News & Media

Research Postgraduate Program End-of-Semester Dinner Party

The research postgraduate programs in Public Policy successfully hosted the end-of-semester dinner gatherings on 19 December 2023. It was a night of connection and celebration for the faculty and the PPOL research postgraduate students.

SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST (SCMP)

Why Hong Kong’s demographic dilemma need not mean doom

Prof. Alex Jingwei He and Elisha M. Sonthra, in their recent op-ed on SCMP, commented on the Hong Kong government's well-intentioned but insufficient list of incentives for Hongkongers to have more children and suggested an incremental and innovative policy approach, such as a blend of tax allowances, means-tested credits for child-raising expenses, subsidized childcare, and family-friendly workplaces environment is required to make a tangible difference.

SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST (SCMP)

UAE seeks closer China ties through Africa, South Pacific investments as Middle East nation eyes ‘global player role’

Professor Naubahar Sharif shared his insight into China and UAE's expansion of cooperation through joint investment in the Pacific islands and Africa and anticipation of the increased use of yuan. He remarked that Chinese investors see their UAE bases as a "springboard" to build inroads in the countries and it is in line with the UAE's ability to be a more global player like Hong Kong, and more yuan traffic would play into the UAE's "global aspirations". 

Division of Public Policy Sets Up the Inaugural Best Teaching Assistant Award

Open for MPhil Positions for the 2024/25 Admission Intake for Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP)

The Division now invites applications to MPhil positions for the master's degree "Master of Philosophy in Public Policy" that is funded by the Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP) for 2024–25 admissions. The scholarship is HK$258,000 (~US$32,950) per year for 2 years. Apply now, before 31 January 2024.

Open for PhD Positions for the 2024/25 Admission Intake for The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)

The Division now invites applications to PhD positions for the doctoral degree Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy that is fully funded by The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) for 2024–25 admissions. The stipend is HK$331,200 (~US$42,290) per year for 4 years. Apply now before 1 December 2023.

SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST (SCMP)

Putin loosens lid on nuclear tests as Russia steps back from test ban treaty

In Prof. Julien de Troullioud de Lanversin's op-ed about Russia's recent decision to repeal its ratification of the nuclear test ban treaty, he pointed out that while it does not mean that Russia is getting ready to resume full-scale nuclear tests, this decision removes another safeguard on a fragile balance around an agreed halt to nuclear tests between major nuclear powers. It is hoped that the recent efforts between the US, China, and Russia to initiate exchange around this issue will reduce mistrust and prevent a dangerous and unnecessary resumption of full-scale nuclear tests.

SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST (SCMP)

3 traps Hong Kong must avoid in building an innovation-driven university town

Prof. Alex Jingwei He in his recent op-ed on SCMP shared his insights into the recently proposed Northern Metropolis university town, stating that it should not be designed for education only but be a powerful magnet to attract talent, resources, and opportunities. Emphasizing collaboration and synergy, he remarked that a global vision, rather than unhealthy competition among local universities, by partnering with the world's best universities and close alliances with big players in the global arena is required to boost innovation and enhance the I &T ecology.

SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST (SCMP)

CIIE: China, Afghanistan cultivate deeper ties with agriculture deals

Professor Naubahar Sharif shared his insight into China's recent trade expansion and agricultural cooperation deal with Afghanistan suffering from a slumped economy and a substantial post-war power vacuum after the withdrawal of US troops. Professor Sharif pointed out that "the boost in trade might eventually facilitate Chinese infrastructure projects such as pipelines for oil and natural gas, that Afghanistan could fit well into China's Belt and Road Initiative to build infrastructure abroad to smooth trade." 

China Global Television Network (CGTN)

Prof. Julien de Troullioud de Lanversin Shared His Views on TEPCO Transparency and IAEA Neutrality in Fukushima Wastewater Release

ARMS CONTROL TODAY

Reducing Tensions Over Nuclear Testing at Very Low Yield

Are we close to a resumption of nuclear weapon tests around the world? In this article in Arms Control Today, Prof. Julien de Troullioud de Lanversin explains how accusations made by the US that Russia and China might be violating their nuclear test moratorium with very low-yield tests are fueling calls for a renewed nuclear arms race. Prof. de Troullioud de Lanversin advocates for new transparency and verification measures that could help dispel suspicions around very low-yield tests and reduce risks of a resumption of full-scale nuclear tests.

SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST (SCMP)

Keen to improve China ties, Turkey predicts 2 million tourists by 2030

Professor Naubahar Sharif shared his insight in a recent South China Morning Post's interview on Turkey's effort to promote tourism and its public-private partnership, he remarked that "the appetite for outbound tourism might be dampened at this point, but in the long term it makes sense".

