University of Surrey launches Europe’s first Hong Kong Studies Hub

Europe’s first research hub dedicated to Hong Kong Studies will be launched at the University of Surrey on Thursday 25 May 2023. Surrey’s Hong Kong Studies Hub will look to shape policy debates and the wider question of the role of Hong Kong communities in International Relations.

Credit: Getty Images

The hub will also host the Hong Kong Studies Association Secretariat and a new Hong Kong Studies Library.

The hub’s upcoming launch will bring together a prestigious expert panel of academics and practitioners, led by Dr Malte Kaeding from the University of Surrey, to investigate the latest research and policy developments, followed by a keynote conversation on Hong Kong’s current role in international relations, and the work and impact of local Hong Kong communities.

The launch event is free to attend and will take place from 5pm to 8pm in the Wates House Green Room, on the University of Surrey’s Stag Hill campus, with an opportunity to network from 8pm onwards.

Dr Malte Kaeding, Senior Lecturer in International Politics at the University of Surrey, and the Director of the new Hub, said:

“The launch of the Hong Kong Studies Hub at the University of Surrey is a milestone for Hong Kong Studies in Europe.

“Surrey is a leading academic hub for Hong Kong Studies, having hosted two Hong Kong Studies Association conferences in 2021 and 2022. With over 15-years of my own research on Hong Kong politics, supported by a REF Impact Case, and my role as co-founder of the Hong Kong Studies Association, I believe Surrey is at the forefront of this field.

The Hub’s multidisciplinary perspective and its focus on methodological innovation, combined with a strong emphasis on engagement with the fast-growing Hong Konger community, positions the University at the cutting-edge of this important and exciting development.”

Professor Amelia Hadfield, Head of Department and Dean International at the University of Surrey, contributed her own views, saying:

“The Department of Politics is a perfect location in which to situate the new Hong Kong Studies Hub. We are proud of our track record on interdisciplinary approaches and providing cross-scholarly support, and the Hub will help us engage authentically in this highly relevant area.”

To register your interest, please visit the University’s events page.

###

Notes to editors

Formal schedule is as follows:

5pm - Arrival/Registration

5.15pm - Introductory remarks by Professor Annika Bautz, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean; Amelia Hadfield, Head of Department and Dean International, and Hub Director, Dr Malte Kaeding

5.30pm - Introduction of the Hub’s Associate Fellows, Dr Eric Lai and Dr Kim-Wah Chung, by Dr Malte Kaeding Dr Eric Lai and Dr Kim-Wah Chung by Dr Malte Kaeding

5.45pm – Panel: ‘Hong Kong Studies: Research and policy nexus’ with Professor Eva Pils (King’s College London), Dr Gemma O’Neil (Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office), and Dr Imogen Parsons (Cabinet Office)

7pm - Keynote: Professor Dibyesh Anand (University of Westminster) with Dr Sui-Ting Kong (University of Durham) on ‘Hong Kong in International Relations and the agency of local communities’

8pm – Reception and networking