https://www.scmp.com/rss/321309/feed Latest news and stories on China Conference: Hong Kong, a flagship annual event organized by the South China Morning Post en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial In a world of increasing strife and uncertainty, China stands out as a force of peace and stability. This enables the nation, with Hong Kong, to chart new areas of growth amid intensifying geopolitical tensions and a changing global order. There are definitely challenges ahead, but opportunities also abound when we prepare well for the next stage of development and strive to maximise our unique strengths as an international city. That was the message as the South China Morning Post held the 11th... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3317418/next-stage-development-hong-kong-must-be-more-superconnector?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3317418/next-stage-development-hong-kong-must-be-more-superconnector?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Jul 2025 23:15:11 +0000 Danielle Popov Danielle Popov Digital colleagues will be a part of everyday life in the next five years, according to an artificial intelligence (AI) expert from Alibaba Group Holding’s cloud computing unit, who envisions an ecosystem of application developers creating AI agents to cater to consumer and business demands. “Agentic AI is very popular in the industry right now,” said Huang Fei, vice-president of Alibaba Cloud and head of the company’s Tongyi Natural Language Processing Lab. Speaking at the China Conference 2025... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3317429/alibaba-expert-envisions-ai-agents-transforming-daily-life-5-years?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3317429/alibaba-expert-envisions-ai-agents-transforming-daily-life-5-years?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Jul 2025 13:30:07 +0000 Xinmei Shen Xinmei Shen Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre gives it an edge in artificial intelligence (AI) development in spite of rising geopolitical tensions, according to experts, as the city boosts computing power resources to support companies involved in the vital technology. “For AI companies, having easy access to capital is extremely important,” SenseTime chief financial officer Wang Zheng said in a panel discussion at the South China Morning Post’s China Conference 2025 on Tuesday. “Hong... https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3317424/hong-kongs-international-financial-centre-role-gives-it-edge-ai-market-experts-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3317424/hong-kongs-international-financial-centre-role-gives-it-edge-ai-market-experts-say?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Jul 2025 12:30:14 +0000 Enoch Yiu,Sam Phillips Enoch Yiu,Sam Phillips Hong Kong’s insurance business may expand by a compounded 55 per cent over the next eight years, driven by the so-called silver economy serving senior citizens and growth in the Greater Bay Area, industry experts said on Tuesday. Gross insurance premium in the city may jump to US$127 billion by 2032 from last year’s US$82 billion, said Steve Finch, Manulife Financial’s Asia president, citing industry forecasts. That growth is enabled by the “depth and sophistication of Hong Kong’s insurance... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3317416/hong-kong-insurance-market-may-grow-55-2032-greater-bay-area-ages?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3317416/hong-kong-insurance-market-may-grow-55-2032-greater-bay-area-ages?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Jul 2025 10:59:36 +0000 Lam Ka-sing Lam Ka-sing Hong Kong must work harder to be as international as possible under the “one country, two systems” framework to combat a growing perception in Western capitals that it is no different from mainland Chinese cities, business leaders have urged. The city also maintains a significant lead over regional rival Singapore in key financial metrics, panellists at the South China Morning Post’s China Conference 2025 said on Tuesday. “The problem is that many of them feel that Hong Kong equals China,” said... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3317378/business-leaders-call-efforts-combat-hong-kong-equals-china-perception?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3317378/business-leaders-call-efforts-combat-hong-kong-equals-china-perception?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Jul 2025 08:57:52 +0000 Cao Li Cao Li Hong Kong is an ideal place for investors to seek stability and move resources away from riskier parts of the world, according to Alpha Lau Hai-suen, the director general of InvestHK. Speaking at the South China Morning Post’s China Conference on Tuesday, Lau said that since the Covid-19 pandemic, Hong Kong’s investment flows have not returned to previous levels due to global trade and tariff challenges. InvestHK is a government agency tasked with promoting the city overseas. “Despite all that,... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3317341/hong-kong-leaders-say-city-good-place-seek-stability-capitalise-china-growth?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3317341/hong-kong-leaders-say-city-good-place-seek-stability-capitalise-china-growth?