“A Centenary Dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi” is Organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong. Video web-cast is provided by The University of Hong Kong.
As part of its 100th anniversary celebrations in 2011-2012, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) is proud to present a series of Centenary Distinguished Lectures by some of the world’s most brilliant minds. Aung San Suu Kyi is the eighth speaker in the series. This lecture will be conducted in the form of a live dialogue. Aung San Suu Kyi will speak to and interact with members of HKU and the Hong Kong public through televised transmissions from Burma. Aung San Suu Kyi is known throughout the world not only for her role as a Burmese opposition leader, but also for her writings on contemporary political issues and her strong belief in education as a force for social change. In Freedom from Fear, initially published in 1991, she set down the doctrine of non-violent resistance to authoritarianism that has always been her hallmark. In that book and others she also examined the political role of Buddhism, and described the spiritual values that continue to inform her political philosophy. At the same time, she donated US$1 million awarded for her 1991 Nobel Peace Prize to Prospect Burma, an educational charity supporting Burmese students in universities around the world. In this way, she clearly signaled the depth of her commitment to higher education. This Centenary Dialogue will range across the many themes that define Aung San Suu Kyi’s political profile and engagement, enabling one of the world’s great humanitarian leaders to discuss a broad set of contemporary issues of interest to individuals of all races, creeds and generations. In a context of resurgent Asia, it will provide a platform for one of the region’s most distinctive political figures to examine the challenges that confront Burma, its partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and its vast neighbours China and India. Note: Unstable transmission signals between Burma and Hong Kong are anticipated. http://www0.hku.hk/socsc/