Edward K Y Chen Distinguished Lecture 2026
In response to geopolitical headwinds and shifting global trade dynamics, HKU Business School hosted the Edward K Y Chen Distinguished Lecture 2026 at HKU Loke Yew Hall on 7 October 2026, with Professor Mari Elka PANGESTU, Special Envoy of the President of the Republic of Indonesia for International Trade and Multilateral Cooperation; and Vice Chair of the National Economic Council serving as the keynote speaker. Addressing nearly 500 distinguished leaders from the business, academic and public‑affairs community attending online and in person, Professor PANGESTU shared key strategies to safeguard ASEAN economies from global fragmentation, under the theme of ‘‘Navigating Asian Economies amidst a Challenging Geopolitical Landscape’’.
Professor Richard Y.C. WONG, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of The University of Hong Kong, Chair of Economics, Philip Wong Kennedy Wong Professor in Political Economy, and Director of Hong Kong Institute of Economics and Business Strategy, said in the Welcome Remarks, ‘‘Nearly fifty years on, Professor Edward K. Y. Chen was among the first to study Asia’s newly industrialised economies, and today’s theme reflects his enduring academic and research contributions. Just as Professor Mari PANGESTU and Professor Edward K. Y. CHEN envisioned growing interconnectivity between Hong Kong and ASEAN in a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, HKU Business School has been advancing that vision, building new bridges across the region. Since opening our centre in Ho Chi Minh City in 2022, we have continued to deepen exchanges and collaboration between Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. Leveraging our centres in the Chinese Mainland, Vietnam and now Barcelona, together with the expertise of our faculty and the reach of our alumni across China, Europe and beyond, today we are translating thought leadership into real impact—shaping the next generation of leaders, informing policy and driving innovation from Asia to the world.’’
In her keynote speech, Professor PANGESTU elaborated, “The global economy is currently facing multiple disruptions. On the one hand, geopolitical tensions are intensifying, while protectionism and unilateralism are on the rise, leading to an increasing number of trade restrictions. On the other hand, transformative trends such as the green transition and the AI revolution are reshaping the economic landscape. In the face of the new challenges brought about by economic fragmentation, we should place greater emphasis on deepening regional cooperation. What enterprises need is not subsidies, but ensuring the smooth flow of goods, services, and people.
“As Hong Kong and ASEAN continue to deepen their partnership, their complementary strengths are becoming increasingly evident. Beyond traditional trade and investment, the real potential lies in Hong Kong’s ability to facilitate financial connectivity, while ASEAN is also negotiating its collaboration with EU and upgrading its ‘ASEAN Plus One’. From a broader perspective, Asia must reject zero-sum unilateral orders. Instead, it should demonstrate courageous leadership to shape the global rule for trade, investment, as well as AI and climate change. This is not just a strategic choice but an economic necessity: Asia’s prosperity has always been built on openness, and it will be strengthened only through deeper cooperation with both regional and global partners.”
This actionable path forward was further explored in the panel discussion. Moderated by Dr. Victor K. FUNG, Chairman of Fung Investments, the panel featured Professor PANGESTU, the Honourable Bernard Charnwut CHAN, Chairman and President of Asia Financial Holdings Ltd., as well as Mr. Daniel R. FUNG, Ambassador-at-large of Hong Kong – ASEAN Foundation. The panellists noted that while Hong Kong already intermediates over 60% of China’s inward foreign direct investments, the true connection requires closing a knowledge gap about ASEAN markets. Instead of simply exporting China’s domestic ecosystem, leaders should leverage frameworks like RCEP to foster shared supply chains, mutual localisation, and job creation. Ultimately, sustaining this economic bridge with ASEAN requires reviving the deep educational and cultural ties that historically united the two regions.
Professor Edward K. Y. CHEN, whose teaching and mentoring inspired the founding of the series, concluded, “Amid an increasingly complex and uncertain geopolitical environment, the silver lining lies in resilience. If an economy is resilient, it can minimise the impact of external shocks and even turn challenges into opportunities. However, resilience cannot be built in isolation; it requires regional cooperation. That’s why Professor Pangestu and I both believe in multilateralism and open regionalism. Their benefits are not confined to regional members but can also be enjoyed by countries around the world.”
About the Edward K Y Chen Distinguished Lecture Series
Established in 2007, the Edward K Y Chen Distinguished Lecture Series is an annual event presented by HKU Business School that honours the legacy of Professor Edward K Y Chen, a distinguished scholar and mentor. The series brings leading global figures to share visionary insights on the future of business, innovation, and society. Rooted in a tradition of respect for mentorship and academic excellence, it aspires to inspire continuous reinvention and leadership in a rapidly evolving world, fostering dialogue that bridges theory and practice for the benefit of current and future generations of business leaders.
Photo Captions
Professor Mari Elka PANGESTU, Special Envoy of the President of the Republic of Indonesia for International Trade and Multilateral Cooperation and Vice Chair of the National Economic Council, speaking during the Edward K Y Chen Distinguished Lecture 2026 at HKU Business School.
Professor Edward K. Y. CHEN, Honorary Professor of HKU Business School, delivers the closing remarks
Professor Richard Y.C. WONG, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Chair of Economics, Director, Hong Kong Institute of Economics and Business Strategy, and Philip Wong Kennedy Wong Professor in Political Economy, delivers the welcoming remarks.
Dr. Victor K. FUNG (left), Chairman of Fung Investments , moderates a panel discussion with Professor Mari Elka PANGESTU; The Honourable Bernard Charnwut CHAN, Chairman & President of Asia Financial Holdings Ltd.; and Mr. Daniel R. FUNG, Ambassador-at-large, Hong Kong – ASEAN Foundation, during the Edward K Y Chen Distinguished Lecture 2026 at HKU.
Mr. Hing Wang FUNG, Convenor of the Edward K Y Chen Distinguished Lecture Series Organising Committee, giving an introduction of how the lecture has been inspired.
Held at HKU Loke Yew Hall, the lecture brought together nearly 500 online and in-person attendees.
Professor Mari Elka PANGESTU, Professor Edward K. Y. CHEN, Professor Richard Y. C. WONG and the Edward K Y Chen Distinguished Lecture Series Organising Committee Members.
