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The Asia Global Institute (AGI) at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is an independent think tank that generates and disseminates innovative thinking and policy-relevant research on global issues from Asian perspectives. While there are fervent discussions about the emerging multipolar world order and the role of the Middle East, Africa, and BRICS in the paradigm shift of geopolitics, AGI is delighted to welcome 18 promising global influencers from 17 countries who have close ties to this emerging world order to the HKU campus.

The year of 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This year, 13 out of 18 AsiaGlobal Fellows (AGFs) are from BRI partner countries, including Afghanistan, Algeria, Egypt, Fiji, Georgia, Ghana, Nigeria, Pakistan, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Singapore and Zimbabwe. The remaining fellows hail from Australia, India, the Netherlands and the Philippines.

The AsiaGlobal Fellows Program (AGFP) cohort has already made significant contributions in fields such as land and natural resources policies, fintech, multilateral institutions, management, law, and technology. These Fellows share a passion for global issues and Asia-related policy matters. They will focus on personal and professional growth, leveraging the learning, networking opportunities, and resources available to drive development in their respective home countries through an intensive three-month research program. The program, running from August 21 to November 17, includes seminars, workshops, and exchange ideas with top scholars from various fields at HKU.

“The challenges facing humanity demand greater leadership and a deeper understanding of global issues. In response to this need, the AsiaGlobal Fellows Program was established. This innovative program offers interdisciplinary training to develop global leaders in public policy,” said Heiwai Tang, Director, Asia Global Institute, and Victor and William Fung Professor in Economics.

Established in 2017, AGFP is a residential program in Hong Kong that serves as a unique platform for nurturing future leaders and influencers with a deep understanding of global policy issues from Asian perspectives. The program also fosters long-term ties between Asia and the rest of the world. To date, AGI has hosted 74 Fellows from over 43 nations across all continents, including Asia, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Latin America and North America. Notably, 70% of the Fellows hail from countries that have joined the BRI. This year, an AGFP homecoming will be started a week before AsiaGlobal Dialogue, AGI's premier flagship conference, on November 17. Over 10 alumni from all over the world will be flying back to Hong Kong to attend. The event will feature an AGF x AGI Forum that will consist of two panels discussing Pan-African issues and philanthropy.

“Over the past six years, the AsiaGlobal Fellows Program has successfully groomed leaders who are capable of playing pivotal roles in establishing and strengthening relationships between their countries of origin and Hong Kong. These leaders spearhead initiatives that bring about positive changes in Hong Kong, Asia, and the global community,” said Mr Kwok-chuen Kwok, Program Director, AsiaGlobal Fellows Program, Asia Global Institute.

The 2023 Fellows are open to press interviews and speaking engagements during their stay here. (Please click here for their short bios, and here for their photos) 

To learn more about the backgrounds of AGFs, please visit, https://www.asiaglobalfellows.hku.hk/Fellows2023.aspx

About the Asia Global Institute
The Asia Global Institute is an independent think tank that generates and disseminates innovative thinking and policy-relevant research on global issues from Asian perspectives. It aims to inform global policy and actions towards a prosperous and sustainable future for all.

About the AsiaGlobal Fellows Program (AGFP)
Launched in 2017 by the Asia Global Institute at The University of Hong Kong, AGFP is a residential program aims to nurture future leaders and create influencers with a deeper understanding of global issues from Asian perspectives. It is generously supported by the New World Development Charity Foundation and Tanoto Foundation. For more information about the program, please visit: https://www.asiaglobalfellows.hku.hk/

About the AGF Program Director
Directing this program is Kwok-chuen Kwok who had recently stepped down as Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Academy of Finance, where his mandate was to nurture financial talents for the city. Prior to that, Mr Kwok was Government Economist of the Hong Kong SAR Government and Regional Chief Economist of Standard Chartered Bank for East Asia). Mr. Kwok's vast knowledge and professional experience in economics, coupled with his passion and commitment to nurturing future financial leaders, make him an invaluable asset to AGFP.

About New World Development Charity Foundation
To fulfil New World Group's commitment to corporate sustainability, the New World Group Charity Foundation was established in 2011 with the aim of contributing to charities and worthy causes and providing practical support to various sports, art and cultural programmes initiated by the Group. This establishment helps the Group achieve its goals of improving social mobility of the under-resourced and fostering social harmony.

About the Tanoto Foundation 
Tanoto Foundation is an independent philanthropic organization founded by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto based on the belief that quality education accelerates equal opportunity. Tanoto Foundation harnesses the transformative power of education to realise people’s full potential and improve lives. It focuses on making an impact in Indonesia, Singapore and China, in the areas of improving learning environments, future leaders development, as well as facilitating medical research and sciences.

For media enquiries, please contact Ms Fiona LI (Email: fykli@hku.hk/  Tel: 852 3917 1275 / 9209 1973)