[Event Recap] Centre Co-Director Prof. Roger Chung at TEDx LionRock 2025

In November 2025, our Centre Co‑Director, Prof. Roger Chung, took the TEDxLionRock stage and posed a thought‑provoking question: "Does having a framework mean losing true freedom?"

In his talk, Prof. Chung shared a formative experience. Torn between academia and art, he came across a line from literary scholar Prof. Leo Ou‑fan Lee: “You can only do your main job well by pursuing something outside of it.” Prof. Lee told him: if you focus on just one thing, you lose insight into everything else. That changed how he thought about life choices.

He went on to argue that public health research and musical expression are not in conflict — they are different paths to pursue the truth. As playwright Raymond Chandler put it, there are two kinds of truth: one that “illuminates” (science), and one that “warms” (art). Together, they keep science from becoming cold and art from becoming hollow — a perfect embodiment of “Why not both?”

But does that mean anything goes?

In bioethics, we often grapple with the tension between structure and autonomy. Prof. Chung’s response: true freedom is never about acting without boundaries — it is grounded in principles, values, and moral integrity. Freedom is finding your own style within a framework — a life lesson, and an ethical choice.

🎥 Watch the full talk: youtube.com/watch?v=UmGZRWFzv-M

We are honoured to share that our Centre Co-Director, Prof. Roger Chung, will take the stage at TEDxLionRock 2025!

His talk will map the connections between his work in bioethics, social justice, and music, offering unique insights into navigating complex modern dilemmas.

In line with the event’s mission to inspire the next generation, we are also thrilled to announce that a limited number of complimentary tickets are now available for #students passionate about Hong Kong’s stories, culture, and innovation. This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with groundbreaking ideas and connect with like-minded changemakers.

Apply for a free ticket here: https://www.art-mate.net/doc/89309 Application deadline: 20 November 2025
Event date: 23 November 2025
Venue: Tai Kwun, Central