EdUHK Delegation Visits Four Universities in Japan to Strengthen Strategic Partnerships in Education and Beyond
The President of The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK), Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, led a delegation to Japan from 2 to 4 April 2025, encompassing visits to four universities in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Yokohama. The delegation included Professor May Cheng May-hung, Vice President (Academic), and Professor Lo Sing-kai, Associate Vice President (Internationalisation). Professor Bruce Macfarlane, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Human Development, joined the delegation on the final day.
The purpose of the visit was to strengthen EdUHK’s partnerships with leading universities in the field of education, fostering collaboration to meet the challenges of "Education Futures" as outlined in EdUHK’s Strategic Plan 2025–2031. This initiative seeks to position EdUHK as a global leader in educational innovation, talent cultivation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Beyond education, the visit also aimed to explore EdUHK’s scope into related areas, including beauty and wellness, reflecting its broader commitment to holistic development and societal advancement.
The universities visited were:
• The University of Tokyo (UTokyo), Tokyo
• Tokyo Gakugei University (TGU), Tokyo
• Aichi University of Education (AUE), Nagoya
• Professional University of Beauty and Wellness (PUBW), Yokohama
These strategic collaborations aim to foster academic exchanges, student mobility, and joint research initiatives, while advancing educational innovation and interdisciplinary partnerships.
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Advancing Educational Collaboration for “Education Futures”
EdUHK has long recognised the critical role of universities in shaping the future of education. Through this delegation, EdUHK sought to strengthen its ties with three esteemed universities at the forefront of teacher education and educational research: The University of Tokyo, Tokyo Gakugei University, and Aichi University of Education. These partnerships align with EdUHK’s vision of building a global network of universities committed to preparing future-ready educators and addressing the evolving needs of education in a rapidly changing world.
Partnership with Aichi University of Education
EdUHK has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Aichi University of Education (AUE) since 2008, with agreements renewed in 2021. Over the years, 19 EdUHK students have participated in exchange programmes and summer schools hosted by AUE. During the recent visit, the EdUHK delegation was warmly welcomed by Professor Noda Atsunori, President of AUE, and had the opportunity to meet two current EdUHK exchange students studying at AUE.
Professor Lee highlighted the importance of such exchanges, stating:
"Meeting our students at partner universities is always a rewarding experience. It underscores the value of cultural and academic exchange in broadening perspectives, fostering mutual understanding, and building a foundation for shared success."
Renewing Ties with Tokyo Gakugei University
EdUHK and Tokyo Gakugei University (TGU) celebrated the renewal of their MoU on 4 April in Tokyo, further cementing a partnership that began in 2009. The new agreement was signed by Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, President of EdUHK, and Professor Kokubun Mitsuru, President of TGU, in the presence of senior representatives from both institutions.
Professor May Cheng, Vice President (Academic), remarked:
"For 16 years, EdUHK and TGU have collaborated closely to advance teacher education. This enduring partnership exemplifies the critical role of education in shaping global networks that are ready to address the challenges and opportunities with an aim to prepare for Education Futures."
Discussions during the visit focused on enhancing academic exchanges, fostering student mobility, and exploring joint research opportunities. The partnership reaffirms both universities’ commitment to advancing teacher education and educational innovation on a global scale.
Establishing a New Partnership with the University of Tokyo
On the same day, EdUHK formalised a new collaboration with the Graduate School of Education (GSE) at the University of Tokyo (UTokyo), a globally recognised institution renowned for its academic excellence. The partnership was marked by the signing of an MoU and a Student Exchange Agreement (SEA), which will facilitate student exchanges, joint research projects, and interdisciplinary academic initiatives.
The collaboration aims to promote student exchanges within FEHD programmes, facilitate interdisciplinary research aligned with EdUHK’s Virtual Interdisciplinary Research Centre, and organise joint academic events, including conferences and seminars.
"Establishing a strong collaborative framework is of utmost importance," said Professor Bruce Macfarlane, Dean of FEHD. "These agreements will enable us to develop robust initiatives, particularly in student exchanges within FEHD programmes. Moreover, we will explore joint research collaborations aligned with our interdisciplinary research themes and the Virtual Interdisciplinary Research Centre, while also organising joint conferences, seminars, symposiums, and co-teaching opportunities."
Exploring into Beauty and Wellness Education
In addition to strengthening ties with universities focused on teacher education, EdUHK developed its collaborative network by signing an MoU with the Professional University of Beauty and Wellness (PUBW) in Yokohama. This institution, established in 2022 by the Miss Paris Group, is a pioneer in integrating scientific theory, practical skills, and cultural sensitivity into its curriculum.
During the visit, Professor Lee delivered a speech at PUBW’s entrance ceremony, a highly significant event in Japanese higher education, attended by faculty, students, and parents. The delegation also toured the headquarters of the Miss Paris Group in Tokyo, where they learned about the university’s innovative model of integrating academia with industry through its extensive corporate network.
EdUHK’s Vision for “Education Futures”
The delegation’s visit to Japan aligns with EdUHK’s new Strategic Plan for 2025–2031, themed “Education Futures.” This forward-looking framework reflects EdUHK’s commitment to leading educational innovation while preserving its core mission of nurturing outstanding educators and contributing to sustainable development in Hong Kong SAR, the nation and beyond.
Professor Lee concluded:
"At EdUHK, we embrace change while staying true to our mission. By building strategic partnerships with leading universities and institutions globally, we are preparing for the outstanding and morally responsible future-ready educators and talents."
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