Media OutReach
AIA Unveils “On Your Side” Critical Illness Protection Series Featuring Multiple First-in-Market Coverages
Flexible and Precise Protection Solutions Supporting Customer Health Needs at Different Life Stages
- Introduces On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 / On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift # , designed for parents, expectant parents and individuals seeking extensive coverage.
- Launches Essence – On Your Side Insurance Plan, offering essential critical illness protection for budget-conscious customers.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 November 2025 – AIA Hong Kong & Macau announces the launch of its new “On Your Side” Critical Illness Protection Series products, offering customers flexible and caring health protection solutions tailored to the diverse needs across different life stages.
According to a survey conducted by AIA@, more than half of the parents and individuals planning to have children are concerned about their children developing childhood cancer. Additionally, more than 40% expressed worries about their children potentially suffering from conditions such as Down Syndrome, Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). They said their greatest concern is that if their children were unfortunately diagnosed with these illnesses, the high medical and caregiving expenses would become a financial burden.
The On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 / On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift # (collectively referred as “On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 series”) covers 115 diseases including critical illnesses, early stage critical illnesses and severe child diseases and provides up to 10 additional claims in total for designated diseases1, with the maximum total benefit reaching up to 1,100% of the Initial Sum Assured2, helping customers face long-term health challenges with greater confidence. To better meet the protection needs of children, the First Gift # edition has been further enhanced with first-in-market* benefits, including Waiver of Premium for Down Syndrome^ and Cord Blood Stem Cell Transfusion Benefit^, offering families more extensive coverage. The series also introduces a first-in-market* Top-up Premium Payment Option11 and Top-up Premium Protector, allowing customers to choose a premium payment option according to their own financial situation at the time of application, thereby enhancing financial flexibility. To further support the insured during critical illness treatment, AIA extends a suite of value-added services to its critical illness insurance products for the first time, including Hong Kong insurance industry-first Care Concierge*3 and One-Stop Oncology Service4, offering multi-faceted health support to help customers navigate their treatment journey with peace of mind.
For budget-conscious customers seeking basic critical illness protection, AIA introduces the Essence – On Your Side Insurance Plan. This plan covers 58 critical illnesses and provides the Big 3 Critical Illness Shield Benefit14, which includes a one-time additional claim for cancer, heart attack or stroke. In addition, additional payment up to 40% of the Initial Sum Assured will be paid as the Prime Age Critical Illness Extra Coverage Booster15 when the Critical Illness Benefit or Big 3 Critical Illness Shield Benefit is paid during the Designated Period15, providing stronger support for the insured during their prime years.
Ms Alice Liang, Chief Proposition & Healthcare Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, said, “Thanks to advancements in medical technology, critical illnesses are no longer necessarily terminal. However, as life expectancy increases, so does the time people may live with illness, and the likelihood of facing multiple critical illnesses over a lifetime. That’s why critical illness protection is no longer optional, but an essential safeguard that stands by customers and their families through prolonged health challenges. The need for sustained financial support has never been greater.
The newly launched flagship On Your Side Critical Illness Protection Series is thoughtfully designed to meet the diverse needs of different customer segments. The On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 series is tailored for those seeking extensive coverage, with the First Gift edition enhancing protection for severe childhood diseases. Through our promotional offer⁵, which includes ‘Personal Medical Case Management Services with Rehabilitation Management’, we help families connect with paediatric care professionals, with an aim to give families greater confidence and peace of mind when facing the unknown.
On the other hand, the Essence – On Your Side Insurance Plan offers essential critical illness protection, with additional coverage for the three major illnesses: cancer, heart attack, and stroke, is ideal for customers who are more budget-conscious and seek value for money.
For the first time, we are also extending value-added services to our critical illness products, delivering personalised medical support that accompanies customers through every step—from diagnosis and treatment to recovery—helping people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.”
The promotional offer5 providing complimentary Personal Medical Case Management Services with Rehabilitation Management is available to the eligible insured of On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift # for the first two policy years. These services are designed to help families receive prompt support from professional medical teams as needed, along with administrative assistance for access to paediatric services (including private services at the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital16).
AIA has always been committed to caring for children’s physical and mental well-being. Following previous initiatives such as hosting a carnival for patients and their families at the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital and making a donation to support the hospital’s activities, AIA is now further enhancing its health support for children in Hong Kong, demonstrating its long-term commitment to society.
Key Product Features and Value-added Services:
| On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 | On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift |
| Designed for customers seeking extensive critical illness protection |
Targeted at expectant mothers aged 18 to 45 and their newborns# |
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| Essence – On Your Side Insurance Plan |
| Designed for budget-conscious customers seeking essential critical illness protection |
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All information above is for reference only and does not constitute any offer and/or insurance product recommendation. The product information in this material does not contain the full terms of the policy, for the details of the product features, terms and conditions, exclusions and key product risks, please refer to the product brochure and policy contract of relevant products or visit the AIA Hong Kong’s website. In case you want to read policy contract sample before making an application, you can obtain a copy from AIA. Life insurance policies are long-term contracts of insurance. Should you surrender the policy early, you may receive an amount considerably less than the total amount of premiums paid. You may choose to purchase the above Plan(s) as a standalone plan without purchasing other type(s) of insurance products at the same time.
| * |
Regarding the first-in-market statement in:
Regarding the “Hong Kong insurance industry-first” statement in “Care Concierge”, as of 31 January 2024, compared against similar services offered by major Hong Kong insurance companies. |
| # |
“First Gift edition” refers to “On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift”. The proposed insured of the On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift policy must be an expectant mother who (i) must be aged 18 to 45 with gestation period of 22nd week or above at the time of application for the On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift policy and (ii) carries the fetus for herself and who will become the legal mother of the newborn child following his/her birth. Only 1 person can be the insured under the On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift policy at any given time. The expectant mother is required to apply for a separate On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift policy for each fetus if she is carrying twins. On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift is not applicable to an expectant mother who is carrying more than two fetuses at the same time. The issuance of the On Your Side Insurance Plan 2– First Gift policy is subject to AIA’s sole discretion and underwriting decision. |
| ^ |
Only applicable to On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift. |
| & |
The insured of the On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift policy must have been changed from the expectant mother to the newborn child before AIA will process any claims related to the newborn child under the policy. The policy owner shall notify AIA of the birth of the newborn child and provide a certified true copy of the newborn child’s birth certificate as soon as possible and by 14 days before the first policy anniversary, otherwise the policy will terminate on the first policy anniversary and the insured will lose the cover. |
| @ |
AIA conducted an online survey in August 2025 among 1,000 Hong Kong residents aged 18 to 65. |
| 1. |
Once the total advance payments paid under the policy reach 100% of the Initial Sum Assured, subject to the relevant waiting period, the 10X Multiple Critical Illness Benefit will pay up to 10 additional claims in total for cancer, heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease / Irreversible organic degenerative brain disorders and Parkinson’s disease. The cover period of the 10X Multiple Critical Illness Benefit is up to age 85 of the insured. Each claim payment under the 10X Multiple Critical Illness Benefit is equivalent to 100% of the Initial Sum Assured. In order to be eligible for a claim payment under the 10X Multiple Critical Illness Benefit, (a) heart attack must be newly diagnosed and must relate to a separate cardiac incident, and (b) stroke must be newly diagnosed and must relate to a separate cerebrovascular accident or incident, producing new findings of new or increased neurological functional impairment.
