The latest "World University Rankings 2027" from the international higher education institution Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) has been released, with two universities from Hong Kong securing positions within the global top 20.

Hong Kong University maintained its rank at 11th place, holding its position as the second-highest ranked Asian institution after the National University of Singapore.

Hong Kong Chinese University achieved a historic high, surging 14 places to reach the 18th position globally.

Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin stated on social media that several Hong Kong universities have demonstrated outstanding international competitiveness across multiple disciplines, with a total of 20 subjects ranking within the global top ten, fully showcasing the diversity and strengths of Hong Kong's higher education sector.

In total, five Hong Kong universities are ranked within the top 100 worldwide.

These are, in order, Hong Kong University, Hong Kong Chinese University, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Hong Kong City University.

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is ranked 33rd, while Hong Kong Polytechnic University has entered the global top 50, rising four places from last year.

Hong Kong City University is ranked 52nd.

Among the other publicly funded institutions, Hong Kong Baptist University is ranked 216th, the Education University of Hong Kong is 406th, and Lingnan University is placed within the 581st bracket.

Hong Kong Metropolitan University remains within the 781-790 range, while the private Hong Kong Shue Yan University made its debut on the list, ranking within the 1001-1200 bracket.

The 2026 Lujiazui Forum opened in Shanghai, where the Chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, Wu Qing, proposed several measures.

These include supporting eligible Hong Kong-listed companies to list domestically in China to better promote the interconnected development of the two markets, accelerating research and advancing pilot programs for RMB foreign exchange futures to address exchange rate volatility risks and support corporate internationalization, and supporting Hong Kong in launching a 5-year RMB Treasury bond futures product in the near term to continuously enhance the convenience for foreign capital in long-term allocation of Chinese assets, as well as supporting foreign financial institutions in expanding their business in China.

The President of the Hong Kong Legislative Council, Starry Lee Wai-king, expressed in an interview her high expectations for the upcoming APEC meeting to be held in Shenzhen, viewing it as a crucial platform for sharing China's story.

She noted that Hong Kong, as a national financial centre and one of the world's most free, open, and international cities, should fully support Shenzhen in hosting this conference successfully.

Lee also emphasized that in the process of integrating into the national development strategy and building a financial powerhouse, Hong Kong can leverage this opportunity to share its own advantages with attendees, utilize its status as an international financial centre, and enable more overseas enterprises and talent to "enter and exit" through Hong Kong.

Deloitte China's Capital Market Services Group released its mid-year review and outlook for the 2026 IPO markets in Mainland China and Hong Kong.

It is projected that by the end of 2026, Hong Kong will secure at least the third position globally in terms of IPO fundraising.

Furthermore, as of the end of May 2026, there were over 600 active listing applications in the market, of which more than 100 are from A-share issuers, nearly a quarter are technology companies, and approximately one-fifth are high-end manufacturers.

It is estimated that Hong Kong will see around 160 new listings raising HK$300 billion for the full year of 2026.

Benefiting from the return of mainland buyers, improved market sentiment, and the gradual absorption of supply, Hong Kong's property market continues its strong recovery momentum.

Knight Frank published a property market outlook, forecasting that general residential prices will rise by approximately 8% to 10% this year.

It is projected that total residential transaction volume will reach 75,000 to 80,000 units this year, a year-on-year increase of 20%, with primary sales accounting for 35% and secondary sales for 65%.

Rents are expected to increase by about 5% to 8%, potentially reaching new historical highs.

In a written reply to a legislator's inquiry, Acting Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Joseph Chan Ho-lim, stated that the government will continue to promote the enhancement of market efficiency by the Securities and Futures Commission and Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited.

Among other initiatives, the government has requested HKEX to study ways to reduce the funding costs for market participants providing collateral, taking full account of various factors such as Hong Kong's international competitiveness and market risks.

This includes exploring the expansion of acceptable collateral types and cross-clearing house margin offset arrangements to further improve margin efficiency.

The SFC and HKEX will announce optimization arrangements in due course.

Adrian Cheng led a delegation to visit technology enterprises in Foshan, with young entrepreneurs praising the trip as highly rewarding.

Colliers' latest report, "From Commercial Buildings to Campuses: Unlocking the Investment Potential of Hong Kong's Education Real Estate," points out that educational institutions are increasingly becoming premium tenants, characterized by long lease terms, low turnover rates, and counter-cyclical resilience.

