At the Times Higher Education (THE) 2018 Asia Universities Summit, world-renowned university presidents and higher education experts gathered to discuss and discuss the topic of “Universities and Cities: Working Together to Shape Regional Competitiveness.” Their speeches are swayed into thoughts and thought-provoking.

In areas of rapid urbanization, universities play an essential role in developing a talent pipeline while maintaining urban innovation. Research universities can use their international strategies to reflect the attractiveness of a city for global talents and investments. Educational leaders from both established and emerging universities spoke about how they develop their relationships with government, account for global perspectives and local development concerns while assessing the influence of regional university alliances and their mechanisms.

Topic 1: University and Urban Sustainable Development in the 21st Century

Chen Shiyi, President of Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech)

“SUSTech was established seven years ago. The school’s focus is not only on educating people, but also on innovation, invention, and economic development. We are thinking about how to enable universities and local industries and governments better to work together to expand the influence of universities. Play its positive role.”

Chen Shiyi believes that the development of the economy depends on global talents. Local universities should pay more attention to cultivating top-notch innovative talents, contributing to the local economic development and promoting sustainable urban development.

Dr. Judy Genshaft, President of the University of South Florida

“Geography is very important for university development. The University of South Florida is located in Tampa’s city center and can open more projects based on best practices. The University of South Florida works with multinational companies to enhance its internationalization and globalization strategies, which enhance the promotion and development of the University.”

Judy Genshaft believes that cultivating students is a university’s primary task. Universities need to be more flexible and creative to improve the quality of personnel training and form collaborative synergies with nearby universities. Students should also be provided with plentiful opportunities for domestic and international internships. Such an approach promotes regional innovation and progress while encouraging innovation and development in higher education.

Peter Høj, President of the University of Queensland

“The economy develops with better talent, so many cities want good universities. High-level talents in the city are very scarce, so attracting high-level talents is crucial to urban development.

Peter Høj believes that innovation can make universities better. 80% of new industries and 70% of business achievements are generated by universities, forming a good relationship between the city, industry, and universities. This localized ecosystem effectively promotes economic development.

Prof. Dr. Gerhard Schmidt Senior Vice President of Global Affairs at ETH Zurich

“Universities have a responsibility to help their region achieve sustainable development. Zurich’s central university district started to take form in the middle of the 20^th century and continues to attract talent. An important concern is how universities and talents can better serve the community and provide a more forward-looking vision.”

Gerhard Schmidt believes that schools must work collaboratively with local governments to deal with the higher education ecosystem and the urban development issues in order to achieve sustainable development.

Song Yonghua, Rector of the University of Macau

“Universities should serve the entire city. They need to integrate better with their local communities. For example, the University of Macau has been working hard with the Macau government to build a smart city, developing smart energy, smart transportation, and smart tourism.”

Song Yonghua said that the University of Macau is currently cooperating with Sun Yat-sen University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong to establish a university alliance in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, in order to strengthen cooperation among universities in the region. This will further deepen regional integration and create a globalized city and region. In addition, under the background of the Belt and Road Initiative, the University of Macau provides practical support for the development and cooperation of Portuguese-speaking countries.

Duan Chongzhi President of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)

“Big cities develop in a different way from rural areas. Universities in big cities must respond to people’s needs immediately in promoting economic development. For example, the Hong Kong government works with universities to solve major social challenges like an aging population and the environment.”

Duan Chongzhi said that Hong Kong has developed very well under “One Country, Two Systems” and that the full financial capabilities of the higher education system have been brought into play. Hong Kong is unique in terms of its geographic position and its international role, allowing Chinese and Western cultures to collaborate and drive higher growth. CUHK has joined the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau University Alliance, which is conducive to promoting the development of southern China’s economic and educational system, further encouraging more cooperative opportunities. It is hoped that CUHK will play a critical role in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Topic 2: University Alliance – Research and Regional Competitiveness

Professor Jo Beall, Director of Education and Society, and Member of the Executive Council of the British Council

As the forum host, Jo Beall discussed the issues and guests on the core issues of “University Alliance – Research and Regional Competitiveness.” They discussed issues such as the growth of young universities under the framework of the University Alliance, the enhancement of research capabilities, and the advantages and problems that need to be addressed in long-term partnerships.

Stuart Corbridge, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University

“Establishing a university alliance requires leadership, a good reputation, and cooperation with industry.” Stewart Corbridge pointed out that the first thing to prove to taxpayers and the government is that university cooperation adds value. Simultaneously, scientific research must consider how to benefit local taxpayers and help solve global challenges.

He said that university alliances could make higher education more diversified and increase cooperation between different disciplines, universities, and spaces. It provides more opportunities for people all over the world to further strengthen links across the region.

Dr. Nantana Gajaseni, former executive director of the ASEAN University Network (AUN)

Nantana Gajaseni pointed out that the AUN mainly combines the 30 best universities in the ASEAN region. The cooperation has been carried out continuously for 22 years. The AUN aims to jointly improve the quality of teaching across the region and strengthen the quality of higher education across the ASEAN region. One of the advantages of the AUN is that the member units work and grow together. Nantana Gajaseni spoke about how the AUN members can strengthen cooperation and use the resources of government more efficiently. The AUN approach allows talents to stay within the region and makes the best use of it.

Lin Wenyi (Sabrina), Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)

Sabrina Lin said that members of alliances could bring resources and cooperation to talents and scientific research to complement each other. She combined her experience at the recently concluded Davos Forum to talk about the massive development potential in Southeast Asia. Many international companies have company bases or headquarters in Asia and carry out some research projects in Southeast Asia. “Either cities or universities should play a greater role in collaborating.”

She believes that recruiting more overseas researchers and faculty members can integrate both cultures, by complementing their respective strengths. The cultural integration can contribute to the scientific and technological progress of local communities. She also said that diversification is crucial and can form corresponding positions.

Tan Eng Chye, President of National University of Singapore

“Universities are a place to cultivate talents. Its key role is to build a good intellectual ecology and help talents develop and connect with each other. Universities cannot cover all talents at the same time, so it is especially important to form alliances to promote each other.”

Tan Eng Chye believes that the times are changing all the time. Today, despite the economic boom in Asia, they are still facing international competition. It is necessary to adapt to the development paradigm in higher education. In terms of teaching and learning, universities must continuously adapt to new economic situations and contribute intangible assets to society.