– 12 MoUs signed to enhance trade relations and cultural exchange – A delegation led by Mr John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, visited Laos as part of broader ASEAN mission – As superconnector, Hong Kong is well- positioned to support Laos’s development, especially in finance, banking, renewable energy and green finance, agriculture and infrastructure development
A delegation led by Mr John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), visited Vientiane on 28-30 July to deepen economic and trade relations, enhance cultural exchange and explore collaboration opportunities between Laos and Hong Kong.
Twelve memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed in the areas of trade and investment promotion, finance, fintech, transport and logistics and education, paving the way for mutual prosperity between Hong Kong, Laos and the wider ASEAN region.
The delegation, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), included some 30 leaders of international, Mainland Chinese and Hong Kong enterprises and conglomerates operating in finance and insurance, innovation and technology, professional services, infrastructure, transport and logistics, energy and hospitality.
The delegates visited Vientiane Saysettha Development Zone and Vientiane Railway Station to understand the business and investment opportunities in Laos, its potential for Hong Kong companies and the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
A visit to Vientiane Secondary School fostered greater people-to-people exchange between Laos and Hong Kong.
The delegation also met with executives and key members of local business chambers, such as the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) and Lao Chinese Chamber of Commerce (LCCC), to introduce Hong Kong’s latest economic developments, business opportunities and unique advantages as superconnector between China and other Belt and Road markets.
Potential partnerships to support the growth of Lao SMEs were explored in areas, such as finance, banking, renewable energy, green finance, agriculture and forestry, leveraging Hong Kong’s expertise and connections to help them build capacity, find partners and explore new markets.
Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC, said: “The objective of our mission is to explore opportunities and forge connections that will enable Laos to achieve its economic ambitions, while fostering stronger cooperation with Hong Kong. Leveraging its superconnector role, Hong Kong is well-positioned to provide assistance, nurture talent and strengthen infrastructure across various sectors in Laos. We believe there are immense opportunities for mutual growth. The cooperation we have witnessed during this visit is just the beginning.”
12 MoUs were signed by the following members of the delegation, Lao government bodies and Lao companies: 1.Customs and Excise Department of Hong Kong, China and the Customs Department of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic; 2.Invest Hong Kong and Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry; 3.Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Lao Chinese Chamber of Commerce (LCCC); 4.Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI); 5.Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce; 6.CCB International (Holdings) Limited and Phongsavanh Group Co., Ltd; 7.CLP SEA Infrastructure Limited; CGN Energy Technology (Laos) Co., Ltd and Krittaphong Group Co., Ltd; 8.Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) and the Vientiane Capital Chamber of Commerce and Industry; 9.Goldford Group and Lao National Digital Technology Group Co., Ltd (LADT); 10.Lao National Digital Technology and HashKey Capital; 11.Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Vientiane Secondary School (VSS); and 12.The Hong Kong Shippers’ Council (HKSC) and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry
With the BRI entering its second decade and amid greater regional cooperation facilitated by agreements, like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Hong Kong will continue to build on its role as superconnector, linking the wider China market with ASEAN and the world at large.
The HKSAR Government and HKTDC will host the Belt and Road Summit on 11-12 September in Hong Kong, at which Lao companies can make new connections and find new partners.
The Hong Kong delegation’s visit to Laos is part of a broader ASEAN mission taking place from 28 July to 2 August. This mission aims to strengthen ties with Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, building on the success of previous ASEAN missions to Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia in 2023 and Thailand in 2022.
The Hong Kong delegation, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), included some 30 leaders of international, Mainland Chinese and Hong Kong enterprises and conglomerates operating in finance and insurance, innovation and technology, professional services, infrastructure, transport and logistics, energy and hospitality.
Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (centre) witnessed the signing of an MoU between the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the HKTDC. Left: Vithoune Sithimolada, Director General, Department of Trade Promotion, Ministry of Industry and CommerceRight: Margaret Fong, Executive Director, Hong Kong Trade Development Council
The Hong Kong delegation visited Vientiane Saysettha Development Zone
The Hong Kong delegation visited Vientiane Railway Station
The Hong Kong delegation engaged with the Lao Chinese Chamber of Commerce (LCCC) during a business dinnerFrom left: Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman, Hong Kong Trade Development Council; Mr John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; and Mr Yao Bin, Chairman, Lao Chinese Chamber of Commerce
During the visit to Laos, the Hong Kong delegation visited Vientiane Secondary School to foster people-to-people exchange” between Laos and Hong Kong
Media enquiries RDK Group Sole, Co.,Ltd Jonathan Meadley Tel.: (856) 205 950 6978 Email: Jonathan.meadley@rdkgroup.la
HKTDC’s Communication & Public Affairs Department:
About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
More than 230 brands participate, realising a win-win scenario for Brand Hong Kong, local SMEs and consumers – The HKTDC is organising the inaugural Hong Kong Shopping Festival in August, aligning with the 2023 Policy Address to assist local SMEs in expanding into the Mainland China market through e-commerce channels – The event aims for a win-win scenario with local SMEs able to increase their exposure through mainland e-commerce platforms, consumers enjoying a more convenient and cost-effective experience in purchasing Hong Kong brands, and local products being able to tap the mainland market more extensively, which in turn will boost Hong Kong’s brand reputation – HKSAR Financial Secretary Paul Chan filmed a promotional video to promote the Hong Kong Shopping Festival
The inaugural Hong Kong Shopping Festival, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and fully supported by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), will be held from 1 to 31 August across mainland e-commerce platforms. This new event aligns with a measure in the 2023 Policy Address to assist Hong Kong’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in expanding into Mainland China via e-commerce channels.
The launch ceremony for the Hong Kong Shopping Festival was held today. More than 230 local brands are participating, offering unique products and exclusive discounts in six major categories: apparel and accessories, personal care and cosmetics, home and living, classic food, smart gadgets and health supplements. The event also promotes products suitable for the senior citizen market. With the full support of the HKSAR Government, Financial SecretaryPaul Chan appeared in a video to promote the event (https://bit.ly/3yaGwCT).
The Hong Kong Shopping Festival has adopted the slogan “Unveiling a New Lifestyle, Curated by Hong Kong“. “Unveiling a New Lifestyle” refers to launching new products in the market and the aspiration to enrich people’s lives through these products. “Curated by Hong Kong”, meanwhile, reflects the meticulously selected quality products from Hong Kong that are being made available to mainland consumers. The event enables local SMEs to leverage the extensive visitor traffic and diverse customer base of mainland e-commerce platforms to drive publicity, boost exposure and amplify the promotional impact. The initiative will also provide SMEs with practical experience in expanding into the mainland market via e-commerce.
Mr Chan said: “The brand of ‘Hong Kong’ has always been renowned for its high quality. Hong Kong’s products hold good brand value in the mainland and across the region. As the Hong Kong Trade Development Council organises the first edition of the Hong Kong Shopping Festival, we could, on the one hand, capitalise on Hong Kong’s advantage of enjoying strong support of the Motherland’s large-scale market, and assist Hong Kong’s small to medium enterprises in reaching new mainland customer groups and developing the mainland market, thereby injecting new impetus into their business development. On the other hand, it could enable mainland consumers to directly and conveniently gain access to and purchase quality Hong Kong products. At the same time, the Hong Kong Shopping Festival could help different Hong Kong products tap into the mainland market more extensively and make Hong Kong brands shine.”
According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, national online retail sales reached RMB15.4 trillion in 2023, representing a year-on-year increase of 11%, while the online retail sales of physical goods reached RMB13.0 trillion, an 8.8% rise compared to the previous year. Online sales accounted for 27.6% of the total retail sales of consumer goods last year.
Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “The mainland market has been developing in leaps and bounds, particularly the thriving e-commerce landscape. Diverse online channels such as live-streaming, instant retail and social commerce have become the new normal for many mainland consumers, involving a wealth of know-how. However, many Hong Kong SMEs are unfamiliar with the business culture and marketing channels in the mainland domestic market, especially for e-commerce, which has become a major pain point for many local enterprises. The inaugural Hong Kong Shopping Festival has attracted the participation of 230 brands and will help local SMEs gain practical experience and prepare them for expanding their mainland e-commerce operations.”
The Hong Kong Shopping Festival will be divided into two parts. The first part is the Discount Month from 1 to 31 August, during which an official campaign website will be launched featuring all participating companies, featured products and special deals. Concurrently, the HKTDC will promote the event through various strategically planned digital marketing channels, including Xiaohongshu, Douyin, Taobao, JD and others, boosting visits to the official website and, in turn, to the SMEs’ online stores.
The second part will focus on live-streaming e-commerce. In late August, the HKTDC will invite around 20 notable mainland key opinion leaders (KOLs) to conduct live-streaming sessions on major e-commerce platforms, including Douyin, Taobao/Tmall and JD, to directly promote 60 local brands. This will help introduce Hong Kong products to more mainland consumers while also providing a practical opportunity for local SMEs with no experience of live-streaming e-commerce to understand the workings of mainland e-commerce platforms and digital marketing. This will be a crucial first step in helping them expand into the mainland market.
Official campaign website of the Hong Kong Shopping Festival:
The launch ceremony for the inaugural Hong Kong Shopping Festival was officiated by Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC (second from left); Leslie Choy, Founder, Chairman and CEO of AUSupreme International Holdings Limited (left); Melody Keung, General Manager of Taikoo Sugar Limited (right); and celebrity Kenneth Ma (second from right).
With the full support of the HKSAR Government, Financial SecretaryPaul Chan filmed a promotional video to promote the Hong Kong Shopping Festival.
In his remarks at the launch ceremony, Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC, expressed the hope that the Hong Kong Shopping Festival will help Hong Kong companies accumulate practical experience and prepare them well for developing e-commerce capabilities in the mainland market.
Celebrity Kenneth Ma attended the launch ceremony to promote Hong Kong brands and the Hong Kong Shopping Festival.
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Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks also draw lively crowds, Renowned Writers seminars captivate local booklovers
The HKTDC-organised Hong Kong Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks drew to a successful close today, attracting 990,000 –visits over a seven-day period
The World of Art and Culture featured renowned international film and TV literature; the Art Gallery showcased local literary works; and the seminars proved remarkably popular, in particular the Renowned Writers Seminar Series, attracting many Mainland China visitors
A surge in visitors from near and far over the weekend boosted local consumption
The average spending of Book Fair visitors reached HK$912, up 4.6% year on year, accounting for 74% of their annual print book expenditure
The Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks attracted enthusiastic crowds, demonstrating the synergy of three concurrent fairs to enrich the visitor experience
The 34th HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, 7thHKTDCSports and Leisure Expo and 4thHKTDC World of Snacks, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded today after a successful seven-day run that saw an enthusiastic response from the public, with the total number of visits reaching 990,000. The three cultural and leisure events featured 760 exhibitors, with diverse activities and interactive experiences at the Book Fair, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the enjoyment of reading, exciting sports experiences and mouthwatering global treats.
Sophia Chong, Acting Executive Director of the HKTDC, expressed delight at the strong industry and public support for the three summer events. “The Book Fair continued its tradition of bringing people together through literature, with seminars achieving remarkable popularity and attracting many visitors from Mainland China to participate. Books related to the events theme, Film and TV Literature, were particularly sought-after. The World of Art & Culture featured film and television exhibits from 31 countries and regions, complemented by diverse cultural activities and interactive facilities, allowing visitor to read the world from page to screen and further enhancing Hong Kong’s position as an East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange. The concurrent Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks, with a wide range of experiences and delicacies, also attracted visitors from near and far and helped to stimulate local consumption.”
Booklovers spent slightly more compared to 2023 The HKTDC commissioned a research institute to interview more than 820 visitors over the Book Fair period, providing an in-depth analysis of booklovers’ reading habits and spending preferences. The average spending of surveyed visitors at this year’s Book Fair was HK$912, up 4.6% year on year, and accounting for 74% of their annual print book expenditure. This highlighted the fair’s appeal as an important promotional and sales platform for the publishing industry. In addition, about 90% of exhibitors at the three fairs offered an electronic payment service, while 72% of interviewed visitors used electronic payments for their transactions.
The survey also showed that the most popular book categories among readers were fiction and novels (47%), comics (21%), children and youth-related books (19%), travel (18%), and literature (16%). In terms of e-books, 65% of respondents said they had read e-books in the past month with an average reading time of 16 hours. The main reasons for people visiting the Book Fair were to purchase newly released books (55%), enjoy discounts when buying books (53%) and to experience the cultural atmosphere at an international book fair (30%).
Cultural Julycontinues to promote citywide joy of reading To further promote a reading culture in Hong Kong, the Book Fair and Cultural July • Joyful Summer Reading have organised more than 600 events. Cultural July, with a range of author sharing sessions, storytelling performances, film-related activities, handicraft workshops and cultural sharing sessions across the city’s 18 districts, continues until 31 July. Details can be found at https://hkbookfair.hktdc.com/CulturalJuly/index.aspx.
Family fun with zipline experiences and snacks to beat the heat The Sports and Leisure Expo featured a variety of sports and leisure products and new experiences, attracting visitors of all ages. Activities included the family-friendly zipline experience, demonstrations by the Tai Chi Robot, performances by mascots from the Japan Pavilion, and a mosaic photo wall to cheer on the Hong Kong athletes heading to the Paris Olympics. The World of Snacks, meanwhile, showcased more than 1,200 snacks, offering classic flavours, healthy options and taste sensations from across the globe, with cooling treats such as ice cream being particularly popular.
The three July expos kick off the second half of the HKTDC’s highlighted mega events in Hong Kong that aim to boost the local economy. August will see the staging of the Hong Kong International Tea Fair, Food Expo PRO, Food Expo, Home Delights Expo and Beauty & Wellness Expo, while September features the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, Salon de TIME, CENTRESTAGE and the Belt and Road Summit. October will see the Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition), International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) and Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo. Taking place in November will be the Hong Kong International Optical Fair and Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, while December will feature HKTDC Entrepreneur Day to round off a busy and productive year.
The 34th Hong Kong Book Fair concluded today. The seven-day event, which ran concurrently with the Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks, attracted nearly 1 million visits.
The three cultural and leisure events brought together 760 exhibitors, with the Book Fair drawing avid readers eager to browse and purchase their desired books and products.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan visited the Book Fair, purchasing popular science books to encourage children to boost their technology knowledge. He also bought local handicraft items to support Hong Kong’s creative talents.
The Eight Seminar Series at the Hong Kong Book Fair encouraged engaging interactions between authors and readers.
This year’s Book Fair featured many prominent Chinese and foreign-language writers.
This year’s Book Fair theme, Film and TV Literature, attracted numerous exhibitors to captivate readers through showcases of related publications.
The World of Art & Culture reflected the theme of the year with exhibits related to global film and TV literature, including a miniature of the Kowloon Walled City that drew a lot of attention.
The Art Gallery at the Book Fair featured a mini cinema that replayed selected excerpts from film and television works.
The zipline experience at the Sports and Leisure Expo proved very popular, providing a thrill for people of all ages.
Visitors at the Sports and Leisure Expo took photos which then went up on the large mosaic wall to cheer on Hong Kong’s Olympic athletes.
Jimi Hanako, Minister for the World Expo 2025 (fifth left), visited the Japan Pavilion at the Sports and Leisure Expo which highlighted the expo’s theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives“.
The World of Snacks gathered more than 1,200 snacks from around the world, offering visitors a diverse array of classic flavours, healthy options and international treats.
Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.
Hong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks Yuan Tung Financial Relations: Anson Wong Tel: (852) 3428 3413 Email: awong@yuantung.com.hk Agnes Yiu Tel: (852) 3428 5690 Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk Tiffany Leung Tel: (852) 3428 2361 Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hk
HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department: Hong Kong Book Fair Snowy Chan Tel: (852) 2584 4525 Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org Sunny Ng Tel: (852) 2584 4357 Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org
Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo, World of Snacks Jane Cheung Tel: (852) 2584 4137 Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org
About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
Mega events offer diverse activities, boost local consumption
HKTDC’s Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks have attracted 760 exhibitors to participate in the seven-day events
The Book Fair’s theme this year is Film and Television Literature. Renowned writers such as Jin Yucheng, author of Blossoms, and Yuyi, author of City of Darkness, will share their creative journey
The World of Art & Culture showcases works from 31 countries and regions, including AI-powered interactive installations
The Sports and Leisure Expo offers a check-in spot for cheering on Hong Kong’s Olympic athletes while the World of Snacks gathers more than 1,200 snacks from across the globe
Entry before noon costs HK$10 with an Octopus card, and full price ticket holders who enter on the first two days can enjoy free re-entry at certain time slots. Children aged 0-3 and adults aged 65 or above will be admitted free of charge
17 July 2024 – The 34th HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, 7thHKTDCSports and Leisure Expo and 4thHKTDC World of Snacks all commence today, running for seven days (17 to 23 July) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the three summer cultural and leisure events offer a diverse range of activities that cater for the whole family. The opening ceremony for the fairs took place this morning, officiated by Raistlin Lau, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, and accompanied by Margaret Fong, HKTDC Executive Director.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms Fong said: “The HKTDC is committed to promoting Hong Kong’s business development and injecting vitality into the Hong Kong economy through organising mega events such as these, solidifying the city’s reputation as the events capital of Asia. This year’s Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks have attracted 760 exhibitors, providing an important promotional and business platform for different industries while allowing visitors to enjoy diverse activities spanning reading, sports, leisure, and snack shopping. This year’s Book Fair, an annual summer cultural event in Hong Kong, will stage more than 600 cultural activities on-site and off-site, inviting over 250 prominent Chinese and foreign-language writers and celebrities to host seminars, promoting literary exchange and connecting book lovers through literature.”
The Book Fair continues to receive funding from the HKSAR Government’s Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency to support featured activities, including the World of Art & Culture, the International Publishing Forum and the debut of the IP Roundtable.
