- 22 - 26 June 2026
The inaugural Hong Kong edition of the International Public Policy Association (IPPA) International Summer School on Public Policy officially commenced today at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK). This highly selective program received 140 applications globally, accepting 92 elite participants. The on-site cohort features 43 emerging scholars who ultimately traveled to Hong Kong reflect remarkable international diversity. Representing 42 world-renowned institutions across 18 countries and 16 nationalities, the cohort spans five continents: Asia (67.4%), Europe (18.6%), North America (7%), South America (4.7%), and Africa (2.3%). Their home institutions include leading global universities such as the National University of Singapore (NUS), University of Hong Kong (HKU), University College London (UCL), Humboldt University of Berlin, Jagiellonian University, Beihang University and University of Warsaw —underscoring the program's broad international reach and academic distinction.
In his opening remarks, Professor Philippe Zittoun, General Secretary of the IPPA, emphasized the Summer School's mission to propel the internationalization of public policy research. "This Summer School marked our inaugural launch in Hong Kong and serves as a crucial five-day intensive program designed for PhD students and early-career researchers to build international networks, engage with globally renowned scholars, and receive rigorous feedback to elevate their research papers," Professor Zittoun stated. 'It is our great honor to invite Professor Aza Singh Bali from the University of Melbourne, Professor Laura Chaqués Bonafont from the University of Barcelona and IBEI, Professor Mok Ka Ho, and Dr. Eva Hung to deliver lectures at the Summer School.'
Welcoming delegates to the campus, Professor Joshua Mok Ka-ho, Provost and Vice-President (Academic and Research) and Dean of the Graduate School at HSUHK, highlighted the university's strong initiative in partnering with the IPPA to bring this prestigious event to Hong Kong for the first time. Professor Mok underscored HSUHK's unique educational model, which blends liberal arts and professional education to foster whole-person development.
"At HSUHK, we strongly believe in research with impact, and impact with care," Professor Mok remarked. "We look forward to co-creating this platform with the IPPA to enable scholars and future academic leaders to collaborate on meaningful, evidence-based, and ethically grounded solutions for global human society. In a divided world, our core goals remain anchored in two C's: Connectivity and Collaboration." Professor Mok also highlighted Hong Kong's strategic momentum as an international higher education hub, noting government talent initiatives such as the Top Talent Pass Scheme and investments in global student engagement.
Dr Hung Po-wah, representing HSUHK's Center for Public Policy Research (CPPR), introduced the Center's role as a cross-disciplinary platform driving impactful local and regional policy studies, such as youth micro-entrepreneurship and public governance challenges. He invited the international cohort to leverage the CPPR network for future academic exchanges and collaborative research projects.
The 5-day high-intensity program features morning lectures led by internationally renowned scholars and afternoon paper presentation workshops, providing a deeply immersive and holistic learning experience.
