About the opportunity
The Young Political Economy Forum (YPEF) Hong Kong 2026 is an Asia-focused gathering organized by the Centre for International Political Economy Studies (CIPES) in collaboration with The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK). Held from November 27 to 29, 2026, the forum convenes emerging leaders, university students, academics, entrepreneurs, and researchers from across the globe. Built around the academic framework of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE), the summit features six interconnected modules addressing global economic trends, cities of the future, the future of work, innovation and entrepreneurship, the digital economy, and sustainability. Participants engage in expert panels, interactive workshops, comparative discussions, and networking opportunities.
Funding and benefits
- Fully Funded Scholarships (10 awards): Full forum access, 3 nights of accommodation, reception dinner and two meals per day, local transportation, mentorship, field visits, and a certificate of participation.
- Airfare coverage for fully funded delegates ranging from USD 300 to USD 1,000 based on country of residence and actual costs (or full ticket cost if economy airfare is below USD 300).
- Partially Funded Scholarships (20 awards): A 50% discount on the self-funded participation fee.
- Self-funded options available, including full residential delegate registration ($599 early-bird rate) and day delegate forum access ($200).
- Personalized visa invitation letter support for Hong Kong entry where required.
Who can apply?
- Open to emerging youth leaders, university students, young professionals, academics, entrepreneurs, and researchers.
- Applicants must be between 16 and 40 years of age.
- Open to applicants of all nationalities and countries worldwide.
- Demonstrated interest in the global economy, public policy, or the interdisciplinary fields of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE).
Required documents
- Completed online registration form
- Academic or professional background details
- Supporting statement or documentation demonstrating merit, leadership, and financial need (for scholarship candidates)
When to apply
- Registration deadline: October 22, 2026
- Forum dates: November 27–29, 2026 (Main forum day: November 28, 2026)
How to apply
- Visit the official YPEF Hong Kong 2026 registration page on the CIPES website.
- Select your preferred participation track (Fully Funded, Self-Financed, Forum Access, or Installment plan).
- Complete the registration form with your personal, educational, and professional background.
- Indicate interest in scholarship funding and submit any required supporting materials.
- Shortlisted fully funded candidates may be invited to complete a brief virtual interview prior to final selection.
Additional information
- The forum is hosted in collaboration with The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) in Sha Tin.
- Participation fees are non-refundable once registered.
- On-site fee payments are not accepted; attendance must be confirmed in advance.
- Outstanding participants may be invited to collaborate with CIPES on future initiatives following the forum.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Students or early-career professionals in economics, political science, philosophy, international relations, or public policy looking for an interdisciplinary venue.
- Aspiring young leaders wanting to expand their international network in an Asian financial hub.
- High-achieving applicants with strong academic and leadership records who are competitive for the 10 full merit-based scholarships.
What should you think carefully about?
- Only 10 full scholarships and 20 partial scholarships are offered worldwide, making scholarship selection highly competitive.
- Self-funded registration requires paying participation fees ($200 to $599) in addition to arranging personal travel and expenses if not awarded funding.
- The program is short (three days, with one central convening day), requiring participants to cover significant travel for a compact event.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This forum is well-suited for individuals seeking short-term international exposure, policy dialogue, and network expansion across Asia and beyond. It offers valuable perspectives for students and young professionals seeking to build interdisciplinary knowledge in global economic trends without committing to a long-term academic or fellowship program.
Our take
Emerging leaders and university students passionate about global economics and PPE should strongly consider applying, especially for the merit-based scholarship spots before the October 22, 2026 deadline. Those unable to secure institutional or personal funding may find self-financing the travel and delegate fees less justifiable for a three-day convening.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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