e-Bulletin October 2025

Black Coffee

I love black coffee. But there is an unwritten rule in my office: I cannot offer guests coffee unless we have fresh creamer and sugar. (Rule 2: Always offer water and tea as well.) A respectful host takes account of different tastes.

I am noticing that as a School we respectfully apply the same principle. HKU School of Public Health revels and excels in the public health sciences: epidemiology, virology, statistics, kinesiology, economics and mathematical modeling. We are recognized globally for innovation and rigor. We produce the finest black coffee—powerful, concentrated, and essential. Yet, as with coffee, we broaden the appeal with cream and sugar by having on hand our skill in implementing and teaching public health practice.

While our scientific insights remain vital, they alone cannot address the complex, interconnected threats to health we face today. The principles of Public Health 3.0 integrate scientific mastery with strategic partnerships involving citizens, community organizations, and cross-sector policy initiatives. This collaboration stocks cream and sugar in our cupboard. Integrating contextual elements (i.e. local tastes) enhances our capacity to build trust, foster resilience, and implement sustainable solutions based on our amazing discoveries.

Scientific knowledge alone does not guarantee community acceptance and trust. Impactful public health work involves a two-way dialogue: evidence must be framed in light of local sensibility and with trusted messengers. I am proud to be part of Asia’s top center of excellence in producing practitioners and scholars who respect the full breadth of what our profession brings to society. Our scholarship of engagement—working with communities, forging shared goals, and building mutual understanding—is the essence of preparedness. It is fundamental to translating knowledge into meaningful action. Our School’s success in traditional disciplines is a strong foundation to cherish and upon which to expand. The openness we have shown to partnering with policymakers and community members ensures that our expertise remains relevant and transformative.

Professor David Bishai
Director and Clinical Professor
School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong