Latest news with #HKTDC
South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong has role to play in better global health
Healthcare is a major concern around the world, yet the prognosis for improving the sector has worsened amid rising geopolitical tensions and trade protectionism that erode trust and international collaboration. So, it was encouraging to see the city take a leading role in efforts to safeguard health worldwide by hosting last week's Asia Summit on Global Health. The two-day summit was held alongside a major industry trade fair and healthcare week. More than 2,800 delegates from around the world attended the summit organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Top officials from the city and the mainland outlined how the city could foster global exchange and cooperation, showcasing its potential in healthcare investment, trade and position as a medical technology hub. In his opening speech at the conference, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said responding to global healthcare challenges must not be like 'fighting a virus' with quarantines. Lee said collaboration rather than isolation was the best solution to tackling healthcare, trade and other societal issues.
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
20 Start-ups Showcase at Hong Kong Tech Pavilion in VivaTech 2025
Presenting Cutting-Edge Solutions and Innovations and Fostering Global Collaborations through Seminars and Networking Events - The Hong Kong Trade Development Council will bring together 20 start-ups to participate in Viva Technology 2025 in Paris. - The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion will showcase the cutting-edge solutions and innovations in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, HealthTech, Sustainable and ClimateTech, FinTech, and more. - A series of seminars, start-up pitching sessions, workshop and networking reception will enhance international cooperation and highlight Hong Kong's vibrant start-up and technology ecosystem. HONG KONG - June 3, 2025 ( NEWMEDIAWIRE ) - The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), in collaboration with Strategic Partner, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels, and supporting organisations including Invest Hong Kong, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), and Hong Kong Cyberport, will stage the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at Viva Technology (VivaTech) 2025 in Paris, Europe's biggest start-up and tech event from 11 to 14 June 2025. The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion will feature 20 start-ups, showcasing cutting-edge solutions and innovations in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, HealthTech, Sustainable and ClimateTech, and FinTech, and host a series of seminars, start-up pitching sessions, workshop and networking reception to attract global investors and buyers, fostering international collaboration and showcasing Hong Kong's dynamic start-up and technology ecosystem. VivaTech connects start-ups, tech leaders, corporates, and investors to drive innovation and business collaboration. The HKTDC's Hong Kong Tech Pavilion helps local start-ups and tech firms enter global markets while promoting Hong Kong's unique advantages and reinforcing its status as a world-class innovation and technology (I&T) hub. Chris Lo, HKTDC's Regional Director, Europe, Central Asia & Israel, said: 'The HKTDC actively supports start-up development through a wide range of activities and support services to enhance their competitiveness and expand global reach. These include launching Hong Kong Tech Pavilions at major overseas tech events and organising events like the HKTDC Entrepreneur Day (E-Day) and Start-up Express in Hong Kong. This year's VivaTech focuses on AI, healthtech, climatetech, and sustainability, areas that align closely with the development of Hong Kong's start-up ecosystem. The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion will provide a valuable platform for showcasing innovation, attracting investment, and expanding into the European market while raising international awareness of Hong Kong start-ups.' Hong Kong's start-up ecosystem is one of the most vibrant in Asia, with strengths in R&D capabilities, advanced technological infrastructure, robust legal system, and world-class intellectual property protection regime. As a business hub and international trading centre in Asia, Hong Kong provides a strategic platform for connecting innovation, expertise, and patents with global capital. Its strategic location within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) with access to over 86 million consumers, makes Hong Kong an ideal gateway to the entire GBA and also Asia and the world. During VivaTech, the HKTDC will host a series of events including seminars, pitching sessions, workshop and networking reception. On 11 June, the seminar Hong Kong: Fast-Growing Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub will feature speakers Josephine Chan, Senior Manager, New Ventures Development of HKSTP, Florian Lang, Founder and CEO APAC of Libertify, and Benny Cheng, Founder & CEO of Insight Capital, who will discuss the advantages and prospects of Hong Kong's start-up ecosystem. Hong Kong Start-ups Pitching to Global Investors On 12 June, start-ups at the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion will also pitch their cutting-edge solutions and innovative products to global investors. Start-ups focus on AI, Robotics and FinTech, such as Pantheon Lab, which uses deep-learning technology to create software applications for developing quality and self-generated visual content, Robocore, a leading developer of applications for robotic platforms, and Midas Analytics, a data consulting company based on artificial intelligence and big data technologies, will present their groundbreaking