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Jul 2025 06:40:09 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Hong Kong should ensure it acts as a “value partner” in addition to its role as a “superconnector” between mainland China and the rest of the world, rather than as a mere facilitator of connections, according to experts including the city’s former commerce chief. Speaking at the South China Morning Post 2025 China Conference themed “Where Capital Meets Innovation” on Tuesday, former secretary for commerce and economic development Edward Yau Tang-wah said Hong Kong should not merely aim to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3317349/experts-urge-hong-kong-be-value-partner-not-just-superconnector?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3317349/experts-urge-hong-kong-be-value-partner-not-just-superconnector?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Jul 2025 06:28:47 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong is a vital link that the world can rely on for security and development amid a shifting geopolitical landscape, as it connects the globe with China’s growth certainty and stability in investment, the city’s leader has said. “Hong Kong is the ‘superconnector’ and ‘super value-adder’ that links the world with opportunities from China’s growth certainties. A link you can always bank on,” Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said in his keynote speech at the South China Morning Post’s China... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3317305/hong-kong-vital-link-world-where-china-anchors-its-trust-john-lee-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3317305/hong-kong-vital-link-world-where-china-anchors-its-trust-john-lee-says?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Jul 2025 02:36:10 +0000 Enoch Yiu Enoch Yiu Improvements to the Wealth Management Connect scheme in February have proven to be a game-changer, with investment via the cross-border trading channel jumping by four times between January and April, according to the government data and industry players. The amount of money traded under the scheme quadrupled to 50.7 billion yuan (US$7 billion) in the first four months of the year, while the number of investors using it rose 60 per cent to 110,000, according to government data. ICBC Asia, a key... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3269369/wealth-management-connect-revamp-sent-cross-border-investment-skyrocketing-says-icbc?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3269369/wealth-management-connect-revamp-sent-cross-border-investment-skyrocketing-says-icbc?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Jul 2024 12:30:15 +0000 China’s ability to develop infrastructure quickly and boost its talent pool can help the nation compete with the United States in the global artificial intelligence (AI) race, industry experts said on Thursday at the China Conference organised by the South China Morning Post. While Chinese tech giants are unable to match their American counterparts in terms of budget and access to advanced AI chips designed by industry leader Nvidia, speedy infrastructure development on the mainland has provided... https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3269204/chinas-talent-and-infrastructure-are-strengths-ai-race-us-experts-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3269204/chinas-talent-and-infrastructure-are-strengths-ai-race-us-experts-say?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Jul 2024 13:00:18 +0000 Martin Choi Martin Choi Xpeng AeroHT, an affiliate of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Xpeng, will price its first flying car at around US$200,000, with delivery expected at the end of next year. The company plans to mass-produce the flying car in the coming two years, with a target of selling 5,000 units, Wang Tan, co-founder and chief designer, said during a panel discussion at the South China Morning Post’s China Conference on Thursday. “The first flying car delivered by Xpeng AeroHT will be in China next year,”... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3269179/xpengs-flying-car-affiliate-aeroht-prices-first-vehicle-us200000-aims-sell-5000?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3269179/xpengs-flying-car-affiliate-aeroht-prices-first-vehicle-us200000-aims-sell-5000?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Jul 2024 12:15:09 +0000 Business leaders have urged Hong Kong to reinvent its “superconnector” role to link China to the Global South to spur future growth as the coming US presidential election is expected to have little effect on Sino-American tensions. At the South China Morning Post’s annual China Conference on Thursday, panellists expressed strong confidence in Hong Kong’s unique advantages in finance and technological research, calling on the city to preserve its characteristics of professionalism and high... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3269176/hong-kong-urged-reinvent-superconnector-role-link-china-global-south?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3269176/hong-kong-urged-reinvent-superconnector-role-link-china-global-south?