Forty years ago, the Faculty of Social Sciences was established. It was also a time that coincided with Hong Kong’s bourgeoning development as an economic powerhouse, yet firmly committed to building up a socially secure infrastructure, especially in the areas of education, housing, health care, rule of law and welfare.

Social Scientists, many from this Faculty, were at the forefront of this development. In fact, it was this educational foundation that led many to choose careers which involved the improving of human life in the midst of massive social change. This phenomenon was not unique to Hong Kong and it was not uncommon to see social scientists being given pride of place in all manner of policy formulation towards building just and harmonious societies.

But it now appears that as the core discipline of social science is changing, so might also the role of the social scientist. For the past few decades, we have seen the disciplines within the social sciences amalgamating more with other academic studies such as cultural studies, business studies and even the natural and biological sciences. While this might be inevitable, how does it challenge the social scientist and his/her role in being advocates of policy formulation or interpreters of the public mood as a part of the process of human and societal development?

This question becomes all the more critical we face the profound changes that 21st Century life has brought to us. This lecture will address these new challenges with reference to Hong Kong alone. Touching in general on the changes taking place within the discourse of the Social Sciences, the focus, however, will be primarily on the practitioners of the discipline. Not only will it address how social scientists identify themselves and their position in society’s development, but I will specifically highlight three areas of changes where social scientists are being particularly called to offer their expertise, both theoretical and through research.

These are: first, internal Hong Kong, with its changing demographics, economic disparities, political developments and widening civil society base. Second, external Hong Kong, given its unique political position and relationship with China and the increasing prevalence of cross border social issues. And finally, global Hong Kong, with its reputation as an international financial hub, how it addresses issues of globalisation and global competitiveness, while still retaining a high standard and quality of life for its people.

The paper concludes with the observation that social scientists are as much needed today as they were in the past.