Together with the claim under Critical Illness Benefit, the maximum number of claims under the policy for the following diseases cannot exceed the following limitations:
|
| 2. |
Total benefits payable per policy (under major illness benefit and 10X Multiple Critical Illness Benefit):
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| 3. |
Care Concierge is an additional value-added service of On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 / On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift, which is not guaranteed and subject to the respective terms and conditions thereof, and does not form part of the contractual benefit of On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 / On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift. AIA reserves the right to amend, suspend or terminate Care Concierge or any part of the service thereunder (including the service providers, any details or terms and conditions relating thereto) at any time without any prior notice. The services under Care Concierge are provided in Chinese Mainland by the designated third-party service provider engaged by AIA and not applicable to Hong Kong and Macau region. Please note that the Pre-approval – Medical Expense & Cashless Service and the relevant administrative support under Care Concierge as set out in the leaflet of Care Concierge are not available to be used by the insured of On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 / On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift. For details and the terms and conditions thereof, please refer to the relevant service leaflet and AIA’s website: https://www.aia.com.hk/en/health-and-wellness/healthcare-services/care-concierge |
| 4. |
One-Stop Oncology Service is additional value-added service of On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 / On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift and Essence – On Your Side Insurance Plan , which is not guaranteed, and subject to its terms and conditions thereof, and does not form part of the contractual benefit of On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 / On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift, or Essence – On Your Side Insurance Plan. AIA reserves the right to amend, suspend or terminate One-Stop Oncology Service or
any part of the service thereunder (including the service providers, any details or terms and conditions relating thereto) at any time without any prior notice. One-Stop Oncology Service is provided in Hong Kong by the designated third party service provider engaged by AIA and not applicable to Macau region. The multi-disciplinary team of the medical specialists under One-Stop Oncology Service is designated by independent third party service provider and is subject to change from time to time without prior notice. Please note that the Pre-approval – Medical Expense & Cashless Service and the relevant administrative support under One-Stop Oncology Service as set out in the service leaflet of One-Stop Oncology Service are not available to be used by the insured of On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 / On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift, or Essence – On Your Side Insurance Plan. For details, please refer to the service leaflet and AIA’s website at https://www.aia.com.hk/en/health-and-wellness/healthcare-services/aia-carepass/one-stop-oncology-service |
| 5. |
The promotional offer of On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift (“Promotional Offer”) is available upon successful application of On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift within the promotional period from 23 September 2025 to 31 March 2026 and fulfilment of the relevant conditions, including a minimum initial sum assured of US$50,000 at policy issuance. The Promotional Offer is subject to its terms and conditions. For details and the terms and conditions thereof, please refer to the promotional leaflet: https://www.aia.com.hk/content/dam/hk-wise/pdf/campaign-and-events/en/oys2-promotion-leaflet-en.pdf
The Personal Medical Case Management Services with Rehabilitation Management (“PMCM Services”) under the Promotional Offer are available to the eligible insured of On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift for use within the first 2 policy years from the issue date of the eligible policy of On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift as shown on the policy information page of such policy. The PMCM Services are subject to the eligibility of the insured, including the evaluation of the insured’s medical conditions. The PMCM Services, including the administrative support in accessing to paediatric care of the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, are provided in Hong Kong by the designated independent third-party service provider engaged by AIA and are not applicable to Macau Region. Please note that the provision of any services by the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital is not part of the PMCM Services and is subject to the review and assessment of conditions of the insured by the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital. AIA shall not be responsible or liable for any medical service, product and solicitation effort provided by the designated independent third-party service provider or the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, which is not sold or marketed by AIA. The PMCM Services are subject to its availability and the relevant terms and conditions of (i) the Promotional Offer as set out in the leaflet of the Promotional Offer and the notification letter issued by AIA notifying the entitlement of the Promotional Offer (upon fulfilment of all the requirements of the Promotional Offer), and (ii) the PMCM Service as set out in the service leaflet and as imposed by the service provider of the PMCM Services. For details of the PMCM Services, please refer to the service leaflet and AIA’s website at https://www.aia.com.hk/en/health-and-wellness/healthcare-services/personal-medical-case-management-services/what-is-personal-medical-case-management), and contact the service provider. |
| 6. |
Subject to relevant conditions. For details, please refer to the relevant product brochure. |
| 7. |
If the insured child is diagnosed with Down Syndrome, and if the result of the Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) conducted by the expectant mother during gestation for Down Syndrome was low risk or low probability, we will waive the balance of regular premiums payable under the On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift basic policy. |
