- 14-15 May 2026
In a significant move to bolster its international standing, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) recently embarked on a high-level mission to Malaysia to cultivate strategic academic alliances. On 14 May 2026, Professor Joshua Mok, Provost and Vice-President (Academic and Research) and Dean of the Graduate School, visited Sunway University, Malaysia's premier private institution. Welcomed by President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibrandes Poppema and his senior leadership team, the visit served as a platform to align the strategic visions of both institutions. Professor Mok highlighted HSUHK's unique "Liberal + Professional" education model, which cultivates caring professionals equipped with global perspectives and responsible leadership skills.
The visit culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between HSUHK and Sunway University. This landmark agreement paves the way for enhanced student learning experiences, alongside robust academic and research synergies. Beyond the formal signing, Professor Mok delivered a compelling presentation on Hong Kong's evolution into an international higher education hub, offering a comparative analysis of Singapore, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom. He expressed profound admiration for Sunway's state-of-the-art campus and the immense potential for future collaborative innovation between the two universities.
Expanding horizons through collaborative research and talent mobility
Continuing the momentum on 15 May 2026, Professor Mok visited the University of Malaya (UM), the nation's leading public research university. The discussions yielded highly productive outcomes, most notably the establishment of joint research and knowledge transfer initiatives. HSUHK and UM will co-lead regional studies on Age-Friendly Cities and Wellbeing, focusing on critical social issues across Southeast and East Asia. This partnership underscores HSUHK's commitment to addressing real-world challenges through cross-border intellectual exchange and impactful research.
Engagement with the UM academic community also extended to the next generation of scholars. Professor Mok held in-depth discussions with faculty members and doctoral students regarding international student mobility and talent attraction. He delivered an invited seminar examining talent management from a comparative perspective, which was met with an enthusiastic reception. To further enrich the student experience, both HSUHK and UM agreed to prioritize student mobility programs, ensuring that students from both institutions benefit from diverse cultural and academic environments.
A multifaceted approach to internationalisation
These strategic engagements underscore a multifaceted approach to internationalisation, bridging the gap between high-level policy and tangible student benefits. The partnership with Sunway University serves as a cornerstone for student exchange and the promotion of HSUHK's unique liberal arts philosophy, while the alliance with the University of Malaya anchors the university's commitment to high-impact research in areas such as regional wellbeing and urban aging.
Furthermore, by integrating Professor Mok's academic seminars into the visits, HSUHK has reinforced its role as a thought leader in comparative higher education and regional talent management. Collectively, these milestones represent a significant leap forward in HSUHK's mission to foster a vibrant, globally-connected academic community and to establish itself as a leading private university with a truly global impact.