Friday, October 30, 2015 | 9:00 AM EDT - 9:00 AM EDT

National Committee on U.S.-China Relations |

The 2014 mass protests known as the Umbrella Movement exposed a rift between Mainland China and Hong Kong over the understanding and implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” policy. Secretary Rimsky Yuen Kowk-keung briefed the National Committee on the state of Hong Kong-Mainland relations and the future of “One Country, Two Systems” on October 30, 2015, at our office in New York City. The program was moderated by Professor Jerome A. Cohen, US-Asia Law Institute, New York University School of Law. 

Rimsky Yuen Kowk-keung

Before his appointment as Secretary of Justice in July, 2012, Secretary Yuen held various positions at the Department of Justice; in 2003, he was appointed senior counsel, and in 2006, he became recorder of the Court of First Instance of the High Court. In his current capacity he serves as a member of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission. His public roles outside the Department include chairman of the Transport Advisory Committee, non-executive director of the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority, and council member of the Hong Kong Institute of Education.

Secretary Yuen began his career as a barrister specializing in commercial disputes.  He also served as a mediator in commercial disputes and international arbitrations.  In 2008, he became chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association.

He received his LL.B and Post-Graduate Certificate in Law from the University of Hong Kong, and an LL.M from the City University of Hong Kong. He was admitted to the Hong Kong Bar in 1987.