For Immediate Release
The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) hosted its annual International Business Summit 2025 on 9 December, drawing a full house, both in person and participants joining online from around the world. The event brought together industry experts and business leaders to explore how global cities can thrive amid rapid change under the theme “Global Cities: Thriving in the Age of Geo-Economics.”
HKGCC Chairman Agnes Chan opened the summit with a moment of silence for those affected by the Tai Po fire, before highlighting Hong Kong’s resilience as a defining strength in navigating today’s complex global landscape. “If the ancient Chinese saying holds true – that ‘within every challenge lies opportunity’ – then Hong Kong is living proof,” Chan stated. “We remain Asia’s top financial centre and a global innovation leader. And with transformative projects like the Northern Metropolis, spanning one-third of Hong Kong’s land, the best is yet to come.”
Her remarks set the tone for the first panel, “Transforming Global Business from Hong Kong,” featuring 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 in Hong Kong, the discussion began by reaffirming Hong Kong’s core strengths – its free-port status, regulatory stability, tax and common law systems, and unmatched connectivity. Building on these fundamentals, the panellists stressed that maintaining global relevance requires continuous reinvention through strategic infrastructure investment, spanning rail, aviation and shipping, alongside regulatory agility and innovation-driven growth and digital transformation. They agreed that Hong Kong’s role as a super-connector must evolve beyond trade facilitation to actively catalyze new business models and partnerships in diverse markets, positioning the city as a collaborative global hub in an era of geopolitical fragmentation.
The second panel, “Tech and AI Rewriting the International Business Arena,” brought together 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.
The session, 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, explored AI as both a transformative force and a strategic challenge. The panellists examined the shift from AI as an optional tool to an essential business imperative, stressing the need for robust governance frameworks, workforce upskilling and energy-conscious implementation. They noted that success will hinge on balancing innovation with accountability while fostering a culture of experimentation to unlock AI’s full potential across sectors, from finance to healthcare. At the same time, they cautioned that human oversight and ethical safeguards are essential to mitigate risks such as algorithmic bias and AI hallucinations.
Delivering an inspiring Luncheon Keynote Address, Immanuel Jebsen, Director of Business Development at Jebsen Group, a company with roots in Hong Kong since 1895, praised Hong Kong’s openness, diversity and trust as enduring assets that make the city a platform for dialogue and a promising launchpad for entrepreneurs. “As China’s international city, Hong Kong’s connection to the world’s second-largest economy strengthens its position as a true global broker and transformational player whose history has only just begun,” Jebsen said.
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.
HKGCC Chairman Agnes Chan opened the summit, citing Hong Kong’s impressive rankings in global surveys.
Speaking on the Transforming Global Business from Hong Kong,” moderated by Paul McComb from BritCham, were Vivian Cheung, CEO, AAHK; David Cogman, Development Director of Swire Pacific; Jacob Kam, CEO, MTR Corporation; Kenneth Lam, Founder and CEO of SeaKapital Limited; and David Liao, Co-Chief Executive, Asia and Middle East, HSBC.
The second panel, “Tech and AI Rewriting the International Business Arena,” Moderated by Brian Wong of HKU, brought together Paul Loo, COO, 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.
Immanuel Jebsen, Director of Business Development at Jebsen Group, praised Hong Kong’s openness, diversity and trust as enduring assets that make the city a platform for dialogue and a promising launchpad for entrepreneurs.
Media inquiries: Please contact Ms Chloe Lee at 2823-1297 / clee@chamber.org.hk