AIDS Concern Conference 2024 - From Science to Society: Addressing Disparities in HIV and Sexual Health
Join us on March 21
The fight against HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has made significant progress since 2015, but challenges remain. Certain groups continue to be disproportionately affected, and the stigma associated with HIV and STIs hinders access to care and exacerbates mental health issues and social marginalization. To prevent a resurgence of the epidemic, we need to address social and structural barriers and rejuvenate our efforts in HIV response.
The "From Science to Society: Addressing Disparities in HIV and Sexual Health" conference in March 2024 aims to inject new energy into HIV responses. By bringing together academic experts, healthcare professionals, social workers, and community health leaders, we hope to break down service silos and take action to address social and structural determinants of health.
With a focus on the three core elements of sexual health—physical, mental, and social well-being—the conference will feature keynote speakers, fireside chats, multidisciplinary themed presentations, and networking opportunities. These activities will facilitate the sharing of specialized knowledge and explore possibilities for integrated service models.
Join us as we adapt a new perspective and foster synergies between HIV, STI, and mental health care models. Together, we can champion a holistic approach to sexual health and work towards a more equitable future.
The "From Science to Society: Addressing Disparities in HIV and Sexual Health" conference in March 2024 aims to inject new energy into HIV responses. By bringing together academic experts, healthcare professionals, social workers, and community health leaders, we hope to break down service silos and take action to address social and structural determinants of health.
With a focus on the three core elements of sexual health—physical, mental, and social well-being—the conference will feature keynote speakers, fireside chats, multidisciplinary themed presentations, and networking opportunities. These activities will facilitate the sharing of specialized knowledge and explore possibilities for integrated service models.
Join us as we adapt a new perspective and foster synergies between HIV, STI, and mental health care models. Together, we can champion a holistic approach to sexual health and work towards a more equitable future.
Location
Hyatt Hotel - Tsim Sha Tsui
11 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
11 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Date & Time
March 21, 2024, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Speakers
Dr. Bonnie Wong
Consultant (Special Preventive Programme)
Department of Health,
Department of Health,
HKSAR Government
Hong Kong
Mr. Ricky Chu
Chairperson
Equal Opportunities Commission 
Professor Travis S K Kong
Associate Professor of Sociology
Department of Sociology
The University of Hong Kong.
Department of Sociology
The University of Hong Kong.
Mr. Jerome Yau
Chief Executive
AIDS Concern
Hong Kong
Professor Roger Chung
Associate Professor
The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Mr. Siripong Srichau
Digital Key Population Engagement Officer
APCOM
APCOM
Dr. Krystal Lee
Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine
The University of Hong Kong
The University of Hong Kong
Odile Thiang
Lead Clinical Advisor
(Anti-stigma & Training)
Mind HK
(Anti-stigma & Training)
Mind HK
Dr. Gordon Wong
Specialist in Psychiatry,
Honorary Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine,
The University of Hong Kong
Honorary Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine,
The University of Hong Kong
Dr. Rayner Kay Jin Tan
Assistant Professor
Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health
National University of Singapore and National University Health System
Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health
National University of Singapore and National University Health System
Dr. Barry Tam
Clinical Psychologist, Department of Clinical Psychology
Princess Margaret Hospital
Princess Margaret Hospital
Professor Hung Suet Lin
Head & Professor, Director of the Social Work Practice and Mental Health Centre, Department of Social Work
Hong Kong Baptist University
Hong Kong Baptist University
Dr. Lisa Yip
Senior Medical & Health Officer (Special Preventive Programme)
Department of Health, HKSAR Government
Hong Kong
Dr. Ho King Man
Chairperson
Hong Kong Advisory AIDS Council on AIDS
Hong Kong Advisory AIDS Council on AIDS
Dr. Winston Goh
Specialist in Family Medicine.
