- 4 October 2025
Professor Joshua Mok, Provost and Vice President (Academic and Research) and the Dean of the Graduate School at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK), was recently invited by Peking University to present his research on the Hong Kong International Education Hub project. This initiative, funded by the HKSAR Chief Executive Policy Unit’s Public Policy Research Fund, aims to explore strategies for strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international hub for higher education.
Professor Mok and his research team have undertaken a comparative study examining the factors influencing students' choices of destinations for doctoral research studies. By analyzing policies and documents from Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Malaysia, the team has identified four key factors shaping these decisions:
- Funding Support: The availability of scholarships, grants, and financial aid plays a critical role in attracting top talent.
- Research Environment: A robust academic infrastructure, access to cutting-edge resources, and strong mentorship opportunities are essential.
- Career Development and Family-Friendly Policies: Opportunities for post-graduation employment, work-life balance, and family support systems are increasingly crucial.
- Stable Policy and Political Environment: Students prioritize destinations with predictable and supportive political frameworks that ensure stability.
In addition to these factors, Professor Mok emphasized the importance of fostering a welcoming, socially inclusive, and culturally diverse environment to enhance the appeal of study destinations.
The research team will continue conducting field studies in the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Malaysia to gather deeper insights and further address the project's research questions. These findings aim to inform strategies that can elevate Hong Kong's global competitiveness as a preferred destination for doctoral studies.
Professor Mok’s work underscores HSUHK’s commitment to shaping impactful policies and advancing Hong Kong’s international standing in higher education. Stay tuned for more updates on this pivotal research that could redefine the future of Hong Kong’s academic landscape.
