At the first ever Global Youth Summit by the Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy Committee, distinguished leaders joined forces with young talents within the varying sectors of finance, health, technology and the creative industries. In a series of compelling panel talks revolving around the theme of “Empowering Professionals for a Global Initiative: A Voice from Hong Kong”, they discussed what makes Hong Kong stand strong as a mecca for innovative ideas and impactful solutions.
Over 200 people attended the summit, including young professionals, government leaders and C-suite level executives from around the world.
The event saw Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, Deputy Chief Secretary for
Administration as the Guest-of-Honour. The Hon John Lee Ka-Chiu, The Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region sent the committee a congratulatory note. Other prestigious guests included Emily Lam-Ho, Christine Ma-Lau and Elsie Leung Oi-Sie. This inspiring initiative was live-streamed on YouTube with more than 4,000 live viewers. And in the first week, the video has been watched over 200,000 times from 30 countries with viewers between the ages of 18 to 44.
Leaders Dialogue Panel: Shaping the Future of Leadership
Foreseeing Hong Kong as a world-leading hub, Mr Bernard Chan, Chairman of Our HK Foundation, took the lead in Hong Kong’s uniquely competitive role. Reflecting on the past he said, “Hong Kong has continuously contributed to China’s prosperity and has always done so whilst embracing global perspectives.”
“The next generation of leaders must realise this is the best way forward,” he emphasised. “Budding young entrepreneurs should equip themselves with a better understanding of the needs and be able to identify the gaps between Mainland China and the world, in order to continue adding value as a ‘super connector’ that successfully takes Chinese companies across the globe.”
Dr Allan Zeman, Chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group, agreed with Mr Chan’s sentiment. He added, “Technology and AI is the future forward. Young Hong Kong entrepreneurs should also get in on biomedical as FDA approvals are fast-tracked.” Another huge focus is culture. Adopting an “East-meets-West” approach, the new Kai Tak stadium is already set to be the venue partner to the upcoming concert of international sensation Coldplay and the adrenaline-pumping Rugby Sevens next year.
Sharing the market’s appeal to innovators inspired entrepreneurs like Mr Michael Yue, Managing Director and General Manager of Google Hong Kong, and Ms Ilaria Chan, Chairperson of Tech for Good Institute and Group Advisor on Tech & Social Impact of Grab. The Co-Chief Executive of HSBC Asia Pacific, Mr David Liao, and the Senior Pastor of Island Evangelical Community Church, Rev Brett Hilliard, also weighed in on Hong Kong’s unique opportunities.
The Health Economy: Navigating Innovations for a Resilient Future
In a city renowned for its remarkable life expectancy, Mr David Chang, Founding Managing Partner of MindWorks Capital, envisions a promising future in Hong Kong’s healthcare. “Investment opportunity lies in the next paradigm of healthcare, which is Medicine 3.0,” he said. “To unlock the full potential of precision medicine through real-time monitoring via wearable devices, policy-makers, investors, insurance companies and doctors will have to work cohesively to grow the space.”
Founding Executive Chairman of Trinity Medical Group, Dr Kevin Lau, ascertained, “Hong Kong is designed to be a Chinese-Western medicine holistic wellness hub. In the past 20 years, high-calibre undergrads have been undergoing a nine-year rigorous bachelor’s medicine degree and are now certified Chinese medicine practitioners who will be deployed in Hong Kong’s first-ever Chinese Medicine Hospital.”
“Due to the city’s swift policies, Hong Kong now has access to drugs from the Mainland that are not as expensive, in addition to the newest and best that are FDA-approved, expanding the market significantly with affordable medical costs. Also, drugs and machinery-like imaging are at a 50% tax tariff less than other overseas counterparts, which is great for the ecosystem.”
Offering further insights on healthcare was Dr Kai Ning Cheong, USA National Academy of Medicine and HKU Global Health Leadership Fellow 2020. Meanwhile, Mr Jonathan Li, Chief Distribution Officer of AXA Greater China, Hong Kong & Macau, Mr Sam Lim, Chief Information Technology Officer of Prudential Hong Kong and Mr Kelvin Yu, Chief Product Officer of FWD Hong Kong & Macau sparked insightful dialogue on ever-evolving insurance models.
Digital and Creative Economies: Innovating for Tomorrow
Moving onto the city’s creative innovators, the final session included Mr Ray Chan, Founder and Chairman of 9GAG, Ms Anne Lim Chaplain, Founding Publisher of Prestige and #legend and Mr Jason Mok, Founding Partner of Capital Union Investments Limited.
Ms Stephanie Chan, Global Head of Marketing & Partnerships – DETERMINANT and PYE, admitted that creativity alone will not suffice. “Besides just being creative, support throughout the entire value chain is crucial. To change the blueprint of fashion and offer more sustainable options, we’ve got to step up R&D, adopt more efficient production processes and work with talent who love to explore ideas. Hong Kong, once again, provides fantastic logistics, raw materials from Mainland, advanced technologies and Hong Kong initiatives, which provide funding to fashion start-ups.”
Lastly and most importantly, Mr Jaeson Ma, Founder of East West Ventures concluded with a message of encouragement for those who feel apprehensive towards the rapid advancements in society. “Rather than fearing AI and technology, view them as valuable tools and helpers. The future belongs to those who learn to leverage AI, blockchain, quantum technologies and advanced computational tools,” he said. “From culture and technology to governance, business and supply chain management, ride the wave so as to emerge as leaders in your field. Continue innovating!”
Editor
Jia Rangani
