A delegation led by The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) Vice President (Research & Development) Professor Chetwyn Chan Che-hin embarked on a significant visit to three renowned universities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE): the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), the American University of Sharjah (ASU) and the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK). The delegation aimed to boost EdUHK’s reputation among Middle Eastern universities and build close and sustainable academic relationships with them.

The delegation included Professor Lo Sing-kai, Associate Vice President (Internationalisation), Dr Emma Ellen Kathrina Buchtel, Associate Dean (International Engagement) in the Faculty of Education and Human Development, Dr Leung Chi-fai, Associate Professor in the Department of Science and Environmental Studies, and Mr Donny Siu, Director of Global Affairs.

The delegation first visited UAEU and received a warm welcome from Professor Ahmed Ali Murad, Acting Vice Chancellor of UAEU. Both parties reflected on the significant achievements of the dual master’s degree programme they signed last year. The collaboration has laid a solid foundation for future cooperation between the two institutions. 

The two sides also engaged in extensive, in-depth discussions on potential areas of educational collaboration, such as academic research, and student and staff exchanges. Both sides also expressed strong confidence in, and anticipation of, a closer and more fruitful partnership in the future. 

The EdUHK delegation also held a series of high-level meetings with the leadership of AUS and AURAK, including Dr Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, and Professor Stephen C. Wilhite, Senior Vice President/Provost of AURAK. The meetings explored the possibility of conducting research collaboration in various academic disciplines, such as psychology and environmental science.

Professor Chetwyn Chan emphasised, “It is crucial to establish links and partnerships with Middle Eastern universities to broaden EdUHK’s internationalisation strategy.” He said the visits were aligned with the goals of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and contributed to building Hong Kong into an international educational hub.