HKU School of Governance and Policy (SGP) featured Professor James Robinson, renowned economist and political scientist, as a speaker in the Global Leaders Series during the Inaugural Week on 28 April 2026 at the Rayson Huang Theatre, The University of Hong Kong. His lecture, titled The Future of Nations: How Economic and Political Institutions Contribute to Growth and Progress, aims to examine key issues shaping economic development and governance. The session was moderated by Professor Kenneth Wong, Director and Kerry Group Professor in Public Policy,  School of Governance and Policy, with commentary by Professor Xiaodong Zhu, Chair of Economics, HKU Business School.
Professor Robinson explored the historical foundations of economic growth, emphasising the role of political and institutional structures in shaping long-term development. Drawing on examples from different civilisations, he highlighted how institutional change can both enable progress and contribute to decline. He also discussed the importance of inclusive systems in sustaining innovation and improving living standards over time.
The lecture was followed by a Q&A session, where participants addressed questions to Professor Robinson on issues including institutional reform, comparative development approaches, and the outlook for global economic growth. The discussion facilitated meaningful dialogue and encouraged deeper reflection on contemporary governance issues.
Abstract
For millennia human welfare was unchanged. Societies rose, but then fell. Life expectancy hardly altered. Life was nasty, brutish and short. But beginning around 300 years ago a new trend emerged which has spread to most corners of the world and radically transformed human society. Why did it happen? How can it be sustained? Does the fact that our rise has been much bigger than in the past only mean that the fall will be steeper? Have we understood the way to make sure that this time it is different?
About Global Leaders Series
The Global Leaders Series is the flagship initiative of HKU School of Governance and Policy, dedicated to bringing eminent global leaders, policymakers, and thinkers to the University of Hong Kong for public dialogue, student engagement, and policy exchange. By hosting former heads of state, Nobel laureates, leaders of international organizations, and renowned experts from across the globe, the Series provides a dynamic platform for academics, policymakers, practitioners, and the wider community to address the most pressing societal challenges of our time.

HKU School of Governance and Policy (SGP) invited Dr. Yukio Hatoyama, former Prime Minister of Japan, to be one of the speakers of the Global Leaders Series during the Inaugural Week on 28 April 2026 at the Rayson Huang Theatre, The University of Hong Kong. His lecture, “The Future of Sino‑Japanese Relations Amid a Changing World Order”, brought together students, scholars and practitioners to engage with critical issues shaping global governance and regional dynamics. The session was moderated by Professor Kenneth Wong, Director and Kerry Group Professor in Public Policy, School of Governance and Policy, commentary by Professor Heiwai Tang, Associate Vice‑President (Global); Associate Dean of HKU Business School; Director of Asia Global Institute.
Dr. Hatoyama examined the evolving international order and the strategic importance of Sino‑Japanese relations. He highlighted the growing instability of the global system, indicating that we are currently facing great challenges since World War II. He emphasised that East Asia remains central to global stability and underscored the need for dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding to sustain regional peace.
The lecture concluded with an interactive Q&A session, during which participants posed questions to Dr. Hatoyama on topics such as regional security, economic interdependence, and the future of multilateral cooperation. The exchange reflected strong audience engagement and prompted considered discussion on policy challenges within an increasingly complex global environment.
Abstract
From the high-intensity wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East, to the abduction of the Venezuelan president, and the tariff wars that completely disregard free trade, we are currently witnessing intense upheaval that suggests the world order is on the verge of collapse. East Asia, too, cannot remain untouched by these shifts. It is my firm belief that the state of relations between Japan and China will significantly influence the speed and extent to which the cracks in the world order spread to East Asia. In this lecture, I will discuss the outlook for Japan-China relations from this perspective. By carefully managing Japan-China relations, we must safeguard peace and stability in East Asia and, by extension, halt the progression of the cracks in the world order.
About Global Leaders Series
The Global Leaders Series is the flagship initiative of HKU School of Governance and Policy, dedicated to bringing eminent global leaders, policymakers, and thinkers to the University of Hong Kong for public dialogue, student engagement, and policy exchange. By hosting former heads of state, Nobel laureates, leaders of international organizations, and renowned experts from across the globe, the Series provides a dynamic platform for academics, policymakers, practitioners, and the wider community to address the most pressing societal challenges of our time.

HKU School of Governance and Policy (SGP) hosted the Honourable Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, as a speaker in the Global Leaders Series during the Inaugural Week on 29 April 2026 at the Senate Room, The University of Hong Kong. His lecture, titled Transnational Scams and the Digital‑Age Death Penalty Debate, has explored the growing challenges posed by digital-era crime. The session was moderated by Professor Kenneth Wong, Director and Kerry Group Professor in Public Policy, School of Governance and Policy, with commentary by Professor Cheng Li, Professor, School of Governance and Policy; Founding Director, Centre on Contemporary China and the World.
Mr. Thepkanjana explored how technological advances have transformed traditional fraud into an increasingly complex transnational industry. He highlighted the scale and sophistication of contemporary scam networks, which operate across jurisdictions and exploit regulatory gaps, weak governance, and global financial systems. He noted that such crimes not only generate significant financial loss but also undermine institutional trust and cause long-term psychological harm to victims.
The lecture concluded with a Q&A session, in which participants engaged with Mr. Thepkanjana on matters such as cross-border enforcement, financial regulation, and the role of punitive measures. The exchange supported informed discussion and highlighted key considerations for strengthening international cooperation in addressing transnational crime.
Abstract
The rapid expansion of digital technology has enabled scam crime to evolve into a sophisticated transnational threat with profound economic, social, and governance implications. This lecture will examine the structural transformation of contemporary scam networks, focusing on their cross-border operations, increasing industrialization, adoption of emerging technologies, and ability to exploit regulatory and legal gaps across jurisdictions. It will also explore the need for comprehensive policy responses, including stronger international cooperation, enhanced financial intelligence and asset-tracing capabilities, greater regulatory accountability for digital platforms, and improved public digital literacy.
In light of recent cases in which certain offenders have received capital punishment, the speaker will draw on personal experience from his tenure in both the judiciary and political office to revisit the debate on the role of capital punishment. The lecture will consider broader issues of justice, deterrence, policy effectiveness, and the evolving landscape of international legal norms.
About Global Leaders Series
The Global Leaders Series is the flagship initiative of HKU School of Governance and Policy, dedicated to bringing eminent global leaders, policymakers, and thinkers to the University of Hong Kong for public dialogue, student engagement, and policy exchange. By hosting former heads of state, Nobel laureates, leaders of international organizations, and renowned experts from across the globe, the Series provides a dynamic platform for academics, policymakers, practitioners, and the wider community to address the most pressing societal challenges of our time.