Understanding China in a Fractured World

EVENT DESCRIPTION

China’s rapid transformation over the past four decades has reshaped the global order with perceptions of its rise remain sharply divided. Is there room for a balanced dialogue about China’s role on the world stage, especially in today’s geopolitical climate?

Chandran Nair will unpack the reforms of the Deng Xiaoping era, China’s distinctive governance model, and the socio-economic forces that drove its ascent. In conversation with Asia Society Hong Kong Center Chairman Ronnie C. Chan, they will explore the country’s past, present, and future, and consider whether a nuanced understanding of China’s internal and external dynamics is possible amid its growing global engagement.

5:00pm Registration & Reception
5:30pm Opening Remarks
5:35pm Fireside Chat
6:30pm Q&A with Audience
6:55pm Closing Remarks
7:00pm Cocktail Reception
7:30pm Program Ends

ABOUT THE ARTIST / ORGANISER

Chandran Nair is the Founder and CEO of the Global Institute For Tomorrow (GIFT), an independent pan-Asian think tank based in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. The Institute is focused on advancing a deeper understanding of global issues including the shift of economic and political influence from the West to Asia, the dynamic relationship between business and society, and the reshaping of the rules of global capitalism.
He is the author of Understanding China: Governance, Socio-Economics, Global Influence, Dismantling Global White Privilege: Equity for a Post-Western World, The Sustainable State: The Future of Government, Economy, and Society and Consumptionomics: Asia's Role in Reshaping Capitalism and Saving the Planet. He is also the creator of The Other Hundred, a non-profit global photo journalism initiative.
Chandran was previously Chairman of Environmental Resources Management (ERM) in Asia Pacific. He is currently a member of WEF’s Global Agenda Council on Governance for Sustainability and Experts Forum, he sits on the Global Steering Committee of CISL’s Business for Sustainability Programme, is a member of the Club of Rome, is a member of the Global Advisory Board of Ethical Markets and is a Senior Fellow of CIMB ASEAN Research Institute (CARI), as well as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Chandran is also an Advisor to the Royal Government of Cambodia on development issues.

Ronnie C. Chan is the Honorary Chair of Hang Lung Group Limited and its subsidiary Hang Lung Properties Limited, both publicly listed in Hong Kong. Hang Lung expanded into mainland China in 1992, developing, owning and managing world-class commercial complexes in key tier one and tier two cities. In 1986, Mr. Chan co-founded Morningside, a diversified investment group engaged in private equity and venture capital investments in North America, Asia, and Europe. He founded and chairs the China Heritage Fund, and is a cofounding Director of The Forbidden City Cultural Heritage Conservation Foundation in Beijing.
Mr. Chan is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Chair Emeritus of the Asia Society and Chairman of its Hong Kong Center, and Co-Founder and Chairman of the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society. He serves or has served on the governing or advisory bodies of several think tanks and universities, including: Peterson Institute for International Economics, World Economic Forum, East-West Center, Pacific Council on International Policy, Eisenhower Fellowships, The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation, University of Southern California, Indian School of Business, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Yale University, Tsinghua University, and Fudan University.