innovations. Start-ups focusing on Health Tech, Sustainable & Climate Tech, such as Braillic, specialising in Augmented Reality (AR) guided surgical navigation system, HairCoSys, which developed a hair and scalp AI health diagnosis platform, and OKOsix, which developed world's first plastic-free multifunctional bio-based material, will showcase their innovations advancing human well-being and a more sustainable future. On 13 June, Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, will attend the Workshop and Networking Reception – From Hong Kong to the World: Embarking on the New Journey of Innovation and deliver a keynote speech. Cindy Chow, Executive Director & CEO of Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, together with Sandbox VR, Orcauboat, and viAct, will share how Hong Kong start-ups succeed on an international stage. Yang Ming, CEO of Westwell Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited will share the advantages of choosing Hong Kong as springboard for global expansion. The followed panel discussion will be moderated by Christopher Lai, Director, France, Spain & Portugal of HKTDC. Cindy Chow, Chapman Lee, Director of Imsight Technology Co., Limited, Kenny Oktavius, Co-founder & CEO of Point Fit Technology Limited, and Jean-Baptiste Roy, Founding Partner of Asia Sports Tech, will explore the advantages of Hong Kong start-up ecosystem from both investor and start-up perspective and how to leverage Hong Kong's advantages to seize new opportunities. The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion is located at Hall 1 Booth F48, Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. The 9th edition of VivaTech is expected to attract over 165,000 visitors, 3,500 exhibitors, 13,500 start-ups, and 3,200 investors. Industry leaders from around the world will share unique insights, making the event the highlight of the global tech ecosystem. List of 20 Start-ups at the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion: Photo download: Websites: Media enquiries For enquiries, please contact HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department: Media Room: 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 over 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:
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
New HKTDC Chairman Professor Frederick Ma Si-Hang Meets With Management Team
HONG KONG - June 2, 2025 ( NEWMEDIAWIRE ) - Professor Frederick Ma, the newly appointed Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), assumed office on 1 June and met with the management team this morning. Professor Ma said, 'It is both an honour and a tremendous responsibility to take up the chairmanship at this juncture of Hong Kong's economic transformation. While I am delighted to contribute to deepening Hong Kong's integration into the national development agenda, the unprecedented challenges of our era compel me to remain vigilant in leveraging Hong Kong's unique roles as a 'super-connector' and 'super-value-adder'.' 'I am confident that through the collective efforts of the HKTDC team, we will strengthen Hong Kong's core advantages as a global trading and international financial hubs while serving as a bridge linking the Mainland and global markets. Simultaneously, we will proactively explore emerging markets, drive enterprise innovation, sustainable development and digital transformation. This will ensure Hong Kong's enduring vitality on the global trading stage.' Biography of HKTDC Chairman Professor Fredrick Ma: Media enquiries Please contact the HKTDC's Communications & 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 over 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: View the original release on
The Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- The Standard
New HKTDC chair Frederick Ma vows to boost HK global trade role
(HKTDC) Frederick Ma met with HKTDC management team. Download The Standard app to stay informed with news, updates, and significant events - The upgraded app is now available on both iOS and Android platforms.
Associated Press
29-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Asia Summit on Global Health and Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair Wrap Up Successfully
- Over 1,000 investment and business matching meetings lined up underscoring Hong Kong's role as a healthcare investment hub - ASGH brought together more than 2,900 participants from 42 countries and regions - Medical Fair attracted some 13,000 buyers from 57 countries and regions - The two flagship events together resulted in over 390 deal-making sessions and more than 660 business matching meetings - Collaboration agreements were signed during the events, covering areas including patient care, diagnostic solutions, innovative medical devices, and medical imaging HONG KONG - May 28, 2025 ( NEWMEDIAWIRE ) - The fifth Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH) and the 16th Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair (Medical Fair), both organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), have drawn to a successful close. As flagship events of International Healthcare Week (IHW), both ASGH and the Medical Fair brought global healthcare stakeholders together, including government officials and organisations, research pioneers, investors, and business leaders. ASGH attracted over 2,900 participants from 42 countries and regions, while the Medical Fair received some 13,000 buyers from 57 countries and regions. Over 390 one-on-one deal-making sessions and more than 660 business matching meetings were arranged, facilitating over 1,000 high-quality collaborations and connections. The IHW continues to foster global exchange and cooperation, putting a spotlight on Hong Kong's vast potential in healthcare investment and trade, and reinforcing its position as a regional leading medical hub. Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC, said: 'The Asia Summit on Global Health and the Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair concluded with outstanding results driving new collaborations and investments, and injecting new momentum into the healthcare industry. The events brought together leaders across government, business, academia, and investment to tackle today's healthcare challenges, highlighting Hong Kong's unique advantages as an international innovation and technology hub under its 'eight centres' positioning, actively advancing medical technology, connecting global innovation resources, and paving the way for a healthier and more inclusive future.' Over 80 industry experts shared insights on healthcare development The two-day ASGH, jointly organised by the HKSAR Government and the HKTDC under the theme 'Fostering Global Collaboration for a Shared Future', focused on a wide spectrum of topics including public health, medical technology breakthroughs, healthy ageing and global business and investment collaboration. The event featured more than 80 speakers comprising government officials and organisations, research pioneers, investors, and business leaders from around the world, all contributing valuable insights to advance global well-being. Prof Lo Chung-mau, Secretary for Health of the HKSAR Government, delivered a keynote speech during the Plenary Session I: Shaping a More Equitable and Sustainable Health System. Other distinguished speakers, including Dr Wu Xiaobin, Vice President of China Pharmaceutical Innovation and Research Development Association; Martin Taylor, Representative to China, World Health Organization; Prof Nancy Ip, President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; and Frédéric Rimattei, Special Envoy for International Affairs of the President of French University Hospitals National Association, shared their insights on tackling global healthcare challenges, offering inspiration for the international healthcare community. In Plenary Session II: Fostering Global Collaboration for a Shared Future, speakers engaged in a lively discussion on trends in global healthcare collaboration. Among them was Ambassador George Hara, Group Chairman and CEO of DEFTA Partners and former Special Advisor to the Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister of Japan, who remarked that more advanced technology and new government regulations are needed to reach a compromise between companies' profits and patients' needs. During the Dialogue with Global Pioneer in Health session, Prof John Hardy, Chair of Molecular Biology of Neurological Disease of UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, shared his latest research findings and advanced developments in Alzheimer's disease. The summit co-organised sessions under the overarching theme, Shaping the Future of Healthcare, with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology for the first time. The discussion focused on the potential of AI in healthcare and how innovation could drive breakthroughs in the field. Dr Alex Ng, President of Tencent Healthcare, commented: 'One uniqueness of tech companies is that they can be easily distracted by the latest thing. But you do need companies with patience and perseverance to stay in healthcare and make it work.' Prof Graham Cooke, Vice-Dean (Research) Medicine of Imperial College London, also noted that embedding patient needs into healthcare systems is critical, as many innovations fail in translation due to a lack of this focus, with universities playing a key role as innovation drivers. In Beyond 'Healthy China 2030': Driving Health Innovation, speakers explored opportunities in the mainland healthcare market. Marc Horn, Executive Vice President of Merck and President of Merck China, highlighted the two-phase approach of 'China for China' followed by 'China for the globe', emphasising healthcare collaboration to develop advanced treatments for global benefit. Dr Zhang Lianshan, Executive Vice President of Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., stated: 'We would like to see our health innovation have realisation of its value, not only in China, but also outside of China. That is why we are talking about Globalisation, where we can achieve maximum value.' With growing global attention on healthy ageing, the summit introduced a dedicated Silver Health Chapter. A highlight was the thematic session titled Surfing the Silver Tsunami: Advancements in Geriatrics and Longevity Technology, where Prof Jean Woo, Director of Chinese University of Hong Kong Jockey Club Institute of Ageing, Prof James L. Kirkland, Director of Cedars-Sinai's Centre for Advanced Gerotherapeutics, and fellow experts explored both the challenges and opportunities posed by ageing populations. Prof Jean Woo highlighted that rapid population ageing is reshaping the global healthcare and socioeconomic landscape. As a city with one of the world's longest life expectancies, Hong Kong must take early action to strengthen elderly care policies and better allocate health resources. Prof James L. Kirkland also noted that geriatricians ultimately aim to help patients with multiple illnesses reduce medication use while treating their conditions more effectively, enhancing their overall quality of life. Over 390 deal-making sessions and cooperation agreements open new global opportunities A key feature of the summit was the ASGH Deal-Making session, which facilitated one-on-one meetings both online and offline, aiming to connect investors and projects in the healthcare sector from around the world to promote global collaborations. Investment projects spanned pharmaceuticals, medical devices and diagnostics, smart healthcare, and community health and wellness and more than 390 one-on-one meetings were successfully arranged for angel investors, venture capitalists, corporate