Media OutReach
Weaving A Tradition for Innovation: FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow Continues Its Fashion Capital journey and Debuts at Pitti Immagine Uomo 2025
- From Hong Kong to Florence, FabriX continues to tour Europe after Paris Fashion Week FW2024, debuting at Pitti Immagine Uomo 2025 with the world’s first Fashion AR kiosk
- Cross-disciplinary tech trailblazers Avery Dennison, Genesis-One and ZERO10 continue to propel digital fashion further and beyond
- Featuring digital fashion creations from a full squad of 10 Hong Kong and international designers
- Full launch of men’s fashion to the gaming world: Roblox
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 January 2025 – From the vibrant streets of Hong Kong to the historic heart of Florence, FabriX is transcending borders and reimagining the boundaries of fashion with technology. Fresh from our successful showcase at Paris Fashion Week Sep FW2024 and crowned with HKFDA’s ‘Top 10 Fashion Visionaries Award 2024’, FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow debuted at Pitti Immagine Uomo on 14 January 2025.
Founded in 2022 with support of the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA, formerly CreateHK) and PMQ, FabriX was envisioned as a platform for Hong Kong’s fashion designers to present their digital fashion creations on virtual runways worldwide. Today, FabriX has emerged as a global force, gracing two of Europe’s premier fashion weeks since 2023.
Our mission? To establish FabriX as the ultimate Digital Fashion Hub and Curated Marketplace, where cutting-edge artistry meets commercial opportunities. We want to shape a future where digital fashion is a seamless part of everyday life – by connecting and collaborating with designers, fashion houses, industry associations, tech innovators, key influencers and the media.
At Pitti Immagine Uomo, the world’s leading tradeshow for men’s clothing and accessories, fashion buyers, media and fashion lovers can experience the future of fashion with our enhanced FabriX AR Try-on Kiosk 2.0.1. Be immersed in a phygital realm – try on, capture selfies, promote your design in digital format, or pre-order your favourite digital fashion looks, including exclusive made-for-Roblox avatar outfits.
The FabriX experience will be incomplete without our featured collaborations. Joining us at Pitti Immagine Uomo are a series of creations from 4 new designers, alongside showpieces from the recent Paris Fashion Week bringing the total to 13 digital fashion items on tour.
FabriX is curated by a team of experienced creative drivers lead by Shin Wong, FabriX’s Founder along with Designer’s Curator, Declan Chan, exploring the best tech partner in the world, with the unlimited support by William To, Executive Director of PMQ, bringing a new dimension to the virtual fashion experience.
Enhanced AR try-on kiosk 2.0.1 travels to Florence
Touring to FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow at Pitti Immagine Uomo 2025 is the acclaimed FabriX AR Try-on Kiosk, where visitors can effortlessly try on, capture selfies and pre-order digital fashion pieces. Premiered last year in London Fashion week and Paris Fashion week, the enhanced Kiosk 2.0.1 comes with improved features, travels to Florence this year. The AR enabled mirror and photobooth hybrid allows users and buyers to digitally try on digital fashion items. It is a new, innovative and accessible way to experience fashion. Users can pose and collect their digital outfit photos and directly acquire their favourite digital fashion items on online platform. With a truly immersive “See Now – Try Now – Buy Now” shopping experience, fashion retail is redefined through digital pixels. Prepare to be captivated by this immersive phygital fashion retail experience, showcasing the breathtaking ideation from Hong Kong to the world.
Tech trailblazers propel digital fashion to go further and beyond
FabriX’s role is to scout all possible digital creatives in the fashion industry. FabriX continues to work with some of the most innovative tech trailblazers, each striving to push boundaries and offer ground-breaking tools and solutions. The collective exponential synergy propels fashion industry to go beyond imagination.
(In alphabetical order)
Avery Dennison, Embelex
Avery Dennison is a global leader in materials science and digital identification solutions that provides a wide range of branding and information solutions that optimise labour and supply chain efficiency, reduce waste, advance sustainability, circularity and transparency, and better connect brands and consumers.
