HK universities lose ground as China stars rise

Nine Hong Kong universities slid in the QS Asian rankings as those from across the border claimed dominant positions.

Peking University claimed the top spot for the first time in London-based Quacquarelli Symonds' 15th and largest Asia rankings, which cover 760 universities. Peking University broke the four-year stay in first place of National University of Singapore, which dropped to second place. Tsinghua University returned to third from last year's fifth.

Despite Hong Kong's drop, QS said the city is still "one of the world's highest concentrations of top-class universities."

University of Hong Kong fell one place to fourth and Chinese University dropped a spot to 12th. University of Science and Technology, No 9 last year, fell out of the top 10. It is now 14th.

Other local universities on the list were City (23), Polytechnic (26), Baptist (68), Lingnan (152), Shue Yan (351-400) and Hang Seng (551-600).

QS said Hong Kong universities in general have an outstanding level of high-impact research and highly international faculty and student cohorts, but has low productivity in research output. A QS spokesman said the drop in rankings was also the effect of the pandemic.

"Hong Kong boasts three universities among the region's top [15] -meaning it remains an attractive study destination and Hong Kong should look to nurture this talent base and enhance long-term prospects for its graduates," he said.

Universities welcomed the rankings and said they will continue to strive to provide quality education and pursue excellence in research.

An HKU spokesman said: "We firmly believe that the work we are undertaking ... will enhance our international reputation."

A spokeswoman for CUHK said it maintains a very competitive overall position in Asia and HKUST said it will continue to emphasize promoting innovation and scientific research.

eunice.lam@singtaonewscorp.com