Hong Kong Future Leaders Program

In February 2000, The Maxwell School of Syracuse University entered into a partnership with the Hong Kong College of Technology, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Tsinghua University to design and deliver a training program on politics, democratic governance and the electoral process to participants of the "Hong Kong Future Leaders" Program.

Working with local political parties, the Legislative Council and education institutions, the Maxwell School designed
the Future Leaders Program to address the needs of political leaders contemplating higher elective office, and business, government professionals interested in entering politics. The program provides participants with practical and theoretical knowledge of politics and the democratic process. It is anticipated that the program will not only help participants become future political leaders, but also inspire greater political participation among the general public.

The program takes place in three locations: Hong Kong, mainland China and the United States. Each session offers a unique insight into the political life in these localities. The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Tsinghua University, are responsible for organizing and conducting the Hong Kong and Beijing segments for the program. The U.S. segment, hosted by the Maxwell School, is designed to educate the participants about the American political system. The first group of 35 participants traveled to the United States in October, 2000, just a few weeks before the American presidential election. The timing of the visit provided the participants with a rare opportunity to observe political campaigns, presidential debates and other political activities that all served as vivid demonstration of the American political system at work. The participants met with politicians, government officials, scholars and experts on American politics.

Similar programs will be organized by The Maxwell School to assist future leaders of Hong Kong to acquire the knowledge and skills for a successful political career.

Related Links

English Links:

Maxwell Perspective Magazine

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of People’s Republic of China

Asia Week

South China Morning Post

Far Eastern Economic Review

Chinese Links:

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of People’s Republic of China (中华人民共和国香港特别行政区)