| 8. |
additional 10% of Initial Sum Assured will be paid, subject to a maximum per life limit of US$35,000. This benefit can be paid once only under the policy. |
| 9. |
If the insured child is born on or after 37 weeks of gestation and suffers from severe jaundice, and if in-patient phototherapy for treatment of such severe jaundice is medically necessary for at least 5 consecutive days and within 30 days after birth, an additional 0.1% of Initial Sum Assured will be paid for each day of confinement, subject to a maximum limit of US$250 per day per life, up to a maximum of 7 days. This benefit can be paid once only under the policy. |
| 10. |
Under the coverage of Child Development Protector, the insured child will be covered until he / she reaches age 18. |
| 11. |
The Top-up Premium Payment Option can only be selected at policy application, and it is only available to policies with annual premium payment mode selected (the payment mode can be changed after the first policy anniversary). The amount of top-up premium for a policy is determined by AIA and cannot be adjusted on individual basis. Once top-up premium payment option is selected, it cannot be cancelled or changed. For the differences between these two premium payment options (including returns, benefits and premium amounts), please refer to the respective benefit illustrations. |
| 12. |
The Waiver of Premium on Death (Parents) is applicable to (i) On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift policy and (ii) On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 policy with insured under the age of 18 at the time of policy application. The parent of the insured child must be aged 50 or below at the time of policy application. |
| 13. |
The Waiver of Premium on Death (Spouse) is applicable to On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 policy with insured aged 18 or above at the time of policy application. The insured’s spouse must be aged 50 or below at the time of policy application. |
| 14. |
After the total advance payments paid under the policy has reached 100% of the Initial Sum Assured, subject to the relevant waiting period, the Big 3 Critical Illness Shield Benefit will pay 1 additional claim for cancer, heart attack or stroke. The claim payment under the Big 3 Critical Illness Shield Benefit is equivalent to 100% of the Initial Sum Assured. The cover period of the Big 3 Critical Illness Shield Benefit is up to age 85 of the insured. In order to be eligible for a claim payment under the Big 3 Critical Illness Shield Benefit, (a) heart attack must be newly diagnosed and must relate to a separate cardiac incident, and (b) stroke must be newly diagnosed and must relate to a separate cerebrovascular accident or incident, producing new findings of new or increased neurological functional impairment. In case the insured reaches the age of 70 or above and makes any subsequent claim for prostate cancer resulting from the continuation of a previous prostate cancer for which a previous claim was made under the policy, the Big 3 Critical Illness Shield Benefit will only be payable for the subsequent claim for prostate cancer if the insured has received or is in the process of receiving the full course of cancer-directed surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or a combination of these treatments (excluding hormonal therapy) which is medically necessary as recommended by a registered medical practitioner during the intervening period between the diagnosis of the previous and subsequent prostate cancer. |
| 15. |
Designated Period refers to the period starting from the policy effective date until the later of (i) the day before the policy anniversary on or immediately following the insured’s 70th birthday; and (ii) the end of the 10th policy year.
The amount of Prime Age Critical Illness Extra Coverage Booster payable is subject to the following:
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| 16. |
According to information from the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital specialises in complex, serious and uncommon paediatric cases requiring multidisciplinary management. It provides diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for patients with relevant clinical needs from birth to 18 years of age. Apart from public services, the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital also provides limited private services. All patients have to be referred by registered doctors in public hospitals or the private sector. (Source: https://www31.ha.org.hk/hkch/Patients/PrivateService) |
| 17. |
The amount of Whole Life Extra Coverage Booster for Death will be reduced to 50% of the Extra Coverage Booster Amount (i.e. 20% of the Initial Sum Assured) if Prime Age Critical Illness Extra Coverage Booster has been paid for minor illness. The Whole Life Extra Coverage Booster for Death will be terminated upon the earlier of (a) payment(s) paid under the Prime Age Critical Illness Extra Coverage Booster reach 100% of the Extra Coverage Booster Amount (i.e. 40% of the Initial Sum Assured) and (b) the Big 3 Critical Illness Shield Benefit is payable under the basic policy. |
| 18. |
Regarding the rare-in-market statement for Extension of Grace Period Benefit: As of 13 August 2025, compared with critical illness insurance products provided by Hong Kong major insurance companies.
Application for the Extension of Grace Period Benefit is subject to submission of required documentary proof, AIA’s approval and its prevailing rules and conditions. |
| 19. |
AIA Vitality is not an insurance product, and an annual membership fee is required for joining. |
Hashtag: #AIAHongKong
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About AIA Hong Kong & Macau
AIA Group Limited established its operations in Hong Kong in 1931. To date, AIA Hong Kong and AIA Macau have about 18,000 financial planners1, as well as an extensive network of independent financial advisors, brokerage and bancassurance partners. We serve over 3.6 million customers2, offering them a wide selection of professional services and products ranging from individual life, group life, accident, medical and health, pension, personal lines insurance to investment-linked assurance schemes with numerous investment options. We are also dedicated to providing superb product solutions to meet the financial needs of high-net-worth customers.
