CityUHK and HKUYA launch the 33rd “Politics and Public Administration” course to cultivate future youth leaders
The 33rd “Politics and Public Administration” course (2025/26), co-organised by City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) and the Hong Kong United Youth Association (HKUYA), officially commenced on 28 March. The opening ceremony and the inaugural lectures, attended by senior government officials and University leadership, mark a significant milestone in the joint mission to nurture the next generation of public service leaders in Hong Kong.
The ceremony included Miss Alice Mak Mei-kuen, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs of the Government of the HKSAR; Mr Tang Ping-keung, Secretary for Security of the Government of the HKSAR; Professor the Honourable Michael Ngai, Chairman of the CityUHK Council; Professor Anderson Shum Ho-cheung, Vice-President (Research) of CityUHK; Professor Alfred Tat-Kei Ho, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) at CityUHK; and Mr Stephen Chua, Chairman of the HKUYA.
In his address, Professor Ngai expressed his great honour in witnessing this partnership between CityUHK’s CLASS and the HKUYA. He emphasised that the collaboration aligns perfectly with the University’s commitment to youth empowerment and internationalisation.
“As a young and vibrant innovative university, CityUHK is dedicated to promoting globalised education through our international network of over 400 partner institutions worldwide, while actively attracting top global scholars,” said Professor Ngai. “Being recognised as the 'Most International University in the World' by Times Higher Education for three consecutive years (2024, 2025 and 2026) is a testament to our diverse cultural environment. This collaboration opens a new chapter for CLASS students, helping them broaden their global horizons and enhance their competitiveness.”
Mr Chua highlighted the significance enhancements made to the "Politics and Public Administration" course to meet the changing needs of Hong Kong’s youth. He noted that this year’s curriculum features innovative designs, most notably the integration of immersive field trips and on-site practical sessions.
The event featured keynote lectures from government officials, providing students with practical insights into governance and crisis management.
Miss Mak provided a comprehensive overview of the HKSAR Government’s roadmap for youth development. She detailed how the Youth Development Blueprint is strategically designed to align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, ensuring that Hong Kong’s youth are well-positioned to seize opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and beyond. She also highlighted the Government’s commitment to fostering a "youth-friendly" city, where institutional support is integrated with practical platforms, such as this course, to encourage young people to participate actively in district governance and contribute to national progress.
Mr Tang provided a compelling and rigorous analysis of the essential qualities required for leadership under pressure. Drawing from his extensive experience in safeguarding public safety, Mr Tang emphasised that "calm judgement" and "flexible adaptation" are not merely skills, but core pillars of effective crisis management. Through real-world case studies, he encouraged students to cultivate a resilient mindset and remain steadfast in their convictions while navigating the complexities of an ever-changing landscape. He concluded by stressing the importance of being prepared to protect and serve the interests of the community.
The "Politics and Public Administration" course continues to serve as a vital bridge between academic theory and high-level governance. By providing students with direct access to veteran policymakers and practical leadership insights, CityUHK remains steadfast in its mission to develop socially responsible youth who are equipped to navigate the complexities of modern public administration and contribute meaningfully to the prosperity of Hong Kong and the nation.