The University of Hong Kong

You’ve heard people say “the world is more connected than ever before.” But what does that mean in practice? What do these connections look like? Where are people leaving, and where are they going?

For decades, a complete picture of global migration has eluded researchers – the result of insufficient data, differing definitions, and an overreliance on fixed data points like censuses. Now, HKU sociologist and demographer Professor Guy Abel is using new data sets and innovative new tools like deep learning to fill in the blank spaces on the map.

Professor Abel’s most recent paper, published this month in Nature, features a transformative new dataset – developed together with Dr Thomas Gaskin of LSE – showing that global migration nearly tripled in the 2000s, from 13 million people per year in 2000 to 35 million in 2023.

Equally important, the pair’s work sheds new light on often-overlooked or misunderstood aspects of the global migration picture, from the rise of South Asian migration to the Middle East to migration within the Global South.

“As populations age, migration within the global north is declining and increasing in the global south,” Professor Abel says. “Having a better understanding of these patterns is important. It’s not just about migrating to rich regions, people also move to neighbouring countries.”

Want to see their work for yourself? Check out the Global Migration Data Explorer here: https://www.socsc.hku.hk/rhps/global-migration/

你或許常聽人說「世界比以往任何時候都更加緊密相連」。但在現實中，這種連結不僅體現在資訊與經貿的往來，更取決於「人」的流動。那麼，全球人口遷移的流動全貌到底長甚麼樣子？人們正從哪裡離開，又前往何處？

數十年來，由於數據不完整及過度依賴人口普查等固定資料，完整的研究全景始終模糊。香港大學社會學家及人口學家 Guy Abel 教授正在運用全新的數據集，以及包括深度學習在內的創新工具，填補這幅地圖上長久以來的空白。

其最新研究論文於本月發表在頂尖學術期刊《Nature》上。在這項研究中，Abel 教授與倫敦政經學院（LSE）的 Thomas Gaskin 博士共同開發了一個具有變革性的全新數據集。結果顯示，自 2000 年以來，全球人口遷移量幾乎增加了三倍，每年遷移人數已從 2000 年的約 1,300 萬人，大幅增至 2023 年的 3,500 萬人。

同時，兩人的研究更為過往被忽略的全球遷移面向帶來全新啟示，讓我們能更清晰地看見南亞向中東的遷移浪潮，以及「全球南方」國家之間的區域性流動。Abel 教授指出：「人們不僅僅是遷往富裕地區，也會遷移到鄰近國家。 隨著人口老化，全球北方內部的遷移正在減少，而在全球南方則在增加，更好地理解這些模式非常重要。」

#香港大學 #港大

A new genomic study by researchers from the HKU School of Biological Sciences (SBS) has found that Hong Kong’s introduced population of yellow-crested cockatoos retains unexpectedly high genetic diversity and could serve as a genetic reservoir for this critically endangered species!

Hong Kong is home to around 200 Yellow-crested Cockatoos—about 10% of the remaining global population. Although this urban population is small and isolated, it has so far avoided the severe genetic decline often expected in such cases. Some individuals may even carry genetic lineages that have disappeared from parts of the species’ native range in Indonesia.

“Hong Kong’s population presents a natural, 60-year test case for the genetic impacts of interbreeding Yellow-crested Cockatoos subspecies,” says Dr Astrid Andersson of HKU SBS, lead author of the study. “Instead of dismissing urban, introduced populations as ecologically redundant, we should view them as a potential ‘Biodiversity Ark’ that can actively help prevent extinction.”

To learn more about how Dr Andersson is working to conserve Hong Kong’s yellow-crested cockatoos, check out our video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USCp98K8pO4

香港大學生物科學學院一項研究發現，在香港落戶逾六十年的小葵花鳳頭鸚鵡族群，保留了出乎意料的高度遺傳多樣性，部分個體甚至可能保留了在印尼部分原生地區已經消失的遺傳譜系，或可成為這一極危物種的保育資源。

香港現時約有200隻小葵花鳳頭鸚鵡，佔全球餘下族群約10%。雖然香港族群規模細小且相對孤立，但至今並未出現小型孤立族群常見的嚴重遺傳衰退。港大團隊以此研究作為基礎，與本地學校合作推動保育，為小葵花鳳頭鸚鵡設置人工巢箱，並持續監測其族群狀況。

