International Symposium on Medically Assisted Dying: Global Trends and Asian Perspectives

This is an in-person event.

Date: 23 May 2026 (Saturday)

Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Venue: Academic Conference Room, 11/F, Cheng Yu Tung Tower, Centennial Campus, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong

Registration and Details: click here

Abstract

Many jurisdictions have legislation that allows terminally ill patients to voluntarily end their lives, either through self-administration of medication or with assistance from healthcare staff. While medically assisted dying may be ethically justified in liberal societies that value personal autonomy and self-determination, it is essential to consider what is morally appropriate in other cultural contexts, such as Hong Kong. This international symposium seeks to explore diverse cultural perspectives on the ethical and legal challenges associated with medically assisted dying. Its primary goal is to foster cross-cultural dialogue among distinguished scholars, ethicists, legal experts, clinicians, and policymakers to identify common ground, inform future research, and develop inclusive, ethically sound, and culturally relevant legislative proposals for Hong Kong.

Speakers (in alphabetical order by last names)

1. Prof Duan-Rung CHEN, National Taiwan University
2. Prof Mark J. CHERRY, St. Edward’s University
3. Ms Daisy CHEUNG, University of Edinburgh
4. Prof Emmanuel H. L. CHEUNG, The University of Hong Kong
5. Prof Ruiping FAN, City University of Hong Kong
6. Prof Chris GASTMANS, KU Leuven
7. Prof Mohammed GHALY, Hamad Bin Khalifa University
8. Prof Ana S. ILTIS, Wake Forest University
9. Dr Md Sanwar SIRAJ, The University of Hong Kong
10. Dr Simon WALKER, University of Otago
11. Prof Jue WANG, Xi’an Jiaotong University
12. Prof Ben WHITE, Queensland University of Technology
13. Prof Ellen Y. ZHANG, University of Macau

Chairs (in alphabetical order by last names)

Prof Carl HILDEBRAND, The University of Hong Kong
Prof Eric C. IP, Co-Director, The University of Hong Kong
Prof Gilberto K. K. LEUNG, Co-Director, The University of Hong Kong

Organiser:

Centre for Medical Ethics and Law (CMEL), The University of Hong Kong

Supporting Organisations:

Medical Ethics and Humanities Unit (MEHU), The University of Hong Kong
Professionalism and Ethics Committee, Hong Kong Academy of Medicine

Registration Deadline: 18 May 2026

*Only those whose registration is accepted will receive a confirmation of successful registration.