Strong Performance by Asian Institutions, 3 HK Universities Ranked Among Global Top 20; Global Universities Still Have Room to Improve in Implementing Social Responsibility

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 May 2026 – As sustainability issues continued to attract widespread attention, society has come to expect more of universities in fulfilling their social responsibilities. “Institutional social responsibilities and sustainability” has been listed as one of the key performance indicators in the University Grants Committee (UGC) University Accountability Agreement, reflecting the importance placed on the role of higher education institutions in advancing sustainable development. Committed to advancing university sustainability, the Faculty of Social Science at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), led by the Faculty and undertaken jointly by the Public Policy Research Centre (PPRC) and the Centre for Business Sustainability (CBS), released Hong Kong’s first systematic global University Sustainability Index (USI). The research was led by Prof. Carlos Wing Hung LO, Director of the Public Policy Research Centre at CUHK, and conducted a holistic assessment of the social responsibility and sustainability performance of 151 universities worldwide, with the aim of driving continuous improvement in university social responsibility (USR) performance.

While Europe and the Americas pioneered the promotion of USR, Asian tertiary institutions stood out notably in this assessment, nearly half of the universities ranked in the “Global Top 20” were from Asia, including 3 from Hong Kong. Overall, global universities recorded relatively weaker scores in the “Practice” and “Impact” dimensions, reflecting that the implementation of social responsibility among universities was still in a developing stage.

Driving Universities From Theory to Practice, Quantifying Social Responsibility in University Sustainability

USI aimed to encourage higher education institutions to adopt USR as a core management model of sustainable development. Through establishing benchmarks for regional and international references, supporting institutions in seeking continuous improvement on their practices, encouraging the transparency of relevant information, and tracking and recognizing institutions with excellent sustainability performance. The USI aspired to transform theory into practice, break the ivory tower image of academia, and build a bridge between universities and society.

Prof. LO stated, “The value of this research lies in breaking the perception that academia is disconnected from the real world, building a bridge between universities and society, and translating abstract academic theories into concrete social practices. Through the assessment model we have developed, we quantify and explicitly define universities’ substantive contributions to sustainable social development beyond pure academic research, allowing higher education institutions to better understand how to take concrete action toward social change, while also providing policymakers with objective data reference.”

Building on the team’s ongoing research into USR in higher education institutions, including a series of preliminary assessments conducted between 2016 and 2022, the research team published the first Greater China University Sustainability Index in 2023, and expanded the scope of assessment to cover global and Asia-Pacific universities this time. The research team applied the “Value-Process-Impact” (VPI) framework, which was grounded in USR performance, as the assessment model. It used data to quantify the USR practices of 151 universities globally# across seven key stakeholder groups, including Student, Employee, Communities, Environment, Government/Funding Bodies, Peer Universities, and Suppliers, thereby providing a comprehensive measurement of each institution’s sustainability performance. The index integrated annual reports and sustainability-related materials publicly published by institutions, invited assessed universities to complete questionnaires, and engaged SGSHK, a third-party body, to conduct sample verification of the assessments.*

#The three sub-indices collectively covered 151 universities, some universities were included in more than one sub-index.

*For the Index methodology, please refer to the Appendix.

USI comprised three regional indices, with the following selection criteria for assessed institutions:

• Global USI: 113 institutions selected from the top 150 of the QS World University Rankings 2024, with the availability of USR, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), and sustainability data in English or Chinese as the exclusion clause
• Asia-Pacific USI: Comprised of 58 member institutions of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU)
• Greater China USI: Comprised of 30 institutions, including all 8 UGC-funded institutions in Hong Kong

Global Universities Excelled in Value and Management, Room to Grow in Practice and Impact

The 2025 results showed that, across the dimensions of the VPI framework#, the “Value” dimension achieved the highest scores, followed by “Management,” while “Practice” and “Impact” recorded relatively lower scores. From a regional perspective, Oceanian institutions achieved the highest overall scores, followed by Europe. Among universities ranked in the “Global Top 20,” nearly half were from Asia, including 3 from Hong Kong.

#Under the VPI framework, the “Process” dimension was subdivided into “Management” and “Practice”.