Avery Dennison’s @Embelex product portfolio includes apparel branding labels and tags digitally enabled with NFC or RFID technologies, as well as software applications that bridge the physical and digital to enhance consumer experience.
Avery Dennison provides customisable NFC-enabled digital woven badges for the featured designers. These custom-designed badges can be triggered using NFC-enabled smartphones to connect to specialised digital content and information, opening doors to exciting consumer engagement opportunities.
Genesis-One
Genesis-One by Virtual Touch is transforming the fashion industry with its innovative virtual stores, online-to-offline selling platform and digitalisation services. By offering a comprehensive one-stop digital ecosystem, Genesis-One empowers fashion creators to establish their brands without the high upfront costs and complexities of production, logistics and inventory management. With advanced 3D and AI-enabled design tools, an integrated marketplace and a pre-order system, creators can easily design, produce and launch products directly to the market. This fully-automated, on-demand model delivers efficiency and sustainability – allowing creators to focus on design, marketing and crafting unique customer experiences for their brands. Exclusively for the FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow 2025, physical versions of selected digital fashion pieces and FabriX merchandise are now available for online purchase https://www.genesis-one.co/fabrixworld/creation, thanks to Genesis-One’s powerful digital tools enabling a simplified, streamlined experience from design to the shelf.
ZERO10
ZERO10 is a pioneering tech company focusing on advanced augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) try-on solutions that bring interactivity, engagement and innovation to fashion, entertainment, sports and retail sectors. Their proprietary AR Mirror software transforms digital screens into powerful business tools, offering virtual try-on capabilities that enhance consumer engagement, collect valuable customer data and improve in-store sales conversion. With the technological support by ZERO10, the designers’ physical creations can now turn into virtual outfits.
DRESSX
Leveraging their experience and tech know-how, DRESSX once again, transformed all FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow 2025 designer’s roster and their designs into a collection of 13 Roblox avatar outfits, allowing users to rock their favourite digital fashion pieces in-game. At the Pitti Immagine Uomo 2025, we are making breakthrough and infusing new energy on menswear by Roblox, customers will have other choices on their outfits instead of relying on traditional tailors.
10 international designers showcasing their creative designs
FabriX Digital Fashion Florence Roadshow brings 4 more designers and together they make a remarkable squad of 10 international designers: joining the team this year we have Mii Collection (their latest collection are showcased at Pitti Immagine Uomo), Ouest Paris, PRONOUNCE and Xander Zhou with the existing designers who were featured in Paris FabriX Roadshow last year – PONDER.ER and Wilsonkaki from Hong Kong; Bianca Saunders, Charles de Vilmorin, Florentina Leitner and Paolina Russo.
(In alphabetical order)
New designers joining Pitti Immagine Uomo 2025
Mii Collection
Founded in 2012 by the French-Indian designer duo Lucie Bourreau and Bapan Dutta, Mii Collection is a brand dedicated to handmade ready-to-wear garments and accessories. The couple met while studying Textile Design at the Ecole des Arts Décoratifs de Paris, embodying the yin and yang of two distinct backgrounds, geographies, languages, and temperaments. This diversity contributes to the unique and complementary dynamic of their partnership.
Their journey to India in 2009 exposed them to the plight of local craftsmen facing economic challenges. This experience inspired them to establish Mii Collection, which stands for ‘Made In India’. Through the brand, Lucie and Bapan strive to make a difference by combining their creative talents and cultural backgrounds to support the artisans, while preserving and promoting unique, ancestral and endangered skills through their handcrafted pieces.
OUEST Paris
Founded in late 2021 by Arthur Robert, OUEST Paris brings a hedonistic twist to denim and workwear. The brand reflects a distinctive blend of Robert’s Parisian roots, coastal Biarritz heritage and California dreams, shaped by his experiences as a French queer kid in the 1990s and 2000s.
