutions in both regions, injecting fresh momentum into the promotion of the “Study in Hong Kong” brand, and further consolidating Hong Kong’s leading position as an international hub for research and innovation.

In his opening remarks, Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, Vice-Chancellor and President of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and Convenor of the HUCOM, said: “Hong Kong’s higher education sector are deeply committed to internationalisation, and to building partnerships that enable the exchange of talent, ideas and culture. As the only city in the world with five universities ranked among the global top 100 in the world university rankings, Hong Kong offers a highly concentrated ecosystem of high-quality institutions with complementary strengths across medicine, engineering, business, arts and humanities, education, and creative arts. I am confident that the three panel discussions will spark thoughtful exchange and open new avenues for collaboration between our institutions. I hope this forum marks not only a milestone event, but also the beginning of enduring academic partnerships between Hong Kong and France.”

With the support of the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, France Universités, the UGC, and the HUCOM Standing Committee on Internationalisation, the inaugural France-Hong Kong University Presidents’ Forum was held in Paris. The event was hosted by France Universités, a national association that represents French universities and public higher education institutions, advocates for their interests and facilitates policy dialogue with government and international partners.

Hong Kong and French universities have long maintained a robust partnership, with more than 140 student exchange agreements in place, around 700 student exchanges each year, and approximately 130 research collaborations across a wide range of disciplines. To further strengthen collaboration, the eight UGC-funded universities signed a Letter of Intent with France Universités during the Forum, further promoting exchanges and cooperation between the two higher education sectors in areas including student and faculty mobility, research collaboration, academic conferences and internship opportunities.

The Forum featured three panel discussions focusing on financial and business innovation, health and life sciences, and AI-driven innovation, with university leaders from both sides sharing experiences and insights and exploring collaboration between France and Hong Kong in these areas. The delegation also visited the Académie des Sciences, the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), and the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) to explore opportunities for strengthening research collaboration and advancing the translation of impactful research outcomes.

The eight UGC-funded universities are (in alphabetical order) City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Lingnan University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Education University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and The University of Hong Kong.