Latest news with #HongKongUniversityofScienceandTechnology
HKFP
2 days ago
- HKFP
HKUST student denied bail after allegedly posing as anti-graft agency officer, defrauding victim of HK$278K
A PhD student at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has been denied bail after allegedly posing as an anti-corruption investigator and attempting to defraud a victim of HK$278,000. The defendant, surnamed Zhang, appeared at the Eastern Magistrates' Court on Thursday to face a charge of conspiring to defraud. According to the charge sheet cited by local media outlets, he is accused of conspiring to defraud a man in Sai Ying Pun on May 29. Zhang allegedly posed as an officer from the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in an attempt to scam the person out of HK$278,000. According to a media briefing on Wednesday, police arrested Zhang, a 22-year-old student from mainland China, as well as an 18-year-old Form Six student and a 23-year-old woman, on Tuesday. Police were alerted to the cases after receiving reports from four scam victims between March and May. The victims received phone calls from the suspects claiming they were involved in crimes in mainland China, police said. The suspects then showed up at the victims' homes and presented an 'arrest order' as well as fake warrant cards and court papers, saying they needed to pay a refundable investigation fee, police added. The four victims were defrauded of around HK$980,000 in total and only realised something was amiss when they could not reach the callers again. The court denied Zhang bail and remanded him in custody on Thursday, local media reported. The case was adjourned to August 13, but he will appear in court on Tuesday to apply for bail.
South China Morning Post
4 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong universities climb in global rankings despite funding cuts
Six public universities in Hong Kong have improved their positions in a global ranking. The city's oldest institution, the University of Hong Kong (HKU), has risen to 11th place, surpassing two prestigious universities in mainland China. According to the education information firm Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), the new 'Study in Hong Kong' initiative is expected to help attract global talent and strengthen the city's reputation as a leading academic destination, even amid recent government funding cuts. In the latest edition of QS's world rankings, released on Thursday, HKU climbed to 11th place, up from 17th last year and 26th in 2023. This marks the university's best ranking since the league table was established in 2004. It was just one spot behind the California Institute of Technology in the United States. The mainland's Peking University maintained its 14th place, while Tsinghua University rose three spots to 17th. HKU also ranked second in Asia, after the National University of Singapore, which maintained its eighth position globally. QS said HKU was the local leader across four indicators, performing particularly well in academic reputation and graduate employability. Should Hong Kong have a minimum stay for 'local' university students? Other universities in Hong Kong also climbed in the rankings, with the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) rising four spots to 32nd for its best placing since 2010. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) jumped three places from 47th to 44th, a performance mirrored by Polytechnic University (PolyU), which went from 57th to 54th. City University (CityU) was the only Hong Kong institution to fall in the rankings, slipping from 62nd to 63rd. The latest results mean Hong Kong still boasts five universities in the top 70 globally. Baptist University also jumped from 252nd to 244th, the biggest rise among its local peers. Lingnan University improved from the 711th to 720th range to the 701st to 710th range. The Education University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Metropolitan University joined the rankings for the first time, placing 530th and in the 781st to 790th range, respectively. QS said the ranking exercise was its largest to date, featuring more than 1,500 universities across 106 jurisdictions. The United States had the most universities in the league table, with 192, followed by the UK with 90 and the mainland with 72. QS senior vice-president Ben Sowter said Hong Kong had reinforced its position as a stand-out force in global higher education, making some of the most significant gains in the latest rankings and having more than half of its institutions in Asia's top 100. HKUST jumped three places in its global ranking, from 47th to 44th. Photo: Yik Yeung-man 'Its rise is driven by growing academic influence, world-class research and international engagement,' he said. 'Yet, financial pressures loom, prompting institutions to draw on reserves as public funding tightens.' But he added initiatives such as the 'Study in Hong Kong' brand should help lure global talent and ensure the city kept its reputation for 'academic and research excellence'. HKU president and vice-chancellor Xiang Zhang said: 'This historic achievement affirms HKU's emergence as a global elite institution and exemplifies the relentless pursuit of excellence by the entire University community. 