1 As at 30 June 2025
2 Including AIA Hong Kong and AIA Macau’s individual life, group insurance and pension customers (as at 30 June 2025)
Hardware Built for Local Conditions
The company isn’t just showing off standard gear; they’ve brought systems specifically designed to handle the challenges of the local energy landscape.
- PowerX1 Hybrid Inverters: Intelligent energy management, seamlessly switching between solar, battery, and grid for stable, uninterrupted power. Supports multi-source integration and rapid power transition.
- Powerinfi All-in-one ESS: ISO 13849 PL-d and IEC 62443 certified for functional safety and cybersecurity. Features a multi-layer battery safety system within a compact design.
- Advanced Solar & System Protection: Incorporates N-type HOT3.0 solar cell technology for enhanced low-light performance. The system boasts an IP66 rating for superior dust and water resistance.
A New Partnership with MIA Group
The big news from the show floor is the new Annual Channel Distribution Strategic Partnership with MIA Group. MIA Group is already a household name in Pakistan for HVAC and energy, and this deal means they’ll be the main bridge for Midea Hiconics’ tech to reach the local market.
“We’re excited to get to work with MIA Group,” a Midea Hiconics spokesperson said. “They have the reach and the local knowledge we need. By putting our hardware in their hands, we’re making it much easier for people here to switch to reliable, clean energy without the usual headaches.”
Media Contact:
Midea Hiconics Press Office
Website: https://www.hiconics-global.com/
Location: Solar Pakistan 2026, Booth A-3-8
Hashtag: #MideaHiconics
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Midea Hiconics
Midea Hiconics (SHE: 300048) has been around since 2003 and joined the Midea Group in 2020. They focus on green energy, home storage, and industrial tech, building smart tools that help people take control of their own power.
Check out https://www.hiconics-global.com/ for more info.
Media OutReach
Green SM And Umoney Partner To Build An Integrated Mobility And Digital Finance Ecosystem In Laos
Under the agreement, Umoney will be integrated as a direct payment method within the Green SM app. The two parties will also implement an embedded integration model enabling Umoney users to seamlessly access Green SM’s mobility services directly within the Umoney platform.
For the first time in Laos, customers will experience a fully seamless ride-hailing journey with fares processed instantly via the Umoney e-wallet upon trip completion, replacing the previously common manual bank transfer method. Users simply link their Umoney wallet to the Green SM app for fast, convenient, and fully cashless transactions. Additionally, customers using partner banking applications can pay drivers through Umoney’s QR system, delivering a flexible, fast, and secure payment experience that enhances user convenience and broadens customer reach across both platforms.
As part of the collaboration, Green SM Laos will provide comprehensive mobility solutions for Umoney’s enterprise partners and individual customers, including Green SM Car electric ride-hailing, Green SM Limo, Green SM Airport transfer services, as well as corporate travel packages and flexible, customized mobility plans. Umoney, in turn, will collaborate with Green SM to develop digital financial and payment solutions tailored for drivers within the Green SM ecosystem, encompassing e-wallet services, direct income disbursement, operational expense payments, and cash flow management tools. This synergy is designed to optimize operational efficiency while enhancing the experience for businesses, drivers, and end-users alike.
Beyond mobility and payment solutions, both parties plan to expand their shared digital services ecosystem by integrating Umoney and Unitel’s telecommunications and digital utilities into the Green SM platform, including SIM card registration, mobile top-ups, data package purchases, and other digital services, thereby enhancing the value proposition for users across both platforms.
The two companies will also jointly roll out customer benefit programs targeting Umoney users in Laos, with a particular focus on airports, transaction points, and key high-traffic locations. Through integrated service offerings and incentives promoting electric mobility, Green SM and Umoney aim to foster environmentally responsible travel habits while delivering greater value to customers within their shared ecosystem.
