To editors:

Professor Way Kuo, University President, instructed on 13 November 2017 that City University of Hong Kong (CityU) would commission an independent third party to review our QS student data submission in order to fulfill our high standards of probity.

One of the “big four” accounting firms was appointed by CityU to perform certain specified procedures to assist in confirming that CityU’s Student Data Submission to QS for the academic year 2016-17 ("CityU's Submission to QS") is consistent with QS Data Definitions ("QS Data Definitions"). The accounting firm has performed certain specified procedures in relation to CityU's Submission to QS and completed its work on 4 January 2018, and did not note any inconsistency to the QS Data Definitions. The engagement was undertaken in accordance with the International Standard on Related Services 4400, “Engagements to Perform Agreed-Upon Procedures Regarding Financial Information.”

University rankings offer institutions the opportunity to review their performance and improve their planning. They help universities to be more sensitive to developments in the global higher education sector, and prevent them from indulging in self-complacency.

Although variations exist among the data submitted by universities, CityU is so far the only Hong Kong institution that has voluntarily commissioned an independent third party to review its student data submission. CityU takes reference from various sources of feedback and evaluation exercises for the continuous improvement of integrating teaching and research in order to nurture talent for society.

Contributing to Hong Kong, we are proud of the recent international recognition given to our achievements by various reputable evaluation organisations and agencies.

Media enquiries:
CityU Communications & Public Relations Office Ms Karen Cheng (Tel: 3442 6805 or 9201 8895) or Ms Emily Law (Tel: 3442 6819 or 9773 7664）