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Jul 2024 09:26:28 +0000 Yujie Xue Yujie Xue China’s rapidly expanding renewable energy production and electricity market liberalisation will open up opportunities for investors, developers and end users, according to an energy expert. “What we will continue to see in the Chinese electricity market is continued opening up and liberalisation of the way in which electricity is being bought and sold,” Christian Romig, associate director at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), said at the China Conference organised by the South China Morning Post on... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3269160/chinas-goal-become-carbon-neutral-hinges-unified-power-market-energy-expert-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3269160/chinas-goal-become-carbon-neutral-hinges-unified-power-market-energy-expert-says?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Jul 2024 09:00:09 +0000 Jiaxing Li Jiaxing Li Global investors’ pessimism about China may no longer be well placed, as policies designed to bolster confidence are likely to spell better times ahead for the market, senior financiers told a conference. “Suffice to say the past few years have been the darkest period for China investors, [but] this story has started to change,” said Steven Sun, head of research at HSBC Qianhai Securities. Regulators have been strengthening their efforts to lift the market’s performance in recent months. A... https://www.scmp.com/business/markets/article/3269157/signs-life-chinas-markets-supportive-measures-boost-confidence-forum-told?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/markets/article/3269157/signs-life-chinas-markets-supportive-measures-boost-confidence-forum-told?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Jul 2024 07:59:20 +0000 Eric Ng Eric Ng Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil and gas company by market capitalisation, will leverage its conventional oil supplier ties with China to jointly develop clean energy technologies and help Beijing accomplish its carbon neutral goal by 2060. Aramco has been supplying China with crude oil since 1991, according to its website. China imported 86 million tonnes of crude oil from Saudi Arabia last year, or 15.2 per cent of its total imports of 564 million tonnes, according to China Customs... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3269126/saudi-aramco-reiterates-oil-based-ties-support-chinas-clean-energy-rollout?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3269126/saudi-aramco-reiterates-oil-based-ties-support-chinas-clean-energy-rollout?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Jul 2024 04:39:39 +0000 Enoch Yiu Enoch Yiu Overseas start-ups and entrepreneurs believe Hong Kong is an attractive place to develop their ventures because of the depth of the city’s financial market, availability of capital and its status as an international centre, according to the chief of the government’s investment arm. “The international status of Hong Kong is very important for innovative industries and enterprises” because these start-ups need to have a global mindset, international clientele and supply chain, said Clara Chan... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3269121/hong-kong-has-right-mix-attract-innovative-global-start-ups-hkics-clara-chan-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3269121/hong-kong-has-right-mix-attract-innovative-global-start-ups-hkics-clara-chan-says?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Jul 2024 04:28:56 +0000 In the same week Hong Kong paused to enjoy racing during its Dragon Boat Festival, the city has been shedding light on ideas about charting a course to a brighter future in the face of global volatility, geopolitical tension and other headwinds. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu was among those exploring the city’s role at the Post’s China Conference: Hong Kong 2023. At Tuesday’s event, Lee stressed the importance of the city maintaining its international status as a “value-added... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3225065/post-conference-ideas-help-hong-kong-navigate-stormy-waters-ahead?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3225065/post-conference-ideas-help-hong-kong-navigate-stormy-waters-ahead?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Jun 2023 21:00:16 +0000 Ambitious scientific bids by Hong Kong could lure talent to the city but it would take leadership to drive interest and investment for such projects to take off, according to experts. Scientists and researchers chimed in after Alibaba Cloud founder Wang Jian on Tuesday floated a “moonshot” idea for the city to set up a cloud-based research hub for astronomers from around the world to make discoveries based on imagery captured by the yet-to-be-launched Chinese Survey Space Telescope. Wang, who... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3224813/hong-kong-moonshot-projects-ambitious-bids-desirable-leadership-needed-drive-interest-investment?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3224813/hong-kong-moonshot-projects-ambitious-bids-desirable-leadership-needed-drive-interest-investment?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Jun 2023 04:08:52 +0000 Dylan Butts Dylan Butts Hong Kong officials said they are committed to introducing regulations for stablecoins by 2024 while reviewing rules on crypto derivatives, as the city strives to bolster its virtual asset licensing regime and become a global Web3 hub. Christopher Hui Ching-yu, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, said at the South China Morning Post’s China Conference: Hong Kong 2023 that the city will continue to seek a holistic and predictable regulatory approach towards digital assets by... https://www.scmp.com/tech/policy/article/3224783/hong-kong-vows-regulate-stablecoins-explore-rules-virtual-asset-derivatives-protect-investors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/policy/article/3224783/hong-kong-vows-regulate-stablecoins-explore-rules-virtual-asset-derivatives-protect-investors?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Jun 2023 13:15:07 +0000 Chinese electric vehicle (EV) start-up Xpeng is setting its sights on Hong Kong with plans to launch a right-hand drive model in the city next year to compete against well established rivals like Tesla. Brian Gu, vice-chairman and president of the Guangzhou-based carmaker, said Xpeng would offer a vehicle distinct from existing electric cars on the streets of Hong Kong that will appeal to local customers with its advanced technologies and unique design, reinforcing its go-global strategy. “By... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3224773/xpeng-seeks-be-first-major-chinese-ev-maker-launch-right-hand-drive-cars-it-targets-hong-kong-market?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3224773/xpeng-seeks-be-first-major-chinese-ev-maker-launch-right-hand-drive-cars-it-targets-hong-kong-market?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Jun 2023 11:00:12 +0000 Hong Kong can overtake London, Tokyo and Singapore and become an international insurance centre leveraging its underserved economic hinterland as well as the fast-growing opportunities in the Greater Bay Area, speakers at a conference observed on Tuesday. “The fundamentals are extremely solid as the city has rule of law, low taxation, proximity to mainland China as well as world class infrastructure and skilled and hard workers,” said Patrick Graham, CEO of Manulife for Hong Kong and Macau, at... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3224770/hong-kong-can-overtake-london-tokyo-and-singapore-international-insurance-hub-due-its-connector-role?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3224770/hong-kong-can-overtake-london-tokyo-and-singapore-international-insurance-hub-due-its-connector-role?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Jun 2023 10:32:52 +0000 Hong Kong’s leader has underscored the city’s role as a “value-added super-connector” now on a global mission to win business deals and lure talent, revealing it is well on its way to attracting nearly double the 35,000 workers annually targeted by admission schemes. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday told the South China Morning Post’s China Conference: Hong Kong 2023 it was important to maintain the city’s international status and connections, while also telling positive stories in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3224754/hong-kong-mission-john-lee-underscores-value-added-super-connector-role-globetrotting-efforts-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3224754/hong-kong-mission-john-lee-underscores-value-added-super-connector-role-globetrotting-efforts-win?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Jun 2023 09:58:06 +0000 Kahon Chan,Tracy Qu Kahon Chan,Tracy Qu Hong Kong is well positioned to become a global astronomy research hub using its work with China’s first space-based telescope to attract talent and develop new technologies, according to Alibaba Cloud founder Wang Jian. The financial hub, with a population of more than 7 million, could also become the world’s first digitalised city by leaning on technology for sustainable resource consumption, Wang told the South China Morning Post’s China Conference: Hong Kong 2023 on Tuesday. Hong Kong’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3224723/alibaba-cloud-founder-wang-jian-tells-hong-kong-aim-skies-moonshot-project-chinas-space-telescope?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3224723/alibaba-cloud-founder-wang-jian-tells-hong-kong-aim-skies-moonshot-project-chinas-space-telescope?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Jun 2023 07:42:29 +0000 Hongkongers are welcome to speak up about a government application to outlaw a popular protest song, the justice minister has said, issuing a reassurance that the proposed ban will have a narrow focus and not affect ordinary residents. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok on Tuesday said the application for an injunction to ban “Glory to Hong Kong” – regarded as the unofficial anthem of the 2019 anti-government protests – only targeted specific actions. “We are seeking to restrain very... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3224719/hongkongers-free-speak-about-application-ban-protest-song-glory-hong-kong-justice-minister-paul-lam?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3224719/hongkongers-free-speak-about-application-ban-protest-song-glory-hong-kong-justice-minister-paul-lam?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Jun 2023 07:22:58 +0000 Hong Kong’s position as a bridge between mainland China and the world had only become “clearer and more essential” amid rising geopolitical tensions, financial and political experts on Tuesday said, as they noted the city had the support of the “one country, two systems” governing model. At the South China Morning Post’s China Conference: Hong Kong 2023, experts from the technology sector also predicted that the city would become a popular spot for technology and innovation investments in the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3224699/hong-kongs-role-bridge-between-china-and-world-clearer-more-essential-amid-rising-geopolitical?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3224699/hong-kongs-role-bridge-between-china-and-world-clearer-more-essential-amid-rising-geopolitical?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Jun 2023 05:22:08 +0000 Amid geopolitical tension between China and the US, Hong Kong needs to look beyond US markets and court the Middle East as a source of capital as it seeks to burnish its position as an international finance centre, according to the chairperson of the Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies. “I think we have an issue in Hong Kong today, in the fact that despite the infrastructure [in the financial system], there is a lack of capital flow coming from the US,” Catherine Leung, who is also co-founder... https://www.scmp.com/business/markets/article/3224684/hong-kong-must-embrace-middle-east-capital-mainland-china-culture-bolster-role-international?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/markets/article/3224684/hong-kong-must-embrace-middle-east-capital-mainland-china-culture-bolster-role-international?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Jun 2023 03:37:13 +0000 In this panel from China Conference: Hong Kong 2022, moderator Enoch Yiu sat down with Clement Cheung, Carrie Tong, Anthony Cheung, and Selina Lau to share ideas about how Hong Kong can become the insurance hub for the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Promising trends in Hong Kong emerging As one of the most open insurance markets in the world, Hong Kong presents numerous opportunities for growth. Clement Cheung, CEO of Insurance Authority, shared his observations on why the market is growing in Hong... https://www.scmp.com/events/news/hong-kong/article/3187996/event-summary-how-hong-kong-can-build-itself-insurance-hub?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/events/news/hong-kong/article/3187996/event-summary-how-hong-kong-can-build-itself-insurance-hub?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Aug 2022 02:20:02 +0000 What is to become of Hong Kong in the next 25 years? This is weighing heavily on people’s minds as the city marks the 25th anniversary of reunification with China. While no one has a crystal ball to foretell the future, a review on where we stand after the first quarter of a century under the “one country, two systems” governance model will shed some light on the way forward. Admittedly, the journey has not been easy. But the direction is clear. The city must strive to fully embrace one country... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3187173/city-must-embrace-both-mainland-china-and-our-uniqueness?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3187173/city-must-embrace-both-mainland-china-and-our-uniqueness?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 31 Jul 2022 00:15:23 +0000 Hong Kong’s new administration should align regulations with mainland China to better promote health technology in the Greater Bay Area, experts have said, adding the city should reopen its border with the rest of the country and relax its talent scheme. Recalling his experience of trying to obtain approval for his surgical robots to be used in both jurisdictions, Samuel Au Kwok-wai, a professor at Chinese University (CUHK) and a director of InnoHK Multi-Scale Medical Robotics Centre, said on... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3186953/hong-kong-should-align-regulations-mainland-china-promote?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3186953/hong-kong-should-align-regulations-mainland-china-promote?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Jul 2022 13:44:21 +0000 A property tycoon has accused the United States of being determined to destroy mainland China and Hong Kong’s status as an international financial hub, calling for the city to beware of such threats and strengthen its economy. Speaking at the South China Morning Post’s China Conference: Hong Kong 2022 on Wednesday, Hang Lung Group chairman Ronnie Chan Chi-chung also warned the city to guard against economic problems as a result of fraught relations between the US and the mainland, as well as... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3186815/hong-kong-property-tycoon-accuses-us-intending?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3186815/hong-kong-property-tycoon-accuses-us-intending?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 Jul 2022 14:13:04 +0000 Hong Kong will take “another leap forward” in the next five years, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has promised while expressing confidence the city remains in an “enviable position” despite difficulties encountered in recent years. Lee said Hong Kong’s future would be predicated on the “one country, two systems” policy but with its “East-meets-West” position, talent and resilience of residents, the city had what it needed to flourish. The chief executive was delivering the keynote address on... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3186741/hong-kong-will-take-another-leap-forward-next-5-years-john?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3186741/hong-kong-will-take-another-leap-forward-next-5-years-john?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 Jul 2022 07:08:32 +0000 Businesses are finding ways to navigate through a more complicated regulatory environment in mainland China and Hong Kong, as the Covid-19 pandemic forced all kinds of activities online, according to experts on Thursday at the South China Morning Post’s China Conference. “We expect more laws coming in,” said Fuller Yu, chief information security officer at Hong Kong’s Hospital Authority. “Because number one, [data privacy] awareness from users [is increasing], and also, all countries are aware... https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3137707/navigating-data-compliance-becoming-bigger-challenge-businesses-amid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3137707/navigating-data-compliance-becoming-bigger-challenge-businesses-amid?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0000 Blockchain will play a key role in developing Hong Kong’s digital economy, helping solidify its position in the Greater Bay Area as a financial hub, experts said at the South China Morning Post’s annual China Conference on Thursday. As a global financial hub, the city could use blockchain to lower barriers to entry and give it a foothold in the emerging decentralised finance sector, commonly referred to as DeFi, experts said during a panel discussion. DeFi is a blockchain-based form of finance... https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3137692/blockchain-could-solidify-hong-kongs-position-greater-bay-areas?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3137692/blockchain-could-solidify-hong-kongs-position-greater-bay-areas?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Jun 2021 11:00:00 +0000 Public mistrust of the government threatens Hong Kong’s long-term ambitions to become a smart city, according to panellists of the annual China Conference organised by the Post, who highlighted the importance of improving communication with residents to avoid future misunderstandings. Analysts on Thursday pointed to privacy fears surrounding the launch of the government’s Covid-19 contact-tracing app “Leave Home Safe” as an example of how public confidence was impeding Hong Kong’s technological... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3137681/hong-kongs-smart-city-ambitions-being-hurt-public-mistrust?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3137681/hong-kongs-smart-city-ambitions-being-hurt-public-mistrust?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Jun 2021 09:26:46 +0000 Major Hong Kong companies have embraced innovation to sharpen their competitiveness during the coronavirus pandemic, the China Conference heard on Thursday. And the trend is set to continue in its aftermath. Chinachem Group, a major property developer that owns 7.53 million sq ft in gross floor area of office, retail, residential and hotels space in Hong Kong, was the first to introduce robots in its hotels and social distancing at the height of the outbreak last year. “Our focus [going forward]... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3137653/coronavirus-pandemic-major-hong-kong-firms-ready-embrace-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3137653/coronavirus-pandemic-major-hong-kong-firms-ready-embrace-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Jun 2021 07:54:04 +0000 Cheques are likely to be relegated to the dust heap of history, becoming a relic of traditional banking in Hong Kong as a new generation of customers embrace the convenience of instantaneous, paper-free electronic transfers in the age of virtual banking, according to financial executives. Transactions by cheques shrank 3 per cent in May to 5.46 million from a year earlier, according to data provided by the Hong Kong Interbank Clearing. Compared to August 2018, a month before the Faster Payment... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3137555/hong-kongs-cheques-are-heading-dust-heap-history-even-if?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3137555/hong-kongs-cheques-are-heading-dust-heap-history-even-if?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Jun 2021 01:30:00 +0000 If any evidence were needed that Hong Kong has reached a pivotal moment in the pandemic balancing act between public health constraints and an all-out drive for economic recovery, it is to be found at the Post’s annual China Conference. The agenda may have included a wide range of hot growth topics, but it was the case for border reopening and quarantine easing for business that dominated the conference’s opening day. That is only to be expected, given recovery in a world of global supply chains... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3137567/hong-kong-border-reopenings-rest-balancing-risks-and-rewards?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3137567/hong-kong-border-reopenings-rest-balancing-risks-and-rewards?