Theme of the year seminar series delves into film and TV literature This year’s Book Fair, with the theme Film and Television Literature and the tagline “Reading the World: Storytelling from Page to Screen”, focuses on featured writers such as Erica Li, Raymond To, Joyce Chan, Norris Wong, Chiang Hiu Mei and Law Kar. The Art Gallery features two other exhibition zones, namely Featured Directors and Classic Literary Adaptations, introducing selected works by renowned filmmakers such as Wong Kar-wai, Ho Cheuk-tin, Nick Cheuk, Tsui Hark, Ann Hui and Stanley Kwan, as well as paying tribute to literary masters like Yi Shu, Lilian Lee, Jin Yong, Ni Kuang and Eileen Chang.
Featured writers of the year and featured directors are invited to explore the intersection of film, television and literature through the Theme of the Year Seminar Series. Earlier today, Raymond To kicked off the series with his talk on “Transforming Texts into Lines and Dialogues”, while renowned director Stanley Kwan will share his unique perspectives on women, film and literary adaptations on 20 July.
World of Art & Culture promotes cultural exchange The World of Art & Culture provides booklovers with a multifaceted understanding of literature in film and television from 31 countries and regions. In addition to works from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, it also presents pieces from Argentina, Colombia, the Czech Republic, France, Indonesia, Korea, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, Spain, Switzerland, Vietnam and more. This year, the World of Art & Culture features two interactive installations. Trailing the Scenes showcases Hong Kong film shooting locations and related literary works on an interactive map, allowing visitors to download relevant images, while the Shifting the Scripts by AI installation enables visitors to input keywords to re-compose classic film scenes using AI, allowing them to experience the creative process.
Furthermore, the World of Art & Culture features a miniature of the Kowloon Walled City. Yuyi, author of the novel City of Darkness that was adapted into the hit film Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, will join the Book Fair in person and host a seminar titled “City of Darkness – From Novel to Film” to share his creative journey.
This year, the Mainland China Publishers Zone at the Book Fair is highlighting Beijing as the thematic city, with the theme Beijing and Hong Kong Weave Dreams Together – Painting a Vibrant Chapter through Literary Splendour. The zone will showcase books and creative products which embody historical and cultural characteristics of Beijing, demonstrating the charm of the nation’s capital through the achievements of its modern development.
Cultivating a reading culture through acclaimed writers The Book Fair continues to feature the Eight Seminar Series, with authors invited to share and exchange ideas on topics including Renowned Writers, English and International Reading, World of Knowledge, Children and Youth Reading, Hong Kong Cultural and Historical, Lifestyle and Personal Development and Spiritual Growth, in addition to the Theme of the Year series. The Renowned Writers Seminar Series, co-organised with Ming Pao and Yazhou Zhoukan, has invited renowned Chinese-language authors from the mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong to share their creative insights. On 20 July, Jin Yucheng, author of the novel that was adapted into the TV drama Blossoms, will delve into the charismatic Shanghai depicted in his creation. Pioneer of Chinese avant-garde fiction Su Tong will share his creative journey on the same day in a talk titled “The Intersecting Paths of Literature”. Other featured authors include Mao Jian, Zhu Tianyi, Shum Sai-shing, Ng See-yuen, Perry Lam, Ban Yu, Xu Zidong, Chen Chongzheng, Jiao Tong, Shan Weijian, Qiao Ye, Huang Deng, Ge Liang, Lei Chien, Cai Chongda and Ian Huen.
The English and International Reading Seminar Series continues to welcome leading English-language authors from around the world. Today (17 July), British scholar Christopher Cowell, who examines the relationship between architecture and urban cultural history, will discuss urban development in Hong Kong from 1841 to 1849. Tomorrow (18 July), renowned Czech illustrator and animator Galina Miklínová will take the audience into the world of animation and introduce the Oddsockeaters. The Story Sharing by Celebrities session has invited CUHK Medical School Associate Dean Dr Teoh Yuen-chun, renowned pianist Lee Ka-ling and Ngong Ping 360 Managing Director Tung Pui-chuen to offer meaningful parent-child activities. For more details on the seminars and the line-up of speakers, please visit: https://hkbookfair.hktdc.com/en/Events/Event-Schedule.html
Sports and Leisure Expo celebrates Olympic spirit The quadrennial Olympic Games will kick off in Paris next week, and the public can get a head start on the electric atmosphere at the Sports and Leisure Expo. The event has invited star athletes to join sharing sessions, including Hong Kong Men’s Rugby Sevens representative Yiu Kam-shing, former Hong Kong Karatedo and Athletics representative Tong Cheuk-pan, and local ice hockey player Cheung Tsz-ching (who appeared in the TV drama Sparks), to share their ups and downs. The Hong Kong Sports Institute (Booth 5C-C02) has set up an instant photo booth encouraging the public to take pictures with props, which will be used to create a mosaic photo wall to show their support for Hong Kong athletes competing in the Olympics.
The Hong Kong Playground Association (Booth 5C-D02) has introduced a new parent-child zipline experience in the Sports Hub zone this year. Under the guidance of instructors, participants can navigate through various obstacles and glide along a 15-metre-long zipline to enjoy an exhilarating ride.
Maintaining health becomes much easier with technology. Hanlun GeronTech Limited’s (Booth 5C-B25) Tai Chi Robot was designed to cater for the elderly. It simulates the moves of an experienced tai chi master, helping seniors to train their muscles and prevent falls. Additionally, former Hong Kong triathlete Szeto Shiu-yan will share how she uses sports data to analyse her performance and plan her daily training.
The perennially popular Japan Pavilion has expanded once again to reach its biggest scale since the pandemic. The World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai (Booth 5B-E11) is participating this year, introducing the expo theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, to visitors. The Japan National Tourism Organization (Booth 5B-D02) is teaming up with 18 Japanese prefectures to showcase the rich traditional culture of Japan, with Hokkaido Prefecture (Booth 5B-E02) introducing its latest travel information via virtual reality experiences and photo spots. The Ainu Indigenous Culture Experience zone highlights the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park.
The Sports and Leisure Expo is hosting nearly 60 exciting events and performances, including a local illustrator sharing session, an introduction to emerging musical instruments, a Speed Stacks Tournament and a Rhythmic Gymnastics Dance Performance, blending thrills, education and entertainment for the benefits of visitors.
World of Snacks offers comprehensive insights into global treats This year’s World of Snacks has brought together more than 1,200 different snacks, divided into six zones – Travel Delights, Chocolate and Sweet Factory, Oldie Snacks, Yummy & Healthy, Party Time and Snack Bar – to present visitors with a variety of classic flavours, healthy options and taste sensations from across the globe.
Making its debut at the event, Nestlé (Booth 5B-B02) has launched new ice cream flavours and is offering special promotions, including a buy-one-get-one-free offer on ice cream cups or scoops, redeemable with any purchase receipt from the Book Fair or Sports and Leisure Expo. Additionally, a series of snack-related activities are being organised for visitors, such as the Natural Honey and Sesame Cake Making workshop and Mindfulness Coffee workshop.
Tickets for the Hong Kong Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks can be purchased through e-payment sponsor BoC Pay, other ticketing partners including Alipay HK, Alipay, 01 Space and Octopus, or at convenience stores around Hong Kong. A single ticket grants access to all three events. The adult ticket price remains at HK$30. Children aged 0-3 and adults aged 65 or above are admitted free of charge. Visitors who enter before 12 noon and pay with their Octopus card enjoy a discounted entry fee of HK$10. The HKTDC also offers a re-entry promotion to those who purchase full-price tickets for the first two days. Physical ticket sales are not available on-site at the Book Fair – visitors can pay with AlipayHK, Alipay or Octopus at the entrance.
Hong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks
Date
17-23 July 2024 (Wednesday to Tuesday)
Opening hours
Hong Kong Book Fair 17-22 July – 10am to 10pm 23 July – 9am to 5pmHong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks 17-18 July – 10am to 9pm 19-20 July – 10am to 10pm 21-22 July – 10am to 9pm 23 July – 9am to 5pm
Venue
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Admission
Adult: HK$30 Child: HK$10 (for primary school students/children under 1.2m tall) *Children aged 3 and under and adults aged 65 and over will be admitted free of charge.
Tickets
E-tickets are available for sale via the e-payment sponsor, the BoC Pay; and other ticketing partners, Alipay HK, Alipay, 01 Space and Octopus.Tickets are also available for sale at all 7-Eleven and Circle K stores and most of the ticketing platforms.
Concessionary tickets
Morning admission tickets (entry before noon, same price for adults and children): HK$10 (pay directly by Octopus for admission at the hall entrances only)Special re-entry promotion: Visitors who purchase a regular adult ticket (HK$30) or child ticket (HK$10) dated 17 or 18 July can enjoy free admission once in each of the following time slots by presenting the whole stub attached to the admission ticket or re-entry coupon distributed onsite: 1) 19-21 July (Friday to Sunday) after 7pm 2) 22 July (Monday) after 7pmNote: this offer is not applicable to other types of admission tickets (including morning admission tickets, concessionary tickets, VIP tickets and complimentary tickets) Super Pass: HK$88 Passholders have unlimited entry to the Book Fair and can use the special access channel to minimise queuing time.
