- 16 Jun 2026
Professor Joshua Mok Ka Ho, Provost and Vice-President (Academic and Research) of The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK), was invited by the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR to deliver a policy-focused presentation on 16 June 2026, examining Hong Kong's evolving position as an international hub for higher education.
Drawing on his research, funded by the Chief Executive's Policy Unit (CEPU) under the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (PPRFS), Professor Mok presented a rigorous analysis of strategies to attract and retain high-calibre doctoral talents. The study, titled "Strategies to Attract and Retain High-calibre Talents to Pursue Further Studies at Doctorate Level in Hong Kong for Nurturing Specialised Talents that will Contribute to Hong Kong's Development", explores how the city can sharpen its competitive edge in cultivating advanced research talent amid intensifying global competition.
In his address, Professor Mok assessed the HKSAR Government's ongoing efforts to strengthen Hong Kong's standing as a leading international education hub, covering recent policies/initiatives in attracting and retaining global talent to study and work in the city. He highlighted the importance of aligning higher education development with broader policy priorities in innovation and talent cultivation, noting that institutional excellence must be complemented by strong international linkages, regional integration, and clear, attractive pathways for global students and early-career researchers.
Drawing competition with higher education systems in the United Kingdom, Singapore and Malaysia, Professor Mok reflected on policy approaches that could further enhance Hong Kong's international appeal. These comparative insights underscored the need for a coordinated strategy that integrates education, research, and innovation ecosystems, positioning Hong Kong as a dynamic platform for global knowledge exchange.
The invited presentation also demonstrated the critical role of policy-oriented research in informing long-term development. By translating empirical and comparative analysis into actionable insights, Professor Mok's work contributes to ongoing dialogue on how Hong Kong might leverage its global outlook, institutional strengths, and strategic location within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to reinforce its position as a centre for higher education and talent development.
The engagement provided a valuable opportunity for professional exchange with representatives of the Liaison Office and reaffirmed HSUHK's commitment to contributing rigorous, research-driven perspectives to public policy discourse and societal advancement.