Igniting global transformation: Asia's leadership
The THE Asia Universities Summit 2026 will take place in partnership with The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to mark both the university's 35th anniversary and a decade since it last hosted the summit. Against this milestone backdrop, the summit will explore Asia’s rise as a global leader in innovation and the pivotal role of universities in shaping humanity’s future.
Across three days of dynamic content, we will unpack how Asia is redefining progress – from breakthrough science and entrepreneurial energy to scalable solutions for climate, health and urban resilience, alongside its growing power in influencing global standards for AI, education and the future of innovation in an age of disruption.
The summit will feature the exclusive live reveal of the THE Asia University Rankings 2026, alongside a detailed masterclass to explore the latest data and highlight the best-performing institutions in the region.
The summit will also host the THE Awards Asia 2026 winners ceremony. These awards offer a major international platform that recognises outstanding leadership and institutional performance, and celebrates the continent’s higher education excellence in all its diversity.
Attending this event has been an exceptional experience. The hospitality, venue arrangements, and overall comfort were truly remarkable. Every detail was thoughtfully planned and executed, and every aspect was meticulously considered, making the experience not only enriching but also highly enjoyable. I truly appreciate the effort put into curating such a well-organised and impactful event. – Praveena Sivasankaran, Director of Impact Lab Clean Technology, Taylor's University |
600
attendees
200
organisations and universities
100
speakers
Agenda themes
Innovate: Asia’s innovations for tomorrow
Asia is reshaping global innovation and leading cutting-edge research to address humanity’s most pressing challenges. This theme highlights the region’s ascent as a premier R&D hub, an evolution driven by cross-border collaborations. Discover how partnerships across higher education, governments and industries are transforming bold ideas into reality - from next-gen biotech and AI for health to resilient infrastructure and advanced materials - to tackle global issues such as health, climate change and technological disruption.
Impact: Asia’s engine of scalable solutions
Asia’s universities and entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into scalable solutions. Sessions in this theme explore unique collaboration models, such as university venture builders and industry–academia fusion, that accelerate innovation from prototype to planet-scale impact. Find out how high-density cities act as living labs, deploying smart urban tech, low-altitude economies and circular design to reshape Asia’s economic future.
Influence: Asia’s rulebook for the future
Asia’s rising geopolitical, technological and educational influence will define the 21st century. This theme explores its role in setting global standards, from ethical AI to future-proof innovations. Can regional research networks thrive in borderless science? Can Asian universities solve society’s greatest challenges? The answers to these questions will shape the summit’s legacy.
30+
hours of content
10+
hours of networking
95%
recommend to a colleague
Highlights from the 2025 summit in Macau
The summit was an exceptional gathering of global academic minds. Sessions were not only insightful but also highly relevant to the current landscape of higher education. The opportunity to connect with peers from across Asia and beyond was invaluable. I left inspired, informed and excited about future collaborations. – Rodablas Nicolas, Ranking Specialist, University of Santo Tomas |
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