Honorary Clinical Assistant Professor in Family Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
Honorary Clinical Assistant Professor in Family Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
Dr. Heather To
Senior Medical Officer
Doctor in-charge, YMT ITC
Public Health Service Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health
Doctor in-charge, YMT ITC
Public Health Service Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health
Dr. Grace Lui
Honorary Associate Professor Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Professor Stefano Occhipinti
Director International Research Centre for the Advancement of Health Communication
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Professor Johnson Wang
Assistant Professor, The Jockey Club School of Public Health & Primary Care
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Professor Edmond Choi
Assistant Professor,
School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine
The University of Hong Kong
Ms. Amy Pau
Assistant Programme Manager
AIDS Concern
Mr. Kensley Choi
Assistant Programme Manager
AIDS Concern
Neda Ng
Programme Director
AIDS Concern
Dr. Bonnie Wong
Dr. Wong is an infectious disease specialist with extensive experience and expertise in HIV medicine. She currently serves as the Consultant at the Special Preventive Programme, a designated unit of the Department of Health tasked with clinical services and public health functions pertaining to HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Wong makes significant contributions to the advancement of HIV/AIDS management and prevention. Apart from overseeing the Kowloon Bay Integrated Treatment Centre, one of the main premises for providing ambulatory and comprehensive care for people living with HIV, over the past few years, Dr Wong has been working with her very diligent team of colleagues in Special Preventive Programme to launch The Commons, a one-stop sexual health service for sexual minorities, as part of a comprehensive range of services for HIV prevention at the Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre.
Dr. Wong makes significant contributions to the advancement of HIV/AIDS management and prevention. Apart from overseeing the Kowloon Bay Integrated Treatment Centre, one of the main premises for providing ambulatory and comprehensive care for people living with HIV, over the past few years, Dr Wong has been working with her very diligent team of colleagues in Special Preventive Programme to launch The Commons, a one-stop sexual health service for sexual minorities, as part of a comprehensive range of services for HIV prevention at the Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre.
Mr. Ricky Chu
Mr. Ricky CHU Man-kin took the helm as Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) from 11 April 2019 till now. He joined the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in 1978 as an investigator, and rose through the ranks to become the Acting Director of Corruption Prevention. In 2010, he joined the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) as its Secretary-General. He re-joined the ICAC in 2016 as the Director of Investigation until his retirement in 2019, when he was awarded the Hong Kong ICAC Medal for Distinguished Service (IDS). He graduated from The Chinese University of Hong Kong with a Bachelor Degree in Social Science. He also holds a UK law degree.
Professor Travis S K Kong
Professor Travis Kong is the Chairperson of AIDS Concern and the Founder of Grey & Pride (previously Gay & Grey, 2014-), the only NGO that serves and looks after the well-being of older LGBT+ in Hong Kong. Professor Travis Kong received his PhD in sociology from the University of Essex with a specialisation in identity, sexuality and masculinity. He commits myself as a sociologist who critically engages with contemporary Western theories in understanding notions of identity, masculinity, the body and intimacy in modern Chinese communities in the context of global cultures. He seek dialogues within sociology (e.g., criminology, media and cultural studies, and gender and sexuality studies) and across disciplines (e.g., medical sciences, anthropology, post-colonialism and feminism) in order to yield better understandings of Chinese sexuality.
He mainly teaches gender and sexuality studies as well as media and cultural studies. Travis' research specializes in Chinese homosexuality and masculinity, commercial sex in Hong Kong and China, social impacts of HIV/AIDS, and transnational Chinese sexuality.
He mainly teaches gender and sexuality studies as well as media and cultural studies. Travis' research specializes in Chinese homosexuality and masculinity, commercial sex in Hong Kong and China, social impacts of HIV/AIDS, and transnational Chinese sexuality.
Mr. Jerome Yau
Mr. Jerome Yau has years of experience in executive and non-executive roles in the voluntary, non-profit, education and public sectors. Involved in LGBT+ advocacy for more than a decade, including as co-founder of Hong Kong Marriage Equality. He is passionate about building bridges and connecting communities through positive advocacy.
