November summit marks next stage of Lingnan’s journey

November summit marks next stage of Lingnan’s journey

It was signal honour for Lingnan University to host the QS Higher Education Post Summit: Asia-Pacific 2024 on campus on November 8.

The high-profile event, which attracted close to 400 attendees, was a chance for noted academics, industry leaders and other stakeholders to expand on some of the topics discussed earlier in the week at the QS APAC Summit held in Macau, but also to explore additional issues of concern to universities around the region and consider ways to address some of the more pressing challenges.

The special theme chosen for the day was “Navigating Futures – Empowering Higher Education for Social and Sustainable Impact.” The discussions resonated strongly with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), by promoting inclusive, forward-looking approaches to learning and fostering cross-sector collaboration in higher education. Speakers also touched upon SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), highlighting how innovation, digital transformation, and partnerships between academia, government, and industry can accelerate progress toward a more sustainable and equitable education ecosystem. This allowed participants to envision practical pathways for lasting transformation—where universities serve as catalysts for both social impact and sustainable development.

Dr Choi Yuk-lin, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Education

The morning session of the Post Summit featured opening remarks by guest of honour Dr Choi Yuk-lin, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Education, who emphasised the pivotal role that universities play, especially at a time of unprecedented global challenges.

“First-class universities and nurturing first-rate talent are crucial in shaping our future,” Choi said.

Ms Jessica Turner, Chief Executive of QS Quacquarelli Symonds

Jessica Turner, Chief Executive of QS Quacquarelli Symonds observed that high-quality conversations helped to bring a shared determination to achieving excellence in areas that are of greatest importance to institutions around the region. That includes performance, international reputation, skills, innovation, student recruitment, and sustainability.

“The mutually beneficial partnerships that come from forums like this will help to accelerate conversations, open pathways and give universities new ideas they can take back and incorporate into their own practice,” Turner said.

Professor S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science at Lingnan University

In his welcoming remarks, Professor S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science at Lingnan University, also highlighted the importance of forging stronger global partnerships in the field of higher education and finding more opportunities to collaborate with industry, governments, and society at large.

“Lingnan is entering a new stage of its spiritual journey with a clear direction in mind,” said Qin, who stressed the need for continuous innovation, digital competencies and whole-person education to keep pace with the changing times. “We are promoting a liberal arts education in the digital era, which makes us attractive to non-local students and fosters a more global learning environment that will enhance our graduates’ competitiveness in the international arena.”