16 April 2026 marks the second anniversary of the establishment of City University of Hong Kong (Dongguan). Approved by the Ministry of Education in April 2024 and launched in September 2024, the university has grown from a blueprint by Songshan Lake into an emerging international innovation hub. Over two years, its academic excellence, innovation ecosystem and global vision have taken root and connected deeply across the Guangdong‑Hong Kong‑Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Led by the educational philosophy of "Integration of Teaching and Research", "Consistency in Academic Excellence" and "Innovating into the Future", CityUHK (Dongguan) leverages the academic strengths of CityUHK to build a world-class university. In 2026, CityUHK ranks 63rd globally, 7th in Asia and 3rd in Hong Kong in the 2026 QS World University Rankings and has been named as the “Most International University in the World” by THE for three consecutive years (2024–2026).

Over these two years, the university has steadily upgraded its facilities and programmes. New undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are aligned with the GBA’s focus on technological innovation and advanced manufacturing. Phase 1 campus and library fully opened in September 2025; construction of Phase 2 commenced on 30 March 2026.

Deeply integrated into the GBA innovation ecosystem, CityUHK (Dongguan) partners with over 30 research platforms and enterprises. It joined key GBA science and university alliances and collaborated with XbotPark, OPPO and other leading firms to link research with industry.

With 37 scholars listed among the World’s Top 2% Scientists, the university has built partnerships with the University of Cambridge, University College London (UCL) and other world‑renowned institutions. It runs over 10 overseas exchange programmes and hosts international conferences. In 2025, it welcomed its first international and Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan undergraduate students.

In talent development, CityUHK (Dongguan) adopts a dual‑track model emphasising exploration and innovation. Its first cohort of over 400 master’s graduates will graduate in 2026, with many joining top enterprises including Huawei, Tencent, Alibaba, ByteDance, JD.com, CATL, OPPO and Xiaomi, or pursuing PhD studies at world‑class universities. Faculty and students also engage in science education activities, the 15th National Games, city marathons and other social services.

After two years of growth, CityUHK (Dongguan) has completed a solid transition from planning to operation by connecting academia and industry, integrating campus and society, and blending local and global resources. Going forward, the university will continue to deepen collaboration and drive innovation to power tech advancement and industrial upgrading in the GBA.