OUEST Paris delivers a cool and creative wardrobe featuring denim, rugged outerwear and skin-positive designs with most products manufactured within the EU. Proudly based in a multicultural city, OUEST Paris is mindful of the environmental and societal issues of our times. The brand was also a finalist for the 2023 Pierre Bergé ANDAM Prize.
PRONOUNCE
Founded in 2016, PRONOUNCE is an independent fashion house led by Creative Directors Jun Zhou and Yushan Li. Based between Milan and Shanghai, Li is a Central Saint Martins graduate, while Zhou is an alumnus of London College of Fashion and Istituto Marangoni. Merging Eastern philosophy with Western aesthetics, the brand focuses on traditional craftsmanship to create contemporary menswear that challenges gender norms with their ‘Gender Share’ concept.
The duo’s ground-breaking approach has earned them significant accolades, including winning ‘The Latest Fashion Buzz’ prize and receiving a nomination for the Woolmark Prize in 2017. They have also been featured in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 lists for 2017 and 2018. Recognized as a leading contemporary brand from China, PRONOUNCE has presented their collections at London Fashion Week Men’s and is the first Chinese designer label invited to showcase their work at Pitti Uomo in Florence, Italy in 2019.
XANDER ZHOU
Ever since his Spring/Summer 2016 collection titled “Far East”, Xander Zhou has been reconnecting with his Asian roots while exploring the ties between oriental mysticism and the futuristic modernity of Asia. With the coined term “techno-orientalism”, the designer has been building his own vastly diverse universe by sketching a map of future humanity, merging the real and the ideal by creating a virtual dimension in which the characters from his collections coexist and interconnect – whether they are humans, androids or aliens.
In the XANDER ZHOU universe, new boundaries of diversity can be stretched far beyond ethnic, racial, cultural, sexual and gender identities. His vision of the acclaimed “Supernatural, Extraterrestrial & Co.” continues to surprise and open up a Milky Way of imagination, absurdity and romanticism.
Designers from Paris Fashion Week with FHCM selection
Bianca Saunders
Bianca Saunders brand gained international acclaim, debuting at London Fashion Week and later at Paris Fashion Week in January 2022. The brand continues to produce two collections annually and participates in various collaborations.
Known for innovative silhouettes and craftsmanship, Saunders often explores body mapping through bespoke prints. She views clothing as a dynamic expression, embracing a multi-disciplinary approach. Rooted in her British Caribbean identity, Saunders’ designs reflect the rich tapestry of Anglo-Caribbean relations.
Charles de Vilmorin
Charles de Vilmorin launched his own label in 2020 by posting several images of his creations on Instagram, quickly gaining attention with his distinctive, dreamlike hand-painted motifs.
Known as ‘The Yves Saint Laurent of Gen Z’, his designs were praised by Christian Lacroix. Fashion legend, Jean Paul Gaultier, also sponsored him as an on-schedule guest at haute couture week in January 2021. At the age of 24, he was appointed as the creative director at Rochas two weeks after the show.
In 2023, de Vilmorin took on several high-profile projects such as being the president of the fashion Jury of the 38th edition of the Hyères International Festival and the Artistic Director of the Galeries Lafayette Christmas. In 2024, he launched his first ready-to-wear collection and collaborated with Moët & Chandon and chef Yannick Alléno in designing the Moët restaurant in Paris.
Florentina Leitner
Created in February 2022, the brand is the eponymous label of Austrian designer Florentina Leitner. She graduated with Bachelor’s and Master’s of Arts from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp and worked for Dries van Noten before launching her label.
With a vision to create a bold, fun and vibrant brand for all ages, the brand is characterised by distinctive 3D flowers, floral prints, textile combinations and feminine details – promising to evoke smiles, and lift moods at every turn. She and her team strive to construct immersive experiences that transport you into a uniquely imaginative world.
