The HKU-UBS Sustainable and Social Innovation Leadership Program (SSILP) recently welcomed a distinguished guest speaker: Professor The Hon CHEUNG Kin-chung Matthew, GBM, GBS, JP, former Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government, to share valuable insights on strategic policymaking, communication, and crisis management drawn from decades of public service experience.
The heart of Professor Cheung’s message were the fundamental principles of good governance: importance of people-centered policymaking, thorough contingency planning, responsive leadership, and maintaining a servant leadership mindset. Through compelling case studies, including the Tin Shui Wai family tragedy and COVID-19 contact tracing initiatives, Professor Cheung illustrated how compassionate leadership and effective cross-sector collaboration can transform challenging situations into opportunities for building public trust and improving systems.
Professor Cheung introduced the HEARTS leadership model during the session resonated strongly with participants. This framework, emphasizing Humility, Empathy, and Adaptability among other qualities, provides a practical approach to effective leadership. Professor Cheung also highlighted the strategic importance of social capital in policy implementation, particularly emphasizing the crucial role of nonprofit organizations in public governance.
For nonprofit leaders, Professor Cheung advised aligning organizational goals with public policy objectives, maintaining visibility in the community, and actively building partnerships with government stakeholders. He emphasized that successful governance requires inclusive participation and strong civic partnerships.
“Together we stand, divided we fall,” Professor Cheung reminded the audience. Through his real-world examples and personal reflections, participants gained valuable insights into the delicate balance of public leadership and community engagement.