The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) have been ranked among the top 20 in a global league table – the first time two of the city’s universities have achieved this simultaneously – with CUHK making significant gains in its reputation among employers.The UK-based education information firm Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) also pointed out on Thursday that Hong Kong had Asia’s most improved higher education system for the second consecutive year, with seven of its previously ranked universities improving, two maintaining their positions, and none declining.QS said Hong Kong universities were among the most improved institutions in the world this year after achieving significant gains in their research performance and reputation among employers.In the latest edition of the QS World University Rankings 2027, HKU successfully retained its 11th place, while CUHK surged from 32nd to 18th, not only achieving a record-high position but also making the greatest leap among all institutions ranked in the top 20 and top 50.Xiang Zhang, HKU’s president, said artificial intelligence was redefining the world and his university aimed to chart new frontiers where scientific inquiry and humanistic values thrived in harmony.