The draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) and China's master plan to become a global leader in education by 2035 have not just laid down a road map for modernization but also provided guidance for Hong Kong to integrate into the nation's overall development and fulfill its mission in this new era.

For Hong Kong, education is a vital bridge that links the city to the nation's development and connects China with the world. It is also the engine for nurturing innovative talent and advancing science and technology.

Under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong enjoys the dual advantages of strong support from the motherland and deep global connections. Education should be used to strengthen collaboration and cultivate future-ready talent that contributes to China's educational and technological strength.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Home to over 86 million people, the GBA is one of China's most dynamic regions and offers Hong Kong a vast arena to advance educational integration and foster innovation. With five universities ranked among the world's top 100, the city boasts one of the highest concentrations of leading institutions globally. Rising applications from non-local students and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's push for education exchange platforms have reinforced the city's dual positioning as an "international education hub" and a "high-end talent cluster".

If education is the bridge, technology is the pillar on which it stands. Across the GBA, the deep integration of artificial intelligence and emerging educational technologies is playing a pivotal role. The Education Bureau will soon launch the Blueprint for Digital Education in Primary and Secondary Schools and an AI literacy learning framework, echoing initiatives in Guangzhou and Shenzhen and laying the foundation for a regional digital education network. With a long history in teacher education, the Education University of Hong Kong has woven AI and digital competencies into its core curriculum. The university continues to strengthen the AI and digital skills of its academic staff while fostering collaboration with mainland cities to enhance the international influence of regional education.

Regional collaboration is central to Hong Kong's educational mission. EdUHK is building bridges across the GBA, breaking down barriers and fostering complementary strengths. In Shenzhen's Nanshan district, the university established a research institute at Shenzhen Virtual University Park, focusing on AI-powered education and smart health technologies, and promoting the transformation of research outcomes into industry applications. In Luohu district, EdUHK is partnering with the local education bureau to co-develop an education innovation and research base, building a professional training center, facilitating teaching and research exchanges, and offering internship opportunities for students — all aimed at enhancing teacher quality and educational standards.

In higher education, the university has partnered with Sun Yat-sen University to co-establish the Center for Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Development Research, a cross-border platform that integrates academic research, policy consultation and talent cultivation. Collaboration with South China Normal University and other leading institutions is also deepening, covering curriculum development, faculty and student exchanges, and joint research initiatives. These efforts inject fresh educational momentum into the upgrading of GBA industries. At the same time, the planned Northern Metropolis University Town will further strengthen educational linkages between Hong Kong and other cities in the GBA.

The Hong Kong SAR Government's "Study in Hong Kong" initiative has further enhanced the appeal of local higher education. To support China's efforts and expand global educational exchanges, Hong Kong should actively build multi-level international cooperation networks, particularly engaging universities in countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative and world-renowned universities.

EdUHK has established a Belt & Road education cooperation platform to promote cross-border exchange and innovation. Beyond partnerships with universities in countries such as Kazakhstan, talks are ongoing with universities in Oman and the United Arab Emirates to explore academic collaboration and faculty-student exchanges.

When education flourishes, the nation prospers; when talent is strong, the nation is strong. Education is the key to passing on civilization and opening the future. By harnessing the integration of education and technology, EdUHK will seize the opportunities of the 15th Five-Year Plan, nurture outstanding innovative talent, and contribute to transforming China into an education powerhouse and achieving technological self-reliance. In doing so, it will write a new chapter for Hong Kong and the GBA working together to pursue dreams under "one country, two systems".

The author is a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and the president of The Education University of Hong Kong.

The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

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