Mr. Ha Chien Thang, Director of Star Fintech Sole Co., Ltd, shared:”Our partnership with Green SM marks a significant milestone in Umoney’s strategy to develop a comprehensive digital finance ecosystem in Laos. The integration of payment capabilities and digital services not only enhances user convenience but also contributes to the advancement of cashless payments and the broader digital transformation of the economy.”
Ms. Tran Hanh An, Director of Mobility Services Sales at Green SM Vietnam & Laos, stated: “The partnership between Umoney and Green SM reflects a shared commitment to connecting the essential infrastructures of modern urban life, from digital finance and telecommunications to a green mobility ecosystem. Through this collaboration, we aim to expand benefits for our customers and driver community while driving meaningful green transformation that is firmly grounded in everyday mobility and consumption needs.”
Furthermore, Green SM and Umoney will collaborate on multi-channel communications initiatives to strengthen brand awareness and expand their combined customer base. Planned activities include co-branded campaigns, promotional programs for new users, digital platform communications, and on-ground experiential activations in key markets.
The partnership between Green SM and Umoney marks a significant convergence of two leading ecosystems in green mobility and digital finance in Laos, united in their pursuit of integrated service solutions that meet the increasingly diverse demands of modern urban life. This collaboration also represents a pivotal step toward fostering innovation, elevating the user experience, and contributing to the sustainable growth of the digital economy in Laos.
Hashtag: #GreenSM
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Global Leaders Converge to Shape the Future of Higher Education in Asia
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 April 2026 – The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Times Higher Education (THE) co-hosted the Asia Universities Summit 2026 from April 22 to 24. Under the theme “Igniting Global Transformation: Asia’s Leadership,” the three-day premier event explores Asia’s pivotal role in reshaping global innovation and addressing pressing societal challenges through higher education.
The Summit holds particular significance as it coincides with HKUST’s 35th anniversary and marks a decade of partnership between the University and THE since the inaugural summit. This year’s event has attracted over 600 university presidents, policymakers, and industry titans from 25 countries and regions, underscoring a collective commitment to advancing the academic landscape across the continent.
The Summit officially commenced on April 22 at HKUST’s Shaw Auditorium, with the opening ceremony officiated by Dr. SZE Chun-Fai, Jeff, Acting Secretary for Education of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government; Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST; Phil BATY, Chief Global Affairs Officer, and Mei Mei LIM, President, Asia Pacific, from THE.
In her opening remarks, President Ip underscored the need for cross-border collaboration and the evolving role of universities in a rapidly changing world. She said, “As HKUST celebrates its anniversary and a decade of partnership with Times Higher Education, we gather at a defining moment for our region. Asia is increasingly shaping the direction of global innovation, talent development, and societal transformation. In this era of rapid technological advancement and constant change—from artificial intelligence to climate resilience—the challenge of progress lies in anticipating needs and shaping solutions, which calls for a fundamental rethinking of how universities lead. At HKUST, we firmly believe that no single institution can address these global challenges alone; progress will come through openness, partnership, and shared responsibility.
Hong Kong is unique in being the only city in the world with five universities ranked among the global top 100, underscoring its role as a leading international hub for exchange and innovation. Building on this strength, HKUST has initiated dialogues with the world’s leading universities and invited them to Hong Kong to explore opportunities for a university town. This Summit reflects our long‑standing commitment to bringing institutions together to exchange ideas, build meaningful collaborations, and take collective action. By convening leaders from across Asia and beyond, we aim to turn thoughtful dialogue into real impact for our communities and for society at large.”
Dr. SZE Chun-Fai, Jeff, highlighted Hong Kong’s unique position as an international education hub, stating, “Universities today are not only centers of knowledge creation but also powerful drivers of innovation, resilience, and societal impact. In an era of rapid technological advancement, higher education must translate cutting-edge research into real-world solutions that address global challenges. HKUST exemplifies this excellence and achieves remarkable rankings, with its entrepreneurial story equally unmatched, demonstrating the worldwide impact of its research discoveries. Hong Kong has long served as the world’s super-connector and super-value adder, bridging East and West. Our highly internationalized and diversified post-secondary education system positions us ideally to facilitate this convergence between global academic networks and the opportunities of the Chinese Mainland and the wider region. Education, technology, and talent form a foundational triad for success. By fostering talent attraction, interdisciplinary education, industry-academic partnerships, and research collaborations with our counterparts elsewhere, we are building a vibrant ecosystem that strengthens Hong Kong’s innovation edge, contributing to Asia as well as national development.”
