NEW YORK, February 02, 2018 — Anson Chan, former chief secretary of Hong Kong, discusses the state of the territory today and her own vision for its future. Chan appeared in conversation with Gordon Crovitz, former publisher of The Wall Street Journal. (1 hr., 22 min.)

Breakfast available from 8:00 AM
Discussion begins at 8:30 AM

Last year, Hong Kong celebrated the 20th anniversary of its handover from British to Chinese rule under the “One Country, Two Systems” governing model — which pledged to create a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong in its relations with mainland China. The anniversary also marked an occasion to reflect on Hong Kong's accomplishments, particularly in terms of development and economic growth.

Yet the anniversary also saw demonstrations from Hong Kong residents who believe the governing model has come under threat from Beijing, along with their dreams of universal suffrage. Compounding these challenges are issues such as Hong Kong’s housing crisis and rising living costs, among others. In 2018, these challenges continue.

Asia Society welcomes back the Hon. Anson Chan for a discussion on Hong Kong today, and her own vision for its future. Chan served as Chief Secretary of Hong Kong from 1993 to 2001, with her service straddling the British handover of the Special Administrative Region to China. She was second only to the Chief Executive, the Hon. Tung Chee-hwa, and she was known as the “conscience of Hong Kong” for defending the city’s core values. In 2013, she founded Hong Kong 2020, an organization that promotes and facilitates public dialogue on democratic, political, and electoral reform.

Moderator

Gordon Crovitz is former publisher of The Wall Street Journal and former editor and publisher of the Far Eastern Economic Review. He is Founder and co-CEO of NewsGuard, a startup that aims to rate news content for search and social media platforms.