Youth Development Summit · Hong Kong - Pioneering New Horizons (with photos)
****************************************************************************
Following the opening session and the keynote speeches in the morning, the afternoon featured three thematic sessions, namely "Synergising Culture & Tourism · Celebrating Traditions & Creativity", "Advancing Connectivity · Integrating into Greater Development", and "Fostering Diversified Development · Embracing the World". The sessions gathered experts from the creative industries, arts and culture, distinguished scholars, and leaders from the innovation and business sectors to share their valuable experiences and latest developments, helping young people seize opportunities.
The opening of the thematic sessions was addressed by the General Manager and Vice President of Hunan Broadcasting System, Mr Cai Huaijun.
The first thematic session, themed "Synergising Culture & Tourism · Celebrating Traditions & Creativity", was chaired by Legislative Council Member Mr Kenneth Fok. Together with the founder and Challenge Director of the Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge, Mr Andre Blumberg; Mr Cai; and the Chief Executive Officer of Kai Tak Sports Park Limited, Mr Andrew Kam, they explored the synergy effect of integrating culture, sport and tourism and analysed how cross-sector collaboration can inherit cultural and urban resources, drive innovation and unlock iconic cultural intellectual property to foster the sustainable development of cultural tourism. They shared insights in shaping new experience for culture, sports and tourism. They also explored how young people can unleash their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to inject vibrant energy into urban development and the cultural tourism industry, carving out a future that embraces both economic benefits and cultural values.
The Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung was the moderator of the next session titled "Fostering Diversified Development · Embracing the World". The panelists, including pianist Aristo Sham, artist Mike Tsang, and actor and acting coach Zhang Songwen envisioned how young people can broaden their horizons through diversified development and shine on the Chinese Mainland and global stage. The panelists shared their inspiring journeys of overcoming challenges to reach the international arena. They also discussed how the Government can create diversified opportunities for young people, encouraging the younger generation to pursue their dreams and embrace the world.
The final session "Advancing Connectivity · Integrating into Greater Development" was hosted by member of the Youth Development Commission (YDC) Mr Conrad Ho. Mr Ho was joined by the Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) of the University of Hong Kong, Professor Anderson Shum; Hong Kong Deputy to the National People's Congress and the President of the Internet Professional Association, Mr Hendrick Sin; and the Director and the Chief Executive Officer of the Westwell Holdings (Hong Kong) Ltd, Ms Kay Yang, to examine how Hong Kong can enhance connectivity with the Chinese Mainland and the world, actively integrate into and serve the overall national development, and leverage the city's unique advantages. Discussions focused on topical issues on the latest development of cutting-edge technologies such as how artificial intelligence is reshaping our global future and how digital entertainment is spearheading cross-disciplinary trends, as well as the new opportunities that startup investments bring to the youth. Panelists also shared their insights on cross-boundary and cross-sector collaborations, demonstrating how the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area serves as a launchpad for global expansion, and inspire young people to seize the momentum of national development to build career and entrepreneurial paths.
In addition to the above sessions, starting yesterday (November 6), the HYAB has arranged a three-day thematic visit programme and exchange activities to enhance participants from the Chinese Mainland and overseas in understanding Hong Kong's latest developments in technological innovation, culture and arts, and to provide them with an opportunity to exchange and interact with local youth. The YDC Youth Ambassadors and the Youth Link Committee members served as the ambassadors of the programme, alongside over 500 Summit participants in exploring Hong Kong. The activities will foster cross-regional interaction and collaboration among young people, showcase the charm and vibrancy of the city, and tell the world the good stories of Hong Kong youth.
For the highlights of the Summit, please visit the thematic webpage, www.youthfest.hk/en/summit/.
Ends/Saturday, November 7, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:45
Issued at HKT 16:45
NNNN
Photo