Prior to joining AIDS Concern as Chief Executive in 2023, he once served on the organization’s Board of Directors for six years. He has a strong commitment to providing evidence-based services and care so as to enhance the wellbeing and health outcomes of the individuals.
Prior to joining AIDS Concern as Chief Executive in 2023, he once served on the organization’s Board of Directors for six years. He has a strong commitment to providing evidence-based services and care so as to enhance the wellbeing and health outcomes of the individuals.
Professor Roger Chung
Professor Roger Chung is currently Associate Professor of the School of Public Health and Primary Care of CUHK, Co-Director of the CUHK Centre for Bioethics and Associate Director of the Institute of Health Equity at CUHK. He is also the inaugural US National Academy of Medicine (NAM) International Health Policy Fellow (2018-20). He received his BA (Public Health Sciences) from Johns Hopkins University, MHS from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and PhD (Social and Lifecourse Epidemiology) from The University of Hong Kong (HKU). He also anticipates to graduate from the Master of Science in Bioethics (MBE) program at Harvard Medical School in 2025.
As a social epidemiologist by training, Professor Chung’s research uses the lens of biomedical ethics and justice to examine the social determinants of health and health inequalities. He is currently examining social determinants such as poverty, deprivation, socioeconomic disadvantage, environmental and housing factors, and migrant status. Professor Chung is also particularly interested in the health of the vulnerable populations, including migrant workers and rare disease patients. Moreover, he is conducting research on aging‐related issues, such as multimorbidity and long‐term/end‐of‐life care. Professor Chung has had more than 100 peer-reviewed international publications and have been awarded with numerous research grants of over US$10 million as Principal and Co-investigators. Professor Chung also currently serves as a board member for the International Advisory Board of the 2024 World Congress of Bioethics (WCB), organized by the International Association of Bioethics.
As a social epidemiologist by training, Professor Chung’s research uses the lens of biomedical ethics and justice to examine the social determinants of health and health inequalities. He is currently examining social determinants such as poverty, deprivation, socioeconomic disadvantage, environmental and housing factors, and migrant status. Professor Chung is also particularly interested in the health of the vulnerable populations, including migrant workers and rare disease patients. Moreover, he is conducting research on aging‐related issues, such as multimorbidity and long‐term/end‐of‐life care. Professor Chung has had more than 100 peer-reviewed international publications and have been awarded with numerous research grants of over US$10 million as Principal and Co-investigators. Professor Chung also currently serves as a board member for the International Advisory Board of the 2024 World Congress of Bioethics (WCB), organized by the International Association of Bioethics.
Dr. Krystal Lee
Dr. Lee is a specialist psychiatrist and a fellow in community medicine. Prior to her psychiatric training, she worked on HIV prevention and surveillance in the Department of Health, and on community-based HIV epidemiology studies in the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She is interested in the intersections between mental health, substance use and sexuality. She is beginning a study looking into the recovery processes in HIV-infected MSM with history of chemsex. Currently, she is a member of the medical advisory panel for AIDS Concern and she is providing consultations in the Queen Mary Hospital and Integrated Treatment Centre.
Odile Thiang
Odile is a seasoned Paediatric Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of hands-on experience in Toronto and Hong Kong. Her robust experience includes clinical care, healthcare based quality improvement projects, mental health stigma reduction initiatives, as well as education content development and delivery. Her commitment to serving marginalised communities lead her to work with survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, and vulnerable LGBTQ+ youth. As the Lead Clinical Advisor (Antistigma & Training) at Mind HK, Odile has advocated for affirming and safe mental health care for the LGBTQ+ community. Odile is also a teaching fellow at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, School of Nursing and an Honorary Nurse Consultant at the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Gordon Wong
Dr. Gordon Wong spent his formative years in the United Kingdom. He then studied in the medical school at the University of Hong Kong, and subsequently obtained a Masters degree in Counselling Studies. He has over fifteen years experience in treating a spectrum of mental health issues of all ages. Dr. Wong is interested in psychotherapies (talking therapies). He received training in cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy, and hypnotherapy.
