News & Events

POD Research Institute, formerly known as Path of Democracy and founded by Non-official Member of the Executive Council and Senior Counsel Mr. Ronny Tong, held its 11th Anniversary Economic Forum and Fundraising Dinner this evening at the Regal Ballroom, Regal Hongkong Hotel in Causeway Bay. The Hon John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, attended as Guest of Honour. Dr Stephen Wong Yuen-shan, Head of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit, and Prof. Christine Loh, Chief Development Strategist of the Institute for the Environment at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, took part in a fireside chat. Government officials including the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Eric Chan, the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, and joined representatives from the political, business, academic and professional sectors to witness POD Research Institute entering a new stage of development.

Chief Executive John Lee stated that amidst today’s volatile international environment, he remains fully confident in Hong Kong. As a "super-connector" within the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong has achieved success across multiple fields, including international green shipping. The Chief Executive recognized the work of PODRI and expressed three expectations for the Governance and Heritage Research Institute: 1. Continuously study and align with the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan: Revolve around national development strategies, serve the overall interest of national development, and leverage its own research expertise in financial opening-up, technological innovation, and green transition. 2. Resolve livelihood difficulties: Continue to conduct practical research in areas such as housing, healthcare, and education to provide academic support for government policy formulation. 3. Tell the good stories of Hong Kong: Show the world the achievements of "One Country, Two Systems" and enhance Hong Kong’s global influence.

This year’s dinner focused on Hong Kong’s positioning and future development under the new international economic landscape. Dr Stephen Wong Yuen-shan, Head of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit, and Prof. Christine Loh, Chief Development Strategist of the Institute for the Environment at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, served as keynote speakers and exchanged views on the theme: “As the world becomes increasingly decoupled, what strategies and value proposition should Hong Kong pursue?”

Dr. Stephen Wong Yuen-shan, Head of the Chief Executive's Policy Unit, stated that the current global economic landscape is undergoing restructuring. Trends such as geopolitics, supply chain relocation, technological competition, and green transition have all placed new demands on Hong Kong's international positioning. Using the space economy as an example and applying the SWOT framework to his analysis, Dr. Wong elaborated on Hong Kong's role as a vital bridge between the nation and the world. This includes leveraging its unique advantages as an international financial, trade, shipping, and professional services center, while noting that the insurance sector can tap into these commercial domains to cultivate new points of economic growth.

During the fireside chat, Professor Christine Loh pointed out that Hong Kong's value has transcended any single industry. Instead, it lies in its capacity to transform international finance and professional services into a unique advantage for aligning with the nation’s "ecological civilization" strategy. Facing a global green transition and regional restructuring, Hong Kong must further fulfill its role as a bridge connecting the mainland’s green market with international sustainable capital. Therefore, Hong Kong needs to utilize open, pragmatic, and forward-looking policy research to assist all sectors in accurately assessing the carbon peak and carbon neutrality landscape, building consensus on green development, and paving a viable path toward integrating into the broader scheme of national ecological civilization.

In his dinner speech, Mr. Ronny Tong reviewed the development of the Institute over the past eleven years and its reforms following the rebranding. He also announced the blueprint for future development, emphasizing that the Institute will further enhance the impact of its policy research by transforming into a professional think tank, optimizing its curriculum, and strengthening international connections. In his speech, Mr. Tong highlighted the following five key development directions:

1. Strengthening the Position as a Professional Think Tank

Mr. Tong stated that the Institute was officially renamed the "POD Research Institute" last September. The core objective of this change is to focus on public policy research, tone down its original political party and social group affiliations, and clearly transition into a "professional think tank", and it also clearly articulate the philosophy that social contributions are multi-dimensional rather than single-focused, thereby steering public attention toward the research work of the think tank.

2. Optimizing Politics and Public Policy Courses

To encourage greater student participation and offer a more streamlined learning experience, the curriculum of the "Hong Kong Academy of Politics and Public Policy" (HKAPP), organized by the Institute, has been adjusted from a year-course to a five-week intensive course. Currently, two cohorts of this short-term course have been successfully held, with the participating students ranking among the top in terms of academic qualifications and social status.

3. Shifting Research Towards an Outward-looking and Interdisciplinary Approach

PODRI’s research approach will systematically shift from "inward-looking" to "outward-looking." Based on research reports related to AI development, Rigging problem, Educational hub, and LEO economy published this year, the Institute will increase more transnational, cross-academic, and interdisciplinary research projects in the future. Mr. Tong pointed out that Hong Kong has weathered many storms over the past decade. The overwhelming response to this year's fundraising campaign serves as a strong testament to the community's broad recognition of the Institute's reform efforts over the past year. At this stage, it is crucial to quicken the pace and actively reference successful development cases from other cities to gain insights and direction for future progress.

4. Strengthening International Academic Connections

Mr. Tong emphasized that the Institute must continue to maintain close ties with overseas academic institutions. Future plans include publishing a research report every two months, which will be released primarily in English and accompanied by a Chinese translation. The primary purpose of this initiative is to project research outcomes more effectively to overseas English-speaking countries, fostering international promotion and academic exchange.

The Institute also expresses its heartfelt gratitude to all sectors of society for their support over the years. As a non-profit think tank, the continuous development of the POD Research Institute relies on the support of the community. Whether through participating in activities, supporting research, offering criticism, or sharing suggestions, every contribution serves as a vital driving force for our progress. Looking ahead, the Institute will remain true to its founding aspirations, rooting itself in Hong Kong, aligning with the country, and connecting with the world to contribute think-tank strength to Hong Kong's long-term development.

The Institute also expressed its sincere gratitude to different sectors of society for their support over the years. As a non-profit think tank, the sustainable development of POD Research Institute depends on the support of the community. Whether through participation in activities, support for research, constructive criticism or sharing of advice, every contribution is an important force driving the Institute forward. Looking ahead, the Institute will continue to uphold its founding mission, remain rooted in Hong Kong, oriented towards the country and connected to the world, contributing think tank perspectives to Hong Kong’s long-term development.