Graduate School and the Consortium of Social Change, Well-being, and Social Policy Studies are pleased to co-organize a Postgraduate Seminar titled "Reforming China's Social Welfare System: Addressing Disparities and Embracing Change." This seminar will take place on 7 November 2024 at The Create @ HSUHK, Floor 15, M+ Tower (HSUHK West Kowloon campus).

This session will be delivered by Dr. QIAN Jiwei, Senior Research Fellow at the East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore, and Secretary of the East Asian Social Policy Research Network (EASP). Dr. Qian's research is widely published in leading journals in the social policy field, including Journal of Aging & Social Policy, Journal of European Social Policy, Journal of Social Policy, Policy and Society, Policy Studies Journal, Social Policy & Administration, and Social Science & Medicine. His most recent book is The Political Economy of Making and Implementing Social Policy in China (Palgrave Macmillan, 2021).

In this seminar, Dr. Qian will examine the evolution of China's social welfare system, focusing on urban and rural reforms since the 1990s. The talk will trace major policy shifts that have broadened social programs and significantly increased government spending, all underpinned by a strengthened regulatory framework. Key themes include the decentralization of social welfare management, predominantly handled by local governments, and the fragmentation of the system, with challenges in interagency coordination. Dr. Qian will also highlight issues of financial sustainability and the limited capacity for policy implementation. Additionally, the discussion will address the insufficient protection for informal sector workers and the narrow reach of unemployment insurance. Finally, he will emphasize the need for stronger administrative and financial capacity to implement reforms, proposing a comprehensive regulatory framework as a path forward to enhance social welfare in China.

Don't miss this valuable opportunity to gain insights into the challenges and reforms of China's social policy.

Online Registration: HERE

Date: 7 November 2024 (Thursday)
Time: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Format: Hybrid

Venue: TC-08, The Create @ HSUHK, Floor 15, M+ Tower (HSUHK West Kowloon campus)

We look forward to your participation!

For enquiries, please contact us at gs@hsu.edu.hk