HKTDC’s Hong KongBook Fair opens today. Together with the Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks, the three summer events attracted 760 exhibitors.
Raistlin Lau, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government, was guest of honour at the Book Fair’s opening ceremony.
Raistlin Lau (front, second right), Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government, Margaret Fong (front, second left), Executive Director of the HKTDC, and guests, including Cao Zhenya (front, far right), Deputy Director-General of The Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the CPC, and Zhai Degang (front, far left), Vice Minister of the Publicity Department of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the CPC, hosted the Book Fair opening ceremony.
In her remarks at this morning’s opening ceremony, Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the HKTDC, said that the Book Fair, an annual cultural event in Hong Kong in the summer, offers more than 600 cultural activities on-site and off-site, to promote literary exchange and connections and instil a joy of reading.
Book lovers eagerly await the opening of the Book Fair to get their hands on the latest literary works.
The World of Art & Culture presents literature in film and television from 31 countries and regions, with an interactive AI installation.
The Art Gallery showcases selected works from this year’s featured writers, attracting booklovers to appreciate their creativity.
The Sports Hub zone has introduced a new parent-child zipline experience, with participants invited to navigate through various obstacles before enjoying an exhilarating ride on a 15-metre-long zipline.
The Hong Kong Sports Institute has set up an instant photo booth, allowing the public to take pictures with props. These will be used to create a mosaic photo wall to show their support for Hong Kong athletes competing in the Olympics.
The perennially popular Japan Pavilion has expanded once again to reach its biggest scale since the pandemic. The Japan National Tourism Organization is teaming up with 18 Japanese prefectures to showcase the rich traditional culture of Japan
The World of Snacks has brought together more than 1,200 different snacks, to present visitors with a variety of classic flavours, healthy options and taste sensations from across the globe.
Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.
Hong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks Yuan Tung Financial Relations: Anson Wong Tel: (852) 3428 3413 Email: awong@yuantung.com.hk Agnes Yiu Tel: (852) 3428 5690 Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk Tiffany Leung Tel: (852) 3428 2361 Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hk
HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department: Hong Kong Book Fair Snowy Chan Tel: (852) 2584 4525 Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org Sunny Ng Tel: (852) 2584 4357 Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org
Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo, World of Snacks Jane Cheung Tel: (852) 2584 4137 Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org
Covering different areas in health / climate / education tech and more to promote diversified entrepreneurial ecosystems
In the Final Pitching Day of Start-up Express, 10 winning start-ups were selected. CHOMP and Petalife won the ESG Award and the My Favourite Start-up Award respectively
Nearly 200 industry players from Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem attended, helping start-ups seeking partners and enhancing brand awareness
Many finalists integrated artificial intelligence into their products and solutions
The third Start-up Express International will return during Entrepreneur Day in December
The seventh edition of Start-up Express, an entrepreneurship development programme organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), came to a successful conclusion today with the selection of 10 winning start-ups. The ESG Award went to CHOMP in recognition of its sustainable and socially impactful business solution while the My Favourite Start-up Award, decided through audience live-polling, was awarded to Petalife. The 10 start-ups will participate in a series of local and overseas business events organised by HKTDC to develop their profiles through building connections, exploring markets, seeking partners and enhancing brand awareness.
HKTDC is fully committed to supporting and promoting the development of start-ups, helping them to expand into Mainland and international markets to showcase Hong Kong’s strengths in innovation and technology.
Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “Start-up Express is now in its seventh year and, over the past six years, we have assisted 60 Hong Kong start-ups by helping them to expand and venture into overseas markets. Many have won international awards, secured large orders, and received new rounds of investment. China’s clear support along with the collaborative efforts by various stakeholders, continues to drive Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology hub, charting a new direction for the city’s I&T development. HKTDC will continue to foster a favourable environment for start-ups and help them achieve new heights while advancing Hong Kong’s economic development.”
This year’s Start-up Express attracted more than 200 applications, with finalists from the education tech, fintech, AR/VR, climate tech and food tech sectors. Several green tech, health tech and smart city start-ups integrated AI to provide innovative and creative services and products. Nearly 200 industry players, including business leaders and investors, attended the Final Pitching Day. Booths were also set up during the event enabling the Start-up Express finalists to showcase their businesses to all attendees and participants.
Comprehensive range of networking and matching initiatives provided to winning start-ups The 10 winners were selected from 20 contestants in the final pitching round and each presented innovative business ideas and answered questions raised by the distinguished panel of judges. The 10 winning start-ups are: Braillic, CathovenAI, CHOMP, Lacess, Libpet Tech, PharmCare Technology, PointFit Technology, Stellerus Technology, Vidi Labs and Xtra Sensing.
Click here to download the list of winners and their company profiles.
The HKTDC will arrange a series of exposure opportunities for the winning teams to interact with potential investors, buyers and partners.
Exceptional presentations at Final Pitching Start-up Express judges this year were Jimmy Tao, Chairman, Hong Kong Startup Council; Andrew Young, Associate Director (Innovation), Sino Group and Cindy Zhang, Executive Director, Gobi GBA. Jimmy Tao, Chairman of Hong Kong Startup Council, said: “The exceptional performances of this year’s finalists and business diversity demonstrated that local start-ups have considerable strengths in innovative thinking. Hong Kong’s start-up community continues to thrive, with a record high of more than 4,200 start-ups launched last year, demonstrating Hong Kong’s appeal as an ideal destination for establishing a business. The Start-up Express winners will be able to gain more valuable opportunities to expand their markets and networks and help fast track business development.”
Assist start-ups expanding business in Mainland China and international market Start-up Express provides extensive promotional opportunities for start-ups with winners able to take part in exhibitions in Mainland China and internationally, and attend meetings with investors to learn more about the industry, market trends and investors’ preference.
Edmund Chan, COO and co-founder of Meat the Next, a new generation food producer and Start-up Express 2023 winner, said: “We have gained a lot from our participation in the Start-up Express, which helped us to broaden our brand awareness. We have also participated in various activities and training sessions organised by HKTDC to explore markets and build connections on all fronts. Earlier this year, we participated in the SIAL Shanghai Global Food Industry Summit under the Hong Kong Pavilion organised by the HKTDC and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a leading Hangzhou e-commerce platform to launch plant-based milk in Mainland China. The HKTDC’s support is instrumental in enabling Hong Kong brands like us to successfully enter the vast Mainland market.”
Wada Bento, a Start-up Express winner in 2021, targeted the Japanese market by setting up an office in Osaka with HKTDC’s assistance and has so far raised 400 million yen (approximately HK$21 million) for further expansion in Japan. Wada Bento plans to install 100 bento vending machines in Osaka and Tokyo by the end of the year to develop a brand-new sales platform for the Japanese food industry.
Start-up Express International returns in December with global start-ups The HKTDC has always given its full support to Hong Kong’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, helping to maintain the city’s status as a competitive business centre and hub for innovation. Start-up Express International was launched in 2022 for overseas early-stage start-ups to share the stage with local Start-up Express winners.
So far, Start-up Express International has attracted participants from around the world, including Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Turkey, Singapore, United Arab Emirates and the United States. The third Start-up Express International will return during Entrepreneur Day in December and the HKTDC will support the winners in setting up their businesses in Hong Kong and to explore the mainland and Greater Bay Area markets.
The 10 Start-up Express 2024 winners with the judges and guests. Back row from the fourth left: Jimmy Tao, Chairman, Hong Kong Startup Council; Cindy Zhang, Executive Director, Gobi GBA; Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC and Andrew Young, Associate Director (Innovation), Sino Group
Students were invited to present their innovative solutions at the Final Pitching Day of Start-up Express. Sarah Tong (second from right), co-founder of Big Bang Academy – the winner from last year – provided guidance and presented the appreciation certificates to the students
Nearly 200 industry players were invited to participate in the Final Pitching Day of the Start-up Express, allowing start-ups to interact with investors and business leaders
A start-up exhibition at the Start-up Express Final Pitching Day venue, enabled the finalists to introduce their companies to the attendees
Media enquiries Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department: Clayton Lauw, Tel: (852) 2584 4472, Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org Snowy Chan, Tel: (852) 2584 4525, Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org
About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn
Significant export upturn expected amid surge in confidence
Hong Kong’s trade growth forecast for 2024 has been upwardly revised to between 9% and 11%. The surprise move was announced by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council(HKTDC) and marks a substantial upgrade to its initial estimation of 4-6% as announced at the end of last year.
This welcome uptick stems from two key economic indicators that signal good news for Hong Kong’s current and future export prospects. First, the HKTDC’s review of the first five months of 2024 showed export levels to be up by a hefty 12.5% year on year.
Confirmation of the improving business environment came in the findings in the HKTDC Export Confidence Index for the second quarter of 2024, which showed a substantial rally in both its crucial Current Performance and Expectation Indices.
HKTDC Director of Research Irina Fan said: “Taking all of these factors into account, HKTDC Research has revised its 2024 trade growth forecast to better reflect the overall upturn in demand and the generally more positive global trade outlook.”
