On 5 November 2025, HKCT Institute of Higher Education (“HKCT”) and the University of Essex held an online signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the beginning of a strategic partnership between the two institutions. By leveraging the University of Essex’s strengths in knowledge transfer and applied research, and HKCT’s role as a knowledge gateway in the Greater Bay Area, the collaboration aims to generate strong synergies between the UK and Hong Kong. The University of Essex is ranked 23rd among UK universities in 2025, 10th in terms of research power, and 1st in knowledge transfer partnerships.
The MoU was signed by Professor CHAN Cheuk Hay, President and Principal of HKCT Institute of Higher Education, and Professor Frances Bowen, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Essex. The signing was witnessed by Dr Wong Chun Kau, Jolly, Governor of HKCT Institute of Higher Education, and Dr Annecy Lax, Dean of Partnerships at the University of Essex, symbolising a significant milestone in international academic cooperation.
The two institutions will establish a strategic framework to deepen collaboration in knowledge transfer and applied research, extending from Hong Kong to the wider Greater Bay Area. They will also maintain close communication on academic exchange and curriculum development, with the shared goal of enhancing the learning experience and opportunities for students.
This partnership marks a significant step forward in higher education collaboration within the Greater Bay Area. Both institutions are committed to aligning with future developments in the economy and research and to nurturing globally competitive talent.
