James Sung Lap-kung, a distinguished political scientist and commentator from Hong Kong, passed away at the age of 71 on October 24, 2024. Sung was known for his significant contributions to political discourse in the region and served as the vice-chairman of the Hong Kong Pui Ching Alumni Association since 2022. He was also the founder of the Hong Kong Progress and Perfection Research Institute, which focused on advancing political understanding in Hong Kong [62952784].
Sung's academic journey began with music studies at Grantham College of Education, but he later shifted his focus to politics, earning a master's degree in Chinese and Hong Kong politics from Columbia University in 1986. His commitment to education was evident when he established a public administration course at City University in 1992, where he served as course coordinator for 27 years until his retirement in 2019 [62952784].
Even after retirement, Sung remained active in political commentary, with his last video uploaded on December 20, 2023. His insights and analyses were highly regarded, and former lawmaker Frederick Fung praised him as a critical thinker and a close friend. Colleagues and students expressed their condolences, highlighting the profound impact he had on political discourse and education in Hong Kong [62952784].
Sung's legacy is marked by his dedication to nurturing political thought and fostering a deeper understanding of Hong Kong's unique political landscape, making him a respected figure in both academia and public life [62952784].