該研究的第一作者、港大生物科學學院 Astrid Andersson 博士表示：「香港的小葵花鳳頭鸚鵡族群在過去約60年間於城市環境中繁衍，為我們了解小葵花鳳頭鸚鵡不同亞種之間雜交所帶來的遺傳影響，提供了一個難得的自然研究案例。城市中的引入族群並非生態系統中的多餘之物；相反，牠們可被視為潛在的『生物多樣性方舟』，有助防止物種走向滅絕。」

了解更多：https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USCp98K8pO4

#香港大學

Can emerging artists and traditional wisdom combine to reimagine rural futures?

That’s the premise of “Celebrating Traditional Wisdom Through Art,” a new exhibition organised by HKU’s Centre for Civil Society and Governance (CCSG) and running through June 23 at The Anita Chan Lai Ling Gallery, at the Fringe Club in Hong Kong.

Featuring the work of 12 emerging artists and 3 mentor-artists, the exhibition is the product of a three-day immersive incubation camp held inside Lai Chi Wo, a 300-year-old Hakka village.

Artists lived in the village, shared meals with residents, and listened to their stories and traditional wisdom. Then, working with materials found on site, they explored one of three themes: plants, soil and sound. From natural dyes made using local indigo and ash, to ceramics made from the ash produced by burning fields, their works offer a gentle, art-based lens on rural sustainability and community life.

“We believe that art does more than convey a message,” explains exhibition curator Rachel Cheung. “It gathers the power to drive meaningful change. We hope to keep the traditional values alive and find new ways to practice them, for generations to come.”

Exhibition Details

16-23.6.2026, 10am-9pm

The Anita Chan Lai Ling Gallery, Fringe Club

新晉藝術家與傳統智慧，能否攜手重塑鄉村的未來？

這正是「以藝術說傳統智慧」項目的策展理念。這個由香港大學公民社會與治理研究中心（CCSG）主辦的全新展覽，現正於香港藝穗會的陳麗玲女士紀念展覽廳展出，至 6 月 23 日止。

展覽匯聚 12 位新晉藝術家及3位資深藝術家的作品，源自一次於擁有三百年歷史的荔枝窩村舉行的三天沉浸式藝術培訓營。

藝術家們走進百年村落，與村民同吃同住，悉心聆聽他們的故事與傳統智慧。其後，他們運用村內現場可得的素材，圍繞「泥土」、「植物」與「聲音」三個元素創作：從以藍染植物與草木灰製成的天然染料，到利用燒墾農地所得的灰燼來燒製陶器，作品以溫柔而具藝術性的視角，呈現鄉村的可持續發展與社區生活。

「我們相信，藝術的角色不僅僅是傳遞訊息，」策展人張煒詩解釋道：「更能凝聚人心、帶來改變。我們希望讓傳統智慧被保存、創新並延續。」

展覽信息：

16-23.6.2026, 10am-9pm

藝穗會藝穗會陳麗玲畫廊

#香港大學 #港大 #永續發展

Eleventh in the world, two years in a row! 🌍🏆

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has solidified its position in the highest echelons of global higher education, securing the 11th spot globally for the second year running in the QS World University Rankings 2027.

By retaining this historic high, HKU firmly cements its standing as a premier institution both globally and locally, leading the city’s higher education sector as a beacon of academic excellence and global impact.

Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, said, “HKU’s vision is to be a world-leading university that transforms humanity’s future, building on our 115-year legacy. The University’s success is built upon a solid foundation: attracting premier global talent, fostering an environment where scholars can thrive, and driving original research with real-world impact. As we support national strategies to build a leading nation in education, we extend our deepest gratitude to our nation and the HKSAR Government, the University community, and all our dedicated supporters for making these achievements possible.”

