HKBU and HKCT Jointly Host 2026 National Two Sessions Sharing Forum for Hong Kong Higher Education Sector
Eight CPPCC Members Focus on the 15th Five-Year Plan and Discuss Talent Development and Innovation
(31 March 2026, Hong Kong) ”Insights from National CPPCC members of the Hong Kong higher education sector on the 2026 Two Sessions“ was held this morning at the Dr. Hari Harilela Lecture Theatre, Lam Woo International Conference Centre, The Wing Lung Bank Building for Business Studies, Shaw Campus of Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU). The event was jointly organised by HKBU, Hong Kong College of Technology (HKCT) and the Hong Kong Higher Education Convergence, with the Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre as co-organiser.
The forum brought together eight Hong Kong members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) from local higher education institutions to share their first-hand observations, experiences and reflections on this year's National Two Sessions. The event attracted more than 200 higher education professionals, academics, students and online participants, generating an enthusiastic response.
The eight speakers agreed that Hong Kong's higher education institutions must identify the entry points, areas of convergence and key priorities aligned with the nation's 15th Five-Year Plan, so as to better integrate into and serve the overall development of both the country and Hong Kong. By doing so, they can leverage Hong Kong's unique strengths under the principles of "backed by the motherland and connected to the world" and "One Country, Two Systems", enhance institutional competitiveness, collaborate with Mainland institutions in building a leading education nation, and strengthen Hong Kong's role as an important hub in the country's pursuit of national rejuvenation and high-quality development.
The forum was moderated by Dr Chow Man-kong, Secretary-General of the Hong Kong Higher Education Convergence. The distinguished panel of speakers included:
Prof. Alexander Wai Ping-kong, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU
Prof. Chan Cheuk-hei, President of HKCT
Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Prof. John Lee Chi-kin, President of The Education University of Hong Kong
Prof. Chak-sing Lau, Vice-President & Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health) and Dean of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
Prof. Ng Wang-Wai, Vice-President (Institutional Advancement), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Prof. Lau Chi-pang, Special Adviser to the President (Public Affairs) of Lingnan University and Chairman of the Panel on Education of the Legislative Council
Prof. Wong Kam-fai, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
The forum featured a distinguished lineup of speakers whose diverse and forward-looking perspectives inspired meaningful exchanges and provided valuable insights for the audience.
Focusing on the Launch of the 15th Five-Year Plan: Strengthening the Mission and Responsibility of Higher Education
In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Alexander Wai Ping-kong, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU, noted that the 2026 National Two Sessions coincided with the inaugural year of the nation's 15th Five-Year Plan, a key strategic blueprint that will define China's development direction in the years ahead. He described the gathering of CPPCC members from different higher education institutions as a rare and high-quality platform for intellectual exchange. He expressed hope that the forum would foster deeper dialogue and mutual inspiration, enabling participants to translate the vision and spirit of national policies into practical reflection and action in teaching, research and personal development.
In his closing vote of thanks, Prof. Chan Cheuk-hei, President of HKCT, said it was both rare and highly meaningful for CPPCC members from eight local higher education institutions to share the same platform, demonstrating the unity and cohesion of Hong Kong's higher education sector. He called on the sector to jointly launch a "Higher Education Sector Action Initiative", pooling the collective wisdom of institutions to transform the spirit of the Two Sessions into a practical action agenda and contribute to Hong Kong's first Five-Year Development Plan.
Quoting Premier Li Qiang's remarks that “the blueprint has been drawn, and now is the time to forge ahead,” Prof. Chan encouraged stakeholders to work together and seize the opportunities presented by national development to make greater contributions to the long-term prosperity of both the nation and Hong Kong.
Reshaping the Talent and Innovation Ecosystem: The Way Forward for Higher Education
Many speakers highlighted that the 2026 National Two Sessions clearly outlined a development path that integrates the development of education, science and technology, and talent as key drivers of modernisation. They noted that artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping economic and social development, with the concept of "AI+" emerging as a major force for enhancing industrial competitiveness and improving public governance. As a result, future talent development should place greater emphasis on interdisciplinary capabilities, engineering practice and the commercialisation of research outcomes, ensuring that education and research effectively address the practical needs of the nation and society.
The speakers also observed that, amid intensifying global talent competition, Hong Kong must continue to leverage its internationalised system and academic strengths to promote the "Study in Hong Kong" brand, further strengthen its role as a global hub for top talent, and enhance its function as a "super value-adder" connecting China and the world.
Several speakers further stressed that basic education, higher education and vocational and professional education should develop in a coordinated manner to support industrial upgrading and the cultivation of new quality productive forces. Through closer integration between education and industry, Hong Kong can establish a diversified and interconnected talent development system that nurtures both professional competence and personal character.
They emphasised the importance of strengthening moral education, national security education and patriotic education among students while fostering innovation and professional excellence.
Participants collectively called for greater collaboration within Hong Kong's higher education sector to translate the spirit of the National Two Sessions into concrete actions. By working together in talent cultivation, research and innovation, artificial intelligence applications and international engagement, the sector can make even greater contributions to national development and Hong Kong's long-term future.
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