Getting it Right: Symposium on the Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment Ordinance

[Event Recap] Getting it Right: Symposium on the Advance Decision on
Life-sustaining Treatment Ordinance

The CUHK Centre for Bioethics, together with Big Silver, 遺善最樂ForeverGift.hk., the Hong Kong Bioethics Association, the Hong Kong Life and Death Studies Association, and the Hong Kong Society of Advance Care Planning, hosted Getting it Right: Symposium on the Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment Ordinance on 30 May 2026 in Yasumoto International Academic Park.

Nearly 200 attendees joined the symposium, including healthcare practitioners, caregivers, legal experts, and NGO representatives. Attendees were eager and curious about what had been discussed, reflecting strong interest across different sectors in this landmark legislation. Many noted that the Ordinance affects not only professional practice but also personal and family decisions, making the conversations especially relevant.

A highlight of the day was the launch of the Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment Ordinance: A Synopsis, convened by Professor Roger CHUNG, Co-Director of the CUHK Centre for Bioethics. He described the Synopsis as “a useful reference that illuminates key aspects of the new law, thereby fostering a well-informed community and supporting the ethical and practical implementation of the law.”

The first three sessions set the stage. Dr. Chun Yan TSE walked participants through some key concepts and facts about the Ordinance, from signing procedures of the advance decision instruments to protection of treatment providers who follow the instructions. Dr. Kai Tai CHAN then explored the psychiatric assessment of mental capacity, reminding the audience that the Advance Medical Directive (AMD) rests on the individual’s ability to make informed choices. Professor Helen Yue Lai CHAN followed with reflections on Advance Care Planning (ACP), emphasizing that AMD should be understood as the product of a process of deliberative, informed discussion and values clarification. Each talk was followed by a Q&A, moderated by Prof Roger CHUNG and Dr Ann LAU, Co-Directors of the CUHK Centre for Bioethics.  

The Panel Discussion and Q&A, moderated by Ms. Leila CHAN, Chief Executive and EditorinChief of Big Silver, was a dynamic highlight. Dr. Derrick Kit Sing AU, Clinical Professional Consultant (Honorary), Faculty of Medicine, CUHK reflected on the ethical responsibilities of clinicians when applying the Ordinance, while Ms. Ryanne LAI, a Hong Kong solicitor and Co-founder of ForeverGift.hk and Five Blessings Centre, offered legal insights on safeguarding patient rights and ensuring clarity in documentation. Mr. Arnold LEUNG, Director of the Hong Kong Life and Death Studies Association, contributed communitybased perspectives, stressing the importance of cultural sensitivity and public education.

The discussion blended ethical, legal, and community viewpoints, weaving together practical scenarios and thoughtful reflections. Participants engaged actively, raising questions and sharing experiences that added depth to the conversation. The exchanges were lively and empathetic, reinforcing the symposium’s role as a platform for meaningful dialogue.

The symposium closed with participants reflecting on the continuing relevance of advance care planning in Hong Kong. The CUHK Centre for Bioethics will continue to conduct relevant research studies and foster public awareness, professional capacity, and collective reflection in this vital area of healthcare ethics.

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When life hangs in the balance, how should law, ethics, and clinical practice guide our decisions?

The CUHK Centre for Bioethics, along with Big Silver, ForeverGift.hk, the Hong Kong Bioethics Association, the Hong Kong Life and Death Studies Association, and the Hong Kong Society of Advance Care Planning, will host the Getting it Right: Symposium on The Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment Ordinance.

The Centre will also launch The Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment Ordinance: A Synopsis, offering participants and the public with a clear and accessible overview of key points and practical applications, while presenting essential concepts and facts around mental capacity and advance care planning.

The symposium will culminate in a concluding panel where diverse stakeholders share perspectives and, through discussion, jointly examine the ethical implications and practical applications of the new law.

We sincerely invite you to join us in person to engage with experts and practitioners at the crossroads of the Advance Decision Ordinance, mental capacity, and advance care planning. We look forward to seeing you there!