Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Program 10:00 EST/22:00 HKT, Close 11:00 EST/23:00 HKT

On January 30, the World Health Organization declared a global health emergency on the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) that originated in Wuhan. Healthcare experts have warned that COVID-19 could rapidly spread, if not properly contained, and many governments around the world have begun to take precautionary measures to ensure public health safety. Amid the international concern and heightened fears about the disease, what is fact and what is fiction? Asia Society Hong Kong Center brings you regular updates on COVID-19 that has global reverberations, and presents on-the-ground public health experts and internationally renowned specialists with the latest facts and evidence-based findings. In episode 20, hear from three COVID-19 survivors, renowned tenor Warren Mok and leading microbiologist Peter Piot will be in conversation with Josette Sheeran, President and CEO of Asia Society.

Warren Mok is a world-renowned Chinese tenor from Hong Kong who has been making frequent guest appearances in leading opera houses around the world. His operatic repertoire exceeds 60 roles, including Cavaradossi in Tosca, Calaf in Turandot, Rodolfo in La Bohème, Radamès in Aïda, and many more. In recent years, Mr. Mok is actively promoting Western opera and music in Hong Kong, Macao and Mainland China. He recently served as Artistic Director of Opera Hong Kong, Fujian Grand Theatre, Zhuhai Huafa Grand Theatre and Macao International Music Festival. 

Peter Piot is Director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and a Handa Professor of Global Health. He was Founding Executive Director of UNAIDS and Under Secretary-General of the United Nations. A clinician and microbiologist by training, Prof. Piot co-discovered the Ebola virus in 1976 and subsequently led pioneering research on HIV/AIDS, women’s health and infectious diseases. He is the first Chair of the UK Strategic Coherence of ODA-funded Research Board, Chair of King Baudouin Foundation USA, Vice-Chair of Global Health Innovation Technology Fund, and Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations Board Member.

Josette Sheeran is the seventh President and CEO of Asia Society. She is responsible for advancing the organization’s global work in the fields of arts and culture, policy and business, and education. In addition, Ms. Sheeran serves as the UN Special Envoy to Haiti, representing the United Nations Secretary-General in advancing Haiti's 2030 vision, and helping secure an end to the transmission of cholera in Haiti. She previously was Vice Chair of the World Economic Forum, and Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme.