Chapter 1

Internationalization without Soulware

Way Kuo

Way Kuo

Senior Fellow, Hong Kong Institute for Advanced Study President Emeritus, City University of Hong Kong

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First published: 01 September 2023

Summary

American higher education has been a role model for universities around the world. The essence of internationalization is realized by institutions of higher learning pursuing modernized programs and advanced research studies, adopting evidence-based teaching methods, and nurturing talented people to acquire an international perspective and innovative spirit. Several decades ago, internationalization became highly popular in US universities. Establishing overseas branch campuses can broaden the brand name of parent universities and increase the influence of their country of origin. In universities across the Strait, anonymous letters accusing committee of personal misconduct or mishandling committee matters are common. Only with soulware can university management spot the gaps in their institution and address issues through internationalization. Internationalization, not necessarily excluding the local culture, goes beyond investment in hardware and software, and building a first-class university goes beyond the recruitment of grandmasters, highly cited researchers or popular media speakers.

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