Read more: https://hku.hk/press/press-releases/detail/29178.html

國際高等教育研究機構 Quacquarelli Symonds（QS）於6月18日公布「2027年QS世界大學排名」，香港大學（港大）連續第二年榮登全球第11位，穩居世界最頂尖學府行列。港大蟬聯此歷史佳績，不僅彰顯大學在國際及本地的領先地位，更憑藉學術卓越與全球影響力，繼續引領本地高等教育的發展。

港大校長張翔教授表示：「承載着115年的深厚底蘊，港大銳志成為一所引領人類未來的世界級大學。港大今日的成就，建基於堅實的學術根基之上——大學全力匯聚全球頂尖人才，締造讓學者盡展所長的卓越環境，並深耕具備深遠實際影響力的原創研究。在港大積極響應國家戰略、助力建設教育強國的進程上，我謹向國家、特區政府、全校師生以及所有港大支持者致以最誠摯的感謝。正是大家長期以來的大力支持，成就了港大的輝煌篇章。」

閱讀更多：https://hku.hk/press/press-releases/detail/c_29178.html

#香港大學 #港大

The University of Hong Kong held a ceremony June 17 to present Honorary University Fellowships to six distinguished individuals, in recognition of their contributions to the University and to the community!

HKU Pro-Chancellor Dr the Honourable Sir David Li Kwok Po presided at the ceremony, which is a means for the University community to thank and salute the lives of those who have made important contributions in their own unique ways to the University, to academia, and to Hong Kong.

The six Honorary University Fellows are:

Dr Raymond CHAN Wai Man
Professor LEE Sum Ping
Mr Charles LI Xiaojia
Professor Evelyn MAN Yee Fun
Ir Professor Paul P**N Wai Yin
Mrs Mayce YU LAI Mei Sim

香港大學今天舉行頒授典禮，向六位傑出人士頒授名譽大學院士銜，以表揚他們對大學及社會的貢獻。典禮由港大副校監李國寶爵士主禮。

港大名譽大學院士於1995年設立，旨在向對大學、學術界及社會有獨特及傑出建樹的人士表達敬意，並藉此加強大學與廣大社群的聯繫。

獲頒授名譽大學院士的六位傑出人士：

陳偉文博士
李心平教授
李小加先生
文綺芬教授
潘偉賢教授工程師
於賴美嬋女士

#香港大學 #港大

In celebration of its 115th Anniversary, The University of Hong Kong (HKU) hosted a special celebratory concert, “Dare to Dream”, on 11 June, performed by the Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble (HKGDE) at the Grand Hall, Lee Shau Kee Lecture Centre.

The HKGDE was founded in 2018 by HKU alumna and Honorary University Fellow Ms Leonie Ki. The memorable evening was officiated by Professor Peng Gong, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development) at HKU, and featured performances alongside guest performers, including Mr Sunny Yeung, Director of Estates at HKU and Professor Ricky Yeung Wai-kit, Honorary Advisor of the HKGDE.

The specially curated concert led the audience on an extraordinary cross-temporal journey through the splendour of the Silk Road and Chinese culture. By breathing new life into ancient murals and transforming millennium-old whispers into celestial music, the Ensemble guided the audience from Dunhuang to the Forbidden City and onward to museums, offering a profound opportunity to experience the resonance of a millennia-old culture. The musical feast also bore witness to HKU’s 115-year legacy of bridging East and West, its relentless pursuit of academic excellence, and its grand vision of leading an infinite future.

Read More: https://www.hku.hk/press/news_detail_29175.html

為慶祝建校115周年，香港大學（港大）於6月11日在百周年校園李兆基會議中心大會堂舉辦《如愿》（Dare to Dream）音樂會，由香港天籟敦煌樂團演出，引領觀眾展開一段跨越時空的敦煌音樂文化之旅。

是次音樂會由港大副校長（學術發展）宮鵬教授主禮，同時邀請了多位特別嘉賓同台演出，包括港大物業處處長楊光先生以及香港天籟敦煌樂團名譽顧問楊偉傑教授。

是次音樂會特別為港大115周年校慶度身訂造，樂團的演奏讓古老壁畫及文物重煥神采，將千年低語化作天籟，帶領觀眾走過璀璨的絲路及中華文化，由敦煌到故宮再到博物館，共同感受千年歷史文化的共鳴，亦見證港大百一十五載貫通中西的歷史傳承、對學術卓越的不懈追求、引領無限未來的宏大願景。

閱讀更多：https://www.hku.hk/press/c_news_detail_29175.html