2024 Global Youth Powerhouse Summit in Hong Kong: Global Leaders and Young Professionals Address Innovation and Economic Development

Key Highlights:

  • The inaugural Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2024 is under way at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, bringing together a dynamic community of young professionals, government leaders and C-suite-level management. With over 200 local and international participants attending in person and more than 4,500 attendees taking part online from over 30 nationalities, this summit highlightsHong Kong'spivotal role in nurturing global talent, fostering cross-regional collaboration and driving the innovations that fuel economic growth.
  • In the opening session,Leaders Dialogue: Shaping the Future of Leadership, topleaders fromHong Kong'smost influential sectors gathered to discuss the city's pivotal role and strategic position on the global stage. This dialogue provided insights on howHong Kong'sunique strengths in policy, talent and innovation can shape the future of key industries and reinforce its standing as a hub for international collaboration and forward-thinking leadership.

HONG KONG,Nov. 29, 2024/PRNewswire/ --The Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2024, organised by theHong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy, officially openedonNovember 28, bringing together a gathering of distinguished leaders, young professionals and innovators from across the globe. Under the theme "Empowering Professionals for a Global Initiative: A Voice fromHong Kong", the summit underscoresHong Kong'senduring commitment to cultivating the next generation of global leaders and reinforcing its position as a dynamic international hub for innovation and collaboration.

The HON John LEE Ka-chiu,GBM, SBS, PDSM, PMSM, The Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, extended his congratulations to the organisers of the Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2024. In his message, Mr. Lee acknowledged the summit's theme,"Empowering Professionals for a Global Initiative: A Voice fromHong Kong,"and emphasized that the summit presents an invaluable opportunity for young professionals from theGuangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area,Southeast Asia, and theMiddle Eastto come together, exchange ideas, and drive forward new momentum forHong Kongand the world. Mr. Lee also expressed his gratitude to the Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy for its dedication to fostering connections betweenHong Kong'syoung professionals and their international counterparts, enhancing collaboration and exchange on a global scale.

DrKevin CH Lau, Founding Convenor of the Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy, said,"Today, we come together with a shared vision — to empower professionals and amplifyHong Kong'svoice on the global stage. The Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2024 serves as a powerful catalyst, inspiring actions that transcendborders and industries. Innovation is at the heart of progress, andHong Kongstands as a beacon—an epicenter for pioneering ideas and transformative solutions.Hong Kongis not just a gateway toAsia, it is a hub of opportunities where creativity, ambition and collaboration converge to shape the future."

MrCheuk Wing-hing, GBS, JP, Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, pointed out the world has changed immensely in geopolitics, economic development, technological transformation, trade protection and global stability. Young people are the leadersof today, not tomorrow. They have an awful lot to offer in shaping the future in their respective professional domain. Mr Cheuk encouraged young professionals to rise to the challenges ahead and look beyond their immediate local surroundings and cultivate a broad, national and global perspective that cherishes the building of a global community of shared future. They should set their vision wider on national and global issues such as AI development, climate change and actively participate in the community's search for improvements and solutions. Mr. Cheuk highlighted the enormous development opportunities brought by the Belt and Road Initiative and the development of theGuangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area for young professionals. He urged them to make the most of the opportunities to realise their own goals and contribute to the building of a global community of shared future.

Leadership Insights Shaping Hong Kong's Role in Global Innovation

A key highlight of the summit was theLeaders Dialogue: Shaping the Future of Leadership. This brought together prominent figures from various sectors to exploreHong Kong'srole in global economic development and innovation. This expert panel featuredMrBernard Chan, Chairman of Our HK Foundation;DrAllan Zeman, Chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group;MrDavid Liao, Co-Chief Executive of HSBC Asia Pacific;MrMichael Yue,Managing Director and General Manager of Google Hong Kong;MsIlaria Chan, ChairpersonofTech for Good Institute and Group Advisor on Tech& Social ImpactofGrab, andRevBrett Hilliard, Senior PastorofIsland Evangelical Community Church.

