PolyU PReCIT hosts inaugural forum of the Global Thought Leaders Forum Series, examining transformation of global political and economic landscape

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to advancing the frontiers of knowledge and innovative scientific research, with its Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) striving to contribute to the advancement of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world through interdisciplinary policy research. PReCIT has organised the new Global Thought Leaders Forum Series and hosted the inaugural forum today in collaboration with the PolyU Mainland Development Office (MDO) and Student Affairs Office. Featuring a keynote speech on the ongoing transformation of the global political and economic landscape by Prof. ZHANG Weiwei, Director of the China Institute at Fudan University, the Forum attracted over 500 PolyU students, staff and members of the public.

The Forum was held at the Chiang Chen Studio Theatre and was broadcast live across other venues on the PolyU campus. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President and Director of PReCIT, and Prof. LU Haitian, Director of MDO and Core Member of PReCIT, delivered speeches, while Dr Laura LO, Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement), Prof. Horace MUI, Interim Dean of Students and Core Member of PReCIT, and other distinguished guests attended the event.

In his welcoming speech, Prof. Christopher Chao said, “In today’s complex and ever-changing global landscape, technology and innovation are not only engines of development but also influence international relations, models of governance and even the development of modern civilisation. With the PReCIT Global Thought Leaders Forum series, we envision creating a platform that gathers influential thought leaders worldwide and promotes informed dialogue on cutting-edge technology and policies.”

Themed “A Century of Transformation, Choices of Great Powers,” the inaugural forum explored the strategic choices of the three major powers - China, the United States and Russia - in this historical tide, as well as the profound implications of their choices for the evolution of the entire national order. Prof. Zhang Weiwei emphasised that the world is experiencing unprecedented changes, with the rise of the East and the decline of the West becoming an irreversible historical trend. This transformation is reflected not only in the restructuring of the international political and economic landscape, but also in technological revolutions, competition between systems and transformations in forms of civilisation.

Prof. Lu Haitian stated, “PReCIT will continue to invite global thought leaders to serve as distinguished speakers for the Series, focusing on key issues such as technology ethics, innovative governance and sustainable development, aiming to stimulate diverse perspectives, explore solutions, and collaborate in constructing an inclusive and developing a future global blueprint.”

Bringing together top scholars, policymakers, industry leaders and innovation pioneers from around the world, the PReCIT Global Thought Leaders Forum Series casts a spotlight on the policy challenges, governance frameworks and future development strategies faced worldwide in the face of technological change. Facilitating interdisciplinary dialogue and knowledge sharing, the Forum Series will serve as a bridge to connect international intellectual resources and promote the deep integration of technology and the humanities, driving sustainable development and social welfare improvements.

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