Community of Suffering: Hong Kong Struggles for Democracy

This presentation will delve into the evolving landscape of leadership, strategies, and political identities within the Hong Kong democratic movement since the mid-1980s. Additionally, it will explore how the adversities faced by political activists have fostered a moral community, strengthening personal commitment to the principles of freedom and democracy. Professor Kin-man Chan will offer insights from personal experiences in jail and share testimonies from brave participants in the movement who have stood resolute in court.

About the Speaker

Kin-man Chan is Visiting Professor at the Department of Sociology, National Chengchi University and a member of the Hong Kong Studies Program at the Institute of Sociology, Academic Sinica in Taiwan. Prior to relocating to Taiwan, Professor Chan dedicated 25 years of service to The Chinese University of Hong Kong where he served as director for University Service Center for China Studies and Center for Civil Society Studies. He published nine Chinese books including Kin-man Chan’s Letters from the Prison, Towards Civil Society and The Difficult Transition: Modernization and the Chinese Society (with Zhong Hua). Recognised by the media as one of the "Occupy Trio," Professor Chan was actively involved in the 2014 Umbrella Movement, resulting in a 16-month jail sentence. Professor Chan obtained his PhD from Yale University.

Drinks reception at 5:30pm for 6pm start.