'As a leader in higher education, HKU actively promotes Hong Kong as a premier hub for global talent to study, innovate and conduct research.' CUHK president Dennis Lo Yuk-ming said this year's results fully demonstrated the university's solid academic achievements and fruitful research results, as well as its leading position among world-class universities. A spokesman for HKUST said the rise of three places to 44th demonstrated its commitment to academic excellence and groundbreaking research. A spokesman for the PolyU said its result was the best so far and reflected that the university's academic and research excellence was internationally recognised, attesting to its influence and achievements in global higher education CityU's spokesman noted the university ranked first in Asia in the 'citations per faculty' indicator. Hong Kong's student housing crisis leaves non-locals desperate for flats A spokesman for Baptist University said it was delighted to be recognised as one of the top 250 universities in the world and viewed the ranking as an important demonstration of its ongoing commitment to excellence in teaching, learning and research standards. A spokesman for Hong Kong Metropolitan University said its debut in the rankings further cemented its status as the city's first self-financing tertiary institution. It was also the first local university of applied sciences to achieve such a recognition, he added. In February, the government decided to slash the funding for public universities by HK$2.8 billion (US$356,690) in the coming three academic years, resulting in a 4 per cent average reduction rate. In an unprecedented move, the government also said it would claw back HK$4 billion from the reserves of the city's eight public universities. This year's world rankings were based on nine indicators: academic reputation; reputation among employers; academic staff to student ratio; citations per faculty; international faculty ratio; international student ratio; sustainability; employment figures; and international research network. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology retained the crown with first place globally for the 14th consecutive year. It was followed by Imperial College London, which held onto second place. In third was Stanford University, which climbed three positions. The University of Oxford and Harvard University both dropped one place to rank fourth and fifth. respectively. The University of Cambridge fell from fifth to sixth.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hong Kong school accepts Harvard transfer amid Trump conflict. Dozens more await
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is processing several transfer applications and has offered admission to its first Harvard University student this year, as the Trump administration is attempting to revoke the Cambridge institution's ability to enroll foreign students. Dozens of current and incoming Harvard University students are looking at transferring there, according to the Hong Kong University. President Donald Trump has also moved to bar Harvard University's international students from entering the U.S. and asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to consider revoking the visas of Harvard students already in the country. Trump previously suggested a 15% cap on international students at Harvard. About 27% of Harvard's undergraduate and graduate students are international, according to 2024 to 2025 data. A Harvard spokesperson declined to provide comment. Harvard is struggling to attract and enroll students with dozens of incoming students opting to defer admission or enroll elsewhere, according to a court filing from Maureen Martin, the director of immigration services. The institution offered admitted international students to accept admission at Harvard University and at a foreign institution as a 'backup plan' in an announcement at the end of April. The inquiries from Harvard students come in part as a response from the Hong Kong university offering an 'open invitation' to international Harvard undergraduate, postgraduate and incoming students to continue their work at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. It is offering expedited admission reviews, streamlined credit transfers and personalized academic support. Several other institutions across the world have made similar offers to Harvard students. Read more: Many foreign students already fleeing Harvard University due to Trump order 'On the day the foreign student ban was announced, we were approached by graduating students, alumni and prospective students currently bound for Harvard — many from Hong Kong and mainland China — who are grappling with profound anxiety about the disruption of their academic journeys. Their distress is deeply felt, and as educators, our foremost duty is to safeguard their welfare and ensure continuity in their pursuit of knowledge,' the institution said in a statement to MassLive. The institution said it holds Harvard and all peer institutions in the 'highest esteem and fully recognize the extraordinary efforts Harvard is making to support its international students.' The university said it hopes for a 'swift resolution that preserves the rights of international scholars.' Funding cuts, lawsuits, foreign students: Trump's war with Harvard University explained Harvard Medical School renames DEI office as university fights against Trump admin in court Trump admin threatens Columbia U. accreditation over Jewish student harassment Trump admin can't gut US Ed Department, federal appeals court rules Harvard amps up federal lobbying spending as Trump admin attacks intensify Read the original article on MassLive.
