In today’s increasingly globalized world, the mobility of international students has become more complex, especially with the tightening visa policies and changes in international student regulations in the United States. As some countries actively implement measures to attract academic talent, universities in Asia are stepping up to welcome students and scholars who are seeking alternatives. This trend has raised a significant question: can Asia truly become a "sanctuary" for global academic talent?
In recent years, Singapore has made significant strides in attracting global academic talent. During a speech at the 120th anniversary celebrations of the National University of Singapore (NUS) in July, Singapore's Foreign Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, emphasized the city-state's potential to be a “sanctuary” for global talent. He stated that Singapore, particularly NUS, could become an ideal place for those who wish to engage in research, innovate, and apply their knowledge to improve the world, as long as it continues to maintain an open, inclusive, and rational approach to collaboration with people from all over the world.
However, despite the encouraging message, some scholars have raised concerns about the clarity of the minister's speech. Ja Ian Chong, an associate professor in Political Science at NUS, noted that the minister's role as the Foreign Minister, rather than Minister of Education, may have limited the impact of his words on higher education policy. Chong pointed out that the extent to which Singapore will be more open to international students remains uncertain.
It’s worth mentioning that Singapore has shifted its stance on attracting large numbers of international students in recent years. In 2018, Singapore had set out an ambitious "Global Schoolhouse" plan, aimed at positioning itself as an international education hub. However, in 2021, this plan saw a significant change with the controversial closure of the Yale-NUS College, which had been established to attract international students. Despite the change, NUS’s new academic setup has continued to attract local students, with record-high application numbers for this year.
Hong Kong was quick to act, announcing its openness to international students, especially those affected by changes in US visa policies. In May, following the Trump administration’s announcement to revoke Harvard University's right to admit foreign students, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) extended an "open invitation" to international students at Harvard and other US universities, offering them a chance to continue their studies in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee Ka-chiu, reaffirmed this stance, stating that Hong Kong would welcome students who faced discrimination or difficulties continuing their studies in the US. By the end of June, HKUST had received nearly 200 inquiries from international students, marking a 40% increase from the previous year. Six students, including those from mainland China, Pakistan, and Georgia, were offered places at the university, with scholarships provided.
Other Hong Kong universities, including the University of Hong Kong (HKU), have also taken steps to accommodate students affected by the US visa policies. The city’s universities are positioning themselves as havens for global academic talent, especially in light of the increasing uncertainty surrounding academic mobility.
Beyond Singapore and Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan are also actively adjusting their policies to attract international talent. Yonsei University in South Korea announced on July 3 that it would establish a transfer system to accept international students facing visa issues in the US. The university’s program will allow international students in their second or third year of study to transfer to Yonsei University after fulfilling academic and exam requirements. Additionally, the university has arranged for students to temporarily study in Seoul while earning credits toward their home institution’s degree.
In Japan, the government has allocated approximately $700 million in an emergency fund to attract talented researchers, particularly those leaving the United States. The initiative has been met with positive feedback, with Japan aiming to hire overseas researchers quickly and efficiently. Leading Japanese universities, including the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University, have set aside new budgets to host foreign researchers, especially in science and technology.
From Singapore to Hong Kong, and from South Korea to Japan, Asian countries are taking varied but significant steps to attract global academic talent. These efforts are part of a larger trend of reshaping the region into an appealing destination for international students and scholars. However, whether these measures will effectively transform Asia into a true "sanctuary" for global talent remains uncertain.
For example, Jessica, an academic from the United States, has recently considered relocating her research to Singapore due to the changing US visa policies. She said, "Singapore offers an incredibly attractive environment for research, especially in technology and innovation. If I can continue my work here, it would definitely open up new opportunities for my academic career." More and more such cases are emerging, suggesting that Asia is increasingly becoming an appealing option for those seeking stability in the face of uncertainty.
However, for Asia to truly establish itself as a global academic haven, it will need to further address challenges related to academic freedom and the quality of education. Only by fostering an environment that guarantees academic freedom and encourages intellectual breakthroughs can Asian countries attract the world’s brightest minds and create a genuinely open and inclusive academic space.