In celebration of the 25^th anniversary of Macao SAR, Macau University of Science and Technology is partnering with the British higher education analysis institute Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), with the support of the Education and Youth Development Bureau of Macao SAR, hosted the "QS Higher Education Summit: Asia-Pacific 2024" from November 5^th to 7^th , 2024. This year marks the 20^th anniversary of the summit's presence in the Asia-Pacific region, also the first time holding the summit at Macao. Over the past two decades, QS has successfully convened thousands of university leaders and government representatives from the region, strengthening their innovative thoughts on education, improving leadership and driving positive changes, the summit has established a leading platform for innovation and collaborations in higher education. The theme of this year is "Shifting Landscapes, collaborative solutions: Pioneering innovation in Asia Pacific higher education.", the event has brought together nearly 1,200 online and offline participants, from more than 300 universities and institutions worldwide. The summit will feature a comprehensive series of academic lectures and activities, aimed at promoting exchange and collaboration got higher institutions.

The summit consists of three events: a pre-summit in Kazakhstan, the main summit and exhibition in Macao, and the post summit in Hong Kong. These events aim to provide participants with international insights and strategies to tackle future challenges. Throughout the series, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in industry-leading panel discussions and establish extensive partnerships through the program. They will explore on how to leverage the power of artificial intelligence, to build lifelong learning ecosystems and navigate the ever-changing higher education landscape.

Opening Ceremony (Macau Cultural Performance - Portuguese Folklore Dancing)

The opening ceremony commenced in a joyful atmosphere with a traditional Portuguese folk dance. Vice Chancellor and President of MUST, Chair Professor Joseph Hun-wei Lee and CEO of QS Ms. Jessica Turner delivered opening speech for the event. President Lee expressed that “QS Higher Education Summit: Asia-Pacific 2024 is also the launching event to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of MUST. Climate change, artificial intelligent and digitalization brings great challenges and opportunities to global higher education. As a young international university in the Greater Bay Area, MUST is honoured to co-host this excellent international high end exchange event with QS, showcasing the result of Macau’s achievement higher education and economic diversification over the past decade.”.

QS CEO Ms. Jessica Turner said “The 2024 edition of the QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific marks its 20th year in the region. We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone in Macau and reflect on the advances we've seen in higher education in the Asia Pacific region over the past two decades. "As the world undergoes significant transformation driven by technological advancements, globalisation, and changing socio-economic dynamics, the landscape of higher education in the Asia Pacific region is shifting rapidly. "Universities in the region are uniquely positioned to drive forward change in higher education and help to tackle the world's biggest problems through teaching, research and upskilling workforces. "At QS, our focus remains on continued collaboration with our partners across the Asia Pacific to support continued growth and excellence. We thank everyone who has contributed to the success of the QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific over the past 20 years. "We give particular thanks to the Macau University of Science and Technology for partnering with us for our 20th anniversary Summit and look forward to hearing our outstanding programme of speakers discuss the theme Shifting Landscapes, collaborative solutions: Pioneering innovation in Asia Pacific higher education”

Group Photo at the Opening Ceremony

The guests of honor at the opening ceremony included：Chancellor of MUST Dr. Liu Chak Wan, Director of Education and Youth Development Bureau Mr. Kong Chi Meng representing the Secretary for Social and Cultural Affairs of the Macao SAR, Director of the Education and Youth Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR Mr. Li Sue Fei, CEO of QS Quacquarelli Symonds Ms. Jessica Turner, Vice Chancellor and President of MUST Chair Prof. Joseph Hun-wei Lee, Senior Vice President of QS Quacquarelli Symonds Mr. Ben Sowter, President of Qassim university Saudi Arabia His Excellency Prof. Mohammed Fahad Alsharekh as well as participant from all over the word witness the ceremony.