- 17-18 July 2026
Introduction
Over 200 scholars and policy researchers from 121 institutions worldwide gathered at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) for the 2026 East Asian Social Policy (EASP) Annual Conference on 17 and 18 July 2026 to explore pathways for social policy innovation in an era of intensifying crises. Convened under the theme "Social Policy in Asia in an Era of Multiple Disruptions", the Conference examined how demographic change, technological transformation and wider social challenges are reshaping policy thinking and practice across Asia.
At its heart, the Conference re-centred discussion on people, values and equity, encouraging scholars, practitioners and policymakers to consider the broader purpose of development in a rapidly changing world. Through keynote presentations, roundtable discussions, concurrent sessions and panel exchanges, participants shared research insights and practical perspectives on building more inclusive and resilient societies.
From left, Professor Kim Bo-yung, Mr Edward To, Dr the Honourable Ko Wing-man and Professor Joshua Mok officiate at the opening ceremony
Opening ceremony
The opening ceremony was officiated by Dr the Honourable Ko Wing-man, Chairman of the Social Welfare Advisory Committee of the HKSAR Government; Mr Edward To Wing-hang, Director of Social Welfare Department of the HKSAR Government; Professor Kim Bo-yung, Chairman of EASP; and Professor Joshua Mok, Provost and Vice-President (Academic and Research) of HSUHK. In his address,
Dr the Honourable Ko said the East Asian context offers valuable lessons for social policy innovation, as the region's traditions of family responsibility, community solidarity, respect for older persons and collective well-being provide a strong foundation for policy development.
He also noted that these traditions must be adapted to contemporary realities, particularly changing demographics and rising social expectations. He added that conferences of this kind are important because they bring together policymakers, practitioners and researchers for meaningful cross-disciplinary dialogue, with innovation emerging when evidence, practical insights and policy leadership come together.
Mr Edward To, the Director of Social Welfare, delivered a keynote speech for the conference to elaborate the targeted poverty alleviation strategy of the HKSAR Government in supporting and empowering those most in need in the society, thereby fostering a greater sense of achievement, belonging and satisfaction among grassroots families.
Roundtable discussion
A key highlight of the opening day was the Roundtable Forum, "Reimagining Care and Resilience: Policy Innovations for Ageing Societies in Hong Kong and East Asia". Moderated by Dr Chan Chi-kit, the discussion brought together Professor Joshua Mok, Professor Cecilia Chan Lai-wan, Emeritus Professor of the University of Hong Kong, Dr Fan Ning, Founder of Health in Action, and Dr Qian Jiwei, Senior Research Fellow at the National University of Singapore.
The speakers engaged in an in-depth discussion on institutional innovations, cross-border care models and resilience strategies for rapidly ageing societies. Their exchange highlighted the importance of collaboration across sectors and borders in responding to the growing challenges associated with ageing populations in Hong Kong and the wider East Asian region.
Dr Chan Chi-kit (right) moderates the first Roundtable Forum. Alongside speakers, from left, Professor Joshua Mok, Professor Cecilia Chan, Dr Fan Ning, Founder of Health in Action, and Dr Qian Jiwei, Senior Research Fellow at the National University of Singapore, engage in an in-depth discussion on institutional innovations, cross-border care models and resilience strategies for rapidly ageing societies
Keynote presentations
The Conference was further enriched by three keynote presentations from internationally renowned academics.
- Professor M Ramesh, Professor and UNESCO Chair on Social Policy Design in Asia at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, delivered a presentation titled "Beyond Universal Health Coverage in Ageing Asia: Reorganising Health Systems for Chronic and Long-term Care".
- Professor John Hudson, Dean of the School for Business and Society at the University of York, examined how social policy teaching and curricula have evolved across universities in the UK and East Asia.
- Professor Choi Young-jun, Professor in the Department of Public Policy and Management at Yonsei University, presented "Toward a Post-Scarcity Welfare State: AI, Redistribution, and the Politics of Serenity".
Concurrent sessions and panel discussion
The Conference featured a substantial academic programme, with 196 papers submitted and five panel proposals spanning 16 thematic streams. Together, these sessions reflected the diversity of contemporary social policy research and enabled scholars from different institutions and regions to exchange ideas on emerging challenges and policy responses.
The broad thematic coverage underscored the complexity of social policy issues in Asia today, including ageing, care, health systems, welfare development, education, migration, labour, inequality and the social implications of technological change. Through concurrent sessions and panel discussions, the Conference created a vibrant platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange and future collaboration.
Collaboration and impact
The 2026 EASP Annual Conference was co-hosted by the Graduate School of HSUHK and the East Asian Social Policy (EASP) Research Network, and co-organised by the Department of Applied Social Sciences of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the School of Transdisciplinary Studies and the Centre for Public Policy Research of HSUHK. This collaborative effort reflected a shared commitment to advancing impactful research and policy dialogue on some of the most pressing social issues facing Asia.
By bringing together a global community of scholars and practitioners, the Conference reinforced HSUHK's role as a platform for interdisciplinary exchange and international engagement. It also demonstrated the University's commitment to fostering research that speaks to real-world policy needs and contributes to the public good.
Media report
今日头条 – 恒生大学汇聚全球学者，探讨社会政策创新路向
https://www.toutiao.com/article/7664516323417915942/
一点资讯 – 恒生大学汇聚全球学者，探讨社会政策创新路向
https://www.yidianzixun.com/article/18ouPmv0
腾讯内容 – 恒生大学汇聚全球学者，探讨社会政策创新路向
https://page.om.qq.com/page/OxTBGqVaPkLbeIeteuYD8wMg0
搜狐 – 恒生大学汇聚全球学者，探讨社会政策创新路向
https://www.sohu.com/a/1052499739_120545382
中国网 – 恒生大学汇聚全球学者，探讨社会政策创新路向
http://gx.china.com.cn/2026-07/20/content_43464027.html