HKU takes No 2 spot from Singapore in Asia uni rankings

Sophie Hui

The University of Hong Kong has been ranked as the second best Asian university, surpassing the National University of Singapore, according to the latest QS Asia University Rankings.

Five Hong Kong universities have made it to the top 25 universities in Asia, and four saw their rankings climb from last year.

They include HKU climbing two spots to second, Chinese University of Hong Kong moving up two places to 10th, City University of Hong Kong rising six places to 17th, and Hong Kong Polytechnic University going up three spots to 23rd.

But the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology fell one place to 15th.

Hong Kong Baptist also moved four places up to 64th while Lingnan dropped 15 spots to 167th.

And the Hong Kong Metropolitan University features in the rankings for the first time, going from 701st to 750th.

This year's ranking is the largest ever, comparing 856 institutions from 25 countries and territories.

Peking University has become Asia's best university for two years in a row, while the National University of Singapore dropped one place to third.

"This year's ranking is also the largest ever, featuring a record number of Asian universities," said QS senior vice president Ben Sowter. "It reflects a flourishing and intensely competitive higher education ecosystem."

On the performances of universities in Hong Kong, Sowter added: "Hong Kong's universities stand out for their scholarly influence yet they fall behind in research output.

"Emphasizing international research partnerships and recruiting top-tier faculty could effectively remedy this slight discrepancy."

"Hong Kong's cosmopolitan character remains a strong draw for global scholars and students. Nevertheless, a downward trend in metrics for international faculty and students is apparent."

Responding to the latest rankings, the University of Hong Kong said: "With an unwavering commitment to becoming a world-class university in Asia the HKU has consistently provided students with a top-notch education.

"As a trailblazer in the region the university continually strives for excellence in teaching, research, and knowledge exchange, all the while bolstering its global reputation and supporting the chief executive's recent blueprint set forth in the policy address, which aims to transform Hong Kong into an international education hub."

The Chinese University said the latest rankings proved CUHK's leading position in research and education, and it will continue to strive for excellence and strengthen cooperation and research with other higher education institutions.

The University of Science and Technology said it will take the latest rankings as useful references.

"Rankings go up and down due to various reasons," it said. "The ranking is one of the references for evaluating the performance of an institution, but what's more important is a proven track record in teaching and research."

sophie.hui@singtaonewscorp.com