News
31
October 2025
HKU co-hosts GBA-ASEAN Conference on Trade, Finance & Sustainable Development
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) joined the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and the Institute for International Affairs Qianhai of the Chinese University of Hong Kong in co-hosting the GBA-ASEAN Conference on Trade, Finance & Sustainable Development across Hong Kong and Shenzhen on 31 October and 1 November.
The Hong Kong opening ceremony featured addresses by Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU; Mr Joseph Chan, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury; Mr Chavalit Frederick Tsao, Chairman of Tsao Pao Chee (TPC) Group; and Professor Jeffrey Sachs, University Professor of Columbia University and President of SDSN. Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, delivered an opening speech via video.
In his opening remarks, Professor Xiang Zhang highlighted Asia’s role in fostering connectivity amid global uncertainty, “We meet at a time of rising global uncertainty—yet here in Asia, we are building bridges. Through initiatives like RCEP [Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership] and the Belt and Road, China and ASEAN are shaping a new era of connectivity.” Professor Zhang positioned HKU as both participant and catalyst in this transformation, highlighting the University's unique position as East-West connector.
Mr Joseph Chan emphasised the importance of leveraging Hong Kong’s strengths to foster deeper regional ties, stating, “Let’s make this conference a catalyst for transformative collaboration between the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and ASEAN. By harnessing Hong Kong’s strength in financial services, and ASEAN’s growth momentum, we can forge resilient, sustainable pathways that benefit our economies, our people, and our planet.”
Dr Kao Kim Hourn deep-dived into the GBA’s strategic role as a global innovation and connectivity hub, noting, “The GBA has emerged as a dynamic hub of innovation, finance, and connectivity, with its deepening ties to ASEAN demonstrating how regional partnerships can drive sustainable growth and build resilience in our interconnected world.” Dr Kao further expressed his hope that the conference would mark the beginning of sustained cooperation.
Mr Chavalit Frederick Tsao pointed to sustainability and shared prosperity as unifying goals, stating that we face a common challenge in sustainability and a shared aspiration for well-being and happiness. Mr Tsao stressed that this reality calls for collaboration rather than competition.
Professor Jeffrey Sachs underscored the GBA’s global leadership, remarking, “The GBA cluster is rated number one in the whole world, in terms of innovation, scientific innovation, university leadership, patenting, advanced technology production—it is extraordinary, it’s a remarkable accomplishment, it’s also a remarkable responsibility for a world that needs these advances.”
The first-day programme in Hong Kong examined sustainable development through four thematic panels. The concluding session, "Human Capital as the Engine for Economic Growth, Sustainability, Peace, and Cross-National Collaboration," proved particularly significant. Moderated by Professor Kenneth Wong, Director of HKU's newly established School of Governance and Policy, the session was joined by Professor Richard Wong, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of HKU and other scholars in Hong Kong and across Asia. The discussion accentuated the role and importance of higher education institutions in forging stronger partnerships between the GBA and ASEAN countries. “In the future, Asia is likely the place of rapid economic growth. Universities in Hong Kong and ASEAN countries are positioned well to create shared prosperity and peace through more proactive collaboration,” said Professor Wong.
The second-day programme in Shenzhen focuses on technology and innovation’s role in regional cooperation. Panels will address AI governance, regional business integration, and sustaining global connectivity, featuring experts from the United Nations, BYD, Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organisation, and other leading institutions.
The conference showed SDSN's ongoing partnerships with HKU and other Asian institutions, while emphasising the need for global engagement with the region's development solutions. Such collaborations position HKU at the forefront of addressing both regional and global challenges through academic excellence and policy innovation.
Learn More
Event
15
May 2026

01
May 2026
Online Information Session for Master of Governance and Policy (MGP) – 2026/27 Intake
The online information session for Master of Governance and Policy (MGP) – 2026/27 intake will be held via Zoom on January 30 (Friday) at 19:00 – 20:00 (GMT+8). During the session, you will experience our teaching through a mini-lecture, “Russia vs China: Divergent Outcomes in Transition from Central Planning,” by Professor Wing Thye Woo. Professor Kenneth Wong, Director of the School, will provide an overview of the programme structure, curriculum focus, and admission details. REGISTER HERE and embark on a journey to explore how governance and policy shape real-world change. We look forward to welcoming you.
Learn More
29
April 2026

28
April 2026
The Future of Nations: How Economic and Political Institutions Contribute to Growth and Progress
Global Leader Series
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur
Learn More
28
April 2026
The Future of Sino-Japanese Relations Amid a Cracking World Order
Global Leader Series
Associate Vice-President (Global); Associate Dean and Victor and William Fung Professor in Economics, HKU Business School; Professor (by-courtesy), School of Governance and Policy; Director, Asia Global Institute; The University of Hong Kong
Learn More
In The Media
14
July 2025
Li Cheng and Andy Browne discuss what Trump gets wrong about China and where next for ties
CCCW Director Li Cheng, in an interview for the South China Morning Post alongside award-winning journalist Andrew Browne, discusses the consequential relationship between the world’s two largest economies and how ties might develop under the second Donald Trump administration amid growing trade frictions.
Learn More
24
June 2025
专访李成:当硅谷在美国仅一枝独秀,中国“科技城市群”正在改写创新版图
6月24日至26日,世界经济论坛第十六届新领军者年会在天津举行。本届论坛以“新时代企业家精神”为主题,围绕“解读全球经济”“中国展望”“剧变中的产业”“投资人类与地球”“新能源与材料”这五大方向展开深入探讨。
CCCW创始主任李成今日接受《新浪财经》专访,围绕中美关系、科技创新等展开深入交流。访谈实录可点击下方按钮查看。
Learn More
24
February 2025
Political theorist Daniel A. Bell reflects on China’s melding of Confucius and Marx
Daniel A. Bell, a Canadian political theorist specialising in Confucianism and China’s political meritocracy, is chair of political theory at the University of Hong Kong’s law faculty. He was the first foreigner to be appointed as dean of Shandong University’s school of political science and public administration, and also taught at Beijing’s Tsinghua University. In this interview, Bell shares his views on the links between the ruling Communist Party’s guiding philosophy and Confucianism, as well as the fight against corruption and his outlook for the future of Chinese politics.
Learn More
25
October 2024
Sinologist Li Cheng: ‘America is not in the mood to study China’
CCCW Director Li Cheng discusses the breakdown of US-Sino relations, what Xi Jinping’s fourth term might hold — and why neither Harris nor Trump makes him hopeful of change, in an exclusive interview with the Financial Times’ Edward White.
Learn More
02
October 2024
Bloomberg: Tim Walz’s Deep China Ties Could Spell Trouble for Democrats
On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host K. Oanh Ha talks to Bloomberg’s Daniel Ten Kate and Professor Li Cheng from the University of Hong Kong about what Walz’s track record on China could mean should the Democrats win the election – and whether Walz’s ties with the country would be an asset or liability.
Learn More

