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I traveled to four districts in Hong Kong—Kwun Tong, Wong Tai Sin, Sha Tin, and Tai Po—to teach and exchange ideas with students from the "Young Diplomats Academy." During this time, I shared an introduction to international relations and the development of China's foreign policy with dozens of young people from diverse backgrounds. Through in-depth interaction, we explored how young people can develop a fundamental perspective on understanding the world and recognizing China's role amidst global changes. Providing young people with a structured understanding of global affairs remains a crucial part of youth development. I hope that through continued teaching and exchange, we can cultivate a new generation with an international perspective and strategic thinking.

Two hundred students participated in the "Budget ONLINE@M21" event, engaging in in-depth discussions with Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po on the "Budget for 2026-27." The Secretary introduced the latest budget to the youth and discussed various topics including the economy, tourism, technology, people's livelihood, and the development of the northern region. The students responded enthusiastically, raising numerous specific questions and voting on policy directions of interest on the spot, engaging in genuine and candid dialogue with the Secretary. The event allowed young people to directly express their views and enabled policymakers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of youth's observations and expectations regarding public finance and social development. We thank all the participating students for demonstrating their concern for public policy through their actions and for injecting more youthful perspectives into discussions about Hong Kong's future.

Proud to launch our new POD Research Institute report, From Public Good to Strategic Industry: A Roadmap for Hong Kong's Transnational Education Sector. I also shared the key findings on RTHK’s “Hong Kong 2000“. Our study shows that Hong Kong has long underestimated education as a high‑value services export, largely due to outdated metrics and a lack of coordinated strategy. The economic impact of international students, offshore campuses, overseas programmes, and talent mobility remains under‑recognised. As global competition intensifies, Hong Kong must position education as a strategic industry central to economic diversification and international competitiveness.

Welcoming more than 30 teachers and students from the Yunnan Province was a truly heartwarming and unforgettable journey. For all of them, this was their first time in Hong Kong—and their first visit to a university campus. As we talked about “One Country, Two Systems,” I saw curiosity turn into understanding and smiles grow through dialogue—a quiet reminder of how meaningful real encounters can be. Grateful to the Foreign Ministry's HK Office for organizing this trip, with the support of the Hong Kong Jockey Club and the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, as well as the attention from RTHK, which covered this journey in a dedicated episode, helping more people see the value of youth exchange and mutual learning.

The Hong Kong Policy Research Institute submitted its "Recommendations for the 2026-27 Budget" to the Financial Secretary, focusing on "prudent financial management and aggressive investment," and highlighting four key areas: accelerating AI deployment, developing a low-Earth orbit economy, promoting public finance reform, and creating a more child-friendly environment. Our proposals include strengthening AI governance and establishing a strategic fund, initiating low-Earth orbit talent development and international cooperation, introducing cost-benefit analysis and zero-based budgeting to enhance fiscal discipline, increasing the child tax exemption, and launching a new parent support voucher. We also suggest allowing first-time homebuyers limited withdrawals of their Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) for their down payment under a prudent mechanism. With public finances returning to stability, now is the best time for Hong Kong to invest in its future.

I visited Taiwan as part of the International Association of Chinese Traders delegation, coinciding with the resumption of the KMT-CPC Think Tank Forum this week after a nine-year hiatus. During the trip, I met with KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-wen, Vice Chairperson Chang Jung-kung, Legislative Yuan Speaker Han Kuo-yu, and Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, gaining insights from different perspectives into current Taiwanese societal concerns and expectations for cross-strait interaction. I hope that amidst the complex regional situation, both sides can reopen communication channels, promote mutual trust, and take a more proactive approach to thawing relations. The more misunderstandings and tensions exist, the more necessary it is to have platforms for dialogue and individuals willing to take the first step. This exchange has shown me that there are still many shared forces on both sides of the Taiwan Strait who desire peace and stability, and I look forward to promoting more positive interactions in a rational and pragmatic manner in the future.

In the years since the pandemic, the Shanghai-Hong Kong Institute has held academic conferences, but they have either been online or hybrid events. This 20th conference, however, will be held at CUHK for two consecutive days, truly face-to-face [...]

The volunteers I trained for the Shanghai World Expo have returned to Hong Kong with clear growth in professional competence, international exposure, and public‑service understanding. They shared valuable insights on the volunteer systems of Shanghai and Hong Kong, exhibition‑driven economies, and the role of commercial diplomacy. It was also inspiring to see CUHK students contributing with strong professionalism, and I look forward to more young people engaging in global platforms and bringing their learnings back to Hong Kong.

Honoured to join the China Institute of Strategy and Management’s seminar in Beijing. The high-level discussion focused on Northeast China Revitalization and Corporate Globalization Strategy, chaired by Mr. Weng Jieming, Deputy Director of the Economic Affairs Committee of NPC. During the panel, I highlighted how China’s industrial transformation provides a strategic foundation for Chinese enterprises going global. Beyond strengthening competitiveness, companies should actively shape the international discourse and integrate human-centered values into global operations—essential for building sustainable and respected global brands. A meaningful dialogue on coordinated regional development and responsible globalization.

Faced with the devastating fire at Hongfuyuan that claimed 160 lives, we cannot stop at mourning; we must take action. The Minsi Policy Research Institute has released a new report, "Institutional Loopholes Nurturing Enclosures […]".