The inception of this volume was inspired by the late Dr. Raymond WU Wai-yung, who cherished the vision of academics and practitioners coming together to jointly provide a critical analysis of social capital and its indigenous evolution and spread in Hong Kong SAR. We share his vision. Given the rapid pace at which Hong Kong SAR and other Asian economies are growing, and the global volatility that these societies are experiencing, social capital and its diverse connectivities can furnish useful anchoring to communities, neighbourhoods, local governments, and social protection networks.

Our writing project was supported by authors whose richly diverse backgrounds and firm commitment have ensured its success. Some of the chapters were presented at the 2008 International Conference on “Social capital and volunteering in modern cities: Building intergenerational inclusion,” which was sponsored by the City University of Hong Kong and co-organised by the University of Macau, the University of Salford, and the Central Policy Unity of the Hong Kong SAR Government. These and other chapters have grown out of research programmes, professional practice, and innovative government initiatives.At various stages of editing this volume, we have received gratefully funding support from the City University of Hong Kong, through its Department of Economics and Finance and the Department of Applied Social Studies. Our sincere appreciation also goes to Professor Siu-kai LAU and Mr. Matthew CHEUNG Kin-chung, whose substantive forewords have enriched this volume.

Sik Hung NG
Stephen Yan-Leung CHEUNG
Brahm PRAKASH