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Jun 2021 15:33:36 +0000 Hong Kong has an immensely important role in global green finance, but its success hinges on shaping and rapidly adopting international sustainability reporting standards. Regulators across the world were making good progress towards the launch of a set of globally recognised standards mid-next year, Ashley Alder, the CEO of Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) told a panel discussion at the South China Morning Post’s China Conference on Wednesday. He is also the chairman of the... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3137533/hong-kong-its-china-centric-securities-market-has-big-role?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3137533/hong-kong-its-china-centric-securities-market-has-big-role?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Jun 2021 10:45:10 +0000 Businesses may need less space as Hong Kong companies stick to a combination of having employees work remotely and in the office, even as the coronavirus pandemic subsides, panellists at the China Conference, organised by the Post, said on Tuesday. They said companies had become used to the hybrid work arrangement at a time when the city was still guarding against Covid-19 and remained largely in a lockdown, with little sign of the border reopening. Tom Gaffney, regional managing director at... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3137353/hong-kong-renters-market-experts-say-remote?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3137353/hong-kong-renters-market-experts-say-remote?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Jun 2021 08:21:28 +0000 Hong Kong is considering plans to relax some coronavirus quarantine measures for international travel and further loosen rules for the fully vaccinated at local businesses, the city’s commerce chief has said. Speaking on Tuesday at the Post’s annual China Conference, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Edward Yau Tang-wah said vaccinations could provide Hongkongers with a path to exemptions from some existing restrictions. “We are also thinking, perhaps with full vaccination – two... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3137331/coronavirus-hong-kong-considering-relaxing-travel?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3137331/coronavirus-hong-kong-considering-relaxing-travel?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Jun 2021 06:32:07 +0000 Former Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying has warned the city is in danger of losing its mainland Chinese business partners for good, as they have been using substitutes for more than a year of pandemic-induced border closures, and the window of opportunity “will not be open forever”. In a keynote speech at the opening of the annual China Conference organised by the Post, Leung called for a sense of urgency among Hongkongers to work with the mainland, saying the city had already “wasted years... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3137285/former-hong-kong-leader-cy-leung-warns-city-risks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3137285/former-hong-kong-leader-cy-leung-warns-city-risks?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Jun 2021 01:15:00 +0000 [Sponosred Article] The growing mandate of central banks The complexity of the world has changed the role of central banks. In many countries, central bank mandates have evolved from simply keeping prices stable and limiting inflation – to far-reaching dictates, such as economic growth, job creation, and even influencing climate change. “As the role of the central bank has grown in importance, central banking practitioners need to quickly and effectively assimilate best practices and current... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/china-conference/article/3130253/empowering-central-banks-changing-world?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/china-conference/article/3130253/empowering-central-banks-changing-world?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Apr 2021 16:00:09 +0000 [Sponsored Article] This year, the Indonesian government has set out to accelerate the digital transformation in the country. With the principles of ‘connecting the unconnected’ and ‘leaving no-one behind’, the digital transformation is expected to shape Indonesia as a forward-thinking nation that can compete in a global stage. Businesses, especially small enterprises, are amongst those that must digitalise to capture new opportunities and growth in the future economy. With the nation’s surging... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/china-conference/article/3129229/ecommerce-powers-businesses-indonesias?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/china-conference/article/3129229/ecommerce-powers-businesses-indonesias?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Apr 2021 08:36:51 +0000 [Sponsored Article] While it was the accounting scandals of 2001 to 2002 that gave prominence to corporate governance, the function remains as important as ever.  In light of Covid-19 and the uncertainties it created for companies globally, new themes have emerged for corporate governance. From determining how to best preserve cash to reviewing plans for keeping employees safe, the pandemic has upended the way boards have made routine decisions. Yet the core principles of integrity, ethical... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/changing-face-corporate-governance/article/3123838/changing-face?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/changing-face-corporate-governance/article/3123838/changing-face?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Mar 2021 06:32:40 +0000 [Sponsored Article] First Pacific (SEHK: 00142, ADR: FPAFY) is a Hong Kong-based investment management and holding company with operations located in Asia-Pacific. Our principal businesses relate to consumer food products, telecommunications, infrastructure and natural resources. Our core holdings consist of three companies operating in the fast-growing markets of Southeast Asia: PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk PLDT Inc. Metro Pacific Investments Corporation Established in 1981, First Pacific... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/creating-long-term-value-asia/article/3123097/creating-long-term-value?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/creating-long-term-value-asia/article/3123097/creating-long-term-value?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Feb 2021 16:00:12 +0000 [Sponsored Article] The digital economy plays a key role in the Philippines’ economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, says Cielito Habito, Chairman of Brain Trust: Knowledge & Options for Sustainable Development, Inc.  At a recent economic briefing of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), the former socioeconomic planning chief pointed out that digital economy is the only major sector to see growth during the public health crisis other than agriculture and banking.... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/tools-propel-philippine-recovery/article/3123096/strengthening?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/tools-propel-philippine-recovery/article/3123096/strengthening?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Feb 2021 16:00:09 +0000 The head of a top Beijing think tank has called on businesses and leaders in Southeast Asian countries to seize the opportunities offered by the Chinese government’s Greater Bay Area plan, which he said would be key to Hong Kong’s continuing success as a financial hub. Xu Ze, who served as deputy director of Beijing’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO) from 2001-04 and 2013-15, on Thursday told the South China Morning Post’s China Conference the bay area project would become “a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3123025/scmp-china-conference-former-beijing-official-makes-pitch?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3123025/scmp-china-conference-former-beijing-official-makes-pitch?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Feb 2021 02:47:56 +0000 [Sponsored Article] Despite the pandemic, and the turbulent political scene at home and abroad, the efforts of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone to grow cross-border business continue apace. A key gauge of the zone’s positive impact is the increase in the total value added by Qianhai-registered enterprises. “This has grown by 150 per cent, to 256 billion yuan, and the tax revenue has tripled, over the past five years,” explains Prof. Witman Hung, principal... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/china-conference-hong-kong-2020/article/3087345/qianhai-and-greater-bay?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/china-conference-hong-kong-2020/article/3087345/qianhai-and-greater-bay?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Jun 2020 08:08:27 +0000 The Chinese University of Hong Kong has set up a relief fund to create about a hundred jobs for students as part of its plans to mitigate the impact of the anti-government protests and the Covid-19 pandemic, as its head told the Post that donations to universities were expected to decline. At the Post’s annual China Conference on Friday, Chinese University vice-chancellor and president Rocky Tuan said he hoped the fund would enhance students’ employment outlook during the current tough times. On... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3084665/hong-kong-universities-help-create-jobs-students-amid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3084665/hong-kong-universities-help-create-jobs-students-amid?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 May 2020 14:51:50 +0000 Hong Kong cannot afford to ignore the opportunities presented by China’s ambitious plan to develop the Greater Bay Area into a hi-tech economic and business hub, experts at the China Conference organised by the South China Morning Post said on Friday. The plan aims to connect Hong Kong, Macau and nine cities in southern China, in a region home to about 70 million people and 12 per cent of China’s GDP. New infrastructure, financial services and technology will not only facilitate the movement of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3084654/greater-bay-area-offers-opportunity-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3084654/greater-bay-area-offers-opportunity-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 May 2020 13:19:14 +0000