Journeys Within Travel Blog

Hong Kong has secured a significant victory in the realm of higher education, with the University of Hong Kong (HKU) clinching the top position in the latest QS World University Rankings for Asia. The prestigious recognition, compiled by higher education consultancy Quacquarelli Symonds, surveyed over 1,500 academic institutions across the continent for the 2026 assessment, marking a moment of pride for a city often highlighted for its prohibitive living costs.

HKU achieved a flawless score of 100, narrowly surpassing fierce competition from mainland China and Singapore. This achievement represents a notable triumph for the institution, which climbed from second place in the previous year’s rankings, demonstrating the city’s ascendancy in regional academic excellence.

Hong Kong Institutions Show Unprecedented Strength

The highly competitive 2026 rankings saw a minor reshuffling of regional academic powerhouses. HKU’s ascension pushed Peking University, the previous year’s leader, into second place with a near-perfect score of 99.9. The third spot resulted in a tie between Singapore’s two premier institutions: National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), both scoring 99.

What is particularly striking about this year’s results is the substantial presence of Hong Kong universities within the top ten. Nearly half of the elite list is comprised of institutions from the Special Administrative Region, underscoring the depth and quality of its higher education system.

Other Hong Kong universities ranking highly include:

• The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) secured fifth place with a score of 98.7.
• City University of Hong Kong (CityU) and The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) tied for sixth place, each achieving a score of 98.4.
• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) rounded out the top ten at eighth place with a respectable score of 97.1.

This cluster of high-performing universities suggests a robust and globally competitive academic environment in Hong Kong, challenging dominant perceptions that often focus solely on the city’s economic pressures.

Understanding the QS Methodology

The QS Asia University Rankings evaluate institutions based on various metrics designed to measure academic reputation, research output, staff-to-student ratio, internationalization, and employer reputation. HKU’s perfect 100 score indicates its exceptional performance across these key indicators, particularly in areas like research impact and global engagement.

This year’s results affirm Hong Kong’s status as a major academic hub, attracting top-tier talent and fostering groundbreaking research. For prospective students and academics considering the region, this consolidation of institutional excellence provides compelling evidence of the academic rigor available.

Top Ten Asian Universities (QS Ranking 2026)

The full list confirms Hong Kong’s dominant standing:

1. The University of Hong Kong
2. Peking University
3. Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; and National University of Singapore (tied)
4. Fudan University
5. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
6. City University of Hong Kong; and The Chinese University of Hong Kong (tied)
7. Tsinghua University
8. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

For those seeking comprehensive details on the methodology and a full list of the top 100 institutions, the official QS website provides the complete 2026 rankings. This strong performance signals continued investment in education and research infrastructure within Hong Kong, promising sustained competition at the international level.

The beloved Noodoll Ricespud plushie collection has arrived in Hong Kong, taking over Langham Place in Mong Kok for an elaborate holiday installation, “Noodoll: Merry PotatoMAS.” Running from November 14, 2025, through January 1, 2026, the exhibition transforms the mall’s atrium into a festive, imaginary department store starring the quirky tuber characters. This playful collaboration not only celebrates the holiday season but also marks the 20th anniversary of Langham Place, culminating in a highly anticipated consumer experience featuring limited-edition merchandise and interactive displays.

Celebrating the “PotatoMAS” Department Store

The main attraction is centered in the mall’s fourth-floor atrium, reimagined as a luxurious, spud-themed department store reminiscent of iconic London retailers like Harrods. The installation features striking red-and-gold décor, elaborate tinsel, oversized gift boxes, and a whimsical Christmas tree adorned with Noodoll plushie baubles.

Twelve distinct Ricespud characters are positioned throughout this fantasy lobby, engaging in hilarious and dynamic scenes. Visitors can spot characters posing as a dutiful bellhop or a mischievous rascal seemingly responsible for a collapsed chandelier. The installation embraces experiential retail, encouraging interaction and social media sharing. A unique feature is an enclosed booth, cleverly disguised as a gift shop elevator, where visitors can record ASMR videos while opening and crunching potato chips.

