Following his receipt of the Social Sciences Outstanding Research Output Award for Basic Research (2024-2025), Professor Enze Han has recently been honoured with The University of Hong Kong Research Output Prize (2024-25), representing the Faculty of Social Sciences. The Research Output Prize (ROP) is a Faculty-based award to honour the best research output from each Faculty. This year, ten Research Output Prizes are conferred on the authors by the Faculties. Please refer to the Research Services homepage at https://www.rss.hku.hk/honours-awards/internal-awards/rop-winners for details. Professor Han’s acclaimed book, The Ripple Effect: China’s Complex Presence in Southeast Asia (2024, Oxford University Press), offers a nuanced analysis of China’s multifaceted role in the region. Moving beyond a simplistic focus on the Chinese state, the book emphasizes the influence of non-state actors—including private businesses and migrants—who significantly shape perceptions of China in Southeast Asia. It also explores the intricate dynamics and challenges involved in these interactions.

November 7th, falls on a Friday—a day that Professor Jiangnan Zhu will undoubtedly remember for years to come. Professor Zhu, an Associate Professor in Department of Politics and Public Administration, whose research focus on governance, anti-corruption and political trust has been honored with the prestigious Rosie Young 90 Medal for Outstanding Young Woman Scholar Award 2025. Established in 2020, named after Professor Rosie Young, this award aims to celebrate Professor Young’s remarkable achievements and to inspire talented young academics to follow her esteemed legacy. Each year, it recognizes two outstanding female scholars who thrive in their career. At the award ceremony, HKU’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Xiang Zhang, announced that HKU now ranks first in China and 16th globally for the highest number of leading female researchers, according to the latest Research.com Best Female Scientists rankings. Professor Kwan Lok Chan, Acting Dean of Social Sciences, congratulated Professor Zhu, “Professor Zhu’s scholarly contributions are extraordinary. Her research, published in leading international journals and widely cited, has made a significant impact. Beyond her research, she is a recognized leader—frequently invited to speak at global forums and featured in international media. She is also a dedicated educator and mentor, spearheading innovative programs such as the new HKU-PKU PPE degree. Her leadership roles at HKU and contributions to international editorial boards exemplify her commitment to building an inclusive and vibrant academic community.” She expressed her appreciation to everyone who inspired and supported her, especially to Professor Robert Thomson, Head of the Department of Politics and Public Administration, and Professor Ming Wen, Dean of Social Sciences, for recommending her for the Award. In a vivid metaphor, Professor Zhu described the study of politics as an examination of societal abnormalities—comparing it to medicine, which studies abnormalities of the human body. Her research on corruption extends to elite politics and public opinion, particularly within the context of China. We wish Professor Zhu continued success in her academic career and hope she remains an inspiring role model for both women and men pursuing academic excellence.

Professor Enze Han, the author of The Ripple Effect: China’s Complex Presence in Southeast Asia (2024, Oxford University Press), was awarded the HKU Social Sciences Outstanding Research Output Award for 2024-25 this month. This book offers a nuanced perspective on China's presence in Southeast Asia, which goes beyond a narrow focus on the Chinese state; emphasizes the impact of non-state actors, such as private businesses and migrants, who can significantly shape perceptions of China in the region; and uncovers the complications