MUST held the Lecture of the Distinguished Lecture Series - Philip Chen Nan-Lok spoke on “Great Cities For Macau”
MUST held the Lecture of the Distinguished Lecture Series
Philip Chen Nan-Lok spoke on “Great Cities For Macau”
The Institute of Development Economics at Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) hosted the Distinguished Lecture Series on April 23, 2026, at 3:00 PM in N101 Hall, in collaboration with the School of Business at MUST. The keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Philip Chen Nan-Lok, Former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Jockey Club; Former Chief Executive Officer of Hang Lung Group and Hang Lung Properties; Former Chief Executive Officer of Cathay Pacific Airways Limited; and Former Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Limited. The university invited leading economic experts from Macau to participate in the lecture and join the roundtable discussion, with the aim of fostering a deeper understanding and diverse perspectives on Hong Kong’s business sector through high-level academic presentations and exchanges.
Leaders from MUST and distinguished guests attended the event, including Mr. Zhang Yun, Deputy General Manager of Service and Commerce at Air Macau Co., Ltd.; Mr. Leory Yuen, Head of Wealth Management Department at the Macau Development Bank; Chair Professor Joseph Hun Wei, Lee, Director of the Key Laboratory of River Basin Digital Twinning of Ministry of Water Resources of MUST; Distinguished Guest Chair Professor Francis T. Lui, Director of the Institute for Development Economics of MUST; and Chair Professor Chan Tung Sun, Vice Dean of the School of Business of MUST, were among the distinguished participants. In addition, experts in economics and students from MUST attended the lecture. The event attracted nearly 200 participants and was marked by a lively atmosphere.
During the lecture, Dr. Chen explored the factors that shape the world’s great cities and examined Hong Kong’s development path as an international aviation hub. He began with a multidimensional analysis of the key elements that determine a city’s significance, including geographical location, natural resources, population size, cultural and religious traditions, tourism appeal, and fiscal and monetary policies. By comparing historical and contemporary examples such as London, New York, Singapore, and Dubai, Dr. Chen highlighted how shifts in global transportation modes—from maritime to air transport—have influenced the rise and decline of cities, noting that modern great cities are often aviation hubs.
Through data analysis and case studies, Dr. Chen emphasized the central importance of strong homegrown airlines to a city’s role as an aviation hub. Local carriers not only generate direct economic benefits such as foreign exchange earnings, headquarters investment, and high-skilled employment, but also contribute through international brand recognition, tourism promotion, and multiplier effects that closely align with urban development interests. The success of Singapore Airlines, the global expansion of Cathay Pacific through its hub network, and government interventions during crises (such as the 9/11 attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the bankruptcy of Japan Airlines) all underscore this point.
In conclusion, the report stressed that future competition will be competition among hubs. Hong Kong must leverage the advantages of the “One Country, Two Systems” framework and national policies—such as the support outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan to enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub. By adopting forward-looking strategies and ensuring effective execution, Hong Kong can strengthen its hub role and domestic airline industry to secure a favorable position in the evolving global landscape.
The panel discussion, moderated by Distinguished Guest Chair Professor Francis T. Lui, featuring distinguished panelists including Dr. Philip Chen Nan-Lok, Deputy General Manager Zhang Yun, Chair Professor Chan Tung Sun, Assistant Professor Loi Fai Lim and Assistant Professor Chen Peixiu. The guests engaged in in-depth exchanges and discussions on topics related to the significance of cities.
The lecture concluded on a high note, with a lively interactive Q&A session and enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Dr. Philip Chen Nan-Lok graduated from the University of Hong Kong with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Business Administration degree, and was later awarded honorary doctorates by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Hong Kong Baptist University. Dr. Chan previously served as Chairman of the Board of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Chief Executive Officer of Hang Lung Group and Hang Lung Properties, Vice Chairman of Cathay Pacific Airways, and Director of Swire Pacific Limited, achieving distinguished accomplishments in Hong Kong’s business and public affairs. His public service roles have included membership in the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Aviation Development Advisory Committee, and the University Grants Committee, as well as serving as Chairman of the Quality Assurance Council. In addition, Dr. Chan has held positions as Chairman of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Airline Representatives Association, and was a Council Member of the International Air Transport Association, making significant contributions to the development of Hong Kong and the global business, aviation, and tourism sectors.
In recognition of his contributions and service to society, Dr. Chan was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 2000, awarded the Silver Bauhinia Star in 2002, and the Gold Bauhinia Star in 2012. Furthermore, in 2009, he was conferred the title of Officer of the National Order of Merit by the Government of France.
A group photo during the lecture
Distinguished Guest Chair Professor Francis T. Lui, Director of the Institute of Development Economics at MUST (Right) presented a souvenir to Dr. Philip Chen Nan-Lok (Left)
During the roundtable discussion
Q&A Session
