Doctor of Policy Studies Programme Successfully Hosts the 2025 Asia-Pacific Comparative Development and Policy Symposium: A Transformative Platform for Emerging Policy Scholars

The Doctor of Policy Studies (DPS) programme under the School of Graduate Studies (GS) successfully hosted the Asia-Pacific Comparative Development and Policy Symposium on 15 November 2025 at the Lingnan University. This impactful hybrid event brought together scholars and postgraduate students from Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong, creating a dynamic forum for exchanging cutting-edge ideas on social policy, education, urban governance, and cultural development.

The symposium aimed to empower DPS students, featuring seven student research groups that presented original, interdisciplinary work while receiving real-time mentorship from distinguished keynote speakers. This structured yet supportive environment offered participants valuable opportunities to refine their academic rigour, sharpen presentation skills, and deepen the policy relevance of their research—experiences widely regarded by students as transformative for their development as policy scholars.

Prof Maggie Lau, Programme Director of the DPS Programme, opened the symposium by emphasising the value of cross-disciplinary dialogue and Lingnan University’s commitment to evidence-based policy research in the Asia-Pacific region.

The first keynote speaker, Prof Chi Xinli from the School of Psychology at Shenzhen University, delivered a compelling presentation entitled “The Effect of Combined Physical Activity and Mindfulness Intervention on Depressive Symptoms among Chinese College Students”. She discussed three interconnected studies examining the relationships among physical activity, mindfulness, and depressive symptoms among university students in Chinese Mainland. Drawing on the biopsychosocial model, Prof Chi underscored the value of integrating physical activity with mindfulness-based intervention, introduced innovative methods including daily diary studies, and highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.  

Building on Prof Chi’s focus on student mental health, Group 1 students examined factors influencing fertility willingness under the three-child policy using CGSS2021 data, while Group 2 analysed structural and psychological determinants of youth happiness through accessibility theory and hope theory, offering insights into demographic challenges and subjective well-being.  

Another keynote speaker, Prof Li Tianshu from the School of Education at South China Normal University, presented on “Navigating DEI Policy Challenges in U.S. Higher Education: Equity-Centered Efforts and Practices of International Educators”. Based on in-depth interviews at an International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) office in a predominantly white U.S. university, she examined how institutions foster belonging among international students, promote intercultural understanding, and address equity gaps. Her findings showcased the work of Global Engagement and Education (GEE) teams and International Student Councils (ISC), as well as the challenges and innovations involved in implementing DEI policy.  

Aligning with Prof Li’s theme of educational equity and international student belonging, Group 3 examined Chinese postgraduates’ perceptions of employment using social media data, analysed negative sentiments, and proposed policy recommendations on career guidance, labour market expansion, and tailored employment services.

The remaining groups broadened the scope: Group 4 explored Hong Kong’s cultural policy through the case of Li Kui Ming’s Cantonese Opera Trump, illustrating how Hong Kong’s cultural environment enables high artistic autonomy and attracts younger audiences through “modern Cantonese opera”. Group 5 used CFPS data and the China Digital Government Index to analyse the impact of digital government development on the well-being of older adults. Group 6 conducted a qualitative assessment of Hong Kong’s Family Office Policy (2022–2025), highlighting how dynamic policy adjustments, cross-sector collaboration, and connectivity with Mainland China contribute to its strategic advantages and provide a basis for future refinement. Group 7 used Zhijing Technology as a case study to analyse the digital transformation of supply chains in the Greater Bay Area, demonstrating how technological, organizational, and environmental factors drive industrial innovation.

Throughout the symposium, Prof Chi and Prof Li provided insightful session-by-session feedback on research design, methodological rigour, theoretical framing, data interpretation, and the translation of findings into actionable policy recommendations. This direct, expert mentorship proved invaluable to the presenting students, sharpening their analytical precision and deepening the real-world relevance of their work. By seamlessly bridging emerging scholarship with authoritative guidance, the symposium powerfully reinforced the DPS programme’s mission to develop confident, rigorously trained policy scholars equipped to lead and influence regional and global agendas.

Student reflections underscored the symposium’s profound academic impact. Mr Wang Pu described it as a turning point in his scholarly development: “It gave me a completely new understanding of what effective presentation means- learning how to tell a compelling story and distil the core of a research problem. This kind of experiential learning is rarely available elsewhere”. Ms Wu Yuanyuan praised the breadth and rigour of the discussions, noting that the keynote speakers’ passionate yet evidence-based approaches provided “a much clearer grasp of formulating research questions and choosing appropriate methodologies”.

During the closing address, Prof Catherine Chai, Associate Programme Director of the DPS Programme, expressed gratitude to the keynote speakers, moderators, and students. She encouraged students to treat both qualitative and quantitative approaches—as invaluable learning resources, urging continued critical reflection and future collaboration.

By seamlessly integrating emerging student research with authoritative mentorship, the symposium reinforced the DPS programme’s leadership in cultivating confident, analytically rigorous, and policy-engaged scholars ready to shape the future of the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.