Scholars Gather at Lingnan University to Discuss Socio-Economic and Demographic Changes and Social Policy Responses

8 Dec 2015

The International Workshop on Managing Rapid Socio-Economic and Demographic Change: Social Policy Responses in Comparative Perspective, co-organised by Centre for Asian Pacific Studies at Lingnan University, Centre for Greater China Studies at The Hong Kong Institute of Education, Centre for Research in Comparative and Global Social Policy at University of York and supported by One Asia Foundation, was held at Lingnan University on 8 December, with scholars from the UK, Malaysia, Mainland China and Hong Kong gathered for academic discussion and exchange on issues related to social policy responses from comparative perspectives when handling rapid social, economic and demographic changes.
 
In his welcome remarks, Prof Joshua Mok Ka-ho, Vice-President and Chair Professor of Comparative Policy of Lingnan University said the workshop aims to bring international scholars to discuss issues on social-economic and demographic changes and social policy development, and to develop joint research areas and further collaborations.
 
Speakers of the workshop offered their observations and exchanged views on migration, cross-border marriage, social welfare, social inequality, ageing and health issues.  Lingnan University scholars presented on a number of topics including Prof Joshua Mok Ka-ho who discussed his recent study on new immigrants and social integration in Hong Kong; Prof Lui Hon-Kwong, Professor and Head of Department of Marketing and International Business who shared his recent research on cross border marriage between Hong Kong and Mainland China; Prof David Phillips, Lam Woo & Co Ltd Chair Professor of Social Policy and Head of the Department of Sociology and Social Policy who discussed his recent research on ageing and health issues; and Dr. Jin Jiang, Postdoctoral Fellow at Department of Sociology and Social Policy who used the evidence from Mainland China to examine higher education expansion and inequality of educational opportunity.
 
The international workshop also provided an opportunity to enrich students’ learning experiences.  In the postgraduate student session, students from Lingnan University, University of York, The Hong Kong Institute of Education presented their current research and joined the in-depth discussion with scholars.