Prof. LO noted, “USR was first promoted by Europe and the Americas. However, based on the results of this assessment, while Asia started promoting USR later than Europe and the Americas, its level of engagement and performance at this stage improved considerably and even placed it among the top performers, reflecting the emphasis of Asia’s higher education community on sustainable development and its proactive implementation.”

The research findings also indicated that global universities showed weaker performance in the “Practice” and “Impact” dimensions, reflecting that the implementation of social responsibility among universities was still in a transitional stage of development. However, patterns and priorities have emerged across the VPI dimensions. “Students” and “Environment” are most valued by universities in the “Practice” dimension, while in the “Impact” dimension, institutions across the Global, Asia-Pacific, and Greater China indices placed the greatest emphasis on “Peer Universities”. Prof. LO believed that the value of a university should not be measured only by its academic research performance. Universities should also give duly attention and responsibility to various stakeholders to further advance sustainable development in society.

Bringing Scholars Together, Building an International Network for University Sustainability

Prof. LO stated that if Hong Kong institutions strengthened their efforts in the “Practice” and “Impact” dimensions, their overall performance had the potential to improve further. The research team would consider sharing the results with the UGC and relevant government departments, and proposed evidence-based recommendations to promote sustainable development among universities in Hong Kong and make an impactful contribution to social progress.

The research team established an International Advisory Committee, comprising senior scholars from Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and other regions. The Committee’s functions included reviewing and providing recommendations on the research methodology, data, and findings, serving as a bridge between the research team and institutional stakeholders and assisting in engaging sustainability departments in data collection. Members also regularly attended Committee meetings and related events, assisted in drafting research reports, and promoted the USI through their respective institutions to enhance its international influence.

The USI will be compiled annually to continuously track the progress of institutions across the various dimensions of sustainable development. The research team will hold a forum on USR and sustainability in the second half of this year, inviting relevant stakeholders to share practical experiences and research findings through thematic speeches and panel discussions. Representatives from assessed institutions will also be invited to attend, with the aim of fostering exchange and collaboration on sustainable development within the higher education community.

Through a cross-regional academic network, the research team not only encouraged universities worldwide to more actively fulfill their social responsibilities, but also quantified universities’ substantive contributions to social progress beyond academic research. Prof. LO hoped that the project would help universities clearly define their role in sustainable development, while providing policymakers with objective data to drive higher education institutions to become driving force for social change, thereby benefiting society.

High-resolution photo and press releases HERE
The full report and results HERE

Appendix: USI Methodology

Compilation of the University Sustainability Index:

1. Annual USR performance assessment, which reflects the performance for the most recent calendar year with available information
2. Builds on the VPI model, which provides a comprehensive assessment framework focusing on the Value-Process-Impact cycle of institutions
3. Stakeholder perspective, which includes the evaluation of USR practices towards 7 key stakeholder groups, including Student, Employee, Peer Universities, Communities, Environment, Government/Funding Bodies, and Suppliers
4. Open information with validation, which relies on publicly available information disclosed in the university’s ESG/CSR/sustainability report/official website

Prudence Measures:

1. Invited by email to individual index universities to complete a questionnaire on the University Sustainability Index platform
2. Index universities concerned were requested to review the questionnaire completed by our researchers on data accuracy and provide supplementary information
3. Sampling check and audit were conducted by the SGS HK after initial assessment scores for individual index universities were compiled
4. All assessment scores and rankings were reviewed and hence endorsed by an International Advisory Committee

Disclaimer: The scores for individual index universities are calculated using the VPI assessment model based on publicly available information and data related to sustainability/social responsibility of the index university concerned. Thus, the accuracy of the index depends on the sufficiency and accuracy of the publicly available information and data from each index university.
Hashtag: #CUHK #SocialScience #Education #Sustainability

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

CUHK Faculty of Social Science 

The Faculty of Social Science at The Chinese University of Hong Kong is dedicated to education, research, and community engagement across diverse disciplines, including Architecture, Urban Studies, Economics, Geography and Resource Management, Governance and Policy Science, Journalism and Communication, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, and Gender Studies. Through actively promoting professional, interdisciplinary research, the Faculty fosters knowledge transfer and strengthens societal connections, contributing to social advancement.

