Head's Message

Welcome to the Department of Public and International Affairs (PIA) at City University of Hong Kong.

 

As one of the largest and most vibrant academic communities in our field in Asia, PIA brings together outstanding scholars and students across international relations, public policy, political science, development studies, environmental governance, urban policy and management, philosophy, and Asian studies. Our interdisciplinary character is one of our greatest strengths, enabling us to tackle complex public challenges from multiple perspectives and to generate research that is both intellectually rigorous and policy relevant.

 

We live in an era of profound transformation. Geopolitical competition, advances in artificial intelligence, a shifting global order, and evolving societal expectations are reshaping the ways governments, organizations, and communities operate. These developments present significant challenges, but also unprecedented opportunities for innovation, cooperation, and leadership. The study of public and international affairs has therefore never been more important.

 

At PIA, our mission is to advance knowledge, inform policy, and develop future leaders. We are committed to producing world-class research that contributes to academic debates while addressing real-world challenges. Equally, we strive to provide our students with a transformative educational experience that equips them with analytical skills, global perspectives, and the capacity to navigate an increasingly interconnected and complex world.

 

Our location in Hong Kong gives us a unique advantage. As one of the world's most international cities and a gateway between China and the world, Hong Kong offers an exceptional environment for studying governance, public policy, and international affairs. Building on this distinctive position, PIA serves as a bridge between local and global perspectives, fostering dialogue and collaboration among scholars, policymakers, practitioners, and communities across different regions and cultures.

 

We believe that academic excellence should be matched by public impact. Our faculty actively engage with governments, international organizations, businesses, and civil society through policy advice, research partnerships, executive education, and public engagement. Through these activities, we seek not only to understand the world, but also to contribute to its improvement.

 

Looking ahead, we aspire to strengthen PIA's position as a leading centre for public affairs and international studies in Asia and a globally recognized hub for research, education, and policy engagement. We will continue to build on our strengths in public policy, governance, and international affairs, deepen our international partnerships, expand opportunities for our students, and contribute solutions to the major challenges facing Hong Kong, Chinese mainland, Asia, and the wider world.

 

Whether you are a prospective student, researcher, policymaker, alumnus, or partner institution, I warmly invite you to learn more about our department and to join us in shaping the future of public affairs and international studies.

 

I look forward to welcoming you to PIA.