Happenings

Our Highlight
Organization
2024-25 SLGP Scholars Nominated Meta & CCSG Scholarships

We are proud to announce that five outstanding Master of Social Sciences in Sustainability Leadership and Governance (SLG) students are graduating with the Facebook Scholarship in Public Policy and Sustainability Leadership and the Centre for Civil Society and Governance Scholarship (CCSG Scholarship) in recognition of their exceptional academic achievement. The 2024-25 scholarship nominees are: For […]

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Event
Business Leadership for Sustainable Futures Discussion Forum

The discussion forum was successfully held on 30th August 2025 at The University of Hong Kong, bringing together over 120 young talents from AmCham’s Future Leaders Program, as well as students and graduates from HKU’s MSocSc Sustainability Leadership and Governance programme to learn from sustainability experts and business professionals the driving factors as well as […]

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Event
MSocSc in Sustainability Leadership & Governance​ Programme Orientation 2025-26​

On 30 August 2025, the Centre for Civil Society and Governance hosted an engaging orientation at Bijas— a vegetarian restaurant on campus that adheres to inclusive employment and food waste reduction—to welcome the 2025-26 cohort of the MSocSc in Sustainability Leadership & Governance (SLG) programme. This event served as a valuable opportunity for incoming students […]

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Event
Festivals of Identity and Community: Intangible Cultural Heritage as a Sense of Belonging

As one of the founding members of the Asia-Pacific Higher Education Network for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (APHEN-ICH), we are pleased to have attended the network’s International Field School hosted by the Mongolian National University of Arts and Culture (MNUAC) in partnership with ICHCAP and the APHEN-ICH Secretariat between 21-26 August 2025. Mongolian Nomadic Culture […]

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Organization
New Co-Directors for the Master of Social Sciences in Sustainability Leadership and Governance!

New Co-Directors for the Master of Social Sciences in Sustainability Leadership and Governance! We are thrilled to announce Dr Winnie Law and Dr Vivian Chu as the new Co-Directors of our Master of Social Sciences in Sustainability Leadership and Governance. Dr Winnie Law is the Deputy Director and Principal Lecturer at the Centre. Her expertise […]

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Research
The 20th Biennial Conference of the International Association for the Study of the Commons (IASC)

Professor Wai Fung Lam, Dr. Jessica Williams and Dr. Vivian Chu attended the 20th Biennial Conference of the International Association for the Study of the Commons (IASC) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (June 15–21, 2025). Relating to the Centre’s Forest Village project, Jessica presented on “Participatory Approaches to Ecosystem Service Assessment: Integrating Community Assessment […]

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Event
The Jockey Club Collaborative Project for Inclusive Employment Launching Ceremony cum Market Fair 2025

The Jockey Club Collaborative Project for Inclusive Employment Launching Ceremony cum Market Fair 2025 will be composed of Project Launching Ceremony, Market Booth Fair, Interactive Workshops, Thematic Exhibition, Inclusive Performance and Sharing Sessions. It aims to serve as an essential platform, for members from all walks of life to discover and learn about the potential and […]

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Event
Diversity and Inclusion Arts Festival and Diverse Abilities · Inclusive Workplace Recognition Scheme

The Centre for Civil Society and Governance is invited to attend the Opening ceremony of Diversity and Inclusion Arts Festival and Diverse Abilities · Inclusive Workplace Recognition Scheme co-organised by Labour and Welfare Bureau and Arts With the Disabled Association Hong Kong. Under the Jockey Club Collaborative Project for Inclusive Employment, we are pleased to […]

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Organization

2024-25 SLGP Scholars Nominated Meta & CCSG Scholarships

We are proud to announce that five outstanding Master of Social Sciences in Sustainability Leadership and Governance (SLG) students are graduating with the Facebook Scholarship in Public Policy and Sustainability Leadership and the Centre for Civil Society and Governance Scholarship (CCSG Scholarship) in recognition of their exceptional academic achievement. The 2024-25 scholarship nominees are: For Facebook Scholarship in Public Policy and Sustainability Leadership (Meta Scholarship): Lee Hoi Yan Jamie For The Centre for Civil Society and Governance Scholarship (CCSG Scholarship): LAI Pui Sze, Emily LI Yuen Ting Christine SENEVIRATHNE Heeleliyana Arachchige Udara TSE Kar Man Hiliary Both the Meta Scholarship and the CCSG Scholarship are awards that recognise students with exceptional results in the SLG Programme. These scholarships aim to nurture future leaders in sustainability, governance, and public policy. We congratulate all nominees on their remarkable accomplishments and wish them continued success in their academic and professional journeys. Our Centre will continue to support and nurture future leaders, empowering students to drive positive change in building a sustainable society for all. For more details about our scholarships and upcoming opportunities, please visit https://ccsg.hku.hk/slgp/.

