The Live Conversation: SCMP’s China Conference Hong Kong 2025
- SCMP’s industry-leading conference brings together more than 1,000 registrants from around the globe to share and discuss insights on how Hong Kong can leverage its enviable position as a superconnector between China and the world.
The South China Morning Post’s China Conference 2025 brought together renowned experts, innovators and leaders to offer insiders’ insights into the complex dynamics shaping China today, as well as Hong Kong’s role in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. The event shed light on how the city can leverage its enviable position as a superconnector between China and the world by embracing innovation and further strengthening its already formidable success in sectors such as finance, trade, logistics and tourism.
More than 700 in-person attendees and over 300 online registrants from nearly 30 countries and regions around the world – working in fields including business, trade, finance, investment and technology – took part in the full-day event, which was held on July 8 at JW Marriott Hong Kong.
Where capital meets innovation
The theme of this year’s China Conference, the flagship event of the South China Morning Post, now in its 12th edition, was ‘Where capital meets innovation’. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, who gave the keynote speech, said the theme was an apt description of the strength of China and of how Hong Kong contributes to its rise.
“In spite of a damaged global trade order, the expanding trade and capital flows of China, our country, help buoy the economy of the region and the world,” Lee said.
Steve Finch, president & CEO of Manulife Asia, the Presenting Sponsor of the conference for the fourth year running, said in his keynote address that Hong Kong is not only vital to China’s economic development, but also serves as a trusted base for global investors.
“Manulife has a significant and tangible stake in Hong Kong’s success,” Finch said. “Despite the uncertainty and variability of the macroeconomic environment, as I look at our business, I’m optimistic about the path forward for this city, for China, and for the industry.”
Hong Kong’s role in the era of uncertainty
In a panel on Hong Kong’s strategic evolution, speakers gave insights into how to reassess and redefine the city’s role in the present era of geopolitical uncertainty. The panel discussed how to support national priorities, foster innovation and leverage global markets.
Jackson Qiu, head of transaction and treasury management and head of GBA, SME Banking of Standard Chartered Bank, said Hong Kong has world-beating strengths in finance, particularly with its status as a global IPO leader. He also pointed to the city’s strength in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), and said Hong Kong acts as a bridge between mainland China and the rest of Asia and beyond.
“The Greater Bay Area (GBA) is unrivalled by any other market because we have the software of AI here, as well as the physical AI – the new materials, semiconductors, robotics. The integration is not a slogan, it is happening,” said Qiu.
Navigating global trade shifts
Another panel shared their insights into how Hong Kong can navigate global competition to harness growth. Titled ‘Navigating global trade shifts’, the session looked at how Hong Kong – as a free port with a robust legal framework and financial infrastructure – must navigate rising tariffs, market volatility and geopolitical uncertainties while driving innovation and forging meaningful partnerships.
“The uncertainty does create some headwinds for our clients, but we believe Hong Kong is a stable factor,” said Benny Miao, vice-president of Cathay United Bank. “[Hong Kong] is in an irreplaceable position where it stands within the region, a gateway in and out of the China markets.”
The panel discussed how businesses, from SMEs to multinationals, can position themselves as key players in regional supply chains and leverage Hong Kong’s innovation in technology, e-commerce and digital trade to ensure their competitiveness and tap into Asean’s fast-growing markets.
Building the Hong Kong of tomorrow
Other sessions tackled the topics of tourism and how to refresh Hong Kong’s international image, while another focused on safeguarding the city’s unique identity while strengthening its integration with the GBA. An afternoon panel took a deep dive into insurance, an industry at the forefront of the increasing cross-border unification of the GBA; another looked at Hong Kong’s role as a bridge, while the topic of how the city can position itself as a leader in the AI and technology sectors also came under the spotlight.
During session breaks, participants were able to meet face-to-face with speakers and other attendees, forging useful connections.
The conference was sponsored by
Presenting Sponsor: Manulife Hong Kong
Diamond Sponsor: Bank of Communications (Hong Kong)
Platinum Sponsors: Huawei, Standard Chartered Bank
Gold Sponsor: Cathay United Bank
Exhibitor: Qianhai International Liaison Services and Investment Co., Ltd
