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The annual conference of the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) was held in Hong Kong from February 23th to 27th, 2026, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This international event brings together higher education professionals each year to foster academic cooperation and partnerships between universities around the world.
A key event for internationalization
APAIE is one of the leading global conferences dedicated to the internationalization of higher education. It brings together universities, educational organizations, and experts to discuss issues related to student mobility, academic collaborations, and the evolution of institutions’ international strategies.
The 2026 edition brought together more than 3,000 participants from over 70 countries and regions, representing universities, international organizations, educational agencies, as well as partners from the education sector.
Why Hong Kong?
Recognized as a major academic and international hub in Asia, Hong Kong was chosen for its strategic position between Asia and the rest of the world, as well as for the quality of its universities and its higher education ecosystem.
Conferences, meetings, and visits
Over five days, the conference offered a rich program including:
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plenary sessions and expert panels on higher education trends;
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thematic workshops dedicated to internationalization strategies and student mobility;
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an exhibition area bringing together universities and international organizations;
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bilateral meetings between institutions to develop new partnerships;
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visits to university campuses in Hong Kong.
The theme of this edition, “Asia-Pacific Partnerships for the Global Good,” highlighted the essential role of international cooperation in addressing today’s educational and societal challenges.
A key moment for ICES’ international relations
For participating universities, APAIE represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen their international network, develop new cooperation agreements, and promote their mobility programs.
In this context, the Director of the International Relations Office at ICES, Mr Matthieu BRECVILLE, initiated initial contacts with new universities and laid the groundwork for future partnerships in Asia (India, South Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Turkey), as well as in other regions of the world (Mexico and Brazil).
This event also provided an opportunity to strengthen ICES’s relationships with its existing partners, notably BSP Berlin (Germany), Myongji University (South Korea), the University of West Alabama (United States), Al Akhawayn University (Morocco), and the University of Mons (Belgium).