Communicating with others is a priority of Dr. Wong. Hence he has a keen interest in learning languages, including Spanish, German and Japanese. Dr. Wong believes that people are all equal and deserves the same respect, love and care. He strives to provide a safe and supportive environment for healing and optimising your mind.
Communicating with others is a priority of Dr. Wong. Hence he has a keen interest in learning languages, including Spanish, German and Japanese. Dr. Wong believes that people are all equal and deserves the same respect, love and care. He strives to provide a safe and supportive environment for healing and optimising your mind.
Dr. Rayner Kay Jin TAN
Dr. Rayner Kay Jin TAN (he/him) is an Assistant Professor at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, where received his PhD. He concurrently holds a position as visiting research fellow at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases in Singapore. He is a sociobehavioral researcher by training. His research interests revolve broadly about the social determinants of health, community engagement, implementation science, and health equity of vulnerable communities.
Rayner was a recipient of the Fulbright Visiting Research Scholarship for the academic year 2022/2023 and is receiving training in implementation sciences as a fellow of the HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Health Implementation Research Institute (HIGH-IRI) of the Washington University in St. Louis. He is currently deputy editor of a leading HIV scientific journal, the Journal of the International AIDS Society and a perspectives editor at the BMJ journal, Sexually Transmitted Infections. He also actively contributes to the organizing and scientific committees of the International AIDS Society and International Union Against Sexually Transmitted Infections (IUSTI) conferences.
He leads several community-based organizations in the region as well. He currently is the president of Project X Society serving the health and social needs of sex workers, and a Director at The Greenhouse Community Services Limited, a charity providing substance use recovery services for marginalized groups in Singapore. He also currently serves as the Vice President for the Society of Behavioural Health, Singapore and a co-lead at SG Mental Health Matters.
Rayner was a recipient of the Fulbright Visiting Research Scholarship for the academic year 2022/2023 and is receiving training in implementation sciences as a fellow of the HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Health Implementation Research Institute (HIGH-IRI) of the Washington University in St. Louis. He is currently deputy editor of a leading HIV scientific journal, the Journal of the International AIDS Society and a perspectives editor at the BMJ journal, Sexually Transmitted Infections. He also actively contributes to the organizing and scientific committees of the International AIDS Society and International Union Against Sexually Transmitted Infections (IUSTI) conferences.
He leads several community-based organizations in the region as well. He currently is the president of Project X Society serving the health and social needs of sex workers, and a Director at The Greenhouse Community Services Limited, a charity providing substance use recovery services for marginalized groups in Singapore. He also currently serves as the Vice President for the Society of Behavioural Health, Singapore and a co-lead at SG Mental Health Matters.
Dr. Barry Tam
Dr. Barry Tam is a clinical psychologist working in a local public hospital, having served people living with HIV (PLWH) since 2016. He did his clinical training at University College London, which has a long history of fighting for equality. Barry is a keen advocate of awareness of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) and ageing with HAND. Promoting hospital-community partnerships, Barry has been involved in HIV-related awareness raising activities for staff and service users in local charities since 2019. In treatment, Barry’s work with PLWH was greatly influenced by ideas from narrative therapy, which advocates the understanding of self as a product through relationships. Barry often questions the process by which people come to describe and explain the world. He invites PLWH to negotiate relationships with themselves and others, especially challenging the discourses of stigma that might have come to dominate their life stories.
Barry started the first psychological screening clinic for PLWH attending public hospital in 2017; particularly, this involves identifying and working with people facing disclosure issues given HIV-related stigma. Apart from providing support at the individual level, he was inspired to join Hong Kong AIDS Foundation as an executive board member. Barry also awarded the Champion of IAS Me and My Healthcare Provider 2022.
Barry started the first psychological screening clinic for PLWH attending public hospital in 2017; particularly, this involves identifying and working with people facing disclosure issues given HIV-related stigma. Apart from providing support at the individual level, he was inspired to join Hong Kong AIDS Foundation as an executive board member. Barry also awarded the Champion of IAS Me and My Healthcare Provider 2022.
