Since June, the world has watched as the Hong Kong protests sparked by the extradition bill have morphed into a wider anti-government movement demanding democracy and leading to regular clashes between protesters and police. But behind the headlines is the story of a once-thriving city in decline socially and economically: Families divided by opposing allegiances, growing resentment and disenfranchisement among the city’s youth and the loss of jobs and businesses with the economy sliding into recession. Can the place once known as Asia’s World City recover from the ongoing unrest? Can the city be rebuilt, and how? The panelists will share their views on what could happen to bring Hong Kong back from the brink.

ANSON CHAN: The Right Honourable Anson Chan retired as Hong Kong’s first female Chief Secretary for Administration in 2001 after almost 40 years of service, during which time she headed the 190,000-member civil service. She has played a prominent role in the campaign for full universal suffrage for the election of Hong Kong’s chief executive and legislature and is known for her stand on transparent and accountable government. Chan is a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire; and recipient of Hong Kong’s highest honour, the Grand Bauhinia Medal.

PRISCILLA LEUNG: The Honourable Dr. Priscilla Leung Mei-fun is the Legislative Councillor for Kowloon West and member of the Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Dr. Leung, a barrister-at-law and a legal scholar, entered politics in 2007 and is known for her stand on adhering to the “One Country, Two Systems” principle. Born and educated in Hong Kong, she is an associate professor in Law at City University. She specialises in Chinese Law, Hong Kong Basic Law and conflict of laws among mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.