Since the 1990s migration in Hong Kong has been influenced by several developments. First, the 1997 handover drastically changed the characteristics of Hong Kong migration. Second, diasporic communities have become more stratified because of the increasing movements of migrant workers of all sorts: manual laborers, domestic helpers, women, professionals, scholars, students, entrepreneurs and managers. Third, transnational flows of migration have also encountered countercurrents because of changes in government policies towards migrants of meager economic means. Finally, doubts on Hong Kong's status as the region's leading international city might have been compromised, which could complicate transnational movements of migrants.

This Open Forum thus provides a unique opportunity to rethink and debate current issues of migration in Hong Kong. The Forum aims to discuss problems and suggest solutions in the everyday life of immigrants, expatriates and migrant workers. Three areas of everyday life have been identified as they are crucial to the adaptation, acculturation or even alienation of migrants in strange place, unfamiliar work environments, and alien cultures and languages.

Invited panelists would share their experiences in helping migrants cope with new institutions, understand interpersonal relations, and overcome cultural and language barriers.

David C. Lam Institute for East-West Studies (LEWI)

LEWI is an academic consortium hosted by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), a public-funded institution with a Christian heritage. With its mission to promote intercultural dialogue, the Institute has a global membership of 28 universities and has established research programmes on three continents: The Western Pacific Rim-China Research Programme at Swinburne University of Technology, Australia; the North America-China Research Programme at Simon Fraser University, Canada; and the Europe-China Research Programme at Hong Kong Baptist University. 

Wing Lung Bank International Institute for Business Development (IIBD)

IIBD, also hosted by HKBU, was established in 1993 and named in recognition of the steadfast support and generosity of Wing Lung Bank. Its objective is to facilitate growth and development of international business activities and to promote international business education in countries represented by member universities through the cooperation and joint ventures of its various members. The Institute seeks to provide knowledge and information appropriate to global business development, making full use of modern networking technologies. 

The conference will be held at the Lam Woo International Conference Centre of our University. Located on the Shaw campus on Renfrew Road, Kowloon Tong, the Centre houses attractive meeting rooms with the latest audio-visual aids. 

Participants may stay at the Dr. Ng Tor Tai International House (NTT) on HKBU's campus (Map of HKBU Campus), which is next door to the conference venue and within easy access to public transportation, restaurants and shopping.

To register for the conference and reserve accommodation at NTT International House, please download and return the following forms to the Conference Secretary by fax: (852) 3411-5128 or email: lewi@hkbu.edu.hk

  Conference Registration Form (local)

Conference Registration Form (overseas)

Open Forum

Mirgrants in Hong Kong: Experiences, Problems and Responses

6 April, Lam Woo International Conference Centre, Hong Kong Baptist University

Programme

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6^th April