On 4 December 2025, the 2025 Beijing-Hong Kong Universities Alliance (BHUA) Working Meeting was held at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU). Under the theme “Innovation Pathways and Deepening Mechanisms for Cross-Regional Collaboration among Beijing-Hong Kong Higher Education Institutions – Towards a New Stage of High-Quality Development”, the meeting convened approximately 50 representatives from 23 member institutions across Beijing and Hong Kong. They were joined by key officials from the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges (Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China; the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China; the Hong Kong Education Bureau, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, and the Beijing Municipal Education Commission. The gathering aimed to systematically review the Alliance’s achievements over the past year and jointly chart its future course.

The meeting began with a minute of silence in remembrance of the victims of the recent fire at Tai Po Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong, reflecting the deep solidarity and social responsibility shared by the Beijing and Hong Kong education communities.

Following the solemn tribute, Ms Christine OW CHOW, Vice-President (Administration) and Secretary of HKBU, delivered a welcome address in which she analysed the historic opportunities facing Beijing-Hong Kong higher education collaboration.

Continuing the theme of solidarity and collaboration, Ms Ji Sang, Principal Assistant Secretary (Higher Education) at the Hong Kong Education Bureau, next addressed the gathering.  She informed the attendees about the support measures provided by the government and UGC-funded institutions to students and staff affected by the fire. Broadening the focus, Ms Ji went on to emphasise the Alliance’s far-reaching impact, noting that, since its inception, over 650 academic research collaborations and more than 70 student exchange agreements have been established between universities in Beijing and Hong Kong – demonstrating the Alliance’s sustained cohesion and growing influence.

The meeting welcomed key officials, including Mr Chen Dali, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges (Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs Office) at the Ministry of Education, who participated online. Furthermore, Mr Liu Maozhou, First-level Inspector of the Department of Education, Science and Technology at the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, attended the symposium to show his support.

As the meeting proceeded, Ms Jenny Li, Director of University Engagement at HKBU, representing the third rotating chair institution, systematically presented the highlights of the Alliance’s work for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Building upon this review of past achievements, the focus shifted towards future strategies. Entrusted by Mr Ji Xiaozhe, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs Office at the Beijing Municipal Education Commission, Ms Zhao Lingfei, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Office at Capital University of Economics and Business, presented the Beijing Municipal Education Commission’s work plan to support Beijing-Hong Kong educational cooperation in 2026.

The event then transitioned into targeted discussions, with participants divided into two breakout groups that shared innovative ideas aimed at future collaboration, concentrated on deepening existing mechanisms, and explored new avenues for innovation. One group was moderated by Tsinghua University, while the other was led by HKBU.

The first session, moderated by Tsinghua University.

The second session, moderated by HKBU.

During the concluding plenary session, the moderators of the two breakout groups, Professor Li Yuhong from Tsinghua University and Ms Jenny Li from HKBU, delivered an accurate and cohesive summary of the discussion outcomes, officially drawing the successful working meeting to a close.