Faculty Website: https://socsc.cuhk.edu.hk/

Strong Performance by Asian Institutions, 3 HK Universities Ranked Among Global Top 20; Global Universities Still Have Room to Improve in Implementing Social Responsibility

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 May 2026 – As sustainability issues continued to attract widespread attention, society has come to expect more of universities in fulfilling their social responsibilities. “Institutional social responsibilities and sustainability” has been listed as one of the key performance indicators in the University Grants Committee (UGC) University Accountability Agreement, reflecting the importance placed on the role of higher education institutions in advancing sustainable development. Committed to advancing university sustainability, the Faculty of Social Science at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), led by the Faculty and undertaken jointly by the Public Policy Research Centre (PPRC) and the Centre for Business Sustainability (CBS), released Hong Kong’s first systematic global University Sustainability Index (USI). The research was led by Prof. Carlos Wing Hung LO, Director of the Public Policy Research Centre at CUHK, and conducted a holistic assessment of the social responsibility and sustainability performance of 151 universities worldwide, with the aim of driving continuous improvement in university social responsibility (USR) performance.

While Europe and the Americas pioneered the promotion of USR, Asian tertiary institutions stood out notably in this assessment, nearly half of the universities ranked in the “Global Top 20” were from Asia, including 3 from Hong Kong. Overall, global universities recorded relatively weaker scores in the “Practice” and “Impact” dimensions, reflecting that the implementation of social responsibility among universities was still in a developing stage.

Driving Universities From Theory to Practice, Quantifying Social Responsibility in University Sustainability

USI aimed to encourage higher education institutions to adopt USR as a core management model of sustainable development. Through establishing benchmarks for regional and international references, supporting institutions in seeking continuous improvement on their practices, encouraging the transparency of relevant information, and tracking and recognizing institutions with excellent sustainability performance. The USI aspired to transform theory into practice, break the ivory tower image of academia, and build a bridge between universities and society.

Prof. LO stated, “The value of this research lies in breaking the perception that academia is disconnected from the real world, building a bridge between universities and society, and translating abstract academic theories into concrete social practices. Through the assessment model we have developed, we quantify and explicitly define universities’ substantive contributions to sustainable social development beyond pure academic research, allowing higher education institutions to better understand how to take concrete action toward social change, while also providing policymakers with objective data reference.”

Building on the team’s ongoing research into USR in higher education institutions, including a series of preliminary assessments conducted between 2016 and 2022, the research team published the first Greater China University Sustainability Index in 2023, and expanded the scope of assessment to cover global and Asia-Pacific universities this time. The research team applied the “Value-Process-Impact” (VPI) framework, which was grounded in USR performance, as the assessment model. It used data to quantify the USR practices of 151 universities globally# across seven key stakeholder groups, including Student, Employee, Communities, Environment, Government/Funding Bodies, Peer Universities, and Suppliers, thereby providing a comprehensive measurement of each institution’s sustainability performance. The index integrated annual reports and sustainability-related materials publicly published by institutions, invited assessed universities to complete questionnaires, and engaged SGSHK, a third-party body, to conduct sample verification of the assessments.*

#The three sub-indices collectively covered 151 universities, some universities were included in more than one sub-index.

*For the Index methodology, please refer to the Appendix.

USI comprised three regional indices, with the following selection criteria for assessed institutions:

• Global USI: 113 institutions selected from the top 150 of the QS World University Rankings 2024, with the availability of USR, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), and sustainability data in English or Chinese as the exclusion clause
• Asia-Pacific USI: Comprised of 58 member institutions of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU)
• Greater China USI: Comprised of 30 institutions, including all 8 UGC-funded institutions in Hong Kong

Global Universities Excelled in Value and Management, Room to Grow in Practice and Impact

The 2025 results showed that, across the dimensions of the VPI framework#, the “Value” dimension achieved the highest scores, followed by “Management,” while “Practice” and “Impact” recorded relatively lower scores. From a regional perspective, Oceanian institutions achieved the highest overall scores, followed by Europe. Among universities ranked in the “Global Top 20,” nearly half were from Asia, including 3 from Hong Kong.

#Under the VPI framework, the “Process” dimension was subdivided into “Management” and “Practice”.

