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- British Swim SchoolsBack to School, Back to the Pool: British Swim School Encourages Families to “Jump On In” and Continue Swim Lessons Year-RoundFrom September 8 – 30, 2026, This National Sweepstakes Gives Canadian Families a Chance to Win a Year of Swim Lessons and Swim Gear
- Northwell Appoints Dr. Sanjay Saint to Lead Internal MedicineNEW HYDE PARK, N.Y., September 01, 2026--Northwell Health has appointed renowned patient safety expert Sanjay Saint, MD, MPH, as senior vice president of the health system’s Internal Medicine service line – with direct oversight at two hospitals – while also playing a key academic role. Dr. Saint will serve as chair of the Department of Medicine at Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Medical Center in New Hyde Park, North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) in Manhasset and the Donald and Barbara Zucker Schoo
- Veritas Association ManagementVeritas Association Management Welcomes International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery to the Veritas PortfolioVeritas Association Management, a healthcare-focused, AMC Institute accredited association management company, has been selected to provide association management services for the International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery (ISMICS), a global professional society dedicated to advancing innovation, education and research in minimally invasive cardiac and thoracic surgery.To view an enhanced version of this graphic,...
- Learnfield GmbHRoland Partners with Learnfield on Piano Sphere, the App that Brings Guided Playing and Learning to Its New FP-40Roland, a pioneer of digital pianos and electronic instruments, and Learnfield, the company behind the piano app Skoove and the violin app Trala, have developed Piano Sphere together. Built on Learnfield's technology, the companion app comes with every newly launched FP-40 digital piano and is available now on iOS and Android.The two companies designed Piano Sphere in tandem with the FP-40, so the app and the instrument work as one rather...
- 45th Watch & Clock Fair and 14th Salon de TIME open todayHONG KONG, Sep 1, 2026 - The 45th Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 14th Salon de TIME, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Limited and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Limited, open today under the theme “Sparkling Moments Through Time”. The twin fairs have attracted more than 630 exhibitors from 16 countries and regions, creating the world's largest one-stop watch and clock marketplace. The 45th HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 14th Salon de TIME opened today. Guests at the opening ceremony included Algernon Yau (centre), Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong SAR Government; Sophia Chong (fourth from the right), HKTDC Executive Director; SK Chong (first from the right) and Frankie Lam (first from the left), Co-Chairmen of HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair 2026 Organising Committee; and various industry representatives The physical fairs are taking place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) for five consecutive days from 1 to 5 September. Meanwhile, the Click2Match AI-powered business matching platform will remain open until 12 September, allowing exhibitors and buyers worldwide to continue their business discussions online. The Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair showcases a wide variety of exquisitely crafted timepieces, accessories and components, offering a one-stop sourcing and trading platform for global buyers Salon de TIME will once again open to both industry professionals and the public for free. Selected brands will offer on-site retail sales, allowing visitors to purchase their favourite timepieces during the fair. A “Time Tunnel” has been specially created to celebrate the 45th edition of the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, allowing visitors to revisit three key stages in the fair’s development since its inception in 1982 The fairs officially opened today with an opening ceremony officiated by Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong SAR Government. Joining him were Sophia Chong, Executive Director of the HKTDC, and SK Chong and Frankie Lam, Co-Chairmen of the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair Organising Committee 2026. Speaking at the ceremony, SK Chong said: “This year marks the 45th edition of the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, a remarkable milestone for both the fair and Hong Kong’s watch and clock industry. The fair boasts a truly international line-up featuring strong global participation, including group pavilions from Francéclat, the Swiss Independent Watchmakers Pavilion, Guangzhou and Taiwan, as well as a first-time pavilion from Hengyang, Hunan province. In addition, we are pleased to welcome new exhibitors from Norway, Singapore and the US, further reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a premier international trading hub for the global watch industry.” HKTDC Executive Director Sophia Chong said: “Amid the ongoing reconfiguration of global supply chains and changing market demand, the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME continue to provide the industry with an efficient business platform. By leveraging Hong Kong’s unique strengths as a superconnector and super value-adder, we help enterprises explore new markets and seize emerging opportunities. The fairs also support the watch and clock industry in moving up the value chain and strengthening brand development, further reinforcing Hong Kong’s leading position as an international hub for watch and clock trade.” “Time Tunnel” celebrates 45th edition-Salon de TIME reaches a new high The Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair features multiple thematic zones covering every segment of the watchmaking value chain. Among them, Pageant of Eternity showcases premium finished watches from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and original design manufacturers (ODMs). One exhibitor, Time Grand Ltd, a Hong Kong company with more than 20 years of industry experience, provides product development, engineering design and manufacturing services for watch brands worldwide. The company also collaborates with Swiss watchmaking enterprises to offer one-stop watch production solutions, highlighting Hong Kong's strengths in connecting local expertise with international markets. Other exhibition zones cover a comprehensive range of products and services, including Complete Watches, Clocks, Machinery & Equipment, Packaging & Display, Parts, Components & Accessories, offering buyers a convenient one-stop sourcing platform. A “Time Tunnel” has been specially created to celebrate the 45th edition of the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, allowing visitors to revisit three key stages in the fair’s development since its inception in 1982: - 1980s to 1990s: The fair became a premier global sourcing platform for the watch and clock industry. - 2000s to 2020s: As Hong Kong’s watch industry evolved from OEM manufacturing to brand development, the fair became a professional platform for promotion, networking and industry exchange. - From 2020 onwards: The fair has further integrated manufacturing, sourcing and brand promotion, while expanding through cross-sector collaboration into a multifaceted platform that brings together craftsmanship, design, technology, lifestyle, culture and consumer engagement. Salon de TIME has reached a new record this year, attracting more than 150 watch brands from around the world. The event features six thematic zones, including Microbrands, where both the number of participating countries and regions and the number of brands have more than doubled compared with last year. A longstanding highlight of the fair, the World Brand Piazza returns for its 16th consecutive year, in collaboration with Prince Jewellery & Watch, showcasing luxury creations from six internationally renowned watch brands: Baume & Mercier, Corum, DeWitt, Franck Muller, Montblanc and Sarcar. Other themed zones include Chic & Trendy, Craft Treasure, Renaissance Moment and Wearable Tech. This year's exhibitors are introducing distinctive new timepieces that reflect the latest market trends, leveraging the fair to gain exposure and capture new orders. Featured innovative watches include: Sports and outdoor trends drive demand for professional timepieces To capitalise on the growing popularity of sports and outdoor lifestyles, exhibitors are showcasing professional sports watches that blend practicality with style. - EDOX presents the “The Water Champion” Delfin 1973 Automatic, featuring a double O-ring crown and pusher system that enhances water resistance to 200 metres. (Booth: 3F-H20) - Making its debut at the fair, Norwegian brand Micromilspec showcases the MILGRAPH, a timepiece developed for special operations forces. Its offset crown design helps reduce the risk of wrist injuries, while the QuadGrip bezel ensures easy operation even when wearing full tactical gear. (Booth: 3F-F22) - A variety of brands are also introducing sports and outdoor performance watches, including ALBA and LORUS by Seiko (Booth: 3G-E18), CAUGHT (Booth: 3F-D05), Quantum (Booth: 3G-C03), SPINNAKER (Booth: 3G-D02) and Slazenger (Booth: 3G-C03). Sustainability trend drives growth in eco-friendly timepieces As environmental protection and corporate social responsibility (ESG) continue to gain importance, the fair once again highlights exhibitors offering sustainable watch products through its Green Solutions Suppliers label, making it easier for buyers to identify environmentally conscious suppliers. - Local microbrand Sunrex showcases the Sunrex 611, powered by the brand’s proprietary VILUMINUS™ solar movement. Equipped solely with a solar-powered battery, the watch harnesses light as its energy source and continues to operate even in the absence of light. (Booth: 3F-F17) - Microbrand Robotfigs presents the Cubot watch, crafted from upcycled materials such as metal wires, copper and acrylic. Transforming everyday surplus materials into imaginative robot-inspired creations, each watch comes with a dedicated robot display stand and three exclusive designer toy accessories: a baseball bat, skateboard and dumbbell, redefining the concept of a “time companion”. (Booth: 3F-H24) - Several exhibitors are also showcasing environmentally friendly watches and accessories, including Hip