HKU School of Governance and Policy Concludes Landmark Inaugural Week, Shaping -Governance and Next Generation Leadership Inspired by Human Progress and Innovative Ideas
The School of Governance and Policy (SGP) at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) concluded its three-day Inaugural Week on 29 April, marking the launch of a premier intellectual hub dedicated to navigating the most complex regional and international governance challenges of our time. The landmark event convened world-renowned scholars including a 2024 Nobel Laureate, former heads of state, and industry pioneers, drawing over 900 attendees to the HKU campus.
Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, stated, "At a juncture where rapid technological leaps are reshaping our world, the establishment of the School of Governance and Policy reaffirms the essential role of the humanities in the future. Governance is not a mechanical process; it is a weight of responsibility that demands historical depth, ethical clarity, and a profound understanding of the mankind. By uniting academic insight with real-world action, we are shaping a new legacy of leadership that ensures our collective advancements always serve the true progress and fundamental well-being of the global community."
Professor Kenneth Wong, Director of the School of Governance and Policy and Kerry Group Professor in Public Policy, unveiled the School's strategic trajectory during the inaugural ceremony. Positioned at the vital intersection of the public, private, and non-profit sectors, the School's vision is guided by an International Advisory Board of elite leaders, including Nobel Laureates James J. Heckman and James Robinson, and former heads of state Dr Yukio Hatoyama and Mr Phongthep Thepkanjana. This collective expertise drives SGP's five core research pillars—spanning global governance, urban policy, and leadership—which serve as the foundation for its academic programs. These include the interdisciplinary Master of Governance and Policy (launching September 2026), an Executive Leadership Hub, and specialised policy institutes designed for undergraduates.
"Our mission is to establish SGP as Asia's leading hub for global governance and policy leadership," said Professor Wong. "By leveraging our unique cross-disciplinary edge, we provide a platform for evidence-based policy innovation in a multipolar world, fostering collaborative solutions that unite nations and communities."
The intellectual depth of the School was highlighted by the keynote address of Professor James Robinson, 2024 Nobel Laureate in Economics. Professor Robinson observed that the SGP is uniquely positioned to demonstrate how the East Asian development experience has redefined -conventional social science intuitions. He noted that recognising cultural nuances is not only essential for effective public policy but represents one of the most exciting frontiers in modern social research.
A centrepiece of the week was the launch of the Global Leaders Series, featuring an address by Dr Yukio Hatoyama, who was conferred an honorary professorship during the event. Discussing "The Future of Sino-Japanese Relations Amid a Cracking World Order," Dr Hatoyama emphasised that the stability of East Asia is a linchpin for international security. He urged for renewed diplomatic stewardship to halt global instability and foster regional cooperation.
The comprehensive inaugural programme also featured high-level panel discussions and lectures from esteemed academic leaders, including Professor Joseph Liow, Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS; Professor Lan Xue, Dean of Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University; and Professor Carole Roan Gresenz, Dean of the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University, alongside Mr Phongthep Thepkanjana, former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand.
As the Inaugural Week draws to a close, the School of Governance and Policy begins its mission to serve as a world-class intellectual powerhouse. By cultivating a new generation of leaders and scholars committed to excellence, SGP stands ready to contribute to the betterment of global governance and the enduring advancement of society.
