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The China and Global Development Network, Department of Applied Social Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, hosted a roundtable discussion on 30 May 2023. The participants explored the contexts and current status of social work, social development education, and social work practice in countries along the New Silk Road. The event brought together academics, practitioners and organisations from various Silk Road countries, including Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Prof. Eric Chui opened the roundtable discussion and warmly welcomed all participants. Prof. Angelina Yuen, moderated the discussion and facilitated insightful conversations on the topic. The event featured presentations from guest speakers including Dr Atit Pongpanit from Naresuan University in Thailand, Dr Maliphone Douangphachanh from the National University of Laos, Dr Mayting Beh from the Penang Institute in Malaysia, Dr Md Farid Hossain from Jahangirnagar University in Bangladesh, Dr Thi Thai Lan Nguyen from Vietnam National University, and Mr Yetebarek Hizekeal Zekareas from Dilla University in Ethiopia.

During the roundtable discussion, experts and practitioners shared their experiences and insights on social work and social development in their respective countries. The topics covered included social work services in Vietnam, social welfare services in Bangladesh, women's empowerment and social development in Laos, COVID-19 mitigation policies for vulnerable women and children in Penang, Malaysia, and health literacy promotion in Thailand by Buddhist monks. The attendees also discussed possible collaborations among countries to advance social work and social development education and scholarships in the region.

Dr Ben Ku served as a respondent to the presentations and provided valuable insights and feedback on the discussions. He emphasised the importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and "learning by doing". He indicated that the roundtable discussion's purpose is not to promote a specific model and that social cultures in different countries should be respected.

The event was a success. Around 30 participants attended. It provided a platform for meaningful discussions and networking opportunities for participants from different countries and backgrounds.

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