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Business Standard
30-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
US shuns foreign students? Hong Kong, China, Japan throw doors open
US doesn't want you? No problem, you're welcome in other countries! This is the message from universities worldwide offering a haven to students affected by President Donald Trump's tough measures on academic institutions. Top universities see a chance to woo global talent and boost their academic revenue as the United States pulls up its drawbridge. Hong Kong opens its doors The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) announced on Friday an 'open invitation' to foreign students studying at Harvard or holding confirmed offers. 'As a leading international institution ranked among the top universities globally, HKUST is extending this opportunity to ensure talented students can pursue their educational goals without disruption,' the university said. 'We will provide unconditional offers, streamlined admissions, and academic support to ensure a seamless transition for interested students.' Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee told lawmakers in Cantonese on Thursday: 'Hong Kong will provide full support to our universities, giving \[affected students] the best assistance if they wish to come to Hong Kong.' The city currently has 30,000 places for international students at its eight publicly funded universities. China steps in Xi'an Jiaotong University in China has appealed to students at Harvard, singled out in Trump's crackdown, to join them. 'We cordially invite international students from Harvard University to join our academic community. In these times of change, we are honoured to offer you a stable platform for your academic pursuits,' the university said. Opportunities in Japan Osaka University, ranked among Japan's top institutions, is offering tuition fee waivers, research grants, and help with travel arrangements for students and researchers at US institutions wanting to transfer. Japan's Kyoto University and Tokyo University are also exploring similar schemes. Jessica Turner, CEO of Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a London-based analytics firm that ranks universities globally, said other leading universities in Europe and Asia-Pacific were moving to attract students left in limbo by US policies. 'Germany, France and Ireland are emerging as particularly attractive alternatives in Europe,' she said. 'New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, and mainland China are rising in profile.' Switching schools Chinese students have been particularly targeted in Trump's crackdown. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged on Wednesday to 'aggressively' curb visas for Chinese students. More than 275,000 Chinese students are enrolled in US colleges, fuelling revenue for universities and providing a vital pipeline for tech companies. In 2023, international students – 54% from India and China – contributed more than $50 billion to the US economy, according to the US Department of Commerce. India's Ministry of External Affairs says around 330,000 Indian students were in the US in 2023-24, including roughly 788 at Harvard. The crackdown comes as many young people prepare to head to the US in August to secure accommodation and settle in before term begins. Saurabh Arora, founder and CEO of University Living, told Business Standard, 'The United States remains a top choice for Indian students, thanks to its world-class universities, research opportunities, and professional pathways. However, these developments may prompt families to more carefully weigh their options, especially those prioritising policy consistency and transparency.' Varun Singh, managing director at XIPHIAS Immigration, said, 'Indian students must have a backup plan. They can also apply to countries like Canada, the UK, or Australia to keep options open in case of last-minute disruptions.' Arora added, 'International students contribute more than just tuition. They bring global perspectives that enrich classrooms and research. According to our Indian Student Mobility Report 2024, Indian students are projected to spend $17.4 billion annually, including $10.1 billion on academic expenses alone.' Dai, 24, a Chinese student based in Chengdu, had planned to head to the US for her masters but is now weighing up an offer in Britain. 'The various policies (by the US government) were a slap in my face,' she said, speaking to Reuters on the condition of using only her surname. 'I'm thinking about my mental health and it's possible that I indeed change schools.' British and European Union students are also now more wary of applying to US universities, said Tom Moon, deputy head of consultancy at Oxbridge Applications, which helps students with their applications. Universities UK, which promotes British institutions, said it had seen an uptick in applications from US-based students but noted that it was too early to say if this would translate into more enrolments. Reputational risks Ella Rickets, an 18-year-old first-year student at Harvard from Canada, said she was worried about what might happen if Harvard's ability to enrol foreign students was revoked. 'Around the time I was applying to schools, the only university across the Atlantic I considered was Oxford... However, I realised that I would not be able to afford the international tuition and there was no sufficient scholarship or financial aid available,' she said. If forced to transfer, she would most likely apply to the University of Toronto, she told Reuters. QS said visits to its 'Study in America' online guide have dropped by 17.6% in the past year, with interest from India down by more than half. 'Measurable impacts on enrolment typically emerge within six to 18 months. Reputational effects, however, often linger far longer, particularly where visa uncertainty and shifting work rights play into perceptions of risk versus return,' Turner said. Caleb Thompson, a 20-year-old US student at Harvard who lives with eight international scholars, told Reuters, 'If America turns these brilliant and talented students away, they will find other places to work and study.'
Nikkei Asia
27-05-2025
- Business
- Nikkei Asia
Asia woos talent from US as Trump attacks immigration and Harvard
PALO ALTO, California -- Immediately after the Trump administration tried to halt Harvard University's ability to enroll international students, Asian countries swooped in to snap up talented students and professionals no longer able -- or willing -- to work and study in the U.S. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has offered unconditional admission to displaced Harvard students, along with streamlined admissions processes and academic support.