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Event

Business Leadership for Sustainable Futures Discussion Forum

The discussion forum was successfully held on 30th August 2025 at The University of Hong Kong, bringing together over 120 young talents from AmCham’s Future Leaders Program, as well as students and graduates from HKU’s MSocSc Sustainability Leadership and Governance programme to learn from sustainability experts and business professionals the driving factors as well as challenges in attaining meaningful and lasting sustainability change. The event began with welcoming remarks from Dr. Winnie Law, Deputy Director of the Centre for Civil Society and Governance, The University of Hong Kong, and Ms. Queenie Tsui, Director of Corporate Affairs, American Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong. Expert Sharing session Ms. Ellie Tang (Director, Sustainable Investing, Fidelity International), Mr. Carrel Kam (Director, Yung Kee Restaurant Group Ltd), and Ms. Melanie Kwok (Deputy General Manager, Sustainability & Innovation, Sino Group) showcased inspiring examples of corporate sustainability in diverse areas, including investment, retail, and property development. Their presentations highlighted unique approaches and best practices from their respective industries, sparking lively discussion and engagement among attendees. Key takeaways from the speakers: Investors are well-positioned to play strategic roles in shaping a more sustainable economy and society The potential for SMEs to turn constraints into possibilities through taking action in phases, developing partnerships and integrating different aspects of sustainability (from health and safety, culture and heritage to environmental impact) The importance of partnerships and interdisciplinary problem-solving for sustainability across companies and functional roles Panel discussion and Q&A The panel discussion and Q&A session saw enthusiastic participation, reflecting the audience’s strong interest and engagement in the topics of sustainability and business leadership. The speakers exchanged diverse perspectives and shared personal experiences on advancing sustainability within their respective fields. The event concluded with a motivating speech by Dr. Vivian Chu, Co-Director of the MSocSc Sustainability Leadership and Governance Programme & Lecturer at the Centre for Civil Society and Governance, The University of Hong Kong, giving thanks to our generous speakers for enlightening us with their valuable insights. Looking forward to future collaborations with AmCham and another fruitful academic year for SLGP!

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Event

MSocSc in Sustainability Leadership & Governance​ Programme Orientation 2025-26​

On 30 August 2025, the Centre for Civil Society and Governance hosted an engaging orientation at Bijas— a vegetarian restaurant on campus that adheres to inclusive employment and food waste reduction—to welcome the 2025-26 cohort of the MSocSc in Sustainability Leadership & Governance (SLG) programme. This event served as a valuable opportunity for incoming students to connect with their classmates and teachers, and gain essential information to prepare for their academic journey. The orientation began with a comprehensive introduction to the SLG programme, delivered by Dr. Vivian Chu and Dr. Winnie Law, Co-Directors of the MSocSc in Sustainability Leadership & Governance Programme. Dr. Chu emphasized the programme’s unique and dynamic curriculum, which is regularly updated to reflect the latest trends in sustainability leadership and governance. Ms. Kristy Peck from the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP) offered students a description of the resources and opportunities available through the network and the value of signing up as student members. This was followed by Mr. Cliff Cheng, Executive Director of the International Association for Sustainable Economy (IASE), introduced the IASE and the International Sustainable Business (ISB®) Qualification Program. Mr. Cheng explained how the collaboration between the University and IASE enables students to obtain ISB I – Advisor Level certificate by completing SLGP, further enhancing their professional prospects in sustainability. Adjunct Professors and lecturers of the programme—including Professor Agnes K Y Tai, Professor Jeanne Ng, and Dr. Jessica Williams— had engaging conversations with students and invited students to reach out to them with questions on their courses. The event concluded by inviting interested students to take the initiative in forming a more systematic SLGP alumni group, with the vision of establishing a formal SLGP alumni association in the future. Overall, we hope to foster stronger connections among current students and alumni, encouraging ongoing engagement, knowledge sharing, and mutual support within the SLGP community. For those of you who missed the orientation, you may find the orientation materials in this Moodle post: https://moodle.hku.hk/course/section.php?id=1526536. For more details about our MSocSc Sustainability Leadership and Governance programme (SLGP), please visit https://ccsg.hku.hk/slgp/.      