Prof. LO noted, “USR was first promoted by Europe and the Americas. However, based on the results of this assessment, while Asia started promoting USR later than Europe and the Americas, its level of engagement and performance at this stage improved considerably and even placed it among the top performers, reflecting the emphasis of Asia’s higher education community on sustainable development and its proactive implementation.”

The research findings also indicated that global universities showed weaker performance in the “Practice” and “Impact” dimensions, reflecting that the implementation of social responsibility among universities was still in a transitional stage of development. However, patterns and priorities have emerged across the VPI dimensions. “Students” and “Environment” are most valued by universities in the “Practice” dimension, while in the “Impact” dimension, institutions across the Global, Asia-Pacific, and Greater China indices placed the greatest emphasis on “Peer Universities”. Prof. LO believed that the value of a university should not be measured only by its academic research performance. Universities should also give duly attention and responsibility to various stakeholders to further advance sustainable development in society.

Bringing Scholars Together, Building an International Network for University Sustainability

Prof. LO stated that if Hong Kong institutions strengthened their efforts in the “Practice” and “Impact” dimensions, their overall performance had the potential to improve further. The research team would consider sharing the results with the UGC and relevant government departments, and proposed evidence-based recommendations to promote sustainable development among universities in Hong Kong and make an impactful contribution to social progress.

The research team established an International Advisory Committee, comprising senior scholars from Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and other regions. The Committee’s functions included reviewing and providing recommendations on the research methodology, data, and findings, serving as a bridge between the research team and institutional stakeholders and assisting in engaging sustainability departments in data collection. Members also regularly attended Committee meetings and related events, assisted in drafting research reports, and promoted the USI through their respective institutions to enhance its international influence.

The USI will be compiled annually to continuously track the progress of institutions across the various dimensions of sustainable development. The research team will hold a forum on USR and sustainability in the second half of this year, inviting relevant stakeholders to share practical experiences and research findings through thematic speeches and panel discussions. Representatives from assessed institutions will also be invited to attend, with the aim of fostering exchange and collaboration on sustainable development within the higher education community.

Through a cross-regional academic network, the research team not only encouraged universities worldwide to more actively fulfill their social responsibilities, but also quantified universities’ substantive contributions to social progress beyond academic research. Prof. LO hoped that the project would help universities clearly define their role in sustainable development, while providing policymakers with objective data to drive higher education institutions to become driving force for social change, thereby benefiting society.

High-resolution photo and press releases HERE
The full report and results HERE

Appendix: USI Methodology

Compilation of the University Sustainability Index:

1. Annual USR performance assessment, which reflects the performance for the most recent calendar year with available information
2. Builds on the VPI model, which provides a comprehensive assessment framework focusing on the Value-Process-Impact cycle of institutions
3. Stakeholder perspective, which includes the evaluation of USR practices towards 7 key stakeholder groups, including Student, Employee, Peer Universities, Communities, Environment, Government/Funding Bodies, and Suppliers
4. Open information with validation, which relies on publicly available information disclosed in the university’s ESG/CSR/sustainability report/official website

Prudence Measures:

1. Invited by email to individual index universities to complete a questionnaire on the University Sustainability Index platform
2. Index universities concerned were requested to review the questionnaire completed by our researchers on data accuracy and provide supplementary information
3. Sampling check and audit were conducted by the SGS HK after initial assessment scores for individual index universities were compiled
4. All assessment scores and rankings were reviewed and hence endorsed by an International Advisory Committee

Disclaimer: The scores for individual index universities are calculated using the VPI assessment model based on publicly available information and data related to sustainability/social responsibility of the index university concerned. Thus, the accuracy of the index depends on the sufficiency and accuracy of the publicly available information and data from each index university.
Hashtag: #CUHK #SocialScience #Education #Sustainability

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

CUHK Faculty of Social Science 

The Faculty of Social Science at The Chinese University of Hong Kong is dedicated to education, research, and community engagement across diverse disciplines, including Architecture, Urban Studies, Economics, Geography and Resource Management, Governance and Policy Science, Journalism and Communication, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, and Gender Studies. Through actively promoting professional, interdisciplinary research, the Faculty fosters knowledge transfer and strengthens societal connections, contributing to social advancement.