Shing Leather Watch Straps Mfy Ltd (Booth: 1B-C35) and Gordon C & Co Ltd. (Booth: 1E-C09). Cross-sector collaborations and limited editions appeal to niche consumer segments Many brands are enhancing the value and artistic appeal of their timepieces through cross-industry collaborations and limited-edition releases. - LINK2CARE has partnered with Swiss watch brand MARVIN to launch a luxury smartwatch featuring a fishing-inspired relief dial and a bi-directional mechanical gear system that showcases MARVIN’s exquisite watchmaking craftsmanship. The watch features LINK2CARE’s patented leather strap, which incorporates medical-grade vital signs sensors, enabling wearers to monitor their health. (Booth: 3G-A07) - Memorigin presents the “Verdant Resonance Tourbillon Watch”, featuring a luminous carbon-fibre case designed to evoke the glow of fireflies under the night sky. A three-dimensional guzheng-inspired small-seconds display at the 9 o’clock position, complemented by green luminous incense-burner motifs, recreates the elegant atmosphere of traditional Chinese scholars’ gatherings. (Booth: 3F-C05) - The Swiss Independent Watchmakers Pavilion showcases the “Corleone Mini Collection” by Pilo & Co Genève, created to celebrate the brand’s 25th anniversary. Reinterpreting the classic Corleone design as a ladies’ watch, each colour variant is limited to just 10 pieces, making it highly collectible. (Booth: 3F-H07). Microbrands win over younger consumers with creative designs In recent years, microbrands have emerged as a new force in the watch industry, attracting younger consumers with their distinctive designs and competitive pricing. - Making its debut at the fair, US brand BREDA is showcasing the “Pulse Locket” Gold and Metal Bracelet Watch. Featuring a unique locket-style design, the watch dial remains concealed when closed and is revealed only when the wearer chooses to open it. (Booth: 3F-D16) - Other participating microbrands include CIMIER (Booth: 3F-H26), Fayy (Booth: 3F-G19), Leger A. Fah (Booth: 3F-H20), No Identity (Booth: 3F-H25), AISION (Booth: 3F-H20), INANLOU (Booth: 3F-F15), as well as the strap-focused microbrand Monves (Booth: 3F-F16). Exciting activities open to the public Salon de TIME will present a wide range of signature activities and watch showcases open to the public. On 4 September, renowned watch artist and collector Labeg will host a workshop on crafting watch models from corrugated cardboard. A special “Time Arena” zone has also been introduced this year, blending sports and fine timepieces to offer visitors a fresh, interactive experience. One highlight, “Watch2Care Smart x Lifestyle Experience Days”, will take place from 4 to 5 September and feature a variety of hands-on activities, including yoga and mobility training sessions. Visitors can try their hand at pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in recent years. Other highlights include a series of watch parades and new product launch events. Memorigin will welcome several celebrity guests, including celebrity Vic Teo, Hong Kong basketball star Alfred Wong Lut Yiu, and renowned face-changing performer Hathor Wai. A lucky draw will be held daily throughout the fair, offering visitors the chance to win premium watches. Industry leaders share insights on market trends This year’s Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair features more than 40 events, including forums, seminars and networking sessions designed to foster industry exchange and knowledge sharing. The Hong Kong International Watch Forum, held today, brought together leaders of watch associations from the Chinese Mainland, Germany, France, Switzerland, Japan and Korea to share the latest trade statistics and industry developments in their respective markets. Discussions also explored new opportunities arising from integrating traditional watchmaking craftsmanship with emerging technologies. The Asian Watch Conference, to be held tomorrow (2 September), will be themed “Hong Kong as the hub of International Watch Trades”. The conference will feature a senior analyst from international research firm Euromonitor International (Hong Kong), who will provide insights into the latest developments in the global watch market. Representatives from online watch resale platform Chrono24 will discuss how to connect with demand across global markets, while a representative from Lazada Hong Kong will share strategies for leveraging e-commerce platforms to accelerate market expansion. On 3 September, FIYTA will hold an aeronautics launch event for a watch specially designed in honour of Lai Ka-ying, Hong Kong’s first female payload specialist. The company’s Chief Designer, Sun Lei, will also share the inspiration and design concepts behind the timepiece. Also taking place that day is the Tick-Tock Showtime: The Media Spotlight Pitch, jointly organised by Watch CataVlog. The event will feature presentations by 10 microbrands, with a judging panel comprising media representatives from Indonesia, the Middle East and Hong Kong, each selecting their favourite brand. On 4 September, the seminar “Off the Beaten Path: Indie Watchmakers vs. Independent Brands – Trends & Trajectories” will explore the distinctions, evolution and future trends of independent watchmaking and independent