Professor Hung Suet Lin
Shirley is currently Head and Professor, Director of the Social Work Practice and Mental Health Centre of Department of Social at the Baptist University, Hong Kong. She is a Registered Social Worker, Approved Supervisor and Fellow of the Hong Kong Professional Counselling Association, and Honorary Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Social Work. Her academic interests cover a wide range of areas including women and families, gender-based violence, community development and narrative therapy/practice. During the past decade, she has been researching on and delivering professional training in narrative therapy/practice, community work and gender-based intervention to social workers, counsellors and social work students in South East Asia including Taiwan, Singapore and cities in China.
Dr. Lisa Yip
Dr. Yip is a public health physician and has a great passion for virology. She has been working in the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch for 10 years prior to joining the Special Preventive Programme of the Department of Health in 2023. She is currently the Senior Medical & Health Officer of the Special Preventive Programme overseeing the HIV surveillance team and the Red Ribbon Centre.
Dr. Ho King Man
The Hong Kong Advisory Council on AIDS (ACA) is a permanent non-statutory body appointed by the Government to advise on AIDS policies in Hong Kong.
The Council is now chaired by Dr. HO King-man, a private practising Specialist in Dermatology and Venereology; and Honorary Clinical Associate Professor of the Department of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong.
Dr. Winston Goh
Dr. Winston Goh is a Family Physician who obtained his medical degree from the University of Hong Kong and did some overseas training in the United Kingdom as well as the US. He moved back to Hong Kong in 2015 with his husband. At OT&P, Dr Goh has experienced warmth and acceptance, where the focus has never been his sexual orientation. He has always been treated the same way as everyone else at the clinic.
Dr. Goh has a particular interest in healthcare education for the LGBTQ+ community. In San Francisco, he volunteered at the API Wellness Center from 2010 to 2015, caring for homeless transgender and cisgender patients with HIV who have no access to traditional healthcare.
In Hong Kong, Dr Goh also formed the Hong Kong LGBT Medical Society, with the mission to promote gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT+) healthcare and education in Hong Kong. Additionally, the society hopes to encourage LGBT+ diversity and inclusion and ensure that LGBT+ medical professionals in Hong Kong can bring their authentic selves to work.
Dr. Goh has a particular interest in healthcare education for the LGBTQ+ community. In San Francisco, he volunteered at the API Wellness Center from 2010 to 2015, caring for homeless transgender and cisgender patients with HIV who have no access to traditional healthcare.
In Hong Kong, Dr Goh also formed the Hong Kong LGBT Medical Society, with the mission to promote gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT+) healthcare and education in Hong Kong. Additionally, the society hopes to encourage LGBT+ diversity and inclusion and ensure that LGBT+ medical professionals in Hong Kong can bring their authentic selves to work.
Dr. Heather To
Dr. To is an Infectious Disease Specialist currently working in the Special Preventive Programme, Department of Health. Besides providing HIV treatment and care to individuals attending the Kowloon Bay Integrated Treatment Centre, she is also attending clients with risks for HIV infection in the Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre. Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre (YMTITC) provide one-stop comprehensive clinic prevention, including HIV & hepatitis prevention, sexual health service, anonymous AIDS Counselling and Testing Service.
Dr. Grace Lui
Dr. Lui is at present honorary Associate Professor and Head of Division of Infectious Diseases at the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. She is currently running a comorbidities clinic for people living with HIV in Hong Kong, and has served in local advisory and scientific committees for the development of policies involving HIV and other infections. Her research interests include comorbidities and aging in people living with HIV.
