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.
(Credit: The University of Hong Kong)