Faculty Website: https://socsc.cuhk.edu.hk/

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 May 2026 – ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading hospitality management company in Asia Pacific specialising in hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury residences, reaffirms its strategic direction at a time of transition within the travel and tourism industry, placing greater emphasis on the quality of growth rather than the sheer scale of asset expansion.

For ONYX Hospitality Group, growth does not simply mean opening more hotels across multiple destinations. It requires a comprehensive understanding of the broader travel ecosystem — from demand structures and traveller behaviour to urban development trends and long-term economic fundamentals — before committing to new investments or management agreements.

With more than six decades of experience in hospitality, the Group positions itself as a strategic partner, working alongside investors to evaluate both opportunities and risks. The focus remains on building resilient, sustainable growth rather than pursuing short-term, volume-driven expansion.

Mr. Kashyap Vora, Senior Vice President – Investments & Business Development, ONYX Hospitality Group, commented on the industry overview: “The hospitality sector across Asia-Pacific is entering an increasingly sophisticated phase that demands greater rigour, strategic discipline, and market discernment. Investment decisions today can no longer be driven solely by short-term tourism recovery metrics or occupancy performance. Instead, they must be underpinned by a comprehensive understanding of the broader travel ecosystem, encompassing infrastructure development, business expansion, consumption trends, and the evolving dynamics of international travel flows”

“Portfolio expansion is no longer about the number of hotels within a network; it is about strategic curation of a resilient portfolio that contributes meaningfully to profitability and delivers long-term value accretion for all stakeholders. Each project must play a clearly defined role within the broader portfolio — whether through risk diversification, return enhancement, strategic value creation or long-term scalability. Sustainable growth therefore requires disciplined investment selection, deep market insight, and alignment with the organisation’s long-term strategic vision”

He further emphasised that this approach aligns closely with ONYX Hospitality Group’s long-term vision of delivering sustainable, quality-driven growth through a tailored approach to each project. This includes careful consideration of investment structures, partnership models, and brand positioning to ensure strategic relevance, sustainable profitability and long-term value creation.

“We prioritise partnerships with like-minded investors and owners who share our vision, values, and commitment to quality” he added. “Hotel development is inherently a long-term commitment. Alignment on quality standards, risk management, and growth objectives is essential to delivering sustainable profitability, creating enduring value, and achieving long-term success for all stakeholders.”

Drawing on over six decades of market expertise and consumer insight, ONYX Hospitality Group continues to refine a portfolio strategy built on strong alignment between destination, brand and business partner.

Currently, the Group operates 49 properties and projects across seven strategic destinations in Asia-Pacific. By 2030, ONYX Hospitality Group aims to expand its portfolio to over 75 properties across the Asia-Pacific region. This growth will be achieved through disciplined project selection and collaboration with partners who share the Group’s long-term vision — ensuring that every investment delivers both strategic and financial value.

As the company approaches its 60th anniversary milestone in 2026, ONYX Hospitality Group remains firmly committed to quality-led expansion, underpinned by disciplined risk management and prudent governance. The Group continues to strengthen confidence among investors, owners and partners across all markets in which it operates, laying the foundation for sustained, long-term growth in the decade ahead.

For more information on ONYX Hospitality Group please visit: www.onyx-hospitality.com

Hashtag: #ONYXHospitalityGroup

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About ONYX Hospitality Group

ONYX Hospitality Group, a reputable force in the Asia-Pacific hospitality industry, operates a collection of comprehensive yet complementary brands – Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence – catering to the distinctive needs of discerning business and leisure travellers across the region where it has deep expertise. In addition to its brand portfolio, ONYX Hospitality Group also operates additional hospitality services across spa and food & beverage. With six decades of management experience, the company extends its innovative solutions throughout the region, upholding internationally recognised standards and ensuring optimal operational manoeuvrability. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unparalleled experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, meeting the ever-evolving demands of travellers.

More information: www.onyx-hospitality.com

Find us on social media:

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onyxhospitalitygroup/

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyx-hospitality-group/

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ONYXHospitalityGroup

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 May 2026 – ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading hospitality management company in Asia Pacific specialising in hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury residences, reaffirms its strategic direction at a time of transition within the travel and tourism industry, placing greater emphasis on the quality of growth rather than the sheer scale of asset expansion.

For ONYX Hospitality Group, growth does not simply mean opening more hotels across multiple destinations. It requires a comprehensive understanding of the broader travel ecosystem — from demand structures and traveller behaviour to urban development trends and long-term economic fundamentals — before committing to new investments or management agreements.

With more than six decades of experience in hospitality, the Group positions itself as a strategic partner, working alongside investors to evaluate both opportunities and risks. The focus remains on building resilient, sustainable growth rather than pursuing short-term, volume-driven expansion.

Mr. Kashyap Vora, Senior Vice President – Investments & Business Development, ONYX Hospitality Group, commented on the industry overview: “The hospitality sector across Asia-Pacific is entering an increasingly sophisticated phase that demands greater rigour, strategic discipline, and market discernment. Investment decisions today can no longer be driven solely by short-term tourism recovery metrics or occupancy performance. Instead, they must be underpinned by a comprehensive understanding of the broader travel ecosystem, encompassing infrastructure development, business expansion, consumption trends, and the evolving dynamics of international travel flows”

“Portfolio expansion is no longer about the number of hotels within a network; it is about strategic curation of a resilient portfolio that contributes meaningfully to profitability and delivers long-term value accretion for all stakeholders. Each project must play a clearly defined role within the broader portfolio — whether through risk diversification, return enhancement, strategic value creation or long-term scalability. Sustainable growth therefore requires disciplined investment selection, deep market insight, and alignment with the organisation’s long-term strategic vision”

He further emphasised that this approach aligns closely with ONYX Hospitality Group’s long-term vision of delivering sustainable, quality-driven growth through a tailored approach to each project. This includes careful consideration of investment structures, partnership models, and brand positioning to ensure strategic relevance, sustainable profitability and long-term value creation.

“We prioritise partnerships with like-minded investors and owners who share our vision, values, and commitment to quality” he added. “Hotel development is inherently a long-term commitment. Alignment on quality standards, risk management, and growth objectives is essential to delivering sustainable profitability, creating enduring value, and achieving long-term success for all stakeholders.”

Drawing on over six decades of market expertise and consumer insight, ONYX Hospitality Group continues to refine a portfolio strategy built on strong alignment between destination, brand and business partner.

Currently, the Group operates 49 properties and projects across seven strategic destinations in Asia-Pacific. By 2030, ONYX Hospitality Group aims to expand its portfolio to over 75 properties across the Asia-Pacific region. This growth will be achieved through disciplined project selection and collaboration with partners who share the Group’s long-term vision — ensuring that every investment delivers both strategic and financial value.

As the company approaches its 60th anniversary milestone in 2026, ONYX Hospitality Group remains firmly committed to quality-led expansion, underpinned by disciplined risk management and prudent governance. The Group continues to strengthen confidence among investors, owners and partners across all markets in which it operates, laying the foundation for sustained, long-term growth in the decade ahead.

For more information on ONYX Hospitality Group please visit: www.onyx-hospitality.com

Hashtag: #ONYXHospitalityGroup

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About ONYX Hospitality Group

ONYX Hospitality Group, a reputable force in the Asia-Pacific hospitality industry, operates a collection of comprehensive yet complementary brands – Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence – catering to the distinctive needs of discerning business and leisure travellers across the region where it has deep expertise. In addition to its brand portfolio, ONYX Hospitality Group also operates additional hospitality services across spa and food & beverage. With six decades of management experience, the company extends its innovative solutions throughout the region, upholding internationally recognised standards and ensuring optimal operational manoeuvrability. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unparalleled experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, meeting the ever-evolving demands of travellers.

More information: www.onyx-hospitality.com

Find us on social media:

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onyxhospitalitygroup/

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyx-hospitality-group/

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ONYXHospitalityGroup

Hashtag: #LinzHealth

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Recognised as Independent Secondary School of the Year 2026, NLCS will bring its academic model to Cherng Talay through a new day and boarding school for families across Thailand and the region

PHUKET, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 May 2026 – NLCS International has signed an agreement with VLC Group, the owners of multiple premium hotels and resorts in Phuket and Khao Lak, to develop NLCS Phuket, bringing the educational model of one of the United Kingdom’s highest-ranked independent schools to Thailand’s fast-growing international education market.