Professor Stefano Occhipinti
Professor Stefano Occhipinti is a Professor of Health Communication and the Director of the International Research Centre for the Advancement of Health Communication. He researches health and communication in sociocultural contexts and focuses on how people perceive and talk about health conditions and those who live with them, especially in relation to stigma. Much of his work has involved people with cancers (such as prostate, lung, and breast cancers), whose reasoning and decision making about health are often linked to perceptions, metaphors and social and cultural norms. He is interested in the application of social psychological theory, qualitative approaches, and innovative quantitative analytic techniques to address translational research questions with applied goals. His work is directed towards improving the lives of people living with health conditions. Some of the areas in which he has worked include masculinity and chronic illness; adjustment after robotic prostatectomy; moral influences on stigma; and beliefs about the natural. Since arriving in Hong Kong, he has been particularly interested in establishing large scale studies of public stigma that are informed by the unique sociocultural context. His work has been funded by the Research Grants Council, National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia), the Australian Research Council, and Cancer Australia, among others, and has been published in journals such as Lancet, Journal of Clinical Oncology, Journal of Thoracic Oncology, and Health Psychology.
Professor Johnson Wang
Professor Wang obtained his Bachelor of Medicine and Master of Medicine degrees from the School of Public Health, Peking University, and his Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health from the JC School of Public Health and Primary Care at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. He has been appointed as Assistant Professor in the JC School of Public Health and Primary Care since 2020. He is a member of the executive committee of the Centre for Health Behaviours Research (CUHK) and the Associate Director of the Community Research Programme on AIDS. He received the Early Career Award by the International Society of Behavioral Medicine in 2016. He was awarded 22 research grants as principal investigator and published 160 papers in peer-reviewed journals. His research interests included HIV prevention, application of artificial intelligence in health promotion and implementation science research.
Professor Edmond Choi
Professor Edmond Choi, PhD, RN, FRSPH, FHEA, FAAN, is a registered nurse and an Assistant Professor at the School of Nursing, University of Hong Kong. His research focuses on sexual health, with an emphasis on sexual minorities, adolescents, and young adults. He examines topical sexual health issues using randomized controlled trials, epidemiological surveys, and qualitative approaches. He has led his research team in testing the effectiveness of various sexual health promotion interventions among men who have sex with men (MSM). For example, he has developed an eHealth intervention to promote condom use among MSM dating app users and another intervention to reduce sexual harm related to chemsex. Recently, he has been conducting studies to investigate different forms of sexual violence, both in-person and technology-facilitated, in various at-risk populations. To maximize the impact of his scholarly work, he actively collaborates with overseas scholars and local non-governmental organizations.
Professor Choi has a strong publication and research grant record with a high field-weighted citation impact. He was listed in the top 2% of the world's most-cited scientists in 2021 and 2022 by Stanford University. He has published more than 110 articles in international, high-impact, peer-reviewed journals. He is also the Associate Editor of the journal Sexual Health.
Professor Choi has a strong publication and research grant record with a high field-weighted citation impact. He was listed in the top 2% of the world's most-cited scientists in 2021 and 2022 by Stanford University. He has published more than 110 articles in international, high-impact, peer-reviewed journals. He is also the Associate Editor of the journal Sexual Health.
Mr. Siripong Srichau
Siripong Srichau, also known as Arm, serves as the Digital Key Population Engagement Officer at APCOM, focusing on testBKK.org. With over a year at APCOM, Arm has spearheaded innovative online campaigns aimed at promoting sexual health and wellbeing among key populations. His work integrates cutting-edge digital strategies to engage communities, enhance awareness, and drive impactful health education. Arm's dedication to leveraging social media for public health advocacy underscores his commitment to fostering informed and inclusive environments.
Ms. Amy Pau
Amy completed her bachelor in public health at Monash University and Master of Social Work at The University of Melbourne. She had over 8 years of experience working in non-profit organisations. She has been working in drug prevention and sexuality education, as well as HIV prevention work for years. Currently, Amy is responsible for the PLHIV support service and LGBTQ+ counselling. She is dedicated to working alongside the LGBTQ+ community and advocating for a stigma free environment for PLHIV, LGBTQIA+ folks and people experiencing mental health issues.
