Following China’s admission to the World Trade Organization in 2001, The Fund for American Studies established TFAS Asia. For nearly two decades, the annual summer program brought together outstanding young leaders from across Asia and the United States for a three-week study of the principles of a free society in Hong Kong. Through educational, cultural and social exchange, participants formed lifelong friendships and explored how America’s founding principles could help advance freedom, opportunity and prosperity in their home countries.

Following the political changes and growing restrictions on civil liberties in Hong Kong that emerged after the 2019 pro-democracy protests and subsequent transition period, TFAS ultimately paused the program. While the program is no longer active in Hong Kong, TFAS remains committed to engaging emerging leaders across Asia and continues to look with hope toward future opportunities to foster meaningful dialogue, intellectual exchange and the study of free societies throughout the region.