Return of a Professor Observing Regional Transformation
When Professor Fiona Devine returned to Hong Kong this year, it marked her first visit since 2019. Since that date, both the city and the global higher education landscape have changed significantly according to observations made by the academic.
The University of Manchester official noted that these changes encompass post-pandemic recovery, regional integration, and the rise of artificial intelligence. Professor Devine currently serves as Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Manchester. Previously, she held a position for a decade leading Alliance Manchester Business School.
Professor Devine arrived in a region shaped by post-pandemic recovery, regional integration and the rise of artificial intelligence. Her message to Hong Kong's executives and educators is clear: the future belongs to holistic leaders who can bridge business acumen, human understanding and technological fluency.
Dynamics Within the Greater Bay Area
Since Devine's last trip, Hong Kong has reasserted itself within the fast-developing Greater Bay Area. Visits to Shenzhen and neighbouring cities underscored for her the scale and youth of the region.
The area is characterized by its large population with an average age in the early 30s. The total population sits in the tens of millions. Professor Devine stated that every time she comes back, it always looks amazing.
Comparative Economic Recovery and Competitiveness
While acknowledging that post-Covid recovery has been uneven globally, Professor Devine contrasted the UK's sluggish growth with the continued dynamism of mainland China and Hong Kong. She also noted the intensifying competition within this environment.
The University of Manchester-East Asia Centre
Professor Devine emphasized that universities want to keep the world open. This sentiment was expressed in an article published by South China Morning Post on July 22, 2026 at 12:00 am.
The Paid Partnership Context
The content of this specific analysis has been produced as a paid post by the advertising partner. The piece is categorized under Leading Beyond Data and focuses on how Hong Kong education topics are evolving alongside leadership strategies in East Asia.
Advocacy for Holistic Leadership Models
Professor Devine advocates for holistic leaders who combine business acumen, human understanding, and technological fluency. This approach is presented as necessary given the rapid shifts occurring across the region and globally since 2019.
The Role of Technology in Higher Education
The rise of artificial intelligence represents one of the primary forces reshaping the landscape Professor Devine observed upon her return. This technological shift requires leaders to possess fluency not just in traditional management but also in emerging digital tools and methodologies.
Regional Integration as a Key Factor
The integration of Hong Kong into the Greater Bay Area has strengthened its position within this larger economic zone. The region's development is described by Professor Devine as fast-developing, indicating rapid growth trajectories that differ from Western counterparts like the United Kingdom.
Demographic Strengths
The demographic profile of the Greater Bay Area includes a large population with an average age in the early 30s. This youthful workforce is seen as a significant asset for economic dynamism and innovation within the region according to Professor Devine's observations.
Global Higher Education Landscape Shifts
The global higher education landscape has changed significantly since 2019, affecting institutions like the University of Manchester. These changes include post-pandemic recovery efforts which have been described as uneven globally by Professor Devine.
Economic Growth Contrasts
Professor Devine contrasted the dynamic growth of mainland China and Hong Kong with the slower recovery in the UK. This comparison highlights divergent economic paths taken by different regions during the post-pandemic period.
The Future Outlook for Leaders
According to Professor Devine, leaders must adapt their strategies to these evolving global dynamics. The combination of business skills with human understanding and technological fluency is presented as essential for navigating future challenges in higher education and regional development.
Maintaining Openness
The statement that universities want to keep the world open reflects a strategic priority identified by Professor Devine during her recent visit. This openness is viewed as critical amidst intensifying competition and rapid technological change across the Greater Bay Area and beyond.