Symposium on Hong Kong Population Issues: Facts and Policies
Symposium on Hong Kong Population Issues: Facts and Policies
The “Symposium on Hong Kong Population Issues: Facts and Policies” was co-organised by The University of Hong Kong (HKU) Research Hub of Population Studies and Our Hong Kong Foundation. Bringing together experts across sectors, including government officials and policymakers, academic scholars, think-tank representatives, and business leaders, this symposium explored how to formulate forward-looking population strategies to address the challenges posed by recent ageing and migration trends, maintain the city’s competitiveness, and build for a liveable city.
The symposium focused on three core themes: ageing, migration, and fertility. Experts unanimously agreed that population issues are not in silos but are structural factors influencing economic resilience and long-term development. Addressing these challenges requires effective, cross-institutional, and multi-disciplinary approaches.
Organised by Our Hong Kong Foundation and The University of Hong Kong (HKU) Faculty of Social Sciences Research Hub of Population Studies, the “Symposium on Hong Kong Population Issues: Facts and Policies” will be held on 14 April 2026 at HKU. The symposium will focus on three critical topics on ageing, migration, and fertility, exploring the latest research insights and population policy strategies.
Sub-theme 1: Ageing
As Hong Kong’s population continues to age, what challenges do we face in housing, caregiving, and healthcare? What policies should be developed to respond?
Panellists:
- The Revd Canon The Honourable Peter Douglas KOON
Legislative Council Member
The Archbishop’s Advisor of Church Ministries Development of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui
- Dr Libby LEE
Chief Executive of Hospital Authority
- Prof Terry LUM
Henry G. Leong Professor in Social Work and Social Administration at the HKU
Moderator:
- Dicky CHOW
Assistant Research Director and Head of Healthcare & Social Innovation of Our Hong Kong Foundation
Sub-theme 2: Migration
What is the current immigration situation? How well are migrants adapting to life in Hong Kong? How should policies be adjusted to meet the needs of new arrivals?
Panellists:
- LAM Chun-sing
Legislative Council Member
Chair of the Federation of Hong Kong and Kowloon Labour Unions
- Prof Eric FONG
Chair Professor in Sociology and Associate Dean for Postgraduate Education, Faculty of Social Sciences
Director of Research Hub of Population Studies at the HKU
- Loman LUO
Founding Chairman of the Hong Kong Quality And Talent Migrants Association
Chairman of Hong Kong Talents Group
Non-official Member of the Human Resources Planning Commission of the HKSAR Government
Moderator:
- Kenny SHUI
Vice President of Our Hong Kong Foundation and Executive Director of the Public Policy Institute
Sub-theme 3: Fertility
Hong Kong’s fertility rate remains persistently low. What strategies have been implemented to raise fertility intentions? Have they been successful? What alternative policies could be considered to address this issue?
Panellists:
- Hon LAM Lam Nixie
Legislative Council Member
Board Member of the United Nations Association of China
- Christa CHEUNG
Supervisor of The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups
- Prof Stuart GIETEL-BASTEN
Professor of Social Science and Public Policy at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Moderator:
- Sophia CHAN
Professor and Director of HKU Primary Health Care Academy | Former Secretary for Food and Health (SFH) of HK Government
The “Symposium on Hong Kong Population Issues: Facts and Policies” was co-organised by The University of Hong Kong (HKU) Research Hub of Population Studies and Our Hong Kong Foundation. Bringing together experts across sectors, including government officials and policymakers, academic scholars, think-tank representatives, and business leaders, this symposium explored how to formulate forward-looking population strategies to address the challenges posed by recent ageing and migration trends, maintain the city’s competitiveness, and build for a liveable city.
The symposium focused on three core themes: ageing, migration, and fertility. Experts unanimously agreed that population issues are not in silos but are structural factors influencing economic resilience and long-term development. Addressing these challenges requires effective, cross-institutional, and multi-disciplinary approaches.
Organised by Our Hong Kong Foundation and The University of Hong Kong (HKU) Faculty of Social Sciences Research Hub of Population Studies, the “Symposium on Hong Kong Population Issues: Facts and Policies” will be held on 14 April 2026 at HKU. The symposium will focus on three critical topics on ageing, migration, and fertility, exploring the latest research insights and population policy strategies.
Sub-theme 1: Ageing
As Hong Kong’s population continues to age, what challenges do we face in housing, caregiving, and healthcare? What policies should be developed to respond?
Panellists:
- The Revd Canon The Honourable Peter Douglas KOON
Legislative Council Member
The Archbishop’s Advisor of Church Ministries Development of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui
- Dr Libby LEE
Chief Executive of Hospital Authority
- Prof Terry LUM
Henry G. Leong Professor in Social Work and Social Administration at the HKU
Moderator:
- Dicky CHOW
Assistant Research Director and Head of Healthcare & Social Innovation of Our Hong Kong Foundation
Sub-theme 2: Migration
What is the current immigration situation? How well are migrants adapting to life in Hong Kong? How should policies be adjusted to meet the needs of new arrivals?
Panellists:
- LAM Chun-sing
Legislative Council Member
Chair of the Federation of Hong Kong and Kowloon Labour Unions
- Prof Eric FONG
Chair Professor in Sociology and Associate Dean for Postgraduate Education, Faculty of Social Sciences
Director of Research Hub of Population Studies at the HKU
- Loman LUO
Founding Chairman of the Hong Kong Quality And Talent Migrants Association
Chairman of Hong Kong Talents Group
Non-official Member of the Human Resources Planning Commission of the HKSAR Government
Moderator:
- Kenny SHUI
Vice President of Our Hong Kong Foundation and Executive Director of the Public Policy Institute
Sub-theme 3: Fertility
Hong Kong’s fertility rate remains persistently low. What strategies have been implemented to raise fertility intentions? Have they been successful? What alternative policies could be considered to address this issue?
Panellists:
- Hon LAM Lam Nixie
Legislative Council Member
Board Member of the United Nations Association of China
- Christa CHEUNG
Supervisor of The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups
- Prof Stuart GIETEL-BASTEN
Professor of Social Science and Public Policy at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Moderator:
- Sophia CHAN
Professor and Director of HKU Primary Health Care Academy | Former Secretary for Food and Health (SFH) of HK Government
