An enduring collaboration between Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) and University of Hong Kong’s School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKU SPACE) has been recognised with a leading industry award.

The 50-year connection between the two institutions was named Scotland-Hong Kong Partnership of the Year at the 2026 China-Scotland Business Awards.

Now in their 13th year, the awards were presented by the China-Britain Business Council during a Chinese Burns Supper in Edinburgh on Thursday evening.

ENU’s successful entry was one of three finalists in its category, and one of five winners on the night.

Edinburgh Napier’s partnership with HKU-SPACE dates back to the early 1970s, thanks to relationships forged in Hong Kong by ENU’s first Principal, Dr Joseph Dunning.

Since then, around 8,000 of students have graduated, with 12 collaborative degree programmes on offer today in subject areas such as biological sciences, social sciences, mass communications, accounting and finance, and tourism and business.

In late 2023, representatives of the two universities met in Hong Kong for a celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of their work.

Naomi Graham, ENU’s Vice Principal for International and External Relations, said:

“Transnational education is central to Edinburgh Napier University’s internationalisation strategy, and this is one of the university’s strongest TNE partnerships.

“Our work with HKU-SPACE demonstrates long-term trust, academic excellence and sustained impact, and remains a cornerstone of ENU’s engagement with Hong Kong.”