Milestone Collaboration Yields Exclusive Collectibles

The “Merry PotatoMAS” celebration holds dual significance, coinciding with Langham Place’s two-decade anniversary. To commemorate this important milestone, the mall partnered with Noodoll to develop rare, anniversary-exclusive collectibles.

The PotatoMas Department Store Gift Shop offers themed memorabilia and gifts, most notably the unique, limited-edition “Potato Soup Cans.” These playfully packaged items reimagine the adorable mascots in stylized packaging, ensuring they become sought-after items for collectors. Shoppers who participate in the in-store gift raffle stand a chance to win top-tier electronics, including the new iPhone 17 and AirPods.

Visitor Information and Future Events

The immersive Noodoll experience offers a distinctive, lighthearted approach to holiday festivities, attracting both dedicated Noodoll fans and casual shoppers. Located in the heart of Mong Kok, Langham Place aims to provide a memorable seasonal draw utilizing popular, relatably “pudgy” characters.

Visitors are encouraged to check the Langham Place official website for details on future interactive programs and giveaways planned throughout the six-week event period.

Essential Details:

• What: Noodoll: Merry PotatoMAS Installation
• Where: Langham Place, Mong Kok (Fourth-floor Atrium)
• When: November 14, 2025 – January 1, 2026
• Key Features: Twelve character displays, luxury department store theme, ASMR recording booth, and anniversary-exclusive merchandise.

This collaboration sets a precedent for merging contemporary plush culture with traditional holiday retail installations, offering Hong Kong consumers a unique, photogenic, and commercially vibrant destination this season.

In a refreshing departure from rankings highlighting the city’s notorious cost of living, Hong Kong is celebrating significant academic success, with the University of Hong Kong (HKU) securing the top spot in the latest QS World University Rankings for Asia. Published by higher education consultancy Quacquarelli Symonds, the 2026 edition assessed over 1,500 institutions across the region, revealing a powerful performance by Hong Kong’s universities.

HKU led the competitive field, achieving a perfect score of 100 in the comprehensive assessment. This milestone elevates the institution from its second-place position in the previous rankings, underscoring its growing regional influence and academic excellence.

Hong Kong Dominates Top Echelons of Asian Education

The rankings demonstrate Hong Kong’s increasing stronghold on elite Asian education. HKU narrowly edged out formidable competition, including Peking University, which placed second with a score of 99.9. The National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU) tied for third place, each posting a score of 99. This tight race represented a minor but significant shakeup from the preceding year, which saw Peking University ranked first.

Significantly, Hong Kong universities collectively dominated the top 10, underscoring the city’s robust higher education system:

• The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) ranked sixth with a notable score of 98.5.
• City University of Hong Kong (CityU) and The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) tied for seventh place, both earning a score of 98.4.
• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) secured the tenth position, rounding out the city’s presence in the top tier with a score of 97.1.

In total, five Hong Kong institutions were ranked among Asia’s top 10 universities, a clear indication of a globally competitive and highly specialized academic environment.

Understanding the Rankings and Regional Implications

The QS Asia University Rankings evaluate institutions based on several key metrics, often including academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty/student ratio, international research network, and citations per faculty. Achieving high scores across these diverse criteria indicates institutions are excelling not only in teaching but also in globally impactful research and student outcomes.

This widespread success in the QS rankings serves as a potent reminder of Hong Kong’s unique ability to foster world-class educational institutions. For students and global corporations alike, these rankings reaffirm the city’s status as a premier hub for talent development and innovative research.

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The Top 10 Universities in Asia (QS Asia University Rankings 2026)

1. The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
2. Peking University
3. National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU) (Tied)
4. Fudan University
5. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
6. Tsinghua University
7. City University of Hong Kong (CityU) and The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) (Tied)
8. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)

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The notable ascent of HKU and the concentrated excellence displayed by other local universities signal a strengthening educational landscape. These achievements promise to attract top international faculty and students, further cementing Hong Kong’s vital role in Asia’s intellectual and economic future. Prospective students interested in detailed breakdowns of the rankings and methodologies can consult the full list published on the QS website.