Electronics exports shine in half-year review The HKTDC’s review of the first five months of this year showed export levels rising by a hefty 12.5% year on year, driven by a surge in orders for electronic goods as well as parts and components, which typically comprise some 70% of the city’s total export value.
In terms of markets, exporters were generally optimistic across the board. The scores for Mainland China were particularly high with the Current and Expectation indices both rising above 60. Regarding the uptick in electronics exports, this has largely been sustained by rising output levels in production plants in the mainland and ASEAN countries. From January to May, Hong Kong’s overall level of mainland-bound exports rose 21.1% year on year, while exports to the ASEAN bloc climbed 19.8%. In both cases, industrial inputs and intermediate goods accounted for some 90% of the total exports.
HKTDC Research Principal Economist Wing Chu said: “Apart from consumer items such as audio-visual products (+11.2%), jewellery exports also rose by 2.0% largely on account of growing demand from emerging markets like the UAE. This rise happened despite the sluggish performance of some other consumer goods exports amid underlying sectoral divergence.”
Optimism uptick in new Export Confidence Index Coinciding with the Mid-Year Trade Review, the findings of the Export Confidence Index for the second quarter indicate that exporters were 12 points happier with their Current Performance than in the first quarter, scoring 51.6 this quarter. This renewed satisfaction was also reflected in the Expectation Index (54.3), a measure of how confident exporters are about their likely performance in the coming quarter. Up to 73% of exporters are now expecting higher or maintained profit levels, compared to just 55.9% in the first quarter of 2024.
Exporters have also shown renewed confidence in demand from Hong Kong’s key markets. Across all six geographical market segments, only the prospects in Japan were ranked below 50, the threshold figure for likely market expansion. Exporters were the most optimistic about sustained demand from the mainland (up from 39.6 to 60.5) and from the United States (up from 34.5 to 53.6). Of the remainder – the European Union, ASEAN and the rest of the world – no market was accorded a score below 52.0.
In the second quarter, rising transport costs overtook an economic slowdown and recession as exporters’ primary concern, followed by higher capital costs and exchange-rate fluctuations. At the same time, they believe the growth of e-commerce, the upturn in overseas market activities as well as the wider deployment of artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies will provide fresh impetus to their businesses.
Promising outlook ahead “While no country or territory’s economic performance can be seen as immune to the key factors currently impacting the global economy – notably geopolitical tensions, rising costs and exchange rate fluctuations – it is safe to say that Hong Kong has exceeded expectations for the first half of the year,” Ms Fan said.
She added that given the firm foundation Hong Kong has put in place and the growing faith in many of its key markets, there are reasonable grounds to assume that the welcome uptick in export performance “will be sustained for the rest of the year and, quite possibly, well beyond”.
Book Fair runs alongside HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and HKTDC Hong Kong World of Snacks from 17 to 23 July at the HKCEC
Some 760 exhibitors are featured. With a single ticket, visitors can immerse themselves in the worlds of literature, sports and leisure activities and global snacks
The theme of this year’s Book Fair is Film and Television Literature hosting more than 600 seminars and cultural activities featuring renowned writers and celebrities, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as an East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange
Sports and Leisure Expo will feature an installation to cheer on Hong Kong’s athletes at the Paris Olympics, while the World of Snacks offers more than 1,200 different snacks
The 34th HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council(HKTDC), will be held from 17 to 23 July (Wednesday to Tuesday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), running concurrently with the HKTDC Sports and Leisure Expo and HKTDC World of Snacks. With a single ticket, visitors can immerse themselves in the worlds of literature, sports and leisure activities and global snacks, with some 760 exhibitors across the three fairs. This year’s Book Fair will stage more than 600 cultural events onsite and off-site, including acclaimed writers’ seminars and book launches to help promote a stronger reading culture in Hong Kong.
Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “The Hong Kong Book Fair Cultural Events Advisory Panel voted Film and Television Literature as the theme of the year. With the tagline Reading the World: Storytelling from Page to Screen, we aim to leverage this popular theme to encourage more locals and tourists to discover the joys of reading and appreciate the charm of Hong Kong’s literary, film and television works, help shaping Hong Kong into an East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange. The Book Fair runs concurrently with the Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and the World of Snacks, and together these three major events will create summer fun for people of all ages and reinforce the concept that ‘Tourism is everywhere in Hong Kong’.”
Art Gallery exhibits take visitors from page to screen The Book Fair continues to receive funding from the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency to support featured activities, including the Art Gallery, World of Art & Culture, the International Publishing Forum and the debut of IPRoundtable.
The popular Art Gallery will be exhibiting a wide range of works from the featured writers of the year, including Erica Li, Raymond To, Joyce Chan, Norris Wong, Chiang Hiu Mei, and Law Kar, highlighting their publications, manuscripts, awards, and movie props. Most of them will also attend the Book Fair in person to engage with visitors both inside and outside the event. The Art Gallery has two other exhibition areas, namely Featured Directors and Classic Literary Adaptations. The former showcases selected works by directors such as Wong Kar-wai, Ho Cheuk-tin, Nick Cheuk, Tsui Hark, Ann Hui and Stanley Kwan; while the latter highlights original novels by writers like Yi Shu, Lilian Lee,Jin Yong,Ni Kuang and Eileen Chang, along with selected clips, posters, e-books and theme songs from respective film adaptations.
World of Art & Culture opens door to different cultures To guide readers in exploring the world through Hong Kong, the Book Fair has set up the World of Art & Culture, promoting cultural exchange through displaying exhibits from across the globe. In addition to creations from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, the zone will also feature film and television literature from Argentina, Colombia, the Czech Republic, France, Indonesia, Korea, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, Spain and Switzerland, Vietnam and more. Echoing this year’s fair theme, the World of Art & Culture features an AI-powered interactive installation. Visitors can select keywords to recompose iconic scenes from global films and TV shows, including In the Mood for Love, Infernal Affairs, Kung Fu Hustle, Blade Runner and Spirited Away. Additionally, an interactive map will display filming locations and behind-the-scenes details.
As the East-meets-West centre, Hong Kong is well positioned to promote international cultural exchange, particularly relating to traditional Chinese culture. This year, the Book Fair will feature a Mainland China Publishers Zone with Beijing as the thematic city, demonstrating the cultural allure of the nation’s capital. The Book Fair will also host an IP Roundtable for the first time on the second day (18 July), inviting representatives from the international publishing and copyright industries to discuss the challenges and opportunities that AI is bringing to IP and copyright commercialisation.
Eight Seminar Series invites literary giants to host seminars The Book Fair will continue to feature the Eight Seminar Series, with authors invited to share and exchange ideas on topics including Theme of the Year, Renowned Writers, English and International Reading, World of Knowledge, Children and Youth Reading, Hong Kong Cultural and Historical, Lifestyle and Personal Development and Spiritual Growth. One seminar has invited Yuyi, the author of the original novel City of Darkness, which was adapted into the hit movie “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In”, to share his creative journey and the process of adapting the story into comics and a film, as well as the challenges he encountered along the way.
The Renowned Writers Seminar Series, co-organised with Ming Pao and Yazhou Zhoukan, will invite heavyweight Chinese-language writers from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan to speak at the fair. The lineup includes Su Tong, a pioneer of Chinese avant-garde fiction; Jin Yucheng, who won the Lu Xun Literary Award for his novel Blossoms Shanghai; and Ban Yu, one of the three trailblazers of the Dongbei renaissance.
This year, the English and International Reading Seminar Series fully reflects Hong Kong’s internationality. The global authors sharing at the event include British scholar Christopher Cowell, who explores the relationship between architecture and urban cultural history; renowned Czech illustrator and animation director Galina Miklínová; Korean writer Mirinae Lee, who has been shortlisted for a women’s fiction award and more; and Thai author Narisapongse Rakwattananont, recipient of the Southeast Asian Literature Award. Speakers at other seminars include business management expert, writer and poet Feng Tang; aerospace expert Lui Kin-Chuen; and local lyricist scholar Chu Yiu-wai. The Story Sharing by Celebrities session will feature singer Serrini, CUHK Medical School Associate Dean Dr Teoh Yuen-chun, renowned pianist Lee Ka-ling, and Ngong Ping 360 Managing Director Tung Pui-chuen. For more details on the seminars and the lineup of speakers, please visit:
Sports and Leisure Expo gets into the Olympic spirit The Sports and Leisure Expo will highlight a mosaic wall set up by the Hong Kong Sports Institute (Booth 5C-C02) where visitors can become part of the photo wall to show their support for Hong Kong athletes preparing for the Paris Olympics. There will also be sharing sessions by renowned athletes, featuring the captain of the Hong Kong Men’s Dodgeball Team, Luen Tsz-yu; Hong Kong Men’s Rugby Sevens representative Yiu Kam-shing; and former Hong Kong Karatedo and Athletics representative Tong Cheuk-pan, among others. The athletes will share their experiences and journeys as sportsmen, inspiring visitors with their stories of dedication and achievement.
