Addressing national efforts to advance world-class higher education and the Greater Bay Area's rise as a global science and innovation hub, City University of Hong Kong (Dongguan) hosted its 2026 Autumn Meeting on Strategic Planning and Development on 20 September. Held at a critical juncture as China enters its 15th Five-Year Plan period, the event reviewed the university's achievements, assessed the evolving landscape of higher education, and set medium- and long-term strategic priorities.

Since its founding, CityUHK (Dongguan) has made remarkable strides in student recruitment, academic development, international staffing and campus infrastructure. The university has steadily grown its student body while raising entry standards. It now has more than 2,310 students: over 460 undergraduates, more than 1,850 postgraduate students, and over 60 students from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and overseas. 

The 2026 admissions cycle marks a milestone for student quality and institutional reputation. Postgraduate programmes received over 13,500 applications, with more than 1,100 new postgraduate enrolments. Undergraduate entry standards have also risen sharply; all admitted students from Chinese mainland meet the admissions threshold for China's prestigious universities.

Alongside student development, the university has built a strong international teaching and research team and advanced large-scale campus upgrades. Ongoing Phase II development and enhanced academic facilities support high-quality teaching and rigorous research, strengthening talent development. 

Professor LU Chun, Executive President, delivered a keynote on CityUHK (Dongguan)'s achievements and set out the university's development vision, strategic goals and core tasks for the 15th Five-Year Plan period. ZHAO Yi, Secretary of the CPC Branch, delivered a presentation on Party building work and the implementation plan for simultaneous development of five domains of education. Professor LI Juan Julie, Vice President (Academic), presented the roadmap for disciplinary development and talent cultivation. Professor LIU Zishun, Vice President (Research and Innovation), presented the research and innovation strategy, focusing on an international and innovation-driven development direction. Professor CHIU Chi Yue, Vice President (Administration), presented the framework for expanding institutional resources.

Two external experts offered high-level strategic perspectives. Professor ZHANG Ke from the National Academy of Governance, Party School of the CPC Central Committee,  delivered a talk on implementing China's 15th Five-Year Plan and advancing integrated reforms in education, science and talent development. LIU Xu, visiting researcher at the Chinese National Academy of Educational Sciences, gave a presentation titled The University Ethos amid Change: Observations and Reflections at the Start of the 15th Five-Year Plan.

Looking ahead, CityUHK (Dongguan) will align with national strategic priorities, advance holistic talent development and integrate education, research and talent. Leveraging the strength of cooperative education, it will link disciplines, talents, innovation and industry to enhance teaching, research and public engagement.