Dr. h. c. Prof. Mgr. Slávka Tomaščíková, PhD., Vice Rector for International Relations, together with Mgr. Mária Vasiľová, PhD., Head of the International Relations and Internationalization Office at the Rectorate of UPJŠ in Košice, and Mgr. Július Rozenfeld, PhD., Assistant Professor at the Department of English and American Studies, Faculty of Arts, UPJŠ in Košice, represented our university at the largest Asia-Pacific conference in the field of international education—the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE 2026), which took place from February 23 to 27, 2026, in Hong Kong, China. Its aim was to strengthen cooperation, deepen ties with the local academic community, and develop international partnerships in higher education. The host university of the 19th annual conference was The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), which ranks among the top universities in Asia. The event was attended by more than 2,500 representatives from universities and educational institutions from approximately 63 countries around the world. The theme of this year’s conference, “Asia-Pacific Partnerships for the Global Good,” highlighted the importance of sustainable and meaningful international partnerships. Slovak public universities participated in the fair as part of a joint national presentation of Slovak higher education led by the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic.
A packed schedule, numerous discussions, and visits to Chinese universities
On the first day of the conference, representatives of our university participated in bilateral meetings with universities from Brazil, the United States, Turkey, Vietnam, and Poland. The second day of the prestigious international APAIE 2026 conference featured intensive negotiations and a presentation of UPJŠ in Košice on the global academic stage. The delegation from Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice held a series of bilateral meetings with representatives from universities in Australia, China, United States, and Japan, with whom they discussed new opportunities for cooperation, exchange programs, and joint research projects.
Presentation at the Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic’s national stand
The national stand of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic was officially opened by Róbert Zsembera, State Secretary, who emphasized that Asian universities have long ranked among the top institutions in global rankings, which is why Slovakia’s participation in the fair is important. He also noted that the participation of Slovak universities in international fairs has facilitated the establishment of dozens of international collaborations. The opening was attended by Willy Lin, Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic for the Hong Kong SAR and the Macao SAR, who stated that the visit by the Slovak academic mission represents a significant boost for Hong Kong, as it has opened the door to open dialogue between the academic communities of Hong Kong, Slovakia, and ASEAN countries.
“There was great interest in information regarding studying at UPJŠ in Košice at the Slovak national booth during the international conference of the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education. International partners appreciate not only the quality of education but also the growing ambition of Slovak universities to engage in global academic networks,” stated Slávka Tomaščíková, Vice Rector for International Relations.
The final day of the international conference was devoted to visits to two universities. Representatives from UPJŠ in Košice visited City University of Hong Kong and The Education University of Hong Kong, where discussions on the collaboration on international projects continued.
UPJŠ’s successful international representation continues
UPJŠ in Košice participated in the APAIE conference for the third time as part of activities under the “Promotion of Universities Abroad” project, following successful conferences in Perth, Australia (2024) and New Delhi, India (2025). Vice Rector Tomaščíková, Dr. Vasiľová, and Assist. Prof. Rozenfeld provided information in Hong Kong about study opportunities, scientific and research activities, and the international potential of UPJŠ, for which they deserve our heartfelt gratitude.
The participation of Slovak universities in APAIE 2026 once again contributed to raising Slovakia’s profile on the global higher education map, strengthened international partnerships and academic cooperation, increased the competitiveness of Slovak universities, and helped motivate talented Slovak students to not study abroad, as they can obtain a high-quality education with an international focus right at home.
