Founded in 2003, the Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN) is a non-profit and non-governmental body dedicated to “Enhancing the Quality of Higher Education in the Asia-Pacific Region” and "Dissolving Boundaries for a Quality Region". With over 190 members across 45 countries and territories, APQN drives improvements in QA mechanisms, facilitates experience and knowledge exchange, and promotes cooperation in the Region. Its initiatives include establishing the Consultant Bank, reviewing the Asia-Pacific Quality Register (APQR) and the Asia-Pacific Quality Label (APQL).

Please visit APQN for more information.

The Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ), formerly the Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation (HKCAA), was established in 1990 as an independent statutory body to provide authoritative advice on academic standards of degree programmes in higher education institutions in Hong Kong. Reconstituted in 2007 under the HKCAAVQ Ordinance (Chapter 1150), HKCAAVQ took on responsibility for the vocational and professional education and training sector, and statutory roles as the Accreditation Authority and Qualifications Register Authority under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework under the Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications Ordinance (Chapter 592). HKCAAVQ provides quality assurance and assessment services to education and training institutions, course providers and the general public. In addition to its statutory roles, HKCAAVQ also provides advisory and consultancy services in education qualifications and standards to government bureaux and other organisations in Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region.

HKCAAVQ has become the first quality assurance agency in the Asia-Pacific region of receiving dual recognitions by the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE) and the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA).

In 2015, the Board of INQAAHE confirmed that HKCAAVQ comprehensively adhered to the Guidelines of Good Practice (GGPs).  In July 2023, a subsequent evaluation by INQAAHE confirmed that HKCAAVQ was fully aligned with the INQAAHE GGPs 2016 for three years until 2026. In 2021, HKCAAVQ obtained “substantial compliance” with the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG) as approved by ENQA, being the first Quality Assurance Agency in the Asia-Pacific region and outside the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and Europe to attain such recognition.

Please visit HKCAAVQ for more information.

On behalf of the Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN), it is my great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to you for the APQN Annual Academic Conference, to be held in Hong Kong SAR, China, on 20 –23 November, 2025.

This year’s conference, themed “Embracing Industrial Collaboration for Quality Higher Education”, comes at a pivotal moment for both academia and industry. As the demands of the global workforce evolve, so must our approaches in education, quality assurance, and institutional adaptability. Together, we can explore innovative strategies to deepen university-industry partnerships, ensuring that higher education remains relevant, resilient, and responsive to the needs of the students and employers. The relationship between higher education and industry is no longer optional - it is essential. Universities that embed industry collaboration into their quality assurance frameworks develop dynamic, future-ready learning environments.

Yet, challenges are inevitable: the rapid expansion of digital learning, boost in micro-credentials, and transformative potential and disruptions of artificial intelligence. We recognize that even the closest collaborations with industry partners cannot fully ensure the agility needed to address these rapidly evolving trends. To address future challenges, universities must clearly define their role and purpose in society.

In light of these challenges, the effective quality assurance mechanisms are essential to safeguarding educational standards. Let us explore these critical issues and propose actionable solutions for the global academic and professional community.

Proudly hosted by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ), this Conference will unite quality assurance experts, educational leaders, policymakers, and industry partners from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Together, we will explore innovative strategies, share insights, and shape the future of education and accreditation in the Asia-Pacific Region. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, we will share best practices, debate emerging trends, and foster cooperation that transcend traditional boundaries.

Your expertise and perspectives are invaluable to this dialogue. Together, we will shape a future where higher education and industry work hand in hand to enhance quality, innovation, and societal impact.

I warmly welcome your participation and look forward to meeting you in person in Hong Kong for an inspiring and impactful event.

Dr Galina MOTOVA

President

Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN)

It is my immense pleasure to warmly welcome you to the 2025 APQN Academic Conference (AAC) and Annual General Meeting (AGM). We are excited to present our theme “Embracing Industrial Collaboration for Quality Higher Education” for this year’s Conference.  With your unwavering support, I believe that the 2025 APQN AAC & AGM will be a resounding success. The events will offer a powerful platform to examine how collaborations between academia and industry can significantly enhance the quality of higher education in today’s dynamic global environment.

For years, HKCAAVQ has been a close partner of APQN, together we have disseminated knowledge, and building a strong community of quality assurance professionals. As a founding member of APQN, HKCAAVQ is proud to support the network’s mission of strengthening the work of quality assurance agencies and fostering cooperation within the Asia-Pacific region.

The global and local educational landscapes are undergoing significant transformation and facing a variety of new challenges and complexities. In this context, QA agencies and higher education institutions have important opportunities to implement constructive changes that can enhance their adaptability and effectiveness moving forward. The 2025 APQN AAC & AGM will provide an exceptional opportunity for us to explore new possibilities, share the latest expertise, and strengthen connections among key stakeholders in the sector. I am confident that the insights and collaborations that emerge from this event will play a pivotal role in advancing educational excellence and improving industrial collaboration throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Your support and contributions are most important for the success of the 2025 APQN AAC & AGM. We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful city of Hong Kong SAR, China, and we genuinely hope that our shared endeavor will cultivate a conducive environment for the further enhancement and continuous excellence in education and training.

Mr Albert CHOW Hing-pong

Executive Director

HKCAAVQ