The Sports and Leisure Expo will also present a diverse array of health-promoting and entertaining sports and leisure products and experiences, enabling visitors of all ages to enjoy the fun of sports. The Hong Kong Playground Association (Booth 5C-D02) is again displaying its always-popular mobile rope nets along with a new parent-child zipline experience in the Sports Hub zone. Under the guidance of instructors, participants can navigate through various obstacles and a 15-metre-long zipline to enjoy an exhilarating ride.
The perennially popular Japan Pavilion will expand further this year to reach its largest scale since the pandemic. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) (Booth 5B-D02) will team up with 18 Japanese prefectures to showcase the rich traditional culture of Japan, with Hokkaido Prefecture (Booth 5B-E02) introducing its latest travel information, setting up virtual reality experiences and photo spots. The Ainu Indigenous Culture Experience zone will also showcase the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park. The World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai (Booth 5B-E11) will also participate, introducing the expo theme, Designing Future Society for Our Lives, to visitors.
A feast for the tastebuds at World of Snacks This year’s World of Snacks has brought together more than 1,200 different snacks, divided into six zones, Travel Delights, Chocolate and Sweet Factory, Oldie Snacks, Yummy & Healthy, Party Time and Snack Bar, presenting a variety of classic flavours, healthy options and taste sensations from around the world. Making its debut at the event, Nestlé (Booth 5B-B02) will launch new ice cream flavours and offer special promotions, including a buy-one-get-one-free offer on ice cream cups or scoops, redeemable with any purchase receipt from the Book Fair or the Sports and Leisure Expo.
Cultural July connects different sectors to promote city-wide love of literature In addition to the Book Fair, the HKTDC has actively collaborated with various partners, including the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, publishers and educational, cultural and arts institutions, to organise a series of Cultural July activities. From 24 June to 31 July, Cultural July will feature a diverse range of events, including author sharing sessions, storytelling theatre, film-related activities, exhibitions, handicraft workshops and cultural sharing sessions, all aimed at fostering a city-wide love of reading.
Tickets for the Hong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks can be purchased through e-payment sponsor BoC Pay, other ticketing partners including Alipay HK, Alipay, 01 Space andOctopus, or at conveniencestores around Hong Kong. A single ticket will grant access to all three events. Tickets will be available for sale on different platforms starting from tomorrow (26 June). This year, the adult ticket price remains at HK$30. Those who enter the venue through the admission gates before 12pm and pay with their Octopus card will enjoy a discounted entry fee of HK$10.
Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.
Hong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks Yuan Tung Financial Relations: Anson Wong, Tel: (852) 3428 3413, Email: awong@yuantung.com.hk Agnes Yiu, Tel: (852) 3428 5690, Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk Tiffany Leung, Tel: (852) 3428 2361, Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hk
HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department: Hong Kong Book Fair Snowy Chan, Tel: (852) 2584 4525, Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org Sunny Ng, Tel: (852) 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org
Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo, World of Snacks Jane Cheung, Tel: (852) 2584 4137, Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org
About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn
ASGH attracted 2,800+ participants from 40 countries and regions
Medical Fair welcomed 12,000+ buyers from 60 countries and regions
360+ deal-making sessions and 650+ business matching meetings were arranged to facilitate cross-sector collaboration
Signing of cooperation agreements at ASGH fostered collaboration across healthcare, including ophthalmology, gastrointestinal well-being, AI and innovative drugs
China’s 14th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation and technology hub, which will provide new opportunities in healthcare and promote the city as an international health innovation hub.
Global healthcare leaders, medical product and service traders, start-ups and investors gathered in Hong Kong for the third International Healthcare Week, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), to engage in conversation on the healthcare industry’s latest developments and trending topics.
The flagship events, the fourth Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH) and the 15th edition of the Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair (Medical Fair), concluded successfully yesterday. ASGH attracted over 2,800 participants from 40 countries and regions, while the Medical Fair welcomed over 12,000 buyers from 60 countries and regions.
More than 360 one-on-one deal-making sessions and over 650 business matching meetings were arranged to facilitate cross-sector collaboration.
Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC, said: “Global health issues, such as ageing populations, novel infectious diseases and climate-related health threats, have accelerated the need for innovation, collaboration and inclusion. The Asia Summit on Global Health and Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair have greatly contributed to advancing health and medical innovation and fostering vital industry exchange. Being able to bring together leading figures in healthcare-related industries in Hong Kong is a testament to our city’s position as a leading hub for medical innovation.”
Healthcare experts discuss trending topics
The Summit brought together over 80 experts, researchers, medical professionals, business leaders, investors and representatives from the healthcare industry worldwide. They engaged in fruitful discussions on diverse forward-looking issues, ranging from healthcare innovation, innovative drugs and China’s healthcare development to healthcare investment prospects and healthcare insurance.
At the first plenary that discussed opportunities in co-creating a synergistic health innovation ecosystem, Prof Lo Chung-mau, Secretary for Health of the Hong Kong SAR, said: “Hong Kong is on a road to reform its medical product registration and innovate biomedical research in the coming decade. With the national endorsement and our policy innovations, together with the can-do spirit of our people bolstered with our traditional and new advantages, I am confident that Hong Kong will overcome all challenges and achieve its goal of developing into a health and medical innovation hub.”
Another highlight was Prof Roger Kornberg, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry 2006, in the second plenary who highlighted the latest biotech advancements. He pointed out: “The chief limiting factor in research today is financial support. The Hong Kong government has taken important steps very recently and announced a programme to invest HK$6 billion in a research centre for fundamental studies. It’s a good beginning, but it should not end there,” Prof Kornberg said.
He added: “Most discoveries are made by young people. The importance of creating opportunities for young people to gain early independence and to be adequately supported to pursue their curiosity, in whatever direction that may take, is the key to success.”
In the Dialogue with Global Pioneer in Health, Prof Michael Hanna, Director of UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology of University College London, shared the latest trends and research findings in neuroscience and mentioned the importance and power of global collaboration in determining genetic risk factors.
In the session What’s Next in China’s Healthcare Arena, medical experts and business leaders analysed the latest healthcare developments and investment environment in Mainland China. Antony Leung, Group Chairman of Nan Fung Group, pointed out that a good patient experience is the area the industry can explore and invest in.
During the Advancing Healthcare in Asia Through Innovation session, Yasushi Okada, Representative Corporate Officer and COO of Eisai Co., Ltd., said Hong Kong continues to be an important hub for East Asia and ASEAN, playing a vital role in the advancement of science, technology, finance and economy. Enterprises sign agreements, 360 matching sessions held ASGH Deal-making matched healthcare investment projects with investors, including angel investors, venture capitalists, corporate venture capitalists, private equity firms and family offices. More than 360 one-on-one sessions between investors and project owners took place.
To foster collaboration across healthcare, including ophthalmology, gastrointestinal well-being, AI, innovative drugs and more, this year’s Summit facilitated the signing of cooperation agreements, including:
-Zhaoke (Hong Kong) Ophthalmology and PT Erela Indonesia;
-Optima International and TRB Chemedica (Thailand);
-Gense Technologies and EC Healthcare;
-Schweitzer Health Biotech Co., Ltd and DKSH Hong Kong;
-PanMediso Capital Limited and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University;
-AstraZeneca and Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology (CTSCB);
-Uni-Bioscience Group, Great Bay Bio and Pebble Accelerator
These partners were all connected via previous editions of the Summit and HKTDC’s global network. In particular, AstraZeneca and CTSCB will work together to advance scientific research and translate the findings into healthcare solutions that improve lives and foster the development of the healthcare ecosystem.
Additionally, the LiverCare – Hong Kong 10 Million Liver Scans Program launch ceremony was held at ASGH. The Hong Kong LiverCare Alliance plans to carry out 10 million early screening tests for liver disease to raise public awareness of liver disease prevention and treatment.
Facilitating business connections and matching at Medical Fair
The Medical Fair, organised by the HKTDC and co-organised by the Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Association (HKMHDIA), brought together some 300 exhibitors from eight countries and regions, including six local universities, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP) and healthcare enterprises led by HKMHDIA.
“We have connected with over 150 new customers, and we believe that more than half of them have collaboration opportunities. We expect to secure orders with a total value of around US$3 million,” said Dr Cheng Man-Hong, Director of medical equipment company Maxwin & Honwell Limited. The company had a successful debut at the Medical Fair. “We also discussed with potential medical companies from Canada, the UK, Taiwan and Thailand. Through the Click2Match platform, we successfully matched with buyers from Indonesia and India,” Dr Cheng added.
Gold Together Technology Limited, another Hong Kong exhibitor, capitalised on domestic opportunities and received enquiries from local hospitals under the Hospital Authority, such as Kowloon Hospital, Princess Margaret Hospital and private hospitals, like Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital and Union Hospital, with a potential value of HK$50 million.
Participating in the Medical Fair for the third time, VVFLY Electronics Co., Ltd. from Mainland China promoted sleep health products, such as AI-powered anti-snoring devices. Lily Li, the company’s Sales Director, mentioned that the Fair helped them expand into the Southeast Asian and South Asian markets, and they were highly satisfied with the results. “An Indian customer purchased 1,000 breathing machines on the first day, totalling US$150,000-$200,000. Later, we also received orders from buyers in Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines, totalling around 500 breathing machines, exceeding our expectations.”
