The HKGCC International Business Summit 2025 on 9 December drew a packed audience in person and online, with participants tuning in from across the globe. Under the theme “Global Cities: Thriving in the Age of Geo-Economics,” the annual event brought together industry veterans and business leaders to explore how major urban centres can adapt and lead in a world transformed by rapid economic and technological shifts. 

Opening the summit, HKGCC Chairman Agnes Chan led attendees in observing a moment of silence for those affected by the Tai Po fire. She then turned to Hong Kong’s resilience, a quality she described as central to its success in navigating today’s complex landscape.  

“If the ancient Chinese saying holds true – that within every challenge lies opportunity – then Hong Kong is living proof of that saying,” Chan said. She highlighted the city’s position as Asia’s leading financial centre and a global innovation hub, as well as its consistently high rankings among the world’s top cities in international surveys.  

Chan also pointed to transformative projects such as the Northern Metropolis, which will span one-third of Hong Kong’s land area, as evidence that the city is not standing still. These developments, she noted, signal a future of growth and reinvention, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a dynamic player on the world stage. 

A Global Super-connector 

The first panel discussion on “Transforming Global Business from Hong Kong” brought together Vivian Cheung, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong; David Cogman, Development Director of Swire Pacific Limited; Jacob Kam, Chief Executive Officer of MTR Corporation Limited; Kenneth Lam, Founder and CEO of SeaKapital Limited; and David Liao, Co-Chief Executive, Asia and Middle East, HSBC.  

Moderated by Paul McComb, Executive Director of the British Chamber of Commerce, the conversation began by reaffirming Hong Kong’s enduring strengths – its free-port status, regulatory and tax stability, common law system and unmatched connectivity. 

Building on these fundamentals, the dialogue turned to the need for reinvention. Panellists agreed that Hong Kong’s relevance depends on strategic infrastructure investment, regulatory agility, and innovation-driven growth.  

From the transport perspective, Hong Kong’s railway system was highlighted as a benchmark for efficiency and reliability. Kam said the MTR Corporation is not only maintaining this reputation but also embracing technology to enhance customer experience. He highlighted MTR’s AI-powered virtual service ambassadors – Macy and Tracy, with the next version to be named Rosy (the names cleverly forming “MTR”) as an example of how digital transformation is being embedded into everyday operations. 

Finance emerged as another pillar of Hong Kong’s status as a super-connector. Liao pointed out that the city raised HK$24 billion in funds and completed 66 IPOs by the third quarter of 2025, underscoring its vitality as a capital market. Beyond traditional finance, Hong Kong is positioning itself as a leading tokenization hub. Liao said this evolution reflects a broader principle emphasized during the discussion: trust and connectivity remain the foundation of Hong Kong’s success. 

Addressing the aviation sector, Cheung said Hong Kong continues to serve as a gateway to the world. The airport is a critical link in international supply chains, with connections to over 220 cities and seamless integration with the Greater Bay Area. Yet, she noted that competitors are eager to capture market share, making innovation and policy adaptation essential to maintaining Hong Kong’s edge. 

Lam said shipping and logistics face similar pressures. Despite geopolitical uncertainty, Hong Kong’s fundamentals – its free-port status and stability under “one country, two systems”  remain strong. Lam observed that telling good stories is not enough; the city must consistently raise quality standards and expand its offerings to reinforce its leadership in trade and transport. 

Hong Kong must actively catalyze new business models and partnerships across diverse markets, positioning itself as a collaborative global hub amid geopolitical fragmentation. Reinvention, innovation and trust will be the cornerstones of continued success on the world stage. 

A World Transformed by Tech 

During the second session, “Tech and AI Rewriting the International Business Arena,” Paul Loo, Chief Operating Officer of Lalamove; Simon Loong, Founder and Group CEO of WeLab; Andre Blumberg, Chief Digital Officer of CLP Holdings; and Michael Yue, Managing Director and General Manager of Google Hong Kong explored AI both as a transformative force and a challenge as it shifts from an optional tool to an essential business imperative.  

Moderated by Brian Wong, HKU-100 Assistant Professor in Philosophy and Fellow at the Centre on Contemporary China and the World at The University of Hong Kong, the discussion included examples of practical AI applications. Loo said Lalamove, for example, uses AI to replicate and scale its business models across diverse regions. Its participation in the Hong Kong Government’s drone delivery sandbox illustrates how technology can redefine logistics; once proven, this model could extend from ASEAN to the Middle East. Similarly, Yue said that Google is upgrading its entire infrastructure to support AI-enhanced products like Gemini. Meanwhile, WeLab has been leveraging AI since 2015 to amplify human potential. Loong said the company serves 70 million users through a digital interface. Blumberg highlighted CLP’s use of AI to improve customer experience through smart meter rollouts and predictive asset management, while deploying AI in HR to upskill employees in responsible AI use. 

While AI is a powerful tool for productivity, it is not always the answer; in some cases, simple automation may be more appropriate. This pragmatic approach reflects a broader need for businesses to understand the differences between closed (Western) and open (Chinese) AI models and select solutions that align with their strategic goals. 

Energy was also central to the discussion. The exponential growth of AI demands significant electricity and resources, posing challenges for cities. The ethical dimension of AI was another focal point amid concerns about deepfakes. Yet, technology itself can be harnessed to combat fraud and enhance due diligence processes.  

Looking ahead, the panel envisioned a world moving toward an “agentic ecosystem,” where AI becomes highly assistive in complex scenarios. Loong reiterated that primary school children are learning to interact with AI assistants before mastering writing. For enterprises embedding AI into workflows, the transformation is already underway.  

The discussion concluded with a clear call to action: Hong Kong, as a super-connector, must leverage AI to transform companies and the economy. This means upskilling talent, moving beyond legacy systems like fax machines and cheques, and deploying AI in critical sectors such as healthcare.  

China’s International City 

The summit concluded with an inspiring keynote luncheon address by Immanuel Jebsen, Director of Business Development at Jebsen Group, a company with roots in Hong Kong since 1895.  

Jebsen highlighted openness, diversity and trust as qualities that make the city a platform for dialogue and a launchpad for entrepreneurs. Hong Kong remains a quality brand internationally. Its cosmopolitan character, world-class universities and stability further reinforce its appeal in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. 

Looking ahead, he stressed that thriving in the age of geoeconomics means embracing technology and innovation while leveraging Hong Kong’s deep connection to China, the world’s second-largest economy, and its extensive infrastructure. Under the “one country, two systems” framework, Hong Kong can reinforce its role as a global broker in finance, trade and culture.  

Jebsen ended his speech with the Confucian saying, “Within the four seas, all men are brothers,” calling on Hong Kong to uphold its spirit of openness and make its mark as an international player whose story is only just beginning. 

The Chamber would like to thank all speakers and guests for helping make the summit a success, especially the companies that sponsored the event. Platinum Sponsors:  Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals; Jardine Matheson; Sino Group. Gold Sponsors: Bank of China (Hong Kong); CK Group; CLP Power; Chow Tai Fook Enterprises; DBS Bank (Hong Kong); EY; HSBC; Jebsen Group; MTR Corporation; Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong); Sun Hung Kai Properties; John Swire & Sons (H.K.); Wheelock Properties; and Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium.  The AI booth at the summit was run by Google Hong Kong.