Futao Huang

The gate of the Wong Tai Sin Temple in Hong Kong, symbolising Hong Kong as a global gateway

Hong Kong is China’s global science gateway – but it may not remain so

However strong China’s university system becomes, its success will always be partly dependent on international networks, says Futao Huang

By Futao Huang

1 April

People stand next to a humanoid robot during the Global Developer Conference, organised by the Shanghai AI Industry Association, in Shanghai on 21 February 2025

Can China’s universities power it to victory in the global AI race?

China’s ambition to lead the world in AI is far from unique. Yet its resources, talent and coordination of higher education and industry could just give it the edge, especially as Donald Trump’s policies diminish the US’ allure to top talent. Helen Packer and Futao Huang report

By Helen Packer

27 March

Tsinghua’s ‘global first-class’ status is just the beginning of China’s ambition

Chinese universities’ pursuit of excellence with socialist characteristics aims to put them in the company of Harvard and Oxford, says Futao Huang

By Futao Huang

6 October

Man wearing mask on the street at rush hour in Japan

More action is needed to protect Japanese higher education against Covid-19

The government and universities are not doing enough to protect their students from the effects of the lockdown, says Futao Huang

By Futao Huang

27 June

How to tackle academic misconduct among China’s top scientists

Preventing unethical behaviour requires regulatory and institutional reforms, as well as lead researchers remaining close to work done in their name, says Futao Huang

By Futao Huang

12 January