Assel Abakova, Deputy Director of Amanat LLP Pharmaceutical Company from Kazakhstan with an extensive distribution network in the country and neighbouring regions, such as Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia, visited the fair for the first time. In view of the growing cases of laryngeal cancer in the region, there is demand for a rapid diagnostic tool to facilitate immediate treatment. “We found a Hong Kong exhibitor that offers AI-enabled diagnostic solutions, which may relieve the shortage of medical and testing professionals in the region,” she said. The buyer will continue discussions with the exhibitor to customise and localise the solution, and the potential project value could exceed US$10 million.
Seminars on wide-ranging topics were held during the Fair, attracting keen participation from healthcare professionals. In the HKMHDIA Medical Fair Forum, experts discussed topics, such as gerontechnology and smart health. Those who missed the seminars can watch the replay on the Fair’s website at https://bit.ly/3DNBBXy.
The Medical Fair ran under the HKTDC’s EXHIBITION+ hybrid model. In addition to the physical fair, buyers can extend their sourcing journey online via the Click2Match smart business matching platform until 25 May as well as via hktdc.com Sourcing.
ASGH attracted over 2,800 participants from 40 countries and regions
Prof Roger Kornberg, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry 2006 and Professor of Structural Biology at Stanford University, said “The Hong Kong government has taken important steps very recently and announced a programme to invest HK$6 billion in a research centre for fundamental studies. It’s a good beginning, but it should not end there.”
Zhaoke Ophthalmology and PT Erela from Indonesia signed a cross-border cooperation agreement on eye diseases
AstraZeneca and Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology (CTSCB) formalised their cooperation at ASGH to develop life-improving healthcare solutions.
The Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair featured various zones, attracting over 12,000 buyers from 60 countries and regions
The HKSTP pavilion, comprising more than 30 start-ups, showcased cutting-edge medical equipment, diagnostic and analysis solutions and telemedicine technology
The debut Hungary pavilion showcased medical instruments applicable to fields, such as analytical testing science. Antibacterial coatings have also been featured.
HKMHDIA Medical Fair Forum, co-organised by the Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Association, explored Hong Kong’s developments in smart health and innovative transformation
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn
Asia Summit on Global Health and Medical Fair commence today
Over 80 healthcare experts discuss forward-looking topics at Asia Summit on Global Health, including latest trends in neuroscience, precision medicine and Chinese medicine
Some 300 exhibitors at Medical Fair showcase latest medtech, such as dementia assessment systems and biotech for wound treatment
First orthopaedic surgical robot made in Hong Kong on view at Medical Fair
The third International Healthcare Week (IHW), organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opened yesterday, featuring two flagship events.
Themed Innovation. Inclusion. Impact, the fourth Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH) takes place today and tomorrow, facilitating exchange and collaboration among industry players from around the world.
The 15th edition of the Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair (Medical Fair) runs from today to 18 May. Featuring some 300 exhibitors, the Fair showcases a wide range of innovative medical products and solutions and promotes global industry collaboration to position Hong Kong as a hub for medical innovation.
Opening the Summit, HKTDC Chairman Dr Peter K N Lam said: “Asia is growing in importance in the global health ecosystem. With Hong Kong being an international finance and business centre and on its way to becoming a health and medical innovation hub, it is fitting for the HKTDC to organise International Healthcare Week, with the Asia Summit on Global Health and Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair as flagship events, to bring together major industry players from Asia and beyond in our city to foster collaboration and accelerate the development of Asia’s medical and healthcare industry.”
In his opening speech, Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee said, “Technology is a policy priority of the Hong Kong SAR Government. Thanks to the strong support of the National 14th Five-Year Plan and other national strategies, Hong Kong is rapidly emerging as an international innovation and technology hub,” Mr Lee said. “Collaboration and partnerships fast-track innovation. And that, I’m confident, can begin right here, over these two days of forums, plenaries, dialogues and networking sessions. A wealth of medical research and development intelligence and insights, together with the latest I&T, and the experts driving them: all here for you, at this year’s Asia Summit on Global Health.”
During his special remarks, Prof Cao Xuetao, Vice-Minister of the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, pointed out: “Hong Kong as an international financial, maritime trade and innovation hub is leveraging its unique position to connect Mainland China with the world. In recent years, Hong Kong has made significant advancements in the medical and healthcare sectors. These developments, amid the complex and evolving international landscape, have profound implications on global health security, socioeconomic progress and well-being. This underscores the importance of strengthening collaboration to seize new opportunities and address emerging challenges in healthcare.”
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), also delivered remarks at the opening session via video link.
Industry elites discuss forward-looking issues at ASGH In the first plenary session today, Prof Lo Chung-mau, Secretary for Health of the HKSAR, highlighted the preparatory work for the establishment of the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation and the progress made in promoting Hong Kong as a health innovation hub. He Yaqiong, Director General of the Consumer Goods Industry Department of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China, shared the country’s experience in advancing high-quality development of the healthcare industry. He also discussed how Chinese pharmaceutical companies can effectively use the Hong Kong platform to tap into international markets.
At the second plenary, Prof Roger Kornberg, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry in 2006 and Professor of Structural Biology at the Stanford University School of Medicine, spoke about the latest developments in biotechnology.
ASGH gathers more than 80 global leaders in healthcare, including business executives, investors, international research and medical experts and health officials, to discuss diverse industry issues, such as medical and healthcare innovations, healthcare development in China and healthcare investment prospects.
These include Andy Ho, Chief Region Leader of Philips Greater China, Antony Leung, Group Chairman of Nan Fung Group, Prof Tony Mok Shu Kam, Chairman of Department of Clinical Oncology of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Prof Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Given the rise of AI in healthcare, the summit held a dedicated session with representatives from Medtronic plc, HeartFlow, Inc. and other organisations discussing AI opportunities and practical applications in the healthcare sector, such as diagnosing cardiovascular diseases.
Day two of ASGH features diverse thematic sessions. With Chinese medicine gaining more attention, the complementary use of Chinese and Western medicine has become a rising trend. Representatives from the Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Hospital explore Chinese medicine in modern healthcare, while a session organised with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University discusses the development of innovative drugs with specialists from Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co., Ltd, AstraZeneca, and Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Limited.
Facilitating connections and opportunities The exhibition area and InnoHealth Showcase feature projects and services from around the world, including pharmaceutical and therapeutics, AI and digital health, medical device and diagnostics, community health and wellness, from more than 150 innovative technology companies related to healthcare.
Among them, more than 70 start-ups and projects are being showcased with the support of Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited and six local universities. Many of these exhibitors were recognised at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions earlier this year.
Aside from the continued participation of The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and HKSAR Innovation and Technology Commission , Australia’s Investment NSW and the Sichuan Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine bring innovative healthcare start-ups and institutions to Hong Kong for the first time to help them connect with potential partners and investors.
A core element of the Summit, ASGH deal-making connects project owners and investors from across the globe to discuss collaboration opportunities. Participating investors represent a diverse range of backgrounds, including angel investors, venture capitalists and corporate venture capital, private equity firms, family offices and more.
At the new Investor Workshop, guest speakers, including Dr Charles Hu, Founder and CEO of Ryoden Medical Holdings Ltd., explore investments in healthcare companies and start-ups and share insights into the investment landscape.
AI and robotics – Innovations Boosting Smart Health Experience The Medical Fair, organised by the HKTDC and co-organised by the Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Association (HKMHDIA), showcases cutting-edge medical and healthcare equipment and solutions, including robotics and medical and healthcare products. Themed Innovations Boosting Smart Health Experience, the Fair also features products catered to the silver market.
Covering biotechnology, hospital equipment, rehabilitation, laboratory equipment and more, the Fair’s various zones feature some 300 exhibitors comprising leading research and academic institutions, including six local universities, HKSTP and enterprises led by HKMHDIA. Highlights of exhibits include notable AI and robotics medical technologies as well as cold chain logistics solutions.
Exhibitor Yuanhua Robotics, Perception & AI Technologies (HK) Limited presents the first orthopaedic surgical robot made in Hong Kong, with a robotic arm that can expertly assist with hip and knee replacement operations.
Another Hong Kong exhibitor Sramek Insight Limited presents a wearable smart cardiovascular analyser, which delivers continuous hemodynamic data through remote monitoring, and provides customised medical advice based on real-time data.
Hungary exhibitor Uscom Ltd. showcases an ultrasonic spirometer to assess pulmonary function, which can be used to screen chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and monitor asthma and other chronic pulmonary diseases.
One of the many Medical Fair events, the HKMHDIA Medical Fair Forum this morning featured specialists in innovative medical equipment discussing market trends and future strategies. Tomorrow’s seminar, co-organised with HKSTP, discusses the application of mixed reality and AI in medical technology and explores trends in medical technology worldwide, including the market potential of medical equipment in Mainland China.