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Event

Festivals of Identity and Community: Intangible Cultural Heritage as a Sense of Belonging

As one of the founding members of the Asia-Pacific Higher Education Network for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (APHEN-ICH), we are pleased to have attended the network’s International Field School hosted by the Mongolian National University of Arts and Culture (MNUAC) in partnership with ICHCAP and the APHEN-ICH Secretariat between 21-26 August 2025. Mongolian Nomadic Culture and its Management The Mongolian nomadic culture is deeply rooted in an intimate relationship with nature—traditionally, worshippers of Heaven, Sky and Earth, their beliefs are rooted in interdependence, as well as deep respect and protection for the land.  Their beliefs form an essential part of Mongolia’s intangible cultural heritage, including traditional practices and art form, such as songs, rituals and festivals. As part of the decentralised regional development policy of Mongolia, the Mongolia National Centre for Cultural Heritage identifies and leverages unique characteristics of each region to support and coordinate diversified development, cooperation and specialisation.  This allows a sense of uniqueness among different regions while pursuing a holistic regional vision. Reflecting on Hong Kong’s Rural Revitalisation️ Dr. Jessica Williams and Dr. Vivian Chu presented their work on “Rural Revitalisation: Collaborative Governance for Harnessing Cultural Heritage”.  CCSG advocates for a more holistic village cluster approach in rural revitalisation.  Having started our revitalisation efforts in Lai Chi Wo, we extended them to Mui Tsz Lam and Kop Tong, where our projects focus on identifying and building on natural and cultural assets of each village.  The effect is that the facilities, activities and resources offered by the villages can complement one another and collectively more value is generated for society.  This sparked lively discussion amongst the participants regarding policies and strategies to build more supportive environments for ICH transmission.

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Organization

New Co-Directors for the Master of Social Sciences in Sustainability Leadership and Governance!

06:30 - 20:30

New Co-Directors for the Master of Social Sciences in Sustainability Leadership and Governance! We are thrilled to announce Dr Winnie Law and Dr Vivian Chu as the new Co-Directors of our Master of Social Sciences in Sustainability Leadership and Governance. Dr Winnie Law is the Deputy Director and Principal Lecturer at the Centre. Her expertise lies in community and stakeholder engagement, social impact assessment, sustainable urban regeneration and rural revitalisation. Dr Law contributes significantly to local and regional sustainability issues and integrating sustainability theories into practice through policy research and action projects. Dr Law has more than 20 years of teaching experience at territory education and served on various Hong Kong SAR Government advisory boards, as well as European Union and United Nations city planning and environmental management programmes. Dr Vivian Chu is a Lecturer at the Centre and has served as the Programme’s Deputy Director, with research interests in environmental policy, collaborative governance and sustainability. Dr Chu leads efforts in academic research on building sustainable communities, sustainable behaviour and policy tools, as well as sustainability assessment. Dr. Chu teaches a number of undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered by the Centre on environmental policy and governance. Together, Dr Law and Dr Chu will spearhead the Programme, leading continuous enhancement of academic rigour under the fast-changing era of sustainability. They will work closely with the prestigious teaching team to uphold the best academic quality for students. The Centre wish to confer their gratitude to Dr Margaret Burnett for her co-ordination work during her tenure as Programme Director. The teaching team looks forward to continuing working with Dr. Burnett in the Capstone and other courses. Please join us in congratulating them on their new roles! About the Programme : Launched in 2003, our Master of Social Sciences in Sustainability Leadership and Governance equips future leaders with skills to tackle pressing sustainability challenges through innovative solutions. The Programme combines interdisciplinary coursework, hands-on projects, and industry partnerships to prepare graduates for impactful careers in sustainability.

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Research

The 20th Biennial Conference of the International Association for the Study of the Commons (IASC)