Paolina Russo
Paolina Russo seamlessly merges futurism and nostalgia through community-driven craft and innovation. From their London-based studio, Paolina Russo and Lucile Guilmard combine artisanal methods with industrial production, creating a fusion of traditional crafts and modern technology. By distilling the essence of craftsmanship, they propel it into new, contemporary directions.
Their work modernises and challenges traditional crafts such as knitwear, natural dyeing and wood carving – resulting in a distinctive aesthetic that blends folkloric tradition with futuristic innovation.
PONDER.ER
PONDER.ER by Alex Po and Derek Cheng challenges gender norms with thought-provoking gender-fluid designs that stimulate self-exploration. By dismantling conventions and embracing diverse choices, the label reinterprets contemporary classics to defy rigid preconceptions of fashion and gender behaviour. Prioritising comfort, their collections spark conversations while showcasing a vibrant spectrum of aesthetics. In 2024, PONDER.ER was shortlisted as a semi-finalist of the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers.
Wilsonkaki
Wilsonkaki is the namesake label of designer Wilson Yip, which was inspired by a simple yet relatable mishap – forgetting to zip up the fly. The label is known for poetic creations that exude hypermodernity – constantly questioning conventions, rethinking reality, and reinterpreting everyday wardrobe with an experimental approach. He garnered much praise in the industry by working with singers and celebrities in Hong Kong and was honoured as one of the 10 Asian Designers to Watch in 2021.
‘FabriX 2025 – Digital Fashion Roadshow: Florence’
Be part of the digital fashion revolution with FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow at Pitti Uomo, Florence. Connect, collaborate and create with us – follow FabriX on social media for updates and exclusive content.
| Date: | 14-17 January 2025 |
| Time: | 09:00 – 18:00 (Last day: 09:00 – 16:00) |
| Venue: | Fortezza da Basso, Florence, Italy |
Note: Follow FabriX on social media for exclusive coverage and content!
| Website | http://fabrix.hk/ |
| https://www.facebook.com/fabrixworld | |
| https://www.instagram.com/fabrixworld | |
| https://www.linkedin.com/company/fabrixworld | |
| YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@fabrixworld |
Hashtag: #FabriX #FashionMeetsFuture #fabrixworld #pmqhkdesign
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About FabriX
Leading the Digital Fashion Revolution from Our City to the World!
FabriX isn’t just showcasing the future of the fashion industry – we are building it. Launched in 2022, we are a launchpad for the world’s hottest fashion designers and brands, providing a platform to unveil and monetise their most innovative digital fashion creations.
Our success story began in Hong Kong, but our influence has gone global. After an electrifying FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow at London and Paris Fashion Weeks in 2023, we are setting the stage ablaze at ComplexCon Hong Kong 2024 – the festival’s much-anticipated debut outside the US. These experiences has paved the way to even greater possibilities.
Our vision? To be the leading curated marketplace of all things Digital Fashion worldwide, by connecting the industry’s top tech partners, designers, brands and thought leaders. Together, we are shaping a future where digital fashion becomes a part of everyday life, through gaming platforms and other emerging applications. Imagine a Digital Fashion Hub where innovation and artistry meet commercial opportunities. That’s FabriX.
About PMQ
Located in the heart of Hong Kong’s SoHo district, PMQ is the landmark of creative and design industries housing over 100 Hong Kong emerging designers. In 2014, PMQ was revitalised and transformed into a creative hub with a variety of design studios showcasing a wide array of design products including fashion and accessories, gifts & premium, homeware, and small furniture as well as other lifestyle goods and creative products. PMQ has now become an interactive platform for supporting up-and-coming creative talents and fostering a community of patrons and lovers of creativity, design, and heritage. It is also one of the popular venues in town for international design, arts, and cultural events from Hong Kong and around the world.
Webpage : 
https://www.pmq.org.hk/
Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/fabrixworld/
Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/fabrixworld
About CCIDAHK
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) established in June 2024, formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK), is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries.
Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.
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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