The World Economic Forum-Young Global Leaders Development Program

Professor Naubahar Sharif and Professor Donald Low Shared Policy Insights on the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders Development Program

Professor Naubahar Sharif and Professor Donald Low their insight and thoughts on issues concerning policy and regulatory framework arising out of the rapid evolution of AI technology in this year’s Young Global Leaders (YGL) Development Program of the World Economic Forum (WEF), hosted by HKUST, under the theme “Our AI-Driven Future: Prospects and Pitfalls”.

Sing Tao Daily

University Grants Committee’s Official Coverage of Prof. Alex Jingwei He’s Research Impact on Policy Making

Professor Alex Jingwei He's research impact case was featured in the official coverage of UGC's publicity series of 4-star (rated as internationally outstanding in RAE) impact cases in Sing Tao Daily, representing public policy and administration discipline.

FEATURED ARTICLE

Why soft technology matters for the clean energy transition

SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST (SCMP)

China’s moralising of public policy risks eroding gains in human welfare

Professor Donald How Tian Low conducted an in-depth analysis of the risks of eroding gains in human welfare generated by China's ideologizing and moralizing of public policy; he pointed out that its patronizing reaction to youth unemployment could be disastrous to youth in China. Extrapolating from zero-COVID policy, Professor Low identified three problems with moralizing public policy: 1. Lazy paternalism; 2, Impediment to timely policy change due to moralism; and 3, Utopian thinking and delusional optimism.

SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST (SCMP)

Fukushima waste water release: how mainland China and Hong Kong got it wrong

Professor Julien de Troullioud de Lanversin, expert on nuclear physics and policy, voiced that the recent seafood ban is based on unfounded fear of the treated waste water discharged from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant; what should be of real concern is the impact of the nuclear industry’s long-term use of the environment, the latter is neither expandable nor inert.

Achievements & Competitions

Professor James Wong Received the Common Core Teaching Excellence Award 2022

Featured Article

Hong Kong at the Frontstage of the Atomic Age

Achievements & Competitions

Professor Naubahar SHARIF Received the Common Core Teaching Excellence Award 2022- Honorary Mention

ThinkChina

Is the Greater Bay Area still China's answer to Silicon Valley?

"Greater centralized technological leadership is a double-edged sword...despite its benefits, may impede business development agility if the government misapplies its power. The key to overcoming these challenges lies in Beijing’s ability to fulfill its commitment to let the market "play a decisive role in resource allocation..."  in his recent article "Is the Greater Bay Area still China's answer to Silicon Valley?" for ThinkChina, Professor Naubahar Sharif carried out an in-depth analysis of the current innovation business situation and challenges faced by the Greater Bay Area.

SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST (SCMP)

How gambling hub Macau could cultivate stronger economic ties between China and Portuguese-speaking countries

Professor Naubahar Sharif commented on Macau's "Tourism Plus" development in a recent South China Morning Post interview on "How gambling hub Macau could cultivate stronger economic ties between China and Portuguese-speaking countries" under China's Belt and Road Initiative. He stated that Macau can benefit from its status as a free-trade port, its vast hotel complexes, and its unique culture as a former Portuguese colony to hold international conferences, exhibitions, sports, and entertainment events.

SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST (SCMP)

China’s Belt and Road Initiative to pursue 'small but beautiful' projects as strategy turns 10

Professor Naubahar Sharif shared his insights into China's pursuit of 'small but beautiful ' projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, pointing out that smaller projects would allow Hong Kong and Macau to play bigger roles in the Belt and Road, and private enterprises will be leading the way in particular.

Call for Applications : PhD in Public Policy for the 2023/24 Fall Intake

The Division is recruiting PhD students (4 Positions) for the 2023/24 Fall Intake with 4-year full scholarship fully funded and under his supervison. Deadline 15 Apr 2023

Achievements & Awards

Prof. Pengyu Zhu Awarded the Inaugural CLP Research Fellowship 2022/23

Achievements & Competitions

Professor Naubahar SHARIF Received the Inaugural Cornell-HKUST Global Strategic Collaboration Award

Call for Applications : PhD in Public Policy for the 2023/24 Fall Intake for Prof Alex Jingwei HE

Prof. Alex Jingwei HE is recruiting one PhD student for the 2023/24 Fall Intake with 4-year full scholarship fully funded and under his supervison.

SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST (SCMP)

China’s zero-Covid policy, botched reopening will puzzle historians for years to come

PPOL Senior Lecturer/ IEMS Director Prof. Donald Low commented on the Chinese government's policy to end its strict zero-Covid stance after three years and the implications of the reopening on China's economy.