As Hong Kong continues to strengthen its position as an international business hub, one of the Chamber’s most important roles is preparing the next generation to participate fully in the city’s economic life. This means not only equipping students with practical skills but also giving them real opportunities to interact with business leaders, understand industry challenges and gain firsthand exposure to the workplace. 

Our student initiatives have expanded considerably in recent years, and I am encouraged by the momentum we are seeing across our programmes. This year’s Business Case Competition has already set new records. With the support of four sponsors – MTR Corporation Limited, New World Development Company Limited, Shun Tak Holdings Limited and The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited – we received 248 team registrations from more than 800 tertiary students, and an impressive 229 proposals.  

The sponsor companies are currently shortlisting the top five proposals in their respective tracks and will provide mentorship to those teams before selecting the top three that will advance to the finals on 20 March. The quality and energy displayed each year reaffirm the strong talent pipeline that Hong Kong continues to cultivate. 

We are also preparing to launch the next cycle of our Pitch Perfect Programme, which helps university students develop communication and presentation skills alongside corporate mentors. The initiative officially kicks off with orientation and training in mid‑March, and promotion began in late January.  

At the secondary school level, our long‑running Business‑School Partnership Programme, launched in 2001, has continued to grow, with 62 schools and 44 corporations joining for the 2025/26 year. Matching was completed in October, and each company will work with one or two schools to design activities ranging from workplace visits to industry talks. These early interactions are crucial as they help young people better understand career pathways and appreciate how different sectors contribute to Hong Kong’s economic vitality. 

Additionally, our support includes student scholarships at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong. We have also launched the Student Associate Club (SAC). Operating under the umbrella of the Young Executives Club, SAC gives its young members year‑round access to Chamber events, networking opportunities and all manner of professional development resources. 

By connecting Hong Kong’s youth with business leaders, nurturing practical skills and building platforms for long‑term engagement, the Chamber is investing in Hong Kong’s future. We remain committed to supporting home-grown talent as they prepare to contribute to the city’s continued growth and success.  

Patrick Yeung  
[email protected]