Mr. Kensley Choi
Kensley completed his Master's degree in Counselling at the City University of Hong Kong and has dedicated nearly a decade to working in the field of psychological counselling. His primary focus is providing support to men who have sex with men (MSM) and other communities at risk of HIV infection. Throughout his career, Kensley has demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing the issue of Chem Fun and aims to assist individuals explore their problems through narrative practices. He also seeks to examine the internalized self-stigma, explore the concept of "absent but implicit" and "unique outcome," rewrite problem-saturated stories, and transform them into meaningful chapters for personal growth.
At the community level, Kensley works to empower and unite marginalized individuals within mainstream society. By sharing real-life stories, he aims to illustrate the profound impact that life experiences can have on others. Kensley strives to present the complex background and context that contribute to the construction of mainstream discourses, fostering a deeper understanding of how these discourses shape relationships between individuals and society. He places great importance on creating inclusive spaces free from discrimination, promoting social harmony, and fostering inclusivity.
At the community level, Kensley works to empower and unite marginalized individuals within mainstream society. By sharing real-life stories, he aims to illustrate the profound impact that life experiences can have on others. Kensley strives to present the complex background and context that contribute to the construction of mainstream discourses, fostering a deeper understanding of how these discourses shape relationships between individuals and society. He places great importance on creating inclusive spaces free from discrimination, promoting social harmony, and fostering inclusivity.
Ms. Neda Ng
Neda is the Programme Director of AIDS Concern, where she leads the development of sexual health programs for targeted communities. With 16 years of experience in health promotion and public affairs in both NGO and commercial sectors, Neda has a strong commitment in advancing community health services innovation in our city. She is passionate about health communication, sexuality education and community development. She is currently a postgraduate candidate in Global Health Policy at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Workshop venue sponsor
Schedule
AM Sessions:
Time: 0800-0900 (By invitation only)
Breakfast reception for speakers at Hyatt Regency Hotel Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui
Time: 0900-0945
Host to welcome
Conference Opening Speech: Mr. Jerome Yau - Chief Executive, AIDS Concern
Welcome Speech: Dr. Bonnie Wong - Consultant (Special Preventive Programme) of the Department of Health
Acknowledgment Speech: Professor Travis S.K Kong - Chairperson, AIDS Concern
Opening Speech: Mr. Ricky Chu - Chairperson, Equal Opportunities Commission
Q&A session with all speakers
Conference Opening Speech: Mr. Jerome Yau - Chief Executive, AIDS Concern
Welcome Speech: Dr. Bonnie Wong - Consultant (Special Preventive Programme) of the Department of Health
Acknowledgment Speech: Professor Travis S.K Kong - Chairperson, AIDS Concern
Opening Speech: Mr. Ricky Chu - Chairperson, Equal Opportunities Commission
Q&A session with all speakers
Time: 0915-1035
Keynote Lectures
Keynote Lectures
Moderator:
Speaker 1: Professor Roger Chung - Health Equity Matters: Exploring social determinants that impact sexual health
Speaker 2: Dr. Ho King Man - Unveiling The Evolving Landscape: Confronting Emerging Challenges in HIV/AIDS
Q&A session with Moderator
Speaker 1: Professor Roger Chung - Health Equity Matters: Exploring social determinants that impact sexual health
Speaker 2: Dr. Ho King Man - Unveiling The Evolving Landscape: Confronting Emerging Challenges in HIV/AIDS
Q&A session with Moderator
Time: 1035-1045
Break 1 (10 mins)
Time: 1045-1145
Session 1 - Interconnections and Well-being of Mental Health and Sexual Health