Founded in 1850 by educational pioneer Frances Mary Buss, North London Collegiate School is one of the United Kingdom’s most respected and most successful independent schools. In The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026, NLCS was named Independent Secondary School of the Year, Independent International Baccalaureate School of the Year and Independent Secondary School of the Year in London. In the accompanying league tables, NLCS was ranked the number one girls’ school in the UK, gaining second place for all schools in London and third place for all schools nationally.

Serving students from Early Years to Year 13, NLCS Phuket will be developed as a premium co-ed day and boarding school in Cherng Talay, one of Phuket’s fastest-growing residential districts. The school is planned for Thai, expatriate and internationally mobile families seeking a rigorous British education in Phuket, with boarding provision for students from across Thailand and the wider region.

The agreement was formalised at Courtyard by Marriott Phuket, Patong Beach Resort, with Mr Daniel Lewis, Managing Director of NLCS International, and Mr Naruj Chirayus, Managing Director of VLC Group and NLCS Phuket, signing on behalf of the two organisations.

“For many families, Phuket already offers an exceptional quality of life, but there has been a clear gap in the market for a highly academic school with a direct connection to one of the UK’s leading educational institutions,” said Mr Naruj Chirayus, Managing Director of VLC Group. “As a Phuket-based family business, we see education as a natural part of the island’s next stage of growth. Our aim is to help make Phuket a more complete place to live, learn and build community.

NLCS International works with partners around the world to develop schools that reflect the founding school’s educational philosophy: academic ambition, pastoral care that is tailored to the individual, and a vibrant co-curricular life. Its family of schools includes NLCS Jeju, NLCS Dubai, NLCS (Singapore), NLCS Kobe and NLCS Hong Kong (opening 2027).

“NLCS Phuket represents an important new chapter for our international family of schools,” said Mr Daniel Lewis, Managing Director of NLCS International. “Our aim is to deliver an education that develops scholarship, in a joyful and exciting environment, that celebrates every individual for who they are, and that is rooted in a genuine love of learning. This is not simply a well-known name above the door. The strength of NLCS lies in the authentic connection between our schools, the quality and depth of our academic support, and our shared belief that happy, confident students are best placed to achieve exceptional outcomes.”

Boarding will be a central part of the NLCS Phuket offer, giving families access to an NLCS education without having to send their children abroad. It also strengthens Phuket’s appeal as a regional education base, allowing students to remain closer to family, home markets and Asia’s major travel hubs.

The school is expected to open with capacity for around 1,000 students, with scope to grow to approximately 1,500 over time. Planned facilities include boarding provision, dedicated junior and senior school spaces, science and technology facilities, a 50-metre swimming pool, sports hall, covered tennis courts and football pitches.

The announcement comes as Thailand’s international education sector continues to expand beyond Bangkok. Kasikorn Research Centre expects Thailand’s international school business to grow by 9.7% in 2025, while international student numbers are projected to increase by 8.3%. The research also notes that international schools are likely to expand further beyond the capital, with Phuket named among the key provincial markets.

For Phuket, the arrival of a leading day and boarding school adds another layer to the island’s family infrastructure. International schools help attract long-stay residents, skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and investors, while supporting demand across housing, hospitality, retail, transport, local services and employment.

Mr Chirayus continued: “Top schools create communities around them. We have seen this in places such as Dubai and Jeju, where education has played an important role in shaping internationally minded residential destinations. With NLCS Phuket, we want to support the development of Phuket as an educational centre of excellence for the region.”

NLCS Phuket will maintain close links with the wider NLCS family of schools, with support from NLCS International in school design, curriculum development, recruitment, teacher training, academic planning and quality assurance.

Further details on admissions, opening timelines and campus development will be announced in due course. For any enquiries, please direct your email to: enquiries@nlcs-phuket.com

For more information, please visit http://www.nlcs-phuket.com
For more images, click HERE

Hashtag: #NLCSPhuket

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.