25/05/2026
Bonjour from Paris! ๐ซ๐ทโ๏ธ HKBU was honoured to join the Hong Kong higher education delegation at the inaugural FranceโHong Kong University Presidentsโ Forum in Paris from 21 to 22 May, engaging with more than 50 presidents and vice-presidents from French institutions.
Co-organised by the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong & Macau, France Universitรฉs, the University Grants Committee (UGC), and the HUCOM Standing Committee on Internationalisation, the forum marked a major milestone in deepening academic ties between Hong Kong and France. A highlight was the signing of a Letter of Intent with France Universitรฉs, paving the way for long-term student and faculty mobility and strategic collaborations to further elevate the โStudy in Hong Kongโ brand. ๐คโจ
For HKBU, this forum builds on a longstanding partnership with French institutions, dating back to the launch of our European Studies Programme in 1994. Today, our global network includes 35 French exchange partners, supporting 130 exchange students annually, alongside seven double/combined degree programmes. The delegation also visited Sciences Po Paris, a cherished partner of HKBU for 28 years. ๐๏ธ
During panel discussions, academic leaders explored collaborations to address global challenges, with dialogues on AI-driven innovation, sustainable finance, and clinical research. President and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Alexander Ping-kong Wai joined a distinguished panel on โAI Driven Innovation,โ where he emphasised HKBUโs human-centred approach to technological advancement. He highlighted our transdisciplinary education, Art-Tech initiatives, and the importance of distinctly human capabilities such as critical thinking, resilience, and ethical judgement.
The momentum continued with visits to Franceโs most prestigious research bodies, including the French Academy of Sciences, Inserm, and CNRS. These engagements opened pathways for impactful collaborations and translation of research outcomes into real-world solutions.
HKBU looks forward to deepening ties with French counterparts, driving innovation, and co-creating a human-centred future together. ๐