The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has regained its position as Asia’s best in a global ranking after 15 years, overtaking a mainland Chinese institution, with five other local varsities also making the region’s top 10 for the first time.

Britain-based education information firm Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) said Hong Kong’s model – anchored in internationalisation, research excellence and targeted talent policies – showed how smaller systems could outperform larger ones through strategic focus. It added that the results would help the city’s institutions consolidate their leading position in Asia.

HKU beat the mainland’s Peking University in the latest chart, reclaiming the title it last held in 2010.

Of the 11 Hong Kong universities listed in the rankings, nine climbed while two slipped, with four achieving their best results to date.

HKU president Xiang Zhang said that the recognition was both an honour and a responsibility.

“At HKU, we view it not as an endpoint, but as an affirmation of our commitment to excellence in scholarship, global engagement and shaping this dynamic region’s future. Asia’s rise as a nexus of knowledge demands universities that are locally grounded yet globally minded,” he said.