brands. Speakers include Noel Wong, Founder of Watch The World, Watch Collector & Discerning Commentator; Benjamin Hui, Watch Collector & Founder of Independent Watcher; and Lu Jinzhi, Chairman of ZBIOLAND. Throughout the fair, watch brands including Watch2Care, SAGA, Peacock, Sea-Gull, Shanghai Watch, Franck Muller, Quantum and INANLOU will host a series of new product launch events, unveiling their latest timepieces to an international audience. The 43rd Hong Kong Watch & Clock Design Competition, jointly organised by the HKTDC, the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd and the Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd, aims to promote watch design exchange and nurture local talent. This year, the themes for the Open Group and Student Group are “Transcending Time” and “Contours of the Breeze” respectively. The competition will continue to feature The Made-to-Sell Award, recognising student entries with outstanding commercial potential. The award presentation ceremony will be held on 5 September at the fair’s event stage, with celebrity Joey Thye attending as a guest. In addition, CENTRESTAGE, another flagship event organised by the HKTDC, will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 2 to 5 September. Bringing together fashion brands and designer collections from around the world, the event will create strong synergies with the watch fairs and offer visitors a one-stop destination to source prestigious timepieces and stylish fashion apparel from across the globe. Photo download: https://bit.ly/3UOXqBY The 45th HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 14th Salon de TIME opened today. Guests at the opening ceremony included Algernon Yau (centre), Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong SAR Government; Sophia Chong (fourth from the right), HKTDC Executive Director; SK Chong (first from the right) and Frankie Lam (first from the left), Co-Chairmen of HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair 2026 Organising Committee; and various industry representatives The Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair showcases a wide variety of exquisitely crafted timepieces, accessories and components, offering a one-stop sourcing and trading platform for global buyers A “Time Tunnel” has been specially created to celebrate the 45th edition of the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, allowing visitors to revisit three key stages in the fair’s development since its inception in 1982 Salon de TIME features over 150 international brands and comprises six major themed zones, all of which are open to the public Sponsored for the 16th consecutive year by Prince Jewellery & Watch, the World Brand Piazza showcases six world-class watch brands This year’s Salon de TIME features a strong lineup of Guochao-inspired brands and Chinese watchmakers, showcasing their craftsmanship and creativity. Among them is Zbioland, which presents the Barcelona ZBL1009 timepiece. The watch is powered by the brand’s first in-house developed Calibre 961 movement and draws inspiration from the works of renowned Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, reflecting distinctive architectural aesthetics in its design This year's exhibition features an impressive collection of award-winning timepieces. Among them is CIGA Design's AVENTUR·Blue Planet, which features a three-dimensional rotating globe on the dial. The watch was honoured with the “Challenge Watch Prize” at the 2021 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), widely regarded as the "Oscars" of the watchmaking industry During the fair period, a series of watch launch events and watch parades are being held, featuring models showcasing exquisite timepieces and bringing these remarkable creations to life on the runway The winning and shortlisted entries of the 43rd Hong Kong Watch and Clock Design Competition are currently on display in the foyer of Hall 1, showcasing local creative talent Media enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department: Johnny Tsui Tel: (852) 2584 4395 Email: [email protected] Websites Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkwatchfair/en Salon de TIME: https://www.hktdc.com/event/te/en HKTDC Media Room: mediaroom.hktdc.com About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The HKTDC is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
- NYU Langone HealthNYU Langone Health Names Clinician-Scientist as New Chair of PsychiatryNYU Langone Health has named William Gordon Frankle, MD, MBA, an established leader with a proven track record of success, as the new chair of the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Dr. Frankle most recently served as vice...
- The Chicago School Announces Inaugural Group of Clinical Psychology Impact FellowsThe Chicago School announced the inaugural recipients of its Clinical Psychology Impact Fellowship, a prestigious full-tuition fellowship created to support incoming Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) students dedicated to advancing public mental health through clinical excellence, leadership, and service. The fellowship’s full tuition support makes graduate education more accessible while preparing fellows to create greater impact in communities and across the country.
