The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is charting an exciting path forward with its comprehensive strategic plan “Vision for 2026-2035: Leadership for Impact,” unveiled on October 14th. As the university approaches its 115th anniversary, this blueprint represents a bold reimagining of its role in global education and innovation.
At the heart of HKU’s vision is a transformative approach to technology and education. The university is committed to fully integrating artificial intelligence across its operations, embracing digital teaching methods and leveraging generative AI to enhance both academic and administrative processes. This strategic technological integration aims to position HKU at the cutting edge of educational innovation, ensuring the institution remains adaptable in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Professor Zhang Xiang, the university’s President and Vice-Chancellor, emphasized the importance of an international perspective and organizational agility. His vision goes beyond mere technological adoption, focusing on nurturing future leaders capable of creating knowledge, addressing global challenges, and promoting sustainability. The strategic plan reflects a deep commitment to developing talent that can make meaningful societal contributions.
A unique aspect of HKU’s approach is its strategic positioning as a bridge between East and West. By developing an extensive network of intellectual hubs, the university seeks to foster global connections and extend its academic influence internationally. This approach is not just about expansion, but about creating meaningful dialogue and collaborative opportunities across different cultural and academic contexts.
The launch of the strategic plan coincided with the Innovation Week 2025 Exhibition, a university-wide event themed “Dreams Unbounded: From Ideas to Global Solutions.” The exhibition showcased over 40 cutting-edge innovations, demonstrating HKU’s commitment to transforming scientific research into practical applications. A standout initiative was the launch of Hong Kong’s first Dental Incubation Program, introduced by Faculty of Dentistry Dean Jin Lijian, which aims to create a collaborative platform connecting top dental research teams and start-ups.
This dental program exemplifies the university’s broader mission of translating academic research into tangible societal benefits. By providing a structured environment for researchers and entrepreneurs to collaborate, HKU is actively breaking down barriers between academic discovery and real-world implementation.
The strategic vision extends beyond technological and research initiatives. It represents a holistic approach to education that balances innovation with deep-rooted academic excellence. By embracing AI, fostering leadership skills, and maintaining a global perspective, HKU is preparing students and researchers to navigate and shape the complex challenges of the 21st century.
As the university approaches its 115th anniversary, this strategic plan signals a forward-looking commitment to continuous growth and impact. It’s not just a roadmap for the next decade, but a declaration of HKU’s ambition to be a global academic leader that drives meaningful change through education, research, and innovation.
The “Vision for 2026-2035: Leadership for Impact” demonstrates that HKU is not merely adapting to the future—it is actively working to create it. By combining technological innovation, global perspective, and a commitment to societal progress, the university is setting a powerful example of what modern higher education can achieve.