Leveraging the HKTDC EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, the physical Medical Fair is complemented by Click2Match smart business matching to extend the sourcing journey from 9 to 25 May.
The fourth Asia Summit on Global Health, co-organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government and HKTDC, takes place today and tomorrow
Dr Peter K N Lam, HKTDC Chairman, gives a welcome address
John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR, delivers opening remarks
Prof Cao Xuetao, Deputy Director of the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, delivers special remarks
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation, delivered remarks at the opening session via video link
ASGH invited Prof Roger Kornberg, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry in 2006 and Professor of Structural Biology at Stanford University School of Medicine, as guest speaker
ASGH deal-making connects project owners and investors globally through in-person and online meetings
To foster collaboration across healthcare, this year’s Summit also facilitated the signing of a number of cooperation agreements
The Medical Fair features a wide range of exhibition zones, such as Biotechnology, Hospital Equipment, Rehabilitation and Elderly Care Products, and assists exhibitors and buyers to establish global connections
Medical Fair exhibitor Yuanhua Robotics debuts the first orthopaedic surgical robot made in Hong Kong, which can assist in hip and knee replacement operations
Hong Kong exhibitor Sramek Insight Limited presents a wearable smart cardiovascular analyser. Comprising a data router and an inflatable blood pressure watch, the device delivers continuous hemodynamic data and provides customised medical advice
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn
Asia Summit on Global Health features Nobel laureate Prof Roger Kornberg speaking on cutting-edge biotech advances.
Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair attracts some 300 exhibitors and diverse country and regional pavilions from around the world.
The third International Healthcare Week (IHW), organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), takes place from 15 to 31 May. The week’s flagship event, the Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH), co-organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government (HKSAR) and HKTDC, will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) on 16 and 17 May. Another flagship event, the Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair (Medical Fair), will run concurrently from 16 to 18 May, highlighting Hong Kong’s strengths in healthcare.
Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “Hong Kong’s healthcare system is world-renowned. The 2023 Policy Address announced various measures to turn Hong Kong into a health innovation hub and develop its silver economy. We have been keen to promote medical technology and devices, and this year, the concurrent ASGH and Medical Fair once again bring together local and international healthcare experts to discuss the industry’s hot topics, including AI, healthy ageing and Chinese medicine. A Nobel laureate in Chemistry will also highlight the latest innovative biotech solutions. The two events will showcase a series of robotics technologies as well as the latest healthcare products and solutions for the silver economy. They offer exhibitors, investors and buyers a platform to build connections and foster cross-sector collaboration. This will play an important role in transforming Hong Kong into a health and medical innovation hub.”
Aside from ASGH and the Medical Fair, IHW features the Hospital Authority Convention, among many other industry events.
Industry leaders explore healthcare opportunities
Themed Innovation . Inclusion . Impact, the fourth ASGH brings together medical and healthcare government representatives and organisations, internationally renowned scientists and medical experts, investors and business leaders from around the world. In addition to public health, medtech, international trade cooperation and investment, they will analyse the industry’s outlook and business opportunities.
Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC, presents welcome remarks, John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, delivers opening remarks and Prof Cao Xuetao, Vice-Minister of the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, gives special remarks on the opening day of ASGH.
The ASGH Plenary Sessions explore opportunities in the healthcare industry and promote cooperation across the medical and healthcare fields. For the first plenary, Prof Lo Chung-mau, Secretary for Health of the HKSAR, shares his vision and addresses the preparatory work for the establishment of the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation and the progress made in promoting Hong Kong as a health innovation hub.
Other speakers include Prof Lau Chak-sing, Dean of Medicine of The University of Hong Kong; Prof Lo Yuk Lam, President of the HK Bio-Med Innotech Association; Dr Sun Zhigang, Senior Vice President of Luye Pharma Group Ltd, and more. They will discuss the drug approval systems in Mainland China and overseas, exploring how they can benefit the healthcare ecosystem.
At the second plenary, Prof Roger Kornberg,Nobel Laureate in Chemistry in 2006 highlights biotech advances and engages in dialogue on emerging technologies and healthcare innovation trends with Victor L L Chu, Chairman and CEO of First Eastern Investment Group, and Leslie Lu, Executive Director and CEO of EC Healthcare, among others.
During the Dialogue with Global Pioneer in Health session, Prof Michael Hanna, Director of UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, sheds light on the latest trends and findings in neurology. ASGH also spotlights China’s healthcare ecosystem, highlighting the latest developments in healthcare in the vast market, key investment areas and major trends shaping the country’s healthcare sector.
For the plenary session on the second day of the Summit, TheHon Bernard Charnwut Chan, Chairman and President of Asia Financial Holdings Limited; Dr Sangtae Kim, Chief Technology Officer of Bertis Bioscience; Yasushi Okada, Representative Corporate Officer and COO of Eisai Co., Ltd.; Dr Sarah Salvilla, Group Chief Health Officer of FWD Group, and more will explore the current landscape of medical innovation in Asia, encompassing trends, investments and collaboration.
Thematic sessions discuss precision medicine, innovative drugs, neuroscience, healthcare investment prospects, opportunities in healthcare insurance and more.
InnoHealth Showcase and deal-making connect start-ups with investors
ASGH deal-making connects investors and project owners from across the globe in-person and online to discuss collaboration opportunities.
Participating investors represent a diverse range of backgrounds, including angel investors, venture capitalists and corporate venture capital, private equity firms, family offices and more. Investment interests span pharmaceuticals, medical devices and diagnostics, AI and digital health, and community health and wellness.
The exhibition area, which includes the InnoHealth Showcase, features healthcare investment projects and cutting-edge technologies from over 150 companies at the forefront of healthcare innovation. Among them, over 70 healthcare start-ups and projects, many of which are award-winning, are led by six local universities and Cyberport. Besides the Innovation and Technology Commission, Investment NSW and the Sichuan Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine bring healthcare start-ups and institutions to Hong Kong for the first time to help them connect with potential partners and investors.
Medical Fair facilitates industry collaboration
The Medical Fair, organised by the HKTDC and co-organised by the Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Association (HKMHDIA), serves as the ideal platform for industry professionals, including R&D institutions, manufacturers, public healthcare institutions, hospitals, clinics, wholesalers and medical healthcare professionals, from around the world to establish business connections and gather insights on the latest developments in the medical field.
Themed Innovations Boosting Smart Health Experience, this year’s Medical Fair welcomes some 300 exhibitors from eight countries and regions and features a wide range of exhibition zones, including Biotechnology, Hospital Equipment, Rehabilitation and Elderly Care Products, Startup, and the HKMHDIA Pavilion zones.
Exhibitors showcase medical technology solutions that utilise AI and robotics technology. In the Laboratory Equipment and Manufacturing Solutions zone, exhibitors feature cold-chain logistics solutions that incorporate innovative, efficient data recording devices. These solutions enable real-time monitoring of vaccine and medicine delivery status, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, while optimising cost control.
The Medical Fair features a strong line-up of leading research and academic institutions, including six local universities. The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) pavilion showcases the latest advancements in medical equipment, testing and analysis solutions and telemedicine technologies of over 30 companies. Additionally, with the support of the HKMHDIA, 20 companies exhibit their latest medical imaging equipment and health monitoring products.
The debut Hungary, Chongqing (China) and Jilin (China) pavilions, alongside the returning Canada pavilion, showcase a range of medical instruments, reagent consumables, diagnostic technologies and antibacterial coatings applicable to various fields, such as analytical testing science, clinical diagnosis, food and pharmaceutical safety and life sciences. Traditional Chinese medicine and supplements are also featured.
One of the many Medical Fair events, the HKMHDIA Medical Fair Forum discusses Hong Kong’s smart healthcare innovation and transformation. Other seminars explore the latest trends in smart ageing technology, IoT applications in digital healthcare, the application of mixed reality and AI for medical imaging, and more.
Using the HKTDC EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, the physical fair from 16 to 18 May is complemented by the Click2Match smart business matching platform, via which buyers can extend their sourcing journey from 9 to 25 May.
Asia Summit on Global Health
Date
16-17 May 2024 (Thursday to Friday)
Time
The Opening Session will begin at 10:00 am
Venue
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) Hall 3FG
Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair
Date
16-18 May 2024 (Thursday to Saturday)
Venue
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) Hall 3DE
Prof Roger Kornberg, 2006 Nobel laureate in Chemistry is one of the featured keynote speakers at the Asia Summit on Global Health.
Prof Michael Hanna, Director of UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, shares the latest trends and findings in neurology in the Dialogue with Global Pioneer in Health session at the Asia Summit on Global Health.
ASGH deal-making facilitates connections between project owners and investors in-person and online.
The HKSTP pavilion showcases medical testing and analysis technologies at the Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair.
With the support of the HKMHDIA, 20 companies exhibit the latest medical imaging equipment and health monitoring products.
This year’s Medical Fair features eight key product zones, including Biotechnology, Hospital Equipment and Rehabilitation and Elderly Care.
The Asia Summit on Global Health was held successfully last year.
The Medical Fair attracts global buyers seeking the latest advances in medical equipment, technological solutions and healthcare products.
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn
