Geoffrey Ma Tao-li GBM KC SC, former Chief Justice of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal, has joined our Jonathan Midgley in episode 28 of the Haldane's Law Matters series, reflecting on decades of legal experience navigating some of Hong Kong’s most pivotal moments.   

From Geoffrey’s early days contemplating a career in history to his distinguished tenure as Chief Justice during turbulent times, this episode offers rare insights into the judiciary’s role, independence, and the evolving legal landscape.  

For anyone interested in the intersection of law, society, and justice, this episode is not to be missed.

In episode 27 of Haldane's Law Matters, Jonathan Midgley speaks to Aaron Pang, founder of the Purpose Club. This episode intriguingly touches on the stress that everyday life so often involves.   Undoubtedly, part of the challenge of a modern legal office is managing the expectations and the inevitable tension that the client and the solicitor will experience in navigating the client’s case.

In Episode 26 of Law Matters, Jonathan Midgley speaks with Allan Zeman, the "father of Lan Kwai Fong".

This Episode touches on our guest’s views regarding Hong Kong's dynamic landscape and its promising future through adaptability and innovation. His thoughts on personal growth, entrepreneurial spirit, and societal changes offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Join Jonathan Midgley and Mahesh Harilela for part two of their ongoing conversation on “Haldanes Law Matters,” diving deeper into Hong Kong’s ongoing evolution and future direction.  

With decades of combined experience across law, hospitality, technology, and civic leadership, Jonathan and Mahesh shift the discussion from tradition to transformation, with a special look at how Hong Kong can stay competitive by reimagining education, attracting global talent, and nurturing innovation.  

Mahesh reflects on the city’s journey as both an insider and driver of change, raising practical questions: Is Hong Kong’s mindset too transactional? How can the city remain truly inclusive and future-ready within China’s vision? And what part could fish balls and Bruce Lee play? The episode offers concrete ideas, from supporting next-gen creativity in schools to leveraging the city’s global position for resilient, long-term growth.

Join Jonathan Midgley and his guest Mahesh Harilela on the latest episode of “Haldanes Law Matters” for a candid exploration of what keeps Hong Kong dynamic and unique, especially amid changing economic and political landscapes.

Mahesh, a senior figure in one of the city’s best-known business families and a lifelong Hongkonger, shares his perspective on everything from Hong Kong’s journey - colonial days to “one country, two systems” - to President Xi Jinping’s call to uphold diversity and internationalism.

Jonathan and Mahesh unpack whether Hong Kong’s outlook is too focused on short-term wins, and discuss how the city’s next chapter could leap even further, potentially into new industries like the finance-driven space economy. Their wide-ranging conversation covers why legacy and adaptability matter in a city that never stands still, and how the common law tradition remains central to the city’s global role.

Whether you’re invested in Hong Kong’s future or fascinated by international business and law, this is a timely, thoughtful dialogue between two experienced voices you don’t want to miss.

After discussing everything from geopolitics, to education, via US-China relations, and explaining why you should think horizontally and diagonally, not just vertically, Jonathan Midgley and his guest Dr. Brian Wong turn their attention to law, Hong Kong and personal integrity on the latest episode of “Haldanes Law Matters.”  

The two examine the significance of common law to Hong Kong and the surprising comments by President Xi on the subject, also why Hong Kong is far from finished despite being written off by some on a more less regular basis since the 1980s, and the importance of being “a proper person,” with a sense of conviction.  

Brian is an HKU-100 Assistant Professor in Philosophy at the University of Hong Kong, but calling him just an academic barely scratches the surface. He researches everything from authoritarian states to AI, advises global investors, and shapes public debate.  

Join Jonathan Midgley and his guest Dr. Brian Wong on the latest episode of “Haldanes Law Matters” as they explore why geopolitics is really a craft, why it pays to think horizontally and diagonally, not just vertically, and why a feature TIME interview with President Trump could make your toes curl.

They also tackle the next decade of US-China rivalry and ask if Hong Kong is underselling itself as an international education hub.

Brian is an HKU-100 Assistant Professor in Philosophy at the University of Hong Kong, but calling him just an academic barely scratches the surface. He researches everything from authoritarian states to AI, advises global investors, and shapes public debate.

Can you remember why a lot of people freaked out in Hong Kong in 2012?  

Or in 2019?  

What was behind it all?  

Why did China react the way it did?  

And what does the year 2047 actually mean? If anything. 

In Part One of a groundbreaking interview for Haldanes Law Matters, Jonathan Midgley spoke with Bernard Chan, politician, businessman, and civic leader, on a range of important issues related to Hong Kong’s past, present, and future.

Now in Part Two, Bernard draws on his more than 25 years of experience working with the government and leading public institutions to discuss why these events unfolded the way they did and why the future of Hong Kong depends so much on the city staying ahead and evolving.

In the latest episode of Haldanes Law Matters, discover the complexities of leadership in one of the world's most dynamic cities. Is being Hong Kong’s chief executive perhaps “the worst job you can imagine” in today’s rapidly changing climate?

How do figures like Trump, DOGE, and the Hong Kong civil service shape the landscape of governance? What are the hurdles of balancing stakeholder interests, citizen needs, and government priorities amid shifting political and economic tides locally and globally?

Explore critical issues such as the “One Country, Two Systems” policy, the impact of SARS on Hong Kong’s trajectory, and how economic and social integration with Mainland China has transformed the city.

Uncover insights into these complex topics in Part One of a groundbreaking interview as Jonathan Midgley speaks with Bernard Chan, politician, businessman, civic leader, and a key figure in Hong Kong’s public life.

Drawing on over 25 years of experience working with the government and leading public institutions, Bernard offers valuable perspectives on navigating Hong Kong’s unique challenges and looks back at his own career.

Tune in now for a thought-provoking conversation that gets to the heart of Hong Kong’s past, present, and future.

Chicken On The Run;  “Mister Softee” is dead; something new at McDonald’s in Admiralty Centre and when is a bar not a bar, the ICAC; the police and the Hong Kong countryside.  

Confused?  

Then you need to listen to the latest episode of Haldanes Law Matters as Jonathan Midgley interviews, Adrian Halkes, police inspector, solicitor, barrister, law firm owner, social commentator, “king of the Hong Kong restaurant and bar industries” (well that’s what Jonathan says,) and genuinely nice person.  

Arriving in Hong Kong in 1976 as one of the youngest police inspectors of the time, Adrian went on to study law and has been on the frontline of the development of liquor licensing and food & beverage law in Hong Kong for over three decades.  

A fascinating journey and a clear vision of Hong Kong’s future.  

And, yes, that involves getting out and about in Hong Kong more often.