This trend is also reflected in capital flows; the first five months of 2026 recorded commercial investments related to education reaching HK$11.1 billion (including educational facilities and student accommodation), while the total transaction value for education-related deals in the whole of 2025 was HK$4 billion, accounting for approximately 11% of total commercial investment transactions.

In the leasing market, international schools and higher education institutions have also completed several major leasing transactions in Hong Kong in recent years.

HSBC has launched a new digital trade finance solution, HSBC TradeCash, to help businesses quickly access working capital.

Eligible clients can now submit required documents via HSBCnet, and upon online approval, financing can be drawn down in as little as a few minutes.

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council celebrated its 60th anniversary, with past chairpersons gathering for a surprise reunion, wishing for continued success.

The Hong Kong government proposes lowering the age threshold for commercial vehicle drivers to submit medical examination certificates from 70 to 65 years old and shortening the validity period of driving licences.

Deputy Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Liu Chun-san, stated that the government is finalizing legislative details, aiming to report the latest progress to the Legislative Council's Panel on Transport next month, with the target of implementing the legislative amendments by mid-next year.

The International Astronomical Union has announced that minor planet 34871 has been officially named "34871 Howaiho" in honor of Hong Kong firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who heroically lost his life in a fire at Hung Fuk Court in Tai Po last year.

The asteroid was discovered by Hong Kong astronomer William Yeung Kwong-yu in 2001.

Ho's fiancée, Kiki, posted on social media that she had been informed of the news by Yeung, writing emotionally, "Dearest 34871 Ho Wai-ho, you, who have become a star, will forever watch over us."

Yeung encouraged Kiki with a quote from "The Little Prince," stating that Ho's courage and spirit of sacrifice will remain in the memory of Hong Kong citizens forever.

Renowned Hong Kong filmmaker Raymond Wong Pak-ming, who was previously convicted of insider trading, was sentenced to five months imprisonment by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on June 9, 2026, along with a fine exceeding HK$99,000 and investigation costs of approximately HK$374,000.

Wong had been granted bail pending appeal, but according to the latest news, he suddenly surrendered his bail on the 17th and was approved by Magistrate Ko Wai-hung to begin serving his sentence immediately.

Latest reports indicate that the United States and Iran have remotely signed a memorandum of understanding to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with US President Donald Trump personally signing the document; the agreement is now in effect.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan stated that Iran will immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and the US will immediately lift its maritime blockade.

According to a CNN report, a senior US government official read the official text of the US-Iran memorandum to the media.

The document contains 14 clauses, several of which involve unexpectedly significant concessions, including a US commitment that from the signing date of this memorandum until the lifting of sanctions, the US Treasury will issue exemptions allowing the export of Iranian crude oil, petrochemical products and their derivatives, along with all supporting services such as banking, insurance, and transportation.

Furthermore, the US also committed, in light of the progress made in final agreement negotiations, to unfreeze Iranian funds and assets that were frozen or restricted, making them fully available for use.

Latest World Cup morning report: Portugal drew 1:1 with DR Congo, with Cristiano Ronaldo performing below par; England defeated Croatia 4:2, with Harry Kane scoring two goals.

TVB arranged for the 12 finalists of the "2026 Miss Hong Kong Pageant" to meet the media for the first time in Tseung Kwan O.

Among them, contestant number 2, Li Chak-yan, who was considered a frontrunner from the first round of interviews, and contestant number 10, Chan Tsz-wing, who replaced another withdrawn favorite Ng Cheuk-hei, attracted more attention.

The film "A Love Letter to Grandma" has sparked a viewing热潮 in Hong Kong.

Teochew native Vincent Lo Hong-sui recently mentioned the film in an interview, stating he had heard it was very moving and that he would definitely go to see it.

He also plans to watch it with his wife, Loletta Chu Ling-ling, humorously adding that it would be a good opportunity for her to learn about the fine qualities of Teochew people.

As summer begins in June, the third "Chinese Culture Festival 2026" is being held from this month through September.

This year's festival takes "Legends" as its theme, focusing on Sui and Tang dynasty culture, bringing together top artistic troupes from the mainland and Hong Kong to present over 280 stage performances, film screenings, exhibitions, and community events.

The opening dance drama "White Snake" has already been performed, but the upcoming programs remain精彩纷呈, including powerful Peking Opera martial arts performances, dreamlike Kunqu opera, an exhibition of Sui and Tang artifacts that allows one to feel the echoes of a millennium, and a跨界对话 between contemporary dance and technology.