Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Appeal for information on missing man in Cheung Sha Wan
Lee Sik-keung, aged 77, went missing after he was last seen in a restaurant on Cheung Sha Wan Road on August 9 morning. His family made a report to Police on the same day.
He is about 1.7 metres tall, 80 kilograms in weight and of fat build. He has a round face with yellow complexion and short white hair. He was last seen wearing a blue and white checkered short-sleeved shirt, grey trousers and white shoes, carrying a black crossbody bag, and holding a walking stick.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of Kowloon West on 3661 8038 or email to rmpu-kw@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.
Issued at HKT 13:04
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LCSD to launch lecture series “Hong Kong Music Stories Series – All to start from the Libraries”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCSD to launch lecture series “Hong Kong Music Stories Series – All to start from the Libraries”
Details of each lecture are as follows:
Lecture 1: The Serious and the Witty Woo Man-sum
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Date: October 27 (Tuesday)
Guest Speaker: Wong Chi-wah
Woo Man-sum (1910-1963) was a renowned composer and librettist of his generation in Hong Kong. He began writing Cantonese opera libretti for famous stars in his youth and later composed lyrics for film songs, producing a remarkably diverse body of work that ranged from the serious to the witty. The speaker will share an extraordinary story behind his archival work on Woo’s musical legacy.
Lecture 2: The Music Dreams of Chen Ning-chi
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Date: November 3 (Tuesday)
Indonesian-Chinese composer Chen Ning-chi (1940-2025) graduated from the Central Conservatory of Music. After relocating to Hong Kong in 1973, he served as the Assistant Music Director and Composer-in-Residence of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO), among other posts. In 2015, he received the Composers and Authors Society of Hong Kong (CASH) Hall of Fame Award. Chen left behind a legacy of more than 500 compositions, the majority of which are now held in the collection of the HKCL. This lecture will look back on his musical life.
Lecture 3: The Maestro of Cantonese Music, Loo Kah-chi
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Date: November 10 (Tuesday)
Guest Speaker: Ip Sai-hung
Cantonese music master Loo Kah-chi (1917-1996) settled in Hong Kong after the war and actively participated in vocal accompaniment, film scoring, radio broadcasting, music composition and concert performances. He led Radio Television Hong Kong’s Cantonese Music Ensemble and the Lung Cheung Opera Troupe for 30 long years from the 1960s. Many of his autograph manuscripts are now preserved in the HKCL. This lecture will recount his life and contributions to the development of Chinese music and Cantonese opera in Hong Kong.
Lecture 4: Tong Leung-tak and the Legacy of Jiangnan Music
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Date: November 17 (Tuesday)
Guest Speaker: Koo Sing-fai
Erhu master Tong Leung-tak (1938-2010) gained considerable renown during his youth in Shanghai with the Tong Family Ensemble. After settling in Hong Kong, he served as the Concertmaster of the HKCO and later worked at the Music Office (currently under the LCSD). He also taught erhu at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. This lecture will explore his influence and contributions to Chinese music education in Hong Kong.
Lecture 5: Chen Dieyi the Poetic Lyricist
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Date: November 24 (Tuesday)
Guest Speaker: Chan Nicholas Louis
Renowned lyricist Chen Dieyi (1908-2007) moved to Hong Kong in 1952, devoting himself to editing, writing, screenwriting and songwriting. He penned timeless classics including “Evening Bells at Nanping” and “Lover’s Tears”. In 1996, he received the CASH Hall of Fame Award. Following his passing, his works were bequeathed to the HKCL. This lecture will reminisce about his life and the monumental contributions of his lyrics.
Lecture 6: “Love is Like a Dream”, all about Pong Chow-wah
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Date: December 1 (Tuesday)
Pong Chow-wah (1928-1991) was a composer, lyricist and screenwriter who wrote for more than 30 films. He later worked for a record company and a television station, during which time he wrote Cantonese lyrics for the theme songs of several Japanese television dramas, such as “Robotan” and “Kamen Rider”. His 1960s masterpiece “Love Is Like a Dream” became a beloved Cantopop classic. Apart from recounting Pong’s life, the speaker will also share another remarkable story from his archival work on Pong’s musical legacy.
Dr Chang joined the HKCO as a sheng musician after graduation from university. He later joined the public library service under the former Urban Council and retired as the Chief Librarian of the HKCL. He currently serves as a part-time lecturer at the Academy of Music of the Hong Kong Baptist University.
All lectures will be conducted in Cantonese and will start at 7.30pm at AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Each lecture will run for about one hour and 30 minutes. Tickets are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hkIssued at HKT 11:00
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Speech by SCED at “Think Business, Think Hong Kong” Symposium in Kuala Lumpur (English only)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by SCED at “Think Business, Think Hong Kong” Symposium in Kuala Lumpur (English only)
Minister Loke Siew Fook (Minister of Transport, Malaysia), H.E. Ouyang Yujing (Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, Mr Ouyang Yujing), Frederick (Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Professor Frederick Ma), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. It is a great pleasure to join you here in Kuala Lumpur today for the HKTDC’s flagship symposium – “Think Business, Think Hong Kong”.
I would like to first thank the Malaysian government. With your support and facilitation, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Kuala Lumpur, the ETO, smoothly commenced operation last December. Malaysia has long been a valued and indispensable partner of Hong Kong within ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). With our new government office in Kuala Lumpur, I firmly believe that our friendship and partnership will continue to flourish and strengthen. This afternoon, I will officiate at the opening of the ETO’s long-term office in Menara IQ TRX.
The symposium today sits at a time of profound transformation in the global economy, which is characterised by geopolitical tensions, supply chain realignments and technological changes. Yet, in all these challenges, we also find opportunities. And with our core strengths, Hong Kong can be Malaysia’s partner to navigate the increasingly complex external environment.
As one of the world’s freest economies, the free-market principles have been the bedrock of our success. We firmly support the rules-based multilateral trading system. With our tariff-free regime, simple and low tax structure, and robust legal system founded on the rule of law and an independent judiciary, we provide a business environment that is stable, transparent and predictable. It is easy to do business with, and from Hong Kong.
Hong Kong’s economy is riding on strong and sustained growth. In the second quarter of 2026, our real GDP expanded by 4.3 per cent year-on-year, building upon the solid 5.9 per cent growth in the first quarter. This bears out the resilience, dynamism and competitiveness of our economy.
Hong Kong’s unique strength lies not only in our robust infrastructure or business-friendly policies, but also in our unmatched connectivity with the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world. This empowers us to serve as your “super connector” and “super value-adder”.
Through Hong Kong, businesses gain access to the vast Chinese Mainland market, particularly the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, one of the most dynamic and economically integrated regions in the world. Hong Kong has a free trade deal with the Chinese Mainland, which is one of the most liberal of its kind, granting zero tariff treatment for Hong Kong products, and a range of preferential market access treatments for services providers in Hong Kong. Companies from all over the world, including those from Malaysia, can enjoy these benefits from the free trade deal, if they set up presence in Hong Kong.
For Malaysian companies, the Chinese Mainland is for no doubt a huge market not to be missed. Especially at times like this, everyone is talking about diversification. Apart from strengthening your operations in the local market, it is always good to tap the potentials from overseas markets, including the Chinese Mainland. Hong Kong has the knowhow and expertise to help Malaysian companies to navigate the Chinese Mainland markets. We have been doing it for a long time, and we are good at it.
The other way around, we are also supporting Chinese Mainland enterprises to go overseas via Hong Kong. We established the GoGlobal Task Force (Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global) last year to provide one-stop, customised support services to facilitate outbound direct investment into overseas markets, including Malaysia and beyond.
For Malaysia, our GoGlobal initiative will provide a platform of match-making – we bring to you what you need. If Malaysia wants high-value digital investment, we bring to you high-value digital investment. As simple as that. The Chinese Mainland enterprises will have a new market to work on; Malaysia will have the capital, new jobs and technology that come with these enterprises. We see new opportunities arising from such collaboration, which will translate into stronger bonding and mutual benefits. We see a win-win outcome for both countries.
This time in Malaysia, I have brought with me a business delegation from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. They come from a range of sectors such as finance, professional services, healthcare, automobile and innovation and technology. We are here to talk about business, and more importantly, to make new friends. The “Think Business, Think Hong Kong” Symposium is an excellent occasion to foster dialogue and collaboration.
Looking ahead, I see new and exciting opportunities for Hong Kong and Malaysia to collaborate. In innovation and technology, Hong Kong is actively advancing fintech, artificial intelligence, and the digital economy, supported by a vibrant ecosystem of start-ups, investors, and world-class research institutions. We see strong potential to partner with the growing innovation landscape in Malaysia, which is becoming a competitive, innovation-driven economy, through your New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and other strategic policies. Hong Kong is ready to be your partner in that journey.
In Islamic finance, Malaysia is a global leader, while Hong Kong, as an international financial centre, is well positioned to support the development of Islamic capital markets. Recent memoranda of understanding between the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong and the Securities Commission Malaysia have opened up new avenues for co-operation, including cross-listing of Islamic bonds and the development of Islamic wealth management products.
For green and sustainable development, Hong Kong’s growing green finance ecosystem can support sustainable infrastructure and energy transition projects in Malaysia and the region. The symposium today features dedicated discussions on sustainability and green innovation. This is an area where our businesses, innovators and policymakers can learn from each other and grow together, driving the transition to a low-carbon future.
The economic benefits flow two-way, in very real terms, between us. Our economic relationship speaks for itself. ASEAN has been our second-largest merchandise trading partner for the past 16 years. In 2025, our bilateral trade in goods grew an impressive 29 per cent, year on year, reaching US$214 billion. Malaysia stood as Hong Kong’s third-largest trading partner among ASEAN member states. Our bilateral merchandise trade reached about US$34.8 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 27.4 per cent. Notably, around eight per cent of the total merchandise trade between Malaysia and the Chinese Mainland was routed through Hong Kong. These figures underscore the depth and strength of our economic linkages and demonstrate the strategic relationship between Hong Kong and Malaysia.
ASEAN is rapidly emerging as a major force in the global economy and is projected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2030. Hong Kong is deeply committed to deepening our engagement with this dynamic region. Our vision goes far beyond trade and investment figures. We see a future in which Hong Kong and Malaysia are not just trading partners, but strategic partners: partners in innovation, partners in sustainability, and partners in shaping the economies of tomorrow.
Thank you, and I wish you all a very productive and inspiring symposium.
Issued at HKT 10:36
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Correctional officers stop remand person in custody from attacking staff member
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Correctional officers at Tai Lam Centre for Women stopped a female remand person in custody from attacking a staff member today (August 10).
At 2.15pm today, a 35-year-old female remand person in custody suddenly became emotional and attacked a correctional officer inside the reception office. Officers at the scene immediately stopped the assailant and called for reinforcement.
During the incident, an officer sustained injuries to her forearm and finger, while the assailant sustained injuries to her wrists. After examination and treatment by an institution Medical Officer, they were sent to public hospitals for further treatment.
The case has been reported to the Police for investigation.
The assailant was remanded for the offence of possession of Part I poison in 2026.
FEHD releases first batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in August (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (August 10) released the first batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in August, covering 10 survey areas, as follows:
| District | Survey Area | August 2026 | |
| First Phase Gravidtrap Index | First Phase Density Index | ||
| Kwun Tong | Yau Tong and Cha Kwo Ling | 0.0% | N/A |
| Sham Shui Po | Lai Chi Kok | 5.4% | 1.3 |
| Wong Tai Sin | Wong Tai Sin East | 4.2% | 1.5 |
| North | Fanling North | 0.0% | N/A |
| Sai Kung | Sai Kung Town | 3.8% | 1.0 |
| Sha Tin | Sha Tin East | 6.5% | 1.0 |
| Kwai Tsing | Lai King | 9.8% | 1.4 |
| Tsuen Wan | Sheung Kwai Chung | 7.3% | 1.5 |
| Tsuen Wan West | 0.0% | N/A | |
| Yuen Long | Hung Shui Kiu and Ping Shan | 2.1% | 1.0 |
During the rainy season, the FEHD continues to carry out a series of measures, including:
- interdepartmental collaboration: convening special meetings of the interdepartmental task forces on anti-mosquito work to co-ordinate relevant departments and stakeholders (such as construction site contractors, schools and property management companies) in strengthening mosquito control work at venues;
- precise risk assessments: carrying out intensive and targeted mosquito control work at locations with more serious mosquito infestations, including stepping up inspections, eliminating mosquito breeding and potential breeding grounds, applying larvicides, conducting fogging operations to eradicate adult mosquitoes, and placing mosquito trapping devices at appropriate locations;
- promotion and education: organising exhibitions with relevant departments and stakeholders, and distributing leaflets and posters to enhance public awareness of mosquito control and prevention; and
- rapid alert mechanism: notifying residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, and advising property management companies and residents to stay vigilant and work together in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures.
Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:
- tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside the premises;
- remove all unnecessary water collections and eliminate the sources;
- check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;
- change water in flower vases and scrub their inner surfaces thoroughly, and remove water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week;
- properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water;
- properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as disposable meal boxes and empty cans; and
- scrub drains and surface sewers with alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of chikungunya fever (CF) transmission.
Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The Gravidtrap and Density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).
Various activities and offers to be launched for National Ecology Day 2026
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Various activities and offers to be launched for National Ecology Day 2026
The Hong Kong Wetland Park will offer free admission and guided tours for the public on August 15. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) will organise a series of ecological activities to promote nature conservation, enabling members of the public to explore local wildlife and learn about Hong Kong’s beautiful and unique natural ecology. The activities will include four ecological guided tours at Shing Mun Country Park and the Lions Nature Education Centre, a night-time session at Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve to share tips on firefly watching with the public, free public guided tours at Long Valley Nature Park, and a number of guided tours on the exploration of marine ecology. The AFCD will also hold a roving exhibition entitled “Marine Parks 30th Anniversary” at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum.
On the same day, members of the public who recycle through the Environmental Protection Department’s GREEN@COMMUNITY community recycling network, including smart recycling bins, will earn double GREEN$ points. This offer does not apply to food waste recycling. More than 30 non-governmental organisations will also provide a range of special activities and offers, including free admission to facilities, free ecological guided tours, night tours, workshops and talks.Issued at HKT 18:00
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HKMA and DFSA to co-host third Climate Finance Conference to drive transition in changing world
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
HKMA and DFSA to co-host third Climate Finance Conference to drive transition in changing world
The conference is a flagship initiative jointly established by the HKMA and the DFSA to support and enable the continued development of climate finance across Asia and the Middle East. Themed “Driving Transition in a Changing World”, this year’s conference will also be a main event of the Hong Kong Green Week 2026
Supported by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and Nasdaq Dubai, the conference will convene corporate leaders, investors and policymakers to explore partnerships, financing solutions and innovations required to support a viable and credible green transition amid global uncertainty. Discussions will focus on the emerging and strategic sectors in Hong Kong and Dubai. Featuring keynote addresses, fireside chats, enlightening talks and panel discussions, the conference will also highlight how the two international financial centres can serve as catalysts of transition finance.
The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, “As global uncertainty challenges green transition, leading sustainable finance hubs like Hong Kong and Dubai must align to drive capital towards real-world solutions. We are excited to facilitate the cross-regional dialogue, and look forward to moving beyond discussion to unlock tangible business and investment opportunities.”
The Chief Executive of the DFSA, Mr Mark Steward, said, “This conference reflects the strong partnership between the DFSA and the HKMA, providing a valuable platform to exchange perspectives, strengthen cross-border collaboration, and support the continued development of sustainable finance across our regions.”
Details of the conference can be found here
About HKMA
The HKMA is Hong Kong’s central banking institution. The HKMA’s main functions are: (i) maintaining currency stability within the framework of the Linked Exchange Rate System; (ii) promoting the stability and integrity of the financial system, including the banking system; (iii) helping to maintain Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre, including the maintenance and development of Hong Kong’s financial infrastructure; and (iv) managing the Exchange Fund.
About DFSA
The DFSA is the independent regulator of financial services conducted in and from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a purpose-built financial free zone in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. The DFSA regulates and supervises financial services firms and markets in the DIFC. These include asset managers, banks, custody and trust services, commodities futures traders, fund managers, insurers and reinsurers, traders of securities and fintech firms. The DFSA is also responsible for the registration and oversight of Registered Auditors and Audit Principals in the DIFC, including their continuing compliance with registration criteria and conduct of audits of Public Listed Companies, Authorised Firms, Authorised Market Institutions and Domestic Funds. We supervise exchanges and trading platforms for both conduct and prudential purposes, overseeing an international securities exchange (Nasdaq Dubai) and an international commodities derivatives exchange (Gulf Mercantile Exchange). The DFSA is also responsible for supervising and enforcing anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism requirements applicable in the DIFC. Please refer to the DFSA’s website
About Hong Kong Exchange and Clearing Limited
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) is a publicly-traded company (HKEX Stock Code: 388) and one of the world’s leading global exchange groups, offering a range of equity, derivative, commodity, fixed income and other financial markets, products and services, including the London Metal Exchange.
About Nasdaq Dubai
Nasdaq Dubai is the international financial exchange serving the region between Western Europe and East Asia. It welcomes regional as well as global issuers that seek regional and international investment. The exchange currently lists shares, derivatives, Sukuk (Islamic bonds), conventional bonds and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITS). The majority shareholder of Nasdaq Dubai is Dubai Financial Market with a two-thirds stake. Borse Dubai owns one third of the shares. The regulator of Nasdaq Dubai is the DFSA.
About Hong Kong Green Week
The 2026 edition of Hong Kong Green Week, the city’s flagship sustainability event, will take place from September 7 to 11. Themed “Future-proofing Sustainable Growth”, the week-long programme will feature a variety of events and networking opportunities, bringing together diverse and practical insights across the globe to inspire and drive collective actions towards Asia’s sustainable transformation. Visit www.hkgreenweek.hkIssued at HKT 14:00
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Appeal for information on missing woman in Kwai Chung (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Police today (August 11) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Kwai Chung.
Tang Fei-lin, aged 50, went missing after she left her residence in Tai Wo Hau Estate on January 1, 2025 afternoon. Her family made a report to Police on August 8, 2026.
She is about 1.5 metres tall, 68 kilograms in weight and of fat build. She has a round face with yellow complexion and long black hair. She was last seen in unknown clothing.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories South on 3661 1173 or 9078 1880 or email to rmpu-nts-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.
New York ETO promotes Hong Kong’s vibrant culture at dragon boat festival (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) continues to support the 36th Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York (HKDBF-NY), a role it has held since founding the festival in 1990.
This year’s festival marks the 40th anniversary of Hong Kong’s gift of teak wood dragon boats to cities across North America, including New York City, introducing this centuries-old Chinese tradition to the continent. This legacy takes centre stage this weekend with a special invitational race to commemorate the anniversary, alongside a display of the traditional teak wood dragon boats for visitors throughout the weekend.
At the festival opening ceremony on August 8 (New York time), the Director of the New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho, reflected on this legacy and how the HKDBF-NY, one of New York City’s largest multicultural festivals, has brought people together for 36 years, proving that sport has a unique power to connect and unite people.
Ms Ho said the festival is a celebration of heritage, resilience and teamwork, noting that the vigour, determination and camaraderie shown by the competing athletes reflect the same qualities that define Hong Kong – a cosmopolitan and vibrant gateway city that connects business, talent and ideas, while remaining firmly rooted in its cultural heritage.
Ms Ho added that the festival is a testament to the enduring friendship between Hong Kong and New York and the United States, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening cultural and people-to-people ties. “Our office remains committed to building on this relationship in the years ahead,” she said.
This weekend’s festivities also coincide with a milestone moment for dragon boating worldwide, as the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) recently relocated its global headquarters back to Hong Kong in July, marking a homecoming to the birthplace of the modern dragon boat movement. The IDBF’s World Dragon Boat Racing Championships will also return to Hong Kong next year for the first time since 1997. Ms Ho noted that this development was a vote of confidence in Hong Kong as a world-class hub for international sport.
Ahead of the race weekend, Ms Ho and representatives of the festival’s major sponsors gathered in Hudson Yards on July 15 for the traditional “awakening” ceremony, dotting the eyes of the dragons in a ritual believed to bring good fortune to the racers. Then on August 7, the festival’s organising committee took the celebration to Wall Street, ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange, a nod to the festival’s place in New York’s cultural and sporting calendar.
Over the two-day festival, more than 170 teams and over 1 800 paddlers battled for the podium in front of a strong crowd. Beyond the races, the New York ETO had a festival booth to promote Hong Kong to visitors. Visitors all enjoyed delectable Hong Kong street food, vibrant cultural and musical performances, alongside martial arts and arts and crafts demonstrations throughout the festival grounds.
Opening Remarks by President Lee Jae Myung at the Silicon Valley Venture Investment Meetup
Source: Government of the Republic of Korea
Distinguished representatives of leading global venture capital firms,
It is a great pleasure to be here in Silicon Valley, the global center of innovation and venture investment. You have all played instrumental roles in building world-leading businesses, and it is a pleasure to discuss with you the future of Korean startups and ways for Korea and the United States to strengthen their cooperation in innovation.
The number of foreign entrepreneurs launching startups in Korea has more than doubled over the past three years, underscoring Korea’s emergence as a hub for open innovation where talented individuals and businesses from around the world can come together to pursue new opportunities.
Korea’s competitiveness extends far beyond just technology. It rests on the ability to deliver fast execution, a world-class manufacturing base, advanced digital infrastructure, exceptional talent and the resilience of our people, who have repeatedly turned crises into opportunities.
Beyond this, I am convinced that Korea’s cultural competitiveness – its power to reach global audiences – makes it an irreplaceable hub of innovation that can offer global investors new opportunities for growth.
The government of the Republic of Korea will translate this potential into tangible results by fostering one of the world’s most attractive environments for investment and entrepreneurship.
We will boldly reform the visa policies that hinder the inflow of entrepreneurial talent from around the world, while further strengthening cooperative platforms that connect businesses, research institutes and investment institutions at home and abroad.
We will also seamlessly integrate the Korea Fund of Funds, the National Growth Fund, pension funds and private capital, providing comprehensive support for investment, financing and global market entry so that promising startups can grow to become global companies.
Distinguished global investors,
Venture capital is far more than a source of funding. It is a driver of innovation, drawing attention to the potential of new technologies and helping startups acquire strategies and networks needed to succeed on the global stage.
When Korea’s promising startups are able to benefit from your global investment expertise, investors will gain new opportunities for growth, while our startups will secure the foundation they need to compete and thrive in global markets. I believe that this represents the most successful model of innovation – one that involves reciprocal growth between investors and businesses.
The Republic of Korea and the United States must now broaden their cooperation, moving beyond a long-standing security alliance to form a close partnership in technology, innovation and startups.
The United States has world-class venture investment capabilities and global networks, while the Republic of Korea possesses excellent technological prowess, manufacturing competitiveness and a dynamic startup ecosystem. By combining our two nations’ strengths, we will be able to create the next generation of companies like Samsung, Hyundai, SK and NAVER, as well as innovative, world-leading new businesses.
When Korean startups gain access to U.S. capital and markets, and when American investors and innovative businesses tap in to Korea’s technology, manufacturing capabilities and human resource ecosystems, our two nations will become partners in innovation, shaping the next thirty years together.
I hope that today’s gathering will help promising Korean startups and global investors unlock new growth together. I also invite you to join us as reliable partners of an “irreplaceable Korea,” so that talented individuals, technology and capital from around the world can converge in Korea to create growth opportunities over the next thirty years.
Thank you.