Press Release

THE Global Sustainable Development Congress unveils in Indonesia

HKBU establishes large-scale dedicated zone for two consecutive years, fostering sustainable health and well-being innovation 

Tuesday, 23 June 2026

The Times Higher Education (THE) Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC) 2026 is taking place from 22 to 25 June in Jakarta, Indonesia, with Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) serving as the Global Health Innovation Partner of the Congress for the second consecutive year. This year, HKBU has thoughtfully curated an enhanced “One Health & Well-being Zone”, with an aim to partner with THE in spearheading innovation at the forefront of sustainable health and well-being. This initiative also serves as one of HKBU’s significant overseas undertakings in celebration of its 70th anniversary.

To foster international collaboration to address global challenges and drive positive action for a more sustainable future, HKBU has established a large-scale dedicated zone, integrating health research with practical wellness solutions. The Zone creates a holistic wellness space for participants to experience healing, relaxation, and rejuvenation. It features a range of exciting activities, including “Walk to Live Well” morning guided walks, Tai Chi, Baduanjin exercise, traditional Chinese massage exercises, mindfulness karate, and the acupoint body hack challenge. It also includes well-being talks on topics such as artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, and Chinese medicine, complemented by a dedicated Recharge Lounge to inspire and energise the participants. These activities exemplify HKBU’s steadfast commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and showcasing its transdisciplinary approach to health and well-being.

The opening ceremony of the “One Health & Well-being Zone” and HKBU’s 70th anniversary celebration was held yesterday (22 June). The event was officiated by Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor; Professor Martin Wong, Provost; Professor Li Min, Dean of the School of Chinese Medicine; and Dr Mu Jingwen, Director of Institutional Research and Strategic Planning of HKBU,  alongside Mr Phil Baty, Chief Global Affairs Officer, and Ms Lim Mei Mei, President, APAC of Times Higher Education. They were joined by academics, experts, and leaders from around the world.

In his welcome remarks, Professor Alex Wai said: “We are now facing challenges worldwide. From climate change to biodiversity loss, emerging diseases, mental health pressures, and urban sustainability, we recognise that health cannot be built in isolation. Human, environmental, and societal well-being are one and connected. This dedicated ‘One Health and Well-being Zone’ brings that philosophy to life through transdisciplinary exhibitions, interactive experiences, research showcases, innovation demonstrations, and meaningful dialogues that bridge Chinese and Western medical wisdom, science, technology, and holistic care.”

Mr Phil Baty remarked: “Congratulations to everyone on HKBU’s 70th anniversary. HKBU’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Congress has been deep, rich and vast. The University has been supporting us with intellectual advice about the content for this event, offering deep insights about how we bring the right voices and the right talent into the room.”

During the Congress, HKBU scholars and experts will actively contribute to multiple sessions throughout the main programme, alongside an international cohort of more than 5,000 leaders, policymakers, academics and industry representatives. Through these engagements, they are sharing HKBU’s vision and achievements in sustainable development, while exploring the intersections of health, well-being and sustainability.

Today (23 June), Professor Alex Wai delivered a keynote speech titled “From Discovery to Delivery: Translating Innovation into Global Health Impact” at the Congress, highlighting HKBU’s efforts to bridge research, policy and practice for real-world health solutions​. He outlined the University’s advances in translational research in health science and drug discovery​; initiatives that integrate exercise science, data and medicine for better health​; and its community-based social health interventions with an impact that extends beyond the laboratory.

In the SDG showcase on the same day, Professor Joydeep Bhattacharya, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience of the Academy of Music at HKBU, presented his research outcomes on “The creativity prescription: Neuroscience shows creativity is essential, not optional”.

In addition, Professor Li Min, Dean of the School of Chinese Medicine at HKBU, will host a panel discussion titled “Modern health science meets ancient wisdom: Cultivating sustainable well-being”. She will be joined by international scholars, including Professor Hui Ka-kit, Director of Center for East-West Medicine​ of the University of California, Los Angeles; Professor Tony Zhang, Deputy Dean (International) of the School of Health and Biomedical Sciences of RMIT University; and Dr Linda Zhong, Director of Biomedical Sciences and Chinese Medicine of Nanyang Technological University, for an in-depth discussion. Dr Mu Jingwen, Director of the Office of Institutional Research and Planning at HKBU, will also participate in a session on turning data into strategies, alongside global thought leaders.

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