Phil Baty reaffirmed THE’s enduring partnership of trust with HKUST and celebrated Asia’s rising global influence, stating, “A decade ago, right here on this stunning campus, THE launched its first-ever Asia Universities Summit. Today, we are witnessing a tilt in the balance of power in global higher education and research from the West to the East. This extraordinary trajectory is driven by Asia’s booming research productivity and global ambitions. Hong Kong, with five universities now ranked among the world’s top 100, stands at the heart of this transformation—a city which we believe will remain the flagship atop the rising tide across Asia, cementing its position as a world-leading powerhouse. New knowledge creation is not a zero-sum game, as we all gain from the leapfrogging Asian university sector. This Summit is a celebration of your excellence and the glorious diversity of our academic community.”
Following the opening ceremony, President Ip joined Prof. Martin O. BERGÖ, Vice-President of Karolinska Institutet, in a keynote fireside chat on longevity science. The discussion explored how advances in biomedicine, neuroscience, and translational research can extend both lifespan and healthspan, while contributing to resilient and equitable societies. President Ip shared insights from her pioneering neuroscience research, including the University’s efforts to decode the biological basis of healthy aging. She said, “Healthy aging is not just about adding years to life, but adding life to our years. We need a paradigm shift from reactive to proactive care. At HKUST, we are focused on monitoring risks for any diseases early and implementing preventive measures. Longevity science is about extending the ‘healthspan’ and as a university, we have much to offer through our research and collaborations. We are uniquely positioned to contribute to this field.”
A spotlight on the first day was a fireside chat between Prof. Harry SHUM, Chairman of the HKUST Council, and Judson ALTHOFF, CEO of Microsoft’s Commercial Business. The dialogue delved into the transformative power of AI across both industry and academia, discussing how universities can collaborate with global technology leaders to prepare students for an AI‑pervasive world. Emphasis was placed not only on technological capability, but also on trust, critical thinking and mindset change within institutions.
Prof. Shum underscored the importance of embracing AI across disciplines, “For our university, at this time, the number one priority is really a mindset change—to focus on AI for science, engineering, business, humanities, and medicine. AI is already here. We do not have to be afraid of this technology. It is a powerful new tool for us and a wonderful thing that we must learn and master to drive growth and innovation.”
Throughout the Summit, President Ip participated in two leadership meetings with over 15 university presidents and senior leaders from institutions across Asia, engaging in candid, strategy‑focused exchanges on shared regional challenges. One session examined how Asia’s emerging innovation corridors—from the Greater Bay Area to other fast‑growing technology belts—can redefine global technology leadership, with discussions centered on governance models and cross‑border collaboration. Another session focused on shaping next‑generation cities, exploring how universities can align research, talent development and policy engagement to support sustainable urban transformation amid rapid technological and societal change. These high-level dialogues emphasized the need for strategic alignment between academic research and regional development, reinforcing the Summit’s mission to leverage Asian leadership for global transformation through collaborative institutional design and shared expertise.
Across a series of high‑level sessions, HKUST senior leadership played an active role in shaping discussions on inclusive leadership, trusted AI in higher education, research commercialization, climate resilience, and global research collaboration. The sessions examined how universities can strengthen governance frameworks to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI, while cultivating innovation ecosystems that translate research outcomes into socio-economic impact.
The dialogue also addressed strategies for nurturing entrepreneurship, climate‑proofing rapidly growing cities through interdisciplinary engineering approaches, and sustaining borderless research collaboration amid rising geopolitical and regulatory pressures. Collectively, these contributions highlighted HKUST’s commitment to advancing responsible innovation, international partnership, and university leadership attuned to Asia’s evolving challenges and global responsibilities.
The three-day event concluded with a closing ceremony, cementing new strategic partnerships and a shared vision for the future of higher education in the region.
Download photos here: https://hkust.edu.hk/news/hkust-and-times-higher-education-co-host-asia-universities-summit-2026
Hashtag: #HKUST
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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