- Hong Kong's Belt and Road Summit explores new cross-regional opportunities this SeptemberHONG KONG, Sep 1, 2026 - The 11th Belt and Road Summit, co-organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held from 9 to 10 September (Wednesday to Thursday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. For over a decade, Hong Kong has brought together government and business leaders from Belt and Road countries and regions to deepen local, regional economic and trade ties through this signature event. With the theme of Advancing High-quality Development - Embarking on a New Journey, this year’s Belt and Road Summit will explore fresh potential arising from new patterns of regional cooperation in trade, investment and development among Belt and Road and other markets, particularly ASEAN, Central Asia and the Middle East. Presenting insights from nearly 100 distinguished policymakers and business leaders, new multifaceted thematic showcases and business matching activities, this year’s Summit offers a wealth of knowledge, extensive networks and quality investment and business opportunities, facilitated through Hong Kong, the global business platform that connects the Chinese Mainland and the world. The 11th Belt and Road Summit will be held from 9 to 10 September (Wednesday to Thursday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. In 2025 (shown in photo), the event’s 10th edition attracted 6,200 participants from 70+ countries and regions. The picture shows the Belt and Road Summit in 2025. Anna Cheung, Associate Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: "Amid the reconfiguration of the global economic landscape, Hong Kong has been both an important platform for Mainland enterprises to go global and a preferred gateway for international enterprises to enter the Mainland and Asian markets. As a core member of the GoGlobal Task Force which was established by the HKSAR Government to facilitate enterprises to go global, the HKTDC has been leveraging Hong Kong’s strengths as an international business and investment platform to facilitate cooperation. To further support Mainland enterprises in tapping opportunities in the Belt and Road and other emerging markets, this year’s Belt and Road Summit will introduce a dedicated Go Global Chapter, featuring thematic breakout sessions focusing on go global opportunities and Hong Kong’s professional services strengths, the newly established GoGlobal Connect Zone for service providers, roundtable discussions and the GoGlobal Business Study Mission to Nansha, Guangzhou. These initiatives will further strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a ‘superconnector’ and ‘super value-adder’, promoting high-quality cooperation in Belt and Road and other markets. The HKTDC has also been actively advancing cross-regional economic and trade cooperation. This year, we have organised a business delegation to visit Belt and Road countries and regions and hosted the flagship overseas promotion event ‘Think Business, Think Hong Kong’ in Malaysia, continuing to develop new markets, connect with new partners and explore new opportunities, further leveraging Hong Kong’s strengths in connecting the Chinese Mainland and the world, while deepening Hong Kong’s links with global markets." This year’s Belt and Road Summit will feature a new GoGlobal Connect Zone, showcasing professional services solutions across different sectors in Hong Kong and providing consultation and practical support for enterprises going global. The picture shows the Asia Summit on Global Health held in May 2026, featuring the “GoGlobal Connect” and the Business of Healthcare Advisory Zone. New directions in global economic development from the policy perspective The first day of the Summit will open with exchanges between government and corporate leaders. The Opening Session will feature heavyweights such as John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, Carolina Cosse, Vice President of Uruguay, Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister of Laos, and Professor Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, sharing their perspectives on global economic and trade development from the policy and international cooperation perspectives. The highly anticipated Policy Dialogue session, with the theme of Building Resilient Trade and Investment Frameworks in a Diverse Global Landscape, will be chaired by Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the HKSAR. He will exchange views with such government officials as Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Minister for Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute of Bangladesh, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development of Sri Lanka, and Dr Kirida Bhaopichitr, Vice Minister for Commerce of Thailand, to discuss strengthening cross-border trade and investment cooperation and enhancing economic resilience, as well as sharing experiences in promoting trade facilitation and investment cooperation. The Business Plenary I: Harnessing Business Opportunities for Sustainable Growth and Shared Prosperity session, with a market focus on ASEAN and Central Asia, will explore how enterprises can promote sustainable development and achieve more inclusive economic growth while expanding business opportunities and advancing investment cooperation. The session will be chaired by Dr Victor K Fung, Chairman of Fung Investments, and feature Dr Jonathan Choi, Chairman of Sunwah Group, Shinta Widjaja Kamdani, CEO of Sintesa Group and Chairman of the Indonesian Employer Association, Vikrom Kromadit, CEO of Amata Corporation PCL, Farkhad Rashidovich Okhonov, Member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Management Board of Halyk Finance, Somboun Phongsavanh, Chairman of Shareholder Committee, Phongsavanh Group. They will share practical experiences from different markets and industries and explore ways to seize cross-border cooperation opportunities and foster mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. The Keynote Luncheon will feature welcome remarks by Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR, opening remarks by Wang Shuguang, Vice Chairman of the Board, President and Member of the Management Committee of China International Capital Corporation Limited, and a keynote address by Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN. Exploring cooperation with Central Asia and the Middle East to support enterprises in going global through Hong Kong Continuing to focus on expanding international markets, deepening cross-regional cooperation and advancing high-quality development, this year’s Summit will introduce new thematic chapters, namely, the Go Global Chapter, Central Asia Chapter and Middle East Chapter. The new Go Global Chapter will provide a one-stop platform for Mainland enterprises to exchange ideas and connect with potential partners as they expand overseas. On the first day, the Thematic Breakout Session Hong Kong: Super Connector - World-class Springboard – Professional Services Empowering Global Expansion will explore how Hong Kong’s professional services can support enterprises in expanding into Belt and Road markets. On the second day, the Thematic Breakout Session Chinese Mainland Enterprises Going Global: Driving Mutual Growth Across Belt and Road Economies will further share practical experiences of enterprises expanding into overseas markets. In addition, the Summit will feature a new GoGlobal Connect Zone, showcasing professional services solutions across different sectors in Hong Kong and providing consultation and practical support for enterprises going global. The Summit will also arrange one-on-one meetings between Mainland enterprises seeking to expand overseas and potential partners and service providers, as well as hold roundtable discussions on going global, providing more comprehensive and enhanced support for Mainland enterprises expanding overseas. The Summit will also organise the GoGlobal Business Study Mission to Nansha, Guangzhou, enabling participants to gain first-hand understanding of development and investment opportunities in the Greater Bay Area. Central Asia and Middle East Chapters showcase investment opportunities Following the successful delegations led by John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, and organised by the HKTDC over the past two years, Hong Kong, Central Asia and the Middle East have strengthened ties with reciprocal exchanges. The Summit will further enhance these ties by inviting government officials and business leaders from these regions to share their latest development opportunities and investment prospects, and will feature a dedicated Central Asia Chapter and a Middle East Chapter, featuring consulates, business organisations and companies showcasing investment projects and commercial opportunities across the regions. The two-day Project Investment Sessions held during the Summit will also explore investment, infrastructure, smart city and professional services opportunities arising from major development projects in Central Asia and the Middle East. The Cocktail Reception will be officiated by Paul Lam, Secretary for Justice of the HKSAR, who will deliver welcoming remarks. The reception will also feature ethnic music performances, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of Central Asia and Middle East from another perspective and promoting cultural exchanges. Global expert insights on finance, technology, green development and youth The second day of the Summit will open with a special address session, featuring Professor Teresa Cheng, Secretary-General of the International Organization for Mediation and other distinguished guests. Making its debut this year, a Dialogue for Future session themed Think Tank Dialogue: The Belt and Road Initiative and Asia-Pacific Cooperation in a Changing Global Landscape will feature a conversation between Professor Li Cheng, Director of Centre on Contemporary China and the World and Professor of School of Governance and Policy, The University of Hong Kong and Gim Huay Neo, Managing Director of Member of the Managing Board, World Economic Forum. A Business plenary on the same day, themed Unlocking New Market Opportunities along and beyond the Belt and Road, will focus on the Middle East and African markets. Chaired by Professor KC Chan, Chairman of WeLab Bank, the panel of speakers will include Mansoor Rashid Al-Khater, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Financial Centre, Muneer Ali Al Muneeri, Deputy President for Operations of Oman Investment Authority, Dr Mteto Nyati, Chairman of Eskom, Cliff Zhang, CEO & Founding Partner of Templewater Hong Kong Limited and Samaila Zubairu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Finance Corporation. The session will examine the immense potential of emerging markets within and beyond the Belt and Road countries and regions amid evolving global business landscapes, as well as how Hong Kong can support global enterprises in capturing new market opportunities. Alongside themes of Finance, Green Development, Youth and Technology, this year’s summit will introduce brand-new thematic breakout sessions including going global and the low-altitude economy. From corporate global expansion and emerging-industry advancement to talent nurturing, these sessions will explore fresh opportunities for high-quality development. Among them, the Thematic Breakout Session: Dialogue with Youth Business Leaders - Hong Kong as an International Hub for High-Calibre Talent will discuss how Hong Kong can leverage its strengths in local education, research, innovation and technology to attract top talent worldwide and inject new momentum into Hong Kong and regional growth. Project investment enhanced with signature projects and extended deal making The Summit will once again host Project Investment Session, Belt and Road Summit Deal Making and Exhibition zone, featuring more than 300 investment projects, with a combined investment value exceeding US$3.7 billion, and over 800 one-on-one project matching meetings to help enterprises connect with potential partners. The Project Investment Session will provide a platform for project owners from different countries to present their projects, giving investors and service intermediaries a comprehensive understanding of the investment opportunities in different sectors. Pitching sessions will focus on five main areas: (1) energy, natural resources and public utilities, (2) urban development, (3) New Market Focus: The Middle East, Africa and Latin America, (4) transport and logistics infrastructure, and (5) innovation and technology. The Signature Projects Session will highlight the massive infrastructure and investment potential of Alatau City and Data Centre Valley in Kazakhstan, as well as the Ankara-Istanbul High-Speed Rail in Türkiye. The Belt and Road Summit Deal Making session will create vital negotiation opportunities for participants. Running in parallel with the Summit and extended online from 14 to 15 September, it pools global resources and facilitates long-term collaboration and resource integration through one-on-one meetings. The exhibition zones bring together over 120 exhibitors. Alongside the Hong Kong Zone and Global Investment Zone, three new zones have been introduced this year. The University Zone assembles local universities to showcase research outputs, innovative technologies and talent-related strengths. The GreenTech Zone features artificial intelligence, green technologies and smart-city solutions, building bridges between technology enterprises and investors. The GoGlobal Connect Zone displays services and resources supporting enterprises’ overseas expansion, connecting businesses to global commercial networks and empowering them to tap into international markets. There are also regional-themed zones, including the returning Chinese Mainland Zone and the ASEAN Zone, which showcase promising investment projects and business opportunities from Belt and Road markets. The 11th Belt and Road Summit is supported by a wide range of partners, including China International Capital Corporation Limited as Strategic Partner, and Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited as the Banking Partner. Other supporters include Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited as Cross-border Business Partner, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited as the Global Connectivity Partner, Huatai International Financial Holdings Company Limited as Innovative Finance Partner, International Financial Centre of Oman as Diamond Sponsor, as well as CCB International (Holdings) Limited and China Mobile International Limited as Platinum Sponsors. New ASEAN Market Day to be held alongside Belt and Road Week The Belt and Road Summit is one of the key flagship events of Belt and Road Week, a themed week featuring events related to the Belt and Road Initiative held around Hong Kong. With representatives of ASEAN member states coming to Hong Kong to participate in the Summit, the HKTDC will introduce a new flagship event, ASEAN Market Day, which will be held on the afternoon of 10 September. The event, the first in a series of market days, will bring together business leaders and experts to share practical experience, helping Hong Kong businesses, particularly SMEs, gain a deeper understanding of the latest development trends and business opportunities in different ASEAN markets before taking steps to expand. Following the session, participants can visit the ASEAN Zone at the Summit for consultation sessions with representatives from the HKTDC’s offices in ASEAN and various ASEAN Consulates General and associations to exchange views and connect with potential partners. Looking ahead, the HKTDC will continue with the series of market days focusing on different regions with high business potential, such as Africa and the Middle East, and closer to home, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area in the Chinese Mainland. Held alongside the Summit is the Belt and Road Global Forum Annual Roundtable, a closed-door roundtable held on the morning of 11 September, which brings together Hong Kong, Mainland and international organisations and business associations to share information, interact and explore multilateral cooperation. The 11th Belt and Road Summit Date 9 to 10 September 2026 Venue Hall 5B-E, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Remarks Video and audio recordings at the Summit should be used only in the context of media reporting Media Registration Please contact [email protected] or [email protected] for media registration Websites Belt and Road Summit: https://www.beltandroadsummit.com/conference/bnr/en Programme: https://www.beltandroadsummit.com/conference/bnr/en/programme Speaker list: https://www.beltandroadsummit.com/conference/bnr/en/speaker Media representatives who would like to conduct interviews with the speakers, please submit interview requests to [email protected] or [email protected] by 4 September 2026. Photo download: https://bit.ly/45WBpUo The 11th Belt and Road Summit will be held from 9 to 10 September (Wednesday to Thursday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. In 2025 (shown in photo), the event’s 10th edition attracted 6,200 participants from 70+ countries and regions. The picture shows the Belt and Road Summit in 2025. This year’s Belt and Road Summit will feature a new GoGlobal Connect Zone, showcasing professional services solutions across different sectors in Hong Kong and providing consultation and practical support for enterprises going global. The picture shows the Asia Summit on Global Health held in May 2026, featuring the “GoGlobal Connect” and the Business of Healthcare Advisory Zone. Media Enquiries Yuan Tung Financial Relations:Louise Song Tel: (852) 3428 5691 Email: [email protected] Leung Tel: (852) 3428 2361 Email: [email protected] Wong Tel: (852) 3428 3122 Email: [email protected] HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs DepartmentNavin Law Tel: (852) 2584 4525 Email: [email protected] Cheung Tel: (852) 2584 4572 Email: [email protected] Kan Tel: (852) 2584 4055 Email: [email protected] HKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The HKTDC is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
- Hong Kong's Belt and Road Summit explores new cross-regional opportunities this SeptemberHONG KONG, Sep 1, 2026 - The 11th Belt and Road Summit, co-organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held from 9 to 10 September (Wednesday to Thursday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. For over a decade, Hong Kong has brought together government and business leaders from Belt and Road countries and regions to deepen local, regional economic and trade ties through this signature event. With the theme of Advancing High-quality Development - Embarking on a New Journey, this year’s Belt and Road Summit will explore fresh potential arising from new patterns of regional cooperation in trade, investment and development among Belt and Road and other markets, particularly ASEAN, Central Asia and the Middle East. Presenting insights from nearly 100 distinguished policymakers and business leaders, new multifaceted thematic showcases and business matching activities, this year’s Summit offers a wealth of knowledge, extensive networks and quality investment and business opportunities, facilitated through Hong Kong, the global business platform that connects the Chinese Mainland and the world. The 11th Belt and Road Summit will be held from 9 to 10 September (Wednesday to Thursday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. In 2025 (shown in photo), the event’s 10th edition attracted 6,200 participants from 70+ countries and regions. The picture shows the Belt and Road Summit in 2025. Anna Cheung, Associate Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: "Amid the reconfiguration of the global economic landscape, Hong Kong has been both an important platform for Mainland enterprises to go global and a preferred gateway for international enterprises to enter the Mainland and Asian markets. As a core member of the GoGlobal Task Force which was established by the HKSAR Government to facilitate enterprises to go global, the HKTDC has been leveraging Hong Kong’s strengths as an international business and investment platform to facilitate cooperation. To further support Mainland enterprises in tapping opportunities in the Belt and Road and other emerging markets, this year’s Belt and Road Summit will introduce a dedicated Go Global Chapter, featuring thematic breakout sessions focusing on go global opportunities and Hong Kong’s professional services strengths, the newly established GoGlobal Connect Zone for service providers, roundtable discussions and the GoGlobal Business Study Mission to Nansha, Guangzhou. These initiatives will further strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a ‘superconnector’ and ‘super value-adder’, promoting high-quality cooperation in Belt and Road and other markets. The HKTDC has also been actively advancing cross-regional economic and trade cooperation. This year, we have organised a business delegation to visit Belt and Road countries and regions and hosted the flagship overseas promotion event ‘Think Business, Think Hong Kong’ in Malaysia, continuing to develop new markets, connect with new partners and explore new opportunities, further leveraging Hong Kong’s strengths in connecting the Chinese Mainland and the world, while deepening Hong Kong’s links with global markets." This year’s Belt and Road Summit will feature a new GoGlobal Connect Zone, showcasing professional services solutions across different sectors in Hong Kong and providing consultation and practical support for enterprises going global. The picture shows the Asia Summit on Global Health held in May 2026, featuring the “GoGlobal Connect” and the Business of Healthcare Advisory Zone. New directions in global economic development from the policy perspective The first day of the Summit will open with exchanges between government and corporate leaders. The Opening Session will feature heavyweights such as John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, Carolina Cosse, Vice President of Uruguay, Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister of Laos, and Professor Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, sharing their perspectives on global economic and trade development from the policy and international cooperation perspectives. The highly anticipated Policy Dialogue session, with the theme of Building Resilient Trade and Investment Frameworks in a Diverse Global Landscape, will be chaired by Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the HKSAR. He will exchange views with such government officials as Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Minister for Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute of Bangladesh, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development of Sri Lanka, and Dr Kirida Bhaopichitr, Vice Minister for Commerce of Thailand, to discuss strengthening cross-border trade and investment cooperation and enhancing economic resilience, as well as sharing experiences in promoting trade facilitation and investment cooperation. The Business Plenary I: Harnessing Business Opportunities for Sustainable Growth and Shared Prosperity session, with a market focus on ASEAN and Central Asia, will explore how enterprises can promote sustainable development and achieve more inclusive economic growth while expanding business opportunities and advancing investment cooperation. The session will be chaired by Dr Victor K Fung, Chairman of Fung Investments, and feature Dr Jonathan Choi, Chairman of Sunwah Group, Shinta Widjaja Kamdani, CEO of Sintesa Group and Chairman of the Indonesian Employer Association, Vikrom Kromadit, CEO of Amata Corporation PCL, Farkhad Rashidovich Okhonov, Member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Management Board of Halyk Finance, Somboun Phongsavanh, Chairman of Shareholder Committee, Phongsavanh Group. They will share practical experiences from different markets and industries and explore ways to seize cross-border cooperation opportunities and foster mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. The Keynote Luncheon will feature welcome remarks by Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR, opening remarks by Wang Shuguang, Vice Chairman of the Board, President and Member of the Management Committee of China International Capital Corporation Limited, and a keynote address by Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN. Exploring cooperation with Central Asia and the Middle East to support enterprises in going global through Hong Kong Continuing to focus on expanding international markets, deepening cross-regional cooperation and advancing high-quality development, this year’s Summit will introduce new thematic chapters, namely, the Go Global Chapter, Central Asia Chapter and Middle East Chapter. The new Go Global Chapter will provide a one-stop platform for Mainland enterprises to exchange ideas and connect with potential partners as they expand overseas. On the first day, the Thematic Breakout Session Hong Kong: Super Connector - World-class Springboard – Professional Services Empowering Global Expansion will explore how Hong Kong’s professional services can support enterprises in expanding into Belt and Road markets. On the second day, the Thematic Breakout Session Chinese Mainland Enterprises Going Global: Driving Mutual Growth