緣起

Dr. Simon Shen is currently an Associate Professor of College of Social Sciences and Vice-director of Center for Taiwan & Hong Kong, National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan (R.O.C.). Graduated from University of Oxford (DPhil) and Yale University (MA/BA), Dr. Shen is an international relations scholar published more than 70 academic articles including in leading SSCI journals such as China Quarterly, China Review, Journal of Contemporary China, Pacific Affairs, Pacific Review, Asian Survey, among others. Prior to moving to Taiwan, he has been working as Associate Professor in the Chinese University of Hong Kong, where he also served as Director of Global Studies Programme, Director of Master of Global Political Economy Programme and Director of International Affairs Research Center of Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies. He has served as a Visiting Fellow of Brookings Institution, East-West Center, University of Warwick, National University of Singapore, Rikkyo University, Academic Sinica, among others. Dr. Shen is also active in media and is running a social media channel with hundreds of thousands of followers.

As Hong Kong undergoes a rapid and transformative change in recent years, with many of its residents migrating and settling all over the world, it becomes crucial to preserve a thorough understanding of the region’s international dynamics. In an era where the algorithms of social media platforms are changing and manipulating how humans approach information and knowledge, our mission is to become a reliable and comprehensive archive that spans the past, present, and future of international relations, especially a Hong Kong-centric one.

We accomplish our mission by creating, curating and integrating our articles and video content from our own Patreon account and YouTube channel. Our extensive collection offers a multidimensional view of the intricate relationships among international communities. By consolidating diverse perspectives and in-depth analyses, we strive to facilitate informed discussions and promote a deeper understanding of the complexities that shape the region’s international interactions.

In addition to our content, we engage with our audience. Through our university-level study programs, we delve into the intricate nuances of international relations, fostering intellectual growth and providing participants with a unique opportunity to explore the region’s global connections. We also organize members’ gatherings, art events, study tours, and promote cultural products and collectibles that celebrate Hong Kong’s rich heritage. These initiatives aim to create a sense of community among individuals passionate about Hong Kong and its international relations, as well as encourage meaningful interactions and knowledge sharing.

Our efforts to provide an accurate representation of Hong Kong-centric international relations are rooted in the backdrop of rapid change and global shifts. In Plato’s Cave allegory, prisoners were fixated on the shadows projected on the cave wall, unaware of the true reality outside. Similarly, as Hong Kong experiences transformation, it is imperative to shed light on the real dynamics and complexities of its international relations. Through our website, we aim to illuminate the intricacies, challenge preconceived notions, and inspire a deeper understanding of Hong Kong’s global connections.