The quest for world class status and university responses in Asia's world cities : an introduction by the guest editors

This introduction sets out the context and major issues for this special issue with a focus on critical reflections upon how academics and administrators are increasingly affected by the changing social, economic and political environments. With particular reference to global cities or world cities, this article examines how major Asian societies have responded to the growing challenges of globalisation to enhance their higher education systems. More specifically, this introduction critically reflects upon how globalisation has fostered student mobility and raised expectations for university performance in this regional context.