We are honoured to host Dr Jordan English from Oxford University and Dr Brian Sloan from Cambridge University online as Des Voeux Chambers-Oxford-Cambridge-HKU Visiting Fellows on 8 September 2025 for a joint public lecture at the DVC Conference Centre. The event also marked the inaugural edition of the DVC Legal Series.
Moderated by Jenkin Suen SC, Dr English and Dr Sloan delivered an insightful lecture on the landmark decision of the United Kingdom Supreme Court in Guest v Guest [2022] UKSC 27 and its potential implications for Hong Kong law. Dr English opened the session by examining the ongoing debate surrounding the appropriate remedial response in proprietary estoppel cases, with Guest v Guest as its focal point. He analysed the Supreme Court majority’s preference for the expectation-based approach, while addressing the concerns raised in the dissenting opinions.
Building on this doctrinal discussion, Dr Sloan then shifted the focus to Hong Kong, drawing on recent cases including Ng Sew Hoi v Chong Yin Sing [2024] HKCFI 414 and So Kwai Chung v Wong Wai Ying Anita [2025] HKCFA 8. He explored whether Hong Kong courts have fully embraced the expectation-based approach, and further considered whether this approach should continue to impact future proprietary estoppel disputes in Hong Kong. Dr English concluded the lecture by highlighting five issues arising from Guest v Guest, noting that the controversy remains active.
Following the lecture, there was an enthusiastic Q&A session that drew insightful questions from the audience. The event was well attended by a full house, including Dean and professors of HKU Law Faculty, representatives from the Department of Justice, aspiring lawyers and law students from local and overseas universities.
About Des Voeux Chambers HKU Visiting Fellowship with Oxford/Cambridge
Since September 2015, Des Voeux Chambers has proudly sponsored and facilitated prestigious visiting fellowship schemes with both the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. These schemes promote vibrant academic exchange and collaboration with HKU, enabling esteemed faculty members from each university to spend a month as visiting fellows at the HKU Faculty of Law. The initiative has strengthened international ties and fostered collaboration between the institutions.
