Lingnan Strategies in the Spotlight at High-Profile Digital Conference
Lingnan Strategies in the Spotlight at High-Profile Digital Conference
Bringing together more than 300 experts from around the world, Lingnan University proudly co-hosted the Digital Universities Asia 2025 conference in partnership with Times Higher Education (THE). Held on July 8-9 at the Tuen Mun campus, the event featured a series of notable speakers and in-depth panel discussions exploring the impact of the latest technologies and the broader changes and opportunities they are expected to create.
The unifying theme of the conference was “Powering Social Innovation with Digital Transformation”. The various sessions shed new light on the issues set to reshape not only higher education in the coming years but also the outlook and expectations of society at large. Reflecting its strong alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the event highlighted SDG 4 (Quality Education) through discussions on digital learning and inclusive education, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through the promotion of technological advancement and research collaboration, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering international cooperation among universities, industry leaders, and policymakers to drive sustainable digital transformation.
Dr Choi Yuk Lin, JP, Secretary for Education, Education Bureau
Opening Ceremony and Key Messages
The conference commenced with an opening ceremony that set the tone for the two-day event.
Dr. Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary of Education, officiated the event and emphasized the HKSAR government’s dedication to preparing the next generation for the complexities of the digital age.
“The integration of digital tools and innovative techniques into traditional teaching methods is reshaping education,” Choi said. “The challenges we face are not confined by borders but are shared globally, requiring a collective effort from governments, policymakers, educators, and communities. We will work with all stakeholders to create an educational environment that not only adapts to the digital age but also empowers and includes every member of our future generations.”
Professor S. Joe Qin, President of Lingnan University and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science
Lingnan University President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science, Professor S. Joe Qin, highlighted the need to accelerate knowledge transfer and prioritize AI and digital transformation.
“It is essential for everyone involved in higher education to understand the potential of emerging technologies and to find ways to apply them in the classroom and in research,” Qin said. “This conference and its associated events have offered valuable opportunities for our students and staff to gain first-hand experience. That will help Lingnan play an increasingly vital role in supporting Hong Kong’s economic growth and driving industry transformation.”
Separately, President Qin noted Lingnan University’s sustained efforts to promote sustainability on campus and in the community, efforts that have received significant international recognition.
“In the recently announced THE Impact Rankings 2025, Lingnan was ranked first globally for Quality Education—the fourth of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4),” Qin said. “We are the first tertiary-level institution in Hong Kong to achieve the top global ranking in any of the UN’s SDG categories. This achievement reinforces Hong Kong’s position as an international hub for higher education.”
Ms Mei Mei Lim, President, APAC at Times Higher Education
Building on this, Ms Mei Mei Lim, THE’s President for the Asia-Pacific region, praised Lingnan as an example of how tradition and technology can work together to transform lives.
“By building on its legacy as a leading liberal arts university, Lingnan is now taking bold steps in digital innovation and offering inclusive, accessible education,” Lim said. “These efforts deliver real-world impact while keeping students and communities at the core of its mission.”
Mr Andrew Yao Cho-fai, Council Chairman of Lingnan University
Lingnan HPC NexT Kick-Off and Technology Milestones
To coincide with the conference, the Lingnan HPC NexT Data Centre was officially launched during a special ceremony, marking the beginning of HPC Week.
Mr Andrew Yao Cho-fai, Council Chairman of Lingnan University, described the investment in the centre as a significant milestone in the University’s journey to becoming a hub for data science and innovation.
“It is a testament to our commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technology to advance research and learning,” Yao said. “It will also equip our students with the resources to address community challenges, fostering leaders who can guide Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to a more data-informed future.”
The HPC Week programme featured expert instructors from the Nvidia AI Technology Center (Hong Kong). Their mission was to provide students and faculty members with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to apply AI and HPC technologies effectively in education and research.
Conference Highlights and Key Topics
In total, the conference attracted delegates from 27 countries, including representatives from 60 universities. Among the attendees were more than 100 senior university leaders, 55 invited speakers, as well as government officials, policymakers, executives, and entrepreneurs.
Key topics addressed included the integration of AI into curriculum design and research, the importance of teaching future-ready skills, and fostering digital collaboration across borders. Discussions also focused on addressing challenges such as building inclusive pathways to innovation, advancing sustainability goals, and keeping pace with developments in high-performance computing (HPC).
In addition to keynote speeches and panel discussions, the conference provided numerous opportunities for informal networking. Delegates exchanged ideas, insights, and impressions, fostering collaboration and future partnerships.
Mr. Tim Lui, Chairman of the University Grants Committee
Moving Forward
Reflecting the conference’s success, Lingnan University has demonstrated its ability to convene global leaders to address pressing challenges in higher education and technology.
A gala dinner featuring VIP attendees, including guests of honour Mr. Tim Lui, Chairman of the University Grants Committee, and Prof. James Tang, Secretary-General of the University Grants Committee, provided participants with a chance to share experiences and explore opportunities for future collaboration in digital education and innovation.
As Lingnan continues to lead initiatives in quality education and digital transformation, the University is well-positioned to drive impactful change in the academic world and beyond.
For more information, please click here to view the event photos