The Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) kicks off its 30th Annual Presidents’ Meeting at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) today which will take place during 21 – 23 June 2026, bringing together presidents and leaders of leading research universities from across the Asia Pacific to advance collective thinking on the next horizon of higher education.
Held under the theme “The Next Horizon: Shaping Universities for a Changing World,” the meeting focuses on how universities can remain resilient, innovative, and socially relevant as they navigate profound global change. Discussions address the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence on teaching, learning, and research, the need to build sustainable and inclusive higher education systems, and the evolving role of universities as trusted institutions in an increasingly complex geopolitical and socio‑economic landscape.
Professor Teck Hua Ho, President, Nanyang Technological University and Chair of APRU said, “The APRU Annual Presidents’ Meeting at CUHK gives us the opportunity to discuss the changes brought about by new talent flow dynamics across the world and the rise of artificial intelligence. These new talent flows will help spread academic talent and ideas around the world. The disruptions caused by AI force us to consider how we can best prepare our students for the job market of the future while also emphasising the importance of humanity.”
As leaders of the network, APRU Presidents regularly come together to discuss shared challenges and develop initiatives that help move the Asia Pacific forward. Through candid dialogue and strategic exchange, presidents strive to lead their universities to engage across the region as a collective voice of knowledge and innovation, identifying issues of greatest urgency and setting priorities for future APRU initiatives. Together, APRU Presidents promote evidence‑based solutions to global challenges facing Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies, reinforcing the critical contribution of universities to societal progress.
The program will explore key sub‑themes including:
- Transforming education through artificial intelligence, with a focus on academic integrity, human‑centred learning, and institutional readiness
- Building resilient and sustainable higher education systems, through cross‑border partnerships and inclusive models of access and excellence
- Re‑imagining the mission of universities, as anchor institutions for talent development, research impact, and public trust in the 21st century
The meeting is hosted by CUHK, internationally recognised for its strengths in biomedicine, translational research, interdisciplinary scholarship, and commitment to societal impact. Since its founding, CUHK has played a distinctive role in advancing knowledge for the betterment of society, combining global outlook with deep regional engagement. Hosting the APRU Annual Presidents’ Meeting and the Senior International Leaders’ Meeting underscores CUHK’s longstanding commitment to international collaboration and leadership in higher education.
“Universities stand at a defining threshold. As knowledge institutions, we must not only respond to technological and societal change, but actively help shape it. CUHK is honoured to host the APRU Annual Presidents’ Meeting on its campus, and to support the Association in convening this important dialogue. By bringing global university leaders together to reflect on innovation, inclusion, and sustainability in higher education, we will contribute to the collective effort of envisioning the next horizon of universities and their responsibility to society.” said Professor Dennis Lo, Vice-Chancellor and President, CUHK.
As APRU marks its 30th Annual Presidents’ Meeting, the event convening at CUHK underscores a shared resolve among university leaders to look beyond immediate challenges and work collectively to define the future direction of universities. Through strategic dialogue and collaboration, APRU Presidents reaffirm their commitment to advancing innovation, inclusion, and sustainability in higher education — shaping a next horizon of universities that remains firmly anchored in the public good and responsive to the evolving needs of the Asia Pacific and the world.
“For three decades, the APRU Annual Presidents’ Meeting has provided a trusted space for university leaders to think critically and act collectively. The conversations in Hong Kong reflect both the urgency and the opportunity before us. Universities must lead with purpose, drawing on evidence, collaboration, and innovation to help societies navigate complexity. Through this meeting, APRU aims to strengthen shared priorities and advance solutions that serve the Asia‑Pacific region and contribute meaningfully to the global public good.” said Professor Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive, APRU.