Public policy think tank SynergyNet to close after 17 years from lack of funds and unfavourable environment in Hong Kong
- Founded by former housing minister Anthony Cheung in 2002, the think tank has ceased operations since September
- The organisation has struggled to finance itself and blames a lack of receptiveness to think tanks on the part of policymakers
A think tank founded 17 years ago by Hong Kong’s former housing minister is to cease operation, citing a lack of financial resources and frustration with the government’s disregard for public policy studies.
Founded by Anthony Cheung Bing-leung and a group of moderate academics in 2002, SynergyNet positioned itself as an independent policy think tank that promoted studies on public policies. A decade ago it had about 50 members though its current membership is 24.
It was one of the few think tanks in the city to conduct public policy studies but its research director, Ray Yep Kin-man, lamented there was limited room for development.
Lau Siu-kai, the former head of the now-defunct government think tank Central Policy Unit, said there was a dearth of “political ecology” for the healthy development of think tanks in Hong Kong, such as financial support from the business sector and non-profit foundations and a revolving door of think tank employees.
The executive committee of SynergyNet decided in September to pull the plug and filed an application to the Companies Registry to be deregistered. It will formally close down at the end of this year.
