News & Events

As the 11th National Security Education Day approached this Wednesday (April 15), public attention has once again focused on strengthening the sense of rule of law and social responsibility among the younger generation. POD Research Institute stated today that encouraging young people to re-examine national development and the legal system is a pivotal path to helping them reshape their future and embark on a new chapter in their lives. In proactive response to the Government’s initiatives to support youth transition and implement National Security education, POD Research Institute will offer 20 complimentary places (on a first-come, first-served basis) for participants of the 2019 social incidents in the upcoming Premier Program on Leadership and Public Affairs, as a concrete step toward fostering social reconciliation.

Fostering Harmony Through Talent Development

POD Research Institute firmly believes that genuine rehabilitation and youth transition require more than just one-off opportunities; they necessitate a systemic enhancement of social literacy and leadership capabilities. Since its inception, POD Research Institute has stayed true to its core mission of nurturing future leaders who possess a "National Perspective, Rule of Law Literacy, and Social Commitment," empowering young people who aspire to "Anchor in Hong Kong, Serve the Nation, and Engage the World."

Mr. Ronny Tong, Head of POD Research Institute, stated: "National security is the bedrock of development. We fully support the Government's efforts in providing a path forward for young people. Rather than leaving them to wait passively for opportunities, we advocate for proactive empowerment. By offering these 20 complimentary places, we aim to encourage more young people to master the logic of public administration, enabling them to re-examine social institutions through an objective and multi-dimensional lens, and truly embark on a new chapter of their lives while contributing to the nation's overall development."

Premier Program on Leadership and Public Affairs 

As a testament to this long-term commitment, the "Hong Kong Academy of Politics and Public Policy," co-organized by POD Research Institute and HKU SPACE, has been a premier provider of public affairs education for years. A hallmark of the "Premier Program on Leadership and Public Affairs" is its prestigious tradition of exchange programs in Beijing. Past cohorts have participated in high-level visits and dialogues with: The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council (HKMAO), The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR (LOCPG), The Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, and Top-tier mainland universities and national-level think tanks, etc.

Through these high-level engagements, students gain direct insights into the central government's macro-considerations regarding Hong Kong and accurately grasp the pulse of national development.

Course Details and Enrollment:

Designed for busy professionals and aspiring youth, the upcoming cohort features an intensive one-day curriculum aimed at establishing an authoritative knowledge framework in a short timeframe.

• Program Name: Premier Program on Leadership and Public Affairs
• Core Modules: Constitutional Issues and National Security Law; Chinese Politics and Central Government Policies; Strategic Communication and Leadership Skills.
• Date: 5, 12, 19 September, 3 and 10 October, 2026
• Time: Every morning (4 hours per session) 
• Eligibility for Special Offer: Applicants must be participants of the 2019 social incidents (relevant supporting documents must be provided).
  • General Requirements: Applicants must possess a sufficient foundation in English and meet the relevant admission standards of HKU SPACE.
  • How to Apply: Individuals interested in applying for the aforementioned complimentary places should contact POD Research Institute directly (Tel: 2509 3131) for preliminary registration and verification.

POD Research Institute hopes that the 11th National Security Education Day will serve as a catalyst for aspiring young people to join the ranks of public affairs learning. We strive to serve as a bridge, guiding youth from understanding national conditions to becoming visionary leaders capable of upholding Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability.

 

For program details and scholarship applications, please visit: https://podresearch.hk/programme-course-2