For Immediate Release
As the definitive voice of Hong Kong business, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) marked a historic milestone in hosting its 165th Anniversary Ball at the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel. Honoured by the presence of the Chief Executive of the HKSAR, The Hon. John KC Lee, as Guest of Honour, this landmark gala gathered over 700 distinguished members and guests. Together, they celebrated 165 years of the Chamber’s unwavering dedication to promoting, representing, and safeguarding the city’s commercial interests, while setting a visionary course for the future.
The evening began with welcoming remarks from HKGCC Chairman Agnes Chan. “On this historic day in 1861, sixty-two visionary merchants united behind a simple, audacious premise: to collaborate and build Hong Kong’s success through trade and business. It is a vision that has brilliantly stood the test of time,” said Chan. “Over the past 165 years, Hong Kong has evolved from a collection of quiet coastal villages into a booming industrial centre, and ultimately a leading international financial and trade centre. Throughout every stage of this remarkable transformation, HKGCC has served as an unwavering anchor. We have been the bridge connecting minds, the voice advocating for progress, and the engine propelling businesses forward. Our founding vision remains as relevant today as it did in 1861: to position Hong Kong as a top international financial and trade centre.”
During his address, Chief Executive John KC Lee commended the Chamber for its long-standing and widely recognized contributions to Hong Kong’s development. He noted that the organization plays a vital role in strengthening the city’s global connections and generating new opportunities for both its members and the broader community.
The Chief Executive also praised the Chamber as the indispensable “voice of business” that has continuously transformed and upgraded itself to propel Hong Kong’s economic progress. The CE commended its proactive upgrade—such as modernizing its committees to focus on innovation, data, and emerging markets like the Middle East—to help members navigate the changing global trade landscape. As Hong Kong aligns with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, the government emphasized its continued reliance on the Chamber’s enduring adaptability, successful overseas missions, and robust international network to cement the city’s role as a “super connector” that drives global trade and helps Chinese Mainland enterprises expand globally.
A highlight of the evening was the honouring of “Chamber Centenarians”—companies that have maintained their HKGCC membership for over a century. Among these esteemed organisations are Standard Chartered Bank and Jardine Pacific, two of the Chamber’s founding members. This remarkable loyalty serves as a powerful testament to the deep-rooted cooperation that has built Hong Kong’s flourishing business community.
“Tonight is not just about looking back—it is about looking ahead,” Chan concluded. “We will continue to strengthen Hong Kong’s global brand, deepen international partnerships, and share Hong Kong’s story with confidence with the world.”
HKGCC recently kicked off its 165th-anniversary celebrations with the grand opening of its renovated headquarters. The newly reimagined, BEAM Plus-certified space seamlessly blends the Chamber’s historical legacy with an eco-friendly, energy-efficient design. A major highlight is the new Members Lounge 1861, a tech-driven hub built for networking and collaboration.
Other initiatives planned for the anniversary year include:
The HKGCC Foundation: The Chamber is currently exploring the establishment of a charitable fund dedicated to supporting education, the financially disadvantaged, and the elderly.
The Silver Economy Summit: A pivotal new event launching in Q4 to explore emerging opportunities and innovations driven by this growing demographic.
The International Business Summit (IBS): The Chamber’s premier annual flagship event, returning in Q4 to gather global CEOs and policymakers to reinforce Hong Kong’s strategic position in global trade.
The Chamber extends its sincere appreciation to all delegates and distinguished guests whose participation ensured the summit’s success. Furthermore, the Chamber gratefully acknowledges the vital contributions of its corporate sponsors, whose generous support made this landmark event possible:
Gold Sponsors: CK Group and Sino Group
Silver Sponsors: CLP Power Hong Kong Limited, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited, Jardine Matheson, MTR Corporation Limited, Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong), Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium Limited
Diamond Sponsors: Bank of China (Hong Kong) Ltd, Chevalier Group, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited, Dimerco Air Forwarders (H.K.) Ltd, EY, Fok Ying Tung Foundation, HSBC, Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited, The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited, and Wheelock and Company Limited
Ruby Sponsors: Airwallex, HKF Management Services Company Limited, Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited, John Swire & Sons (H.K .) Limited and Keystone Electric Wire & Cable Co Ltd.
Crystal Sponsors: Banque Pictet & Cie SA, CSTS Enterprises Inc, GS1 Hong Kong, Jebsen & Co. Ltd and SOCAM Development Limited
HKGCC Chairman Agnes Chan delivered opening remarks, welcoming distinguished guests to the Ball.
HKSAR Chief Executive John KC Lee delivered the keynote address, recognizing HKGCC’s long-standing contributions to Hong Kong’s economic growth and business development.
HKGCC Chairman Agnes Chan and HKSAR Chief Executive John KC Lee, joined by distinguished guests including senior officials and former chairmen, raised a glass on stage to celebrate the Chamber’s 165th anniversary.
A full house of prestigious guests and business leaders gathered in the grand ballroom to celebrate this remarkable 165-year milestone together.
A variety of spectacular performances were showcased throughout the night, including a captivating singing performance by soprano singer Hedy.
An innovative robot dance performance lit up the stage, adding a dynamic and futuristic touch to the evening’s celebrations.
Media inquiries: Please contact Ms Chloe Lee at 2823-1297 / [email protected]