[29 Oct (Sat), Policy Dialogue Series 2022-23] The Still Unending Pandemic: Need for a policy breakthrough?

The Department of Asian and Policy Studies and the Academy of Hong Kong Studies of The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK), together with the Division of Public Policy of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), cordially invite you to attend the following Policy Dialogue Series featuring Professor Anthony Cheung, former Secretary and Transport and Housing (2012-17), and now Adjunct Research Chair Professor of Public Administration at EdUHK and Adjunct Professor at HKUST, and Professor Lui Tai-lok, Chair Professor of Hong Kong Studies at EdUHK.

Policy Dialogue Series 2022-23:
 The Still Unending Pandemic: Need for a policy breakthrough?

The COVID-19 pandemic has lasted much longer than most people expected when it first broke out in early 2020. The World Health Organization chief recently said that “We are not there yet, but the end is in sight.” (14 September 2022). While scepticism and uncertainty remain as to how soon that end will come, most countries are making their way back to normal; borders are reopened, and social restrictions lifted for the sake of economic revival. Hong Kong is caught in a conundrum where its Covid regime seems neither here nor there—not stringent enough for reopening to the mainland and too stringent for reconnecting to the world. A policy breakthrough is needed otherwise the city risks losing its vibrancy and international competitiveness. Hence the newly relaxed “0+3” requirement for inbound visitors is a much-welcomed step forward. But is it enough? Is an endgame in sight?

About the speakers and moderator

Professor Anthony Cheung （張炳良教授）is Adjunct Research Chair Professor of Public Administration at EdUHK, and an Adjunct Professor of HKUST. He was the former President of EdUHK before retitling (2008-12) and the former Secretary for Transport and Housing (2012-17).

Professor Lui Tai-lok （呂大樂教授）is Chair Professor of Hong Kong Studies, Director of the Academy of Hong Kong Studies, and Director of the Centre for Greater China Studies at EdUHK.

Professor Donald Low （劉浩典教授）is Senior Lecturer and Professor of Practice at the Institute of Public Policy of HKUST.

Professor Naubahar Sharif is Professor and Acting Head of the Division of Public Policy at HKUST.

About the Policy Dialogue Series

The two universities cooperate again to host The Policy Dialogue Series which began in 2018-19 and is now in its fifth annual series. Professor Anthony Cheung and Professor Lui Tai-lok will be joined by other speakers in the relevant fields to explore some critical issues and public policy challenges facing Hong Kong. The Policy Dialogue Series is interactive and encourages the participation of the EdUHK and HKUST communities as well as members of the public who are concerned about Hong Kong’s future.

In light of the implementation of public health measures mitigating the spread of the COVID-19 disease, the Policy Dialogue Series will adopt an online mode via Zoom.

All are welcome!

Department of Asian and Policy Studies,
The Education University of Hong Kong

Academy of Hong Kong Studies,
The Education University of Hong Kong

Division of Public Policy,
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology