The tenth lecture of the "Savantas Liberal Arts Academy Public Policy Study Programme Summer 2021" was held on 31 July. Professor Lam Wai Fung, Department of Politics and Public Administration, The University of Hong Kong, was the speaker. The lecture was titled " Social Innovation for Sustainable Society”. Participants learnt about the concept of a sustainable society, try to think outside the box, and find solutions in public administration from the perspective of social innovation.

Prof Lam first analyzed several cases, including the international landmine problem, the Seoul as a Sharing City, and Hong Kong’s "Light Be" project, and concluded that we should think comprehensively, not just to solve the problem at the superficial level. Taking the Light Home as an example, the housing problem of the grassroots is not just lacking a place to live. There are many problems behind it, such as the single parent family, lacking resources or support from the community. "Light Be" tries to give inhabitants hope and help them live with dignity.

Prof Lam shared the Lai Chi Wo project in which he was involved, proposing that there are other feasible methods to protect rural areas, besides establishing country parks. Country Park policy is not equal to conservation. Sometimes forests and trees may be protected, but not the people and villages. The Lai Chi Wo project is trying to strike a balance between the two, trying to establish a socio-economic model and community, which can eventually revitalize the village. Prof Lam concluded by encouraging the participants to try to build an ecosystem for social innovation. In the Q&A session, participants actively discussed with Prof Lam the difficulties encountered in the construction of Light Village in Tin Shui Wai and the administrative characteristics of the government.