Saturday, 9 May 20265L Jenifer Lam, 4J Bernice Yeung, 4L Lisa Gao, 4L Coco Lee
Asia Society Hong Kong Center is an independent, non-governmental educational organization dedicated to shaping a shared future for Asia and the world through its work in arts and culture, business, and public policy. On 29 April, the organization celebrated its 35th anniversary with a prestigious gala dinner at the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel. This milestone event not only marked an important chapter in Asia Society’s history, but also brought together individuals of all ages who are committed to the future development of Asia. It served as a platform to bridge cultures, foster dialogue, and inspire collaboration. We were deeply honored to be part of this meaningful annual celebration.
A highlight of the evening was an address delivered by the President and CEO of Asia Society, The Hon. Dr Kevin Rudd AC, former Prime Minister of Australia. In his speech, Dr Rudd explored global relationships, with particular emphasis on tensions in the Middle East. He shared his perspectives on the recent conflict involving Iran and the United States, analyzing its broader implications for Asia and the critical role played by China–US relations in shaping the situation.
The gala became even more engaging during the Q&A session, which featured Dr Kevin Rudd AC, Mr Taro Kono – Member of the Parliament of Japan and former Foreign and Defence Minister – and Mr Ronnie C. Chan, Honorary Chairman of Hang Lung Properties and Chairman of Asia Society Hong Kong. Together, they examined pressing global issues, including geopolitical conflicts affecting energy prices, the rise of artificial intelligence, and other complex challenges in international relations.
Their insights left a lasting impression on us and sparked deep reflection. The thought-provoking discussion showcased a powerful convergence of diverse viewpoints. Each speaker, shaped by their unique national background, approached the Middle East crisis differently: one emphasized the fragility of energy sources, another analyzed the strategic roles of major Asian nations, while a third questioned Western intervention. Although their debate grew increasingly animated, one important consensus emerged – progress is driven not by a single perspective, but by the exchange and collision of contrasting ideas. It is through such dialogue that societies challenge assumptions, embrace complexity, and move towards a more hopeful future.
As students, we rarely have the opportunity to engage so deeply with global issues. We often focus primarily on Hong Kong or Asia, which can make it easy to fall into one-sided thinking. A particularly striking moment came when the speakers were asked to summarize the future of different regions in just one word. This simple question prompted us to realize how little we had considered the broader direction of the world. How do relationships between major powers shape global outcomes? How will markets evolve? More importantly, what kind of world do we, as future leaders, hope to build?
It was through the speakers’ thoughtful and insightful analysis that we began to reflect on international affairs in a way we never had before. We have come to realize that genuine understanding does not come from adopting a comfortable position, but from actively seeking knowledge, examining evidence, and considering multiple perspectives before forming our own views.
This leads us to reflect on our role as students: how can we prepare ourselves to become future global leaders? One key takeaway from Dr Rudd’s sharing is the importance of curiosity – we must never stop wondering. Although our influence may seem limited, we can make an effort to understand the world around us. Countless resources are available, both online and offline. By keeping up with global news and exploring the historical and cultural contexts behind national decisions, we can develop a more nuanced understanding of international affairs.
We can also broaden our horizons through travel, immersing ourselves in different cultures, connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, and learning from their lived experiences. These efforts not only deepen our understanding of the world but also enrich our perspective on our own society. Just as Dr Rudd has demonstrated his commitment to cultural understanding through his proficiency in Putonghua, we too can embrace the boundless possibilities of our future by learning about, appreciating, and respecting different cultures – with curiosity and humility guiding us.
Shungtakians, let us never stop wondering.