Session 1 - Interconnections and Well-being of Mental Health and Sexual Health
Moderator: Ms. Amy Pau
Speaker 1&2: Dr. Krystal Lee and Odile Thiang -Improving the Quality of Life of PLHIV: from the Meso-and Macro-perspectives
Speaker 3: Dr. Gordon Wong - All you need to know in supporting mental health of PLHIV in Hong Kong
Q&A session with Moderator
Speaker 1&2: Dr. Krystal Lee and Odile Thiang -Improving the Quality of Life of PLHIV: from the Meso-and Macro-perspectives
Speaker 3: Dr. Gordon Wong - All you need to know in supporting mental health of PLHIV in Hong Kong
Q&A session with Moderator
Time: 1145-1250
Moderator: Mr. Kensley Choi
Speaker 3: Dr. Rayner Kay Jin Tan - Reducing harm and enhancing well-being among people engaging in sexualized drug use
Speaker 4: Dr. Barry Tam - Narrative approaches to working with Chem Fun community
Speaker 5: Professor Hung Suet Lin - Narrative approaches to working with Chem Fun community
Q&A session with Moderator
Speaker 3: Dr. Rayner Kay Jin Tan - Reducing harm and enhancing well-being among people engaging in sexualized drug use
Speaker 4: Dr. Barry Tam - Narrative approaches to working with Chem Fun community
Speaker 5: Professor Hung Suet Lin - Narrative approaches to working with Chem Fun community
Q&A session with Moderator
Time: 1250-1350
Lunch
PM Sessions:
Time: 1350-1525
Session 2 - Igniting Vitality - The Intersections of Physical Health and Sexual Well-being
Session 2 - Igniting Vitality - The Intersections of Physical Health and Sexual Well-being
Moderator: Ms. Neda Ng
Speaker 1: Dr. Lisa Yip - What is combination prevention? Looking at HIV/STI from biomedical, structural and behavioural perspective
Speaker 2: Dr. Winston Goh - Effective strategy to promote sexual health among LGBT+ community
Speaker 3: Dr. Heather To - Co-creating an integrated sexual health service for men who have sex with men (MSM) and Transgender community
Speaker 4: Dr. Grace Lui - Ageing with HIV – implication and evolving care needs
Q&A session with Moderator
Speaker 1: Dr. Lisa Yip - What is combination prevention? Looking at HIV/STI from biomedical, structural and behavioural perspective
Speaker 2: Dr. Winston Goh - Effective strategy to promote sexual health among LGBT+ community
Speaker 3: Dr. Heather To - Co-creating an integrated sexual health service for men who have sex with men (MSM) and Transgender community
Speaker 4: Dr. Grace Lui - Ageing with HIV – implication and evolving care needs
Q&A session with Moderator
Time: 1525-1535
Break 2 (10 mins)
Time: 1535-1710
Session 3 - Cultivating Connections, Enhancing Social Health for Sexual Well-Being
Session 3 - Cultivating Connections, Enhancing Social Health for Sexual Well-Being
Moderator: Ms. Neda Ng
Speaker 1: Professor Stefano Occhipinti - The multiple face of HIV/AIDS in Hong Kong and beyond: structural stigma in health and communication
Speaker 2: Professor Johnson Wang - Development and evaluation of a Chatbot providing real-time counseling supporting HIV self-testing (HIVST-Chatbot) for men who have sex with men
Speaker 3: Professor Edmond Choi - Perceptions and experiences of sexual violence among Chinese men who have sex with men in Hong Kong
Speaker 4: Mr. Siripong Srichau - Utilizing social media and online platforms to promote sexual health and well-being
Q&A Session with Moderator
Speaker 1: Professor Stefano Occhipinti - The multiple face of HIV/AIDS in Hong Kong and beyond: structural stigma in health and communication
Speaker 2: Professor Johnson Wang - Development and evaluation of a Chatbot providing real-time counseling supporting HIV self-testing (HIVST-Chatbot) for men who have sex with men
Speaker 3: Professor Edmond Choi - Perceptions and experiences of sexual violence among Chinese men who have sex with men in Hong Kong
Speaker 4: Mr. Siripong Srichau - Utilizing social media and online platforms to promote sexual health and well-being
Q&A Session with Moderator
Closing Speech - Mr. Jerome Yau (Chief Executive - AIDS Concern)
Time: 1730
End of Conference / Evaluation
End of Conference / Evaluation