Panelists shared their perspectives on leadership transformation in a rapidly evolving global landscape, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, inclusivity and vision in setting international standards. The discussion exploredHong Kong'sstrategic position as a centre of excellence and a beacon for innovation and collaboration, underscoring the city's influence in driving global trends.

"Hong Kongwill do fine regardless of what, because it has always been a connector. And this is what central government wantsHong Kongto serve. SoHong Kongas a place will do well. But whether our local youth can take advantage of that is entirely up to them,"MrBernard Chantold the young professionals inHong Kong."If they're willing to get to know whatChinaand the rest of the world are doing, we need to understand what the gaps and the needs are, and how we can provide that value."

"You need to be so curious, so compassionate, and so savvy in meeting people from different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, reading about the world. And then you form your own opinion of what people really are about instead of regurgitating soundbites and repeating what people are trying to sell to you. Then you develop something creative and value-added to the people you're trying to connect with and the ecosystem you're trying to build. That's how you will not be disrupted by AI,"MsIlaria Chanshared her insight about how to live with AI.

Exploring Opportunities in Industries Driving Innovation for Global Impact

Thematic discussions throughout the day focused on addressing pressing global challenges and on unlocking opportunities in critical industries. In the session titledThe Health Economy: Navigating Innovations for a Resilient Future, thought leaders from top healthcare and insurance organizations examined the transformative potential of health technologies and integrated healthcare services. Panellists includedMrDavid Chang, Founding Managing Partner of MindWorks Capital;DrKai Ning Cheong,USANational Academy of Medicine and HKU Global Health Leadership Fellow 2020;DrKevin Lau, Founding Executive Chairman of Trinity Medical Group;MrJonathan Li, Chief Distribution Officer of AXA Greater China,Hong Kong&Macau;MrSam Lim, Chief Information Technology Officer of Prudential Hong Kong; and MrKelvin Yu, Chief Product Officer of FWD Hong Kong&Macau. They highlighted the evolving insurance models designed to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world and positioningHong Kongas a key player in the global health economy.

Another significant session,Digital and Creative Economies: Innovating for Tomorrow, explored the transformative power of digital platforms and the rise of virtual economies. Speakers discussed innovative strategies for monetizing creative content and emphasized the role of technology in reshaping the creative industries. The session underscored howHong Kong'sunique combination of talent, infrastructure and connectivity positions the city as a global driver of cultural and economic growth. Panellists includedMrRay Chan, Founder and Chairman of 9GAG;MsStephanie Chan,DETERMINANT Global Brand, Marketing& Partnerships and PYE Brand, Marketing;Ms Anne Lim Chaplain, Founding Publisher of Prestige and #legend;MrJaeson Ma, Founder of East West Ventures; andMrJason Mok, Founding Partner of Capital Union Investments Limited.

As the summit progresses, it will offer further opportunities for collaboration through comprehensive panel discussions and exclusive networking events. By fostering meaningful connections and addressing critical global challenges, theGlobal Youth Powerhouse Summit 2024continues to build onHong Kong'slegacy as a gateway toAsiaand on its role as a catalyst for regional and international growth.

More photos: https://bit.ly/3Ov0JI6 

About Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy

Launched in 2023, Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy is a community organization founded by young professionals inHong Kong. It aims to connectHong Kongyouth with global counterparts, fostering a network that champions the city's opportunities through meaningful exchanges and advocacy. Recognized as a global hub,Hong Kongboasts significant influence in finance, trade, healthcare, and education, supported by a diverse pool of talented professionals. Strategically located at the core of the Belt and Road Initiative, the city acts as a gateway for collaboration with regions acrossAsia, theMiddle East, andAfrica. The initiative engages over 120 professionals from key sectors such as finance, healthcare, law, and technology, promotingHong Kong'snarrative internationally. Through monthly salons and partnerships with global youth groups, it facilitates deeper understanding ofHong Kong'sdevelopment while strengthening international ties and cross-cultural cooperation.

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SOURCE The Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy