Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network hosted "Meet Professor Kishore Mahbubani: A Dialogue with Young Students in Hong Kong" on 26 April at the Yew Chung International School of Hong Kong. Professor Mahbubani addressed challenges that youth face in the 21st century. 

Professor Kishore Mahbubani

Students, teachers, and principals from YCIS Hong Kong, as well as students from other 20 secondary schools and universities in Hong Kong, joined the event. Students and teachers from 8 schools of Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network in the Chinese mainland also participated online. Professor Mahbubani fielded questions from the students and teachers during the Q&A session.

Event highlights 

Professor Kishore Mahbubani is the former Singapore Permanent Ambassador to the United Nations, President of the United Nations Security Council, and Founding Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. He is currently a Distinguished Fellow at Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore.

During his presentation, Professor Mahbubani explained the pressing global issues and challenges that young students will inevitably face during the next two decades, including geopolitics, global governance, and good governance. As the starting point to underscore his discussion of geopolitics, Professor Mahbubani specifically examined the relationship between China and the United States. He offered a thorough analysis of how the dynamics and interactions between these major powers could impact the direction of the global situation, ultimately affecting the lives of all individuals.

Dr Betty Chan Po-king, CEO and School Supervisor of YCYW Education Network, Prof. Paul Yip Kwok-wah, Chairman of YCYW, Dr Lydia Chan, YCYW Deputy CEO (Tertiary Education) and Dr Esther Chan, YCYW Deputy CEO (K-12 Education) joined the event

Drawing upon his extensive diplomatic experience and astute observations, Professor Mahbubani emphasised that the world has undergone a fundamental transformation, "The world has shrunk dramatically as a result of the forces of globalisation, and effectively the 8 billion people on earth no longer live in 193 separate boats. They live in 193 separate cabins on the same boat."

Despite this major structural change, Professor Mahbubani said that the mentality of global governance is still stuck in silos. When citing the example of the fight against climate change, a major challenge young students will face when they grow up, he noted that, "Countries are still focused on their own cabin, and not on saving the boat." 

During his discussion about good governance, Professor Mahbubani used recent major international events as examples, expressing disappointment that, "Even in the most advanced and most developed society, you have a shortage of good governance." Reflecting on his own background, he shared his journey from growing up in a poor Indian family in Singapore to becoming a global diplomat. He emphasised that, "The most just society is one that takes care of the bottom 10 percent and raises their standard of living."

An engaging and interactive exchange between Professor Mahbubani and the audience followed right after the presentation. Yew Chung and Yew Wah students raised thought-provoking questions that showcased their international perspectives and opinions on current global affairs. Topics ranged from how great nations can shift from competition to cooperation, to the pressing issues facing international organisations. 

YCYW students raised thought-provoking questions

When asked about the essential attributes that make a successful diplomat. Professor Mahbubani succinctly referred to the "Five Cs": Compassion, Cunning, Mastery of Complexity, Collector of Talents, and Courage. While the first "C" is widely acknowledged as essential, Professor Mahbubani noted that the second "C" contentious. "Politics is a very dangerous and slippery game and it's the most difficult profession in the world. So if you're not cunning, you won't succeed," he remarked. 

Professor Mahbubani explained, "Today's world is getting more and more complicated. For example, if I want to lead the world in the fight against climate change, I try to follow the scientific dimensions of climate change—very  difficult, very complicated. But you got to be a master of complexity." 

He noted," . . . You got to be a collector of talent. You must know no leader succeeds on his or her own. You must have a great team to work with you."

He also shared his personal experience of challenges during his time at the United Nations and emphasised the importance of being prepared for setbacks. 

Dr Esther Chan, Deputy CEO (K-12 Education) of Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network (YCYW), concluded the event by expressing her gratitude to Professor Mahbubani for his most insightful comments and discussion. 

As YCYW celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, Dr Chan noted that the Network remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing future leaders with a strong sense of service, social responsibility, and a global outlook."Hence the dialogue and exchange that took place today carry significant weight; it has been truly inspiring for all the students that participated," she said. 

Professor Kishore Mahbubani visited YCIS Hong Kong campus

The Hong Kong Policy Research Institute and Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network, jointly organised a luncheon presentation entitled "Can China Outcompete the US?" featuring keynote speaker Professor Kishore Mahbubani on 25 April 2023 in Hong Kong. The event was sponsored by B & P Foundation with Hong Kong Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group News Department Omnimedia Center as the official media partner.

The event was attended by more than 100 participants from various sectors, including representative office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong SAR, foreign consulates, and local and international media. Professor Mahbubani fielded questions from the audience during the Q&A session.

Group photo of Keynote Presentation and Luncheon with Professor Kishore Mahbubani: Dr. Esther Chan, Executive of B&P Foundation; Ms. Winnie Yip, Executive of B&P Foundation; Mr. Paul Tse, Executive Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Policy Research Institute; Dr. Betty Chan, CEO of Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network, Co-founder of B&P Foundation; Professor Kishore Mahbubani, Distinguished Fellow at the Institute of Asian Studies, National University of Singapore; Professor Paul Yip, Chairman of the Hong Kong Policy Research Institute, Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network, and B&P Foundation; Mr Chan Heng Wing, the Non-Resident Ambassador of Singapore to the Republic of Austria; Dr. Lydia Chan, Executive of B&P Foundation. (from left to right)