Press Release
HKBU welcomes students at 71st Convocation with record-high non-local intake
Friday, 28 August 2026
Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) hosted its 71st Convocation today (28 August) to welcome a new cohort of more than 2,900 undergraduate students for the 2026/27 academic year, with a record-high intake of more than 840 non-local freshmen. HKBU also received over 12,200 Band A applications through the Joint University Programmes Admissions System, representing an increase of nearly 7% from the previous year. Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU, quoted the University’s 70th Anniversary slogan, “Act with Faith, Create the Future”, encouraging the freshmen to be confident and courageous as they explore the many possibilities ahead.
This year’s intake reflects the growing internationalisation and diversity of the HKBU community. Apart from local students, the freshmen come from 28 countries and regions across the globe, including China; Belt and Road countries such as Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Indonesia, Myanmar, Russia and the Dominican Republic; as well as the United States, Canada, France, and beyond. This diverse community reinforces HKBU’s commitment to fostering an international and multicultural learning environment that nurtures talent with a global outlook and cross-cultural perspective, while further promoting and implementing the “Study in Hong Kong” brand.
The Convocation was presided over by Dr Kennedy Y H Wong, Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU. Other officiating guests included Dr Sunny Chai, Deputy Chairman of the Council and the Court; Mr Kevin Liem, Treasurer of the Council and the Court of HKBU; and Professor Alex Wai.
In his address, Professor Alex Wai highlighted that HKBU students can draw on a global network of more than 380 exchange partners spanning the Chinese Mainland and virtually all corners of the world. Students also have the chance to enrol in the Extended Study Programme in the Greater Bay Area, as well as internships in Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and other overseas countries and regions.
Professor Wai pointed out that artificial intelligence (AI) is now deeply woven into the social fabric. The key is to learn to use AI as a tool, ethically and responsibly, so that it enhances the learning and teaching experience, and everyone’s overall quality of life. “I cannot stress this enough, that AI is not meant to replace critical and creative thinking. On the contrary, the qualities that remain distinctly human, namely visionary leadership, sound judgment, empathy, courage, and making meaningful connections, will always set you apart and keep you competitive, no matter how much the world has evolved,” he said.
He added that to help students navigate this dynamic landscape, HKBU has been championing transdisciplinary education to ensure graduates are versatile enough for any career path they choose. He encouraged the freshmen to immerse themselves fully in HKBU’s transdisciplinary learning environment.
During the Convocation, the freshmen were introduced to different aspects of teaching and learning at HKBU and other useful information essential to prepare them for a fulfilling campus life at the University.
Please click here for Professor Wai’s full speech.
