Hong Kong’s Bauhinia think tank bows out after 16 years, a sign of research centres’ waning influence, lack of support
- Analysts say exit underscores limited room for think tanks to develop in a city where policymaking has been dominated by officials
- Researchers at centre linked to former leader Donald Tsang ‘proud and emotional’ as time runs out
The Bauhinia Foundation Research Centre, a Hong Kong think tank set up by a close aide of former chief executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, will close by the end of March, the Post has learned.
Analysts said its exit underscored the limited room for think tanks to develop in a city where policymaking had been dominated by officials.
The centre was founded in March 2006 by Norman Chan Tak-lam, who ran Tsang’s campaign to become city leader the previous year. He was director of the Chief Executive’s Office from 2007 to 2009, before becoming chief executive of the Monetary Authority.
Over the years, the think tank focused on policy research, looking at key factors and conditions that would contribute to Hong Kong’s overall and long-term development.
Its staff of about 10 employees publish one to two research studies every year, with their last public policy paper, released in July 2021, focused on strategies for achieving sustainable tourism in Hong Kong.
Confirming its closure, foundation chairman Lau Ming-wai told the Post: “After serving the community for 16 years, we will finish our research and operations later this month and Bauhinia’s mission will come to an end.”