venture arms, private equity firms and family offices. The summit facilitated the signing of cooperation agreements, such as those between Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong and Emerging Viral Diagnostics, and a tripartite collaboration with PanopticAI and SmartCare, HKSH Medical Group and United Imaging Healthcare, China Resources Guangdong Pharmaceuticals and Hong Kong Medtech Association, Hugobiotech and Bridgeway Healthcare Technology, Canossa Hospital and KA Imaging, and others. These agreements covered diverse healthcare areas, including patient care, diagnostic solutions, innovative medical devices, medical imaging and more. Under the tripartite collaboration agreement between Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong, PanopticAI, and SmartCare, the integration of PanopticAI's camera-based vital signs monitoring technology and SmartCare's patient-centered consultation platform will be implemented into Gleneagles clinic in the future. In addition to its discussion sessions, the summit also featured the ASGH Business Hub, showcasing more than 170 innovative technology companies related to the healthcare industry from 13 countries and regions, including the mainland (Shanghai and Xiamen), Australia, and Thailand, presenting projects and solutions across key areas such as medical innovation, smart healthcare, AI, big data, telemedicine, and cybersecurity. Zhong Wei, Co-founder of Mitrassist Lifesciences, joined the Shanghai Pavilion and said that ASGH helped them bring non-invasive medical monitoring technologies to Southeast Asia, Africa, and other Belt and Road Initiative countries. Medical Fair Drives Industry Innovation and Fosters Business Collaboration The Medical Fair, organised by the HKTDC and co-organised by the Hong Kong MedTech Association, was held alongside ASGH. The Association—formerly known as the Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Association—held a renaming ceremony during the fair, showcasing the deep integration of medical technology and the industry. The fair brought together some 300 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions, featuring first-time pavilions from the United Kingdom, Thailand and Israel, along with debut exhibitors from Singapore, Germany, Italy and Luxembourg. In addition, seven local universities, over 30 innovative technology companies at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks pavilion, and more than 20 medical enterprises brought by the Hong Kong MedTech Association participated. The Hong Kong Council of Social Service also participated in the fair for the first time. Under the theme Innovations Boosting Smart Health Experience, the exhibition spotlighted three major areas: MedTech, GeronTech and green solutions, with many exhibits featuring applications of AI. Many exhibitors and buyers successfully expanded their networks and forged new partnerships at the exhibition. Among them was Hong Kong exhibitor Eieling Technology, a company founded to commercialise research outcomes from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The firm showcased its non-invasive liver examination technology, which utilises transient elastography technology. Co-founder and CEO Xiaojia Jia noted that only about four companies worldwide possess this technology, making it a major draw for buyers. 'During the exhibition, we received intention orders worth several million Hong Kong dollars from mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Thailand, involving around ten devices. This is our third year participating, and we've observed a significant rise in buyers' professionalism during our discussions. We look forward to exhibiting again next year.' Karel Lee, CEO of Neoneco from Korea, sourced innovative medical products at the fair with a minimum budget of USD100,000 and he has already identified RhinoCare, an exhibitor from the Israeli pavilion, for its nasal decongestion device, and is also interested in a medical examination device from a Hong Kong exhibitor. Lee stated, 'The exhibition allows us to meet with exhibitors face-to-face, build trust, and accelerate the decision-making process. The HKTDC's Click2Match platform also facilitated efficient business matching. I have already connected with ten exhibitors, and another twenty reached out to me after learning about my sourcing needs. This is one of Asia's premium medical sourcing events, and we will definitely return next year.' Beyond business deals, insightful forums were arranged during the Medical Fair to give inspiration to industry buyers. These included The Latest Development of Regulatory Collaboration on Medical Devices in the Greater Bay Area, The MedTech Nexus of the Greater Bay Area, co-organised with the Hong Kong MedTech Association, and Fostering Silver Economy, Leading Quality Elderly & Rehabilitation Care Practices, co-organised with the HKCSS. These forums attracted a strong attendance and offered valuable insights into healthcare. Selected sessions are available for replay on the Fair's website for extended engagement. This year's Fair continued to adopt the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model. Global exhibitors, industry professionals, and buyers could make use of the Click2Match and explore sourcing opportunities via HKTDC Sourcing ( Sourcing). Click2Match will remain available until 4 June. Websites International Healthcare Week: Asia Summit On Global Health: Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair: Photo download: Media enquiries For enquiries, please contact Yuan Tung Financial Relations Limited: HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department: Asia Summit on Global Health Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair Media Room: 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 over 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:
