On the morning of December 6^th, Madam Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Former Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong SAR) paid a courtesy visit to Tsinghua University. Qiu Yong, Chairperson of Tsinghua University Council, cordially received the distinguished guest at the West room of the Gong Zi Ting building. Wang Hongwei, Vice President of Tsinghua University, was also present at the encounter. Both parties engaged in a meaningful discussion about the cooperation and exchanges between Tsinghua University and a wide range of sectors in Hong Kong SAR on the fields of education, science, technology, talents and other areas of relevance.

On-site meeting

Qiu Yong presented an overview of the current cooperation and interactions between Tsinghua University and a broad spectrum of sectors in Hong Kong SAR. He stated that during Madam Carrie Lam’s term in office, Tsinghua University continuously expanded its “circle of friends” in Hong Kong SAR, leading to both sides building up a profound friendship. Tsinghua University will continue promoting the collaborations with Hong Kong SAR in the realms of education, science, technology, talents, among others, to enhance the cultural and educational exchanges, and to better serve the national strategic needs.

Madam Carrie Lam showed her approval for Tsinghua University’s achievements in recent years, and introduced the significant measures implemented by Hong Kong SAR Government to foster development in science and technology, and strengthen cooperation and partnerships. She expressed her future hopes for both sides to further use well Hong Kong SAR as a platform, to continue deepening their collaborations, and to cultivate young talents who love China and Hong Kong SAR and harness global competence.

Group picture of the meeting

On the afternoon of December 6^th, Madam Carrie Lam visited the School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University (hereinafter referred to as Tsinghua SPPM), and delivered a keynote speech on the topic of “Public Administration Practice in Hong Kong SAR under ‘One Country, Two Systems’ Policy”. They were present at the event Peng Zongchao, Professor and Party Secretary of Tsinghua SPPM; Xie Jin, Associate Party Secretary and Associate Dean of Tsinghua SPPM; Wang Yahua, Associate Dean of Tsinghua SPPM; Yin Chengzhi, Associate Dean of Tsinghua SPPM; Kit Poon, Director of EMPA, the Program for Hong Kong Public Administrative Talents and former Undersecretary for the Environment Bureau in the Hong Kong SAR Government; Chen Tianhao, Director of the Tsinghua-CityU MPA-EMBA Dual Degree Program, among other attendees. More than 200 Chinese and international students from Tsinghua University and external visitors attended the event, whilst engaging enthusiastically in in-depth exchanges with Madam Carrie Lam. The event was moderated by Zhu Xufeng, Dean of Tsinghua SPPM.

Madam Carrie Lam delivering her keynote speech

Madam Carrie Lam first recalled her two previous visits to Tsinghua University while she was in office, in addition to her exchange experiences at Tsinghua University as a student. She expressed her familiarity and delight of visiting Tsinghua SPPM, but this time under the identity of a “public management practitioner”. She was pleased to dialogue with all the experts, scholars and young students of public administration.

Following her introduction, Madam Carrie Lam explained in detail the importance and necessity of the “One Country, Two Systems” policy in light of the development history of Hong Kong SAR. She emphasized that the “One Country, Two Systems” policy is the foundation of public governance practice in Hong Kong SAR and an essential principle to ensure long-term prosperity and stability for the society in Hong Kong. In order to achieve proper governance in the political system, economic development, legal policies, social welfare, and other important fields, as well as responding calmly and firmly to any challenge or obstacle, the “One Country, Two Systems” policy is the indisputable bottom line. In the future, Hong Kong SAR Government should actively innovate to keep pace with the times, explore more areas of cooperation with Mainland China, exert its advantages whilst also highly integrating into the overall national development scheme, and further advance social justice and public welfare. At last, Madam Carrie Lam encouraged the faculty members and students of Tsinghua SPPM to adhere to the spirit of serving the people, to act bravely and strive forward, with the hopes that the youth in Mainland China and Hong Kong SAR can also actively contribute to the development of China.

Zhu Xufeng moderating the event

On-site event

After her keynote speech, Madam Carrie Lam kindly interacted with the audience. The event concluded successfully and meaningfully.

Peng Zongchao gifting a finely compiled edition of China Public Administration Review on behalf of Tsinghua SPPM

Peng Zongchao gifted on behalf of Tsinghua SPPM a finely compiled edition of China Public Administration Review to Madam Carrie Lam, and conveyed his sincere appreciation for her insightful speech.

Visit to Tsinghua University History Hall

Visit to Tsinghua University Art Museum

During her visit to Tsinghua University, Madam Carrie Lam also visited the Tsinghua University History Hall and the Tsinghua University Art Museum, accompanied by Zhu Xufeng and Yin Chengzhi. She gained a comprehensive understanding of the century-long development history of Tsinghua University, and congratulated the university for its accomplishments and achieved milestones.