CityUHK ranked ‘Most International University in the World’

By : Helen Mok, Jessica Leung, Eva Choy

THE evaluated over 1,900 universities worldwide in this comprehensive assessment, and only 203 universities from 36 countries and territories made the ranking list. According to THE, CityUHK distinguished itself through its “significant proportion of international students and faculty”, its “proactive involvement in collaborative global research projects”, and its “strong global standing, as evidenced by its reputation”.

“CityUHK is celebrating its 30th anniversary of achieving university status this year, and this recognition confirms that we are on the right track,” said Professor Freddy Boey, President of CityUHK. “The University remains unwavering in its commitment to fostering an inspirational, interactive and innovative educational environment, innovating into the future,” he added.

In this story, we meet some of our faculty and students, who share their experience at the University.

Professor Yue, who joined CityUHK in November 2023, brings a wealth of experience from senior management roles in top-ranking universities in Singapore. He wishes to contribute to CityUHK’s further development as a globally-oriented institution.

What has impressed Professor Yue most about CityUHK is its international character and its commitment to making a tangible impact on the world. He believes these are the key ingredients that define a great university.

CityUHK, situated in a city that serves as a unique bridge between mainland China and the rest of the world, is ideally positioned to leverage its internationalisation. This global outlook enables the University to attract faculty and students from around the globe, fostering a diverse academic environment that sparks innovative ideas through the convergence of various perspectives and mindsets.

Professor Yue emphasises promoting internationalisation and fostering international collaboration to have a global impact. By attracting students and renowned faculty from around the world, and forming partnerships, universities can promote cross-cultural understanding and exchange of ideas. With the inception of the CityUHK Academy of Innovation, Professor Yue is confident in the University’s capacity to have a far-reaching impact, addressing global challenges and nurturing future leaders.

He is heartened to see CityUHK’s proactive approach in providing initiatives and resources to promote internationalisation, innovation and entrepreneurship among its faculty and schools. He wholeheartedly endorses the theme of the 30th-anniversary celebrations, “Innovating into the Future”, and firmly believes that through continuous innovation, CityUHK can make a significant global impact.

Hong Kong has become a popular destination for international students seeking high-quality education. Among them is Winny, a second-year Psychology student from Indonesia, who has found her time at CityUHK to be a serendipitous experience.

Following the resumption of face-to-face classes, Winny was impressed with the incredible diversity on campus. Over 80 nationalities are represented in the CityUHK student body, and various programmes and activities have been organised to help new students integrate and make them feel at home. She is grateful for the University’s entrance scholarships, as well as its dedicated team offering guidance on academic matters, career development and personal well-being.

Winny also speaks highly of her professors, who come from diverse backgrounds around the world. She describes them as extremely helpful and approachable, always willing to guide and mentor her. Their international perspectives and expertise have provided her with a broader understanding of various cultures and global issues, thus enriching her educational experience.

Winny has joined many activities, such as being External Vice President of the Global Ambassador Club and a CityUHK Tiger Ambassador, joining TEDxCityUHongKong, and participating in various external community services. These experiences have allowed her to grow and develop valuable soft skills, including adaptation, leadership, communication and event management. From cultural festivals to student-led initiatives, Winny has not only made friends with peers from all over the world, but also gained insights into various cultures and perspectives, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

Looking ahead, Winny believes that CityUHK has more to offer than academic learning, including preparing her to be a global citizen.

Studying abroad is a great experience, offering students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture, gain a global perspective, and broaden their horizons, says Toby, an exchange student from England, who embarked on a year’s journey at CityUHK last September. Impressed by the University’s inclusive environment, Toby recounts how he quickly found support networks and friends from various cultural backgrounds.

Toby was excited to explore the academic offerings in the College of Business. He found that the University’s international composition has enriched academic discussions and provided a global lens to business concepts and practices.

Beyond the classroom, Toby enjoys various campus activities. One of the highlights for him was joining the Men’s Rugby Team. Toby has not only developed his skills on the field, but also built strong friendships with both local and international students who share his passion for the sport.

Toby also loves to explore the city’s diversity in natural landscapes and vibrant local culture with his friends. They have tried traditional cuisine and celebrated cultural festivals together. These experiences have allowed him to gain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the local culture, fostering lifelong connections and memories.

Toby’s journey as an exchange student at CityUHK has been one of personal growth, cultural immersion, and academic enrichment. The University’s inclusive environment has played a key role in making his experience truly memorable.