Professor Wai Fung Lam, Dr. Jessica Williams and Dr. Vivian Chu attended the 20th Biennial Conference of the International Association for the Study of the Commons (IASC) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (June 15–21, 2025). Relating to the Centre’s Forest Village project, Jessica presented on "Participatory Approaches to Ecosystem Service Assessment: Integrating Community Assessment and Values in Revitalising peri-urban Systems" as part of the panel on "Decision-Making in Social-Ecological Systems and Commons Dilemmas" which was also moderated by Dr. Williams. Here, initial research findings were shared to highlight how such participatory approaches can identify diverse stakeholder needs in complex social-ecological systems, provide insights into management approaches and manage trade-offs. Vivian’s presentation was based on experiences accumulated from a number of the Centre’s project. Her presentation ‘University-NGO collaborations for the co-creation and scaling of social innovations’ was part of the panel titled ‘Co-creating Social Value and Innovation’ where we aim to contribute to the literature through a typology of universities-NGO partnerships in relation to the level of complementarity and the outcomes achieved. Part of the outcomes we highlighted in the presentation is the effect of scaling social innovations. Special thanks to Brenda Bushouse for organizing and moderating this insightful discussion. Vibrant exchanges with fellow panellists and participants—including Lu Yu, Tamara Keshecki, Isabel Guerrero, Raul Lejano, (among many others) - have contributed to enriching our conference experience. The first day of the conference was concluded with an incredible performance by The Expandable Brass Band bringing their joyful music and spreading their charm to help everyone to feel refreshed for the week of intellectual exchanges. Many thanks to colleagues at the University of Massachusetts, the IASC 2025 organisers, for arranging the insightful excursions with Cherry Hill Cohousing and Sirius Ecovillage. Cherry Hill Cohousing has 32 houses and a common house (community building), a wood workshop, an office building, and gardens that are shared and completely managed by community members. We had the opportunity to learn how a group of ~80 people self-organises their community life, how decisions are made and the ways in which management tasks are shared. Our host Jerry explained the difference between decisions made through consensus versus a consent-based system and the latter is the mode that they find works best for their decentralized governance system. Sirius Ecovillage operates as both a non-profit educational center and spiritual community that embodies sustainable living. Members of the community share the responsibilities of managing the grounds which contain organic gardens, greenhouses, and other facilities. It was inspiring to find out how members of this intentional community support each other’s wellbeing and personal growth in pursuits of sustainability and mindfulness. We are grateful to our knowledgeable hosts Jerry Koch-Gonzalez (Cherry Hill) and Marianne Connor, Education Program Manager (Sirius) from whom we have learnt a great deal.

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Event

The Jockey Club Collaborative Project for Inclusive Employment Launching Ceremony cum Market Fair 2025

The Jockey Club Collaborative Project for Inclusive Employment Launching Ceremony cum Market Fair 2025 will be composed of Project Launching Ceremony, Market Booth Fair, Interactive Workshops, Thematic Exhibition, Inclusive Performance and Sharing Sessions. It aims to serve as an essential platform, for members from all walks of life to discover and learn about the potential and values of PWD in different aspects, to exchange knowledge and lessons, as well as to facilitate dialogues, collaborations and partnerships in order to create more opportunities for PWD, foster the development of inclusive employment and make Hong Kong a more inclusive and sustainable society. Date and Time: 2 May 2025 (Friday)        1p.m. – 7p.m. 3 May 2025 (Saturday)  11a.m. – 7p.m. 4 May 2025 (Sunday)     11a.m. – 7p.m. Venue: Atrium, L1, D PARK, Tsuen Wan Fee:  Free Click HERE to register

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Event

Diversity and Inclusion Arts Festival and Diverse Abilities · Inclusive Workplace Recognition Scheme

The Centre for Civil Society and Governance is invited to attend the Opening ceremony of Diversity and Inclusion Arts Festival and Diverse Abilities · Inclusive Workplace Recognition Scheme co-organised by Labour and Welfare Bureau and Arts With the Disabled Association Hong Kong. Under the Jockey Club Collaborative Project for Inclusive Employment, we are pleased to be involved in formulating the assessment criteria of Diverse Abilities · Inclusive Workplace Recognition Scheme and "Caring Employer" medal as announced in the Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address. With aims to commending employers who actively engage and support PWDs and foster inclusive workplaces, The medal will feature different categories, covering large corporations, small and medium enterprises, and social enterprises/public organisations, etc.

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Admission

Career Talk cum admission Briefing for Master of Social Sciences in Sustainability Leadership and Governance

18:30 - 20:30

There is growing recognition that sustainability is necessary in everything we do, and more examples of various functional roles integrating accountability into organizational systems are becoming evident. The SLG Programme offers you multiple ways to integrate sustainability into your career path empowering you to make a difference on bigger, critical issues our communities face. Join us for a discussion with our alumni who will share their experience with integrating the values of sustainability into what they do, and how they see themselves contributing to societal well-being. Date: 28 February 2025 (Friday) Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm Registration link: https://hkuems1.hku.hk/hkuems/ec_hdetail.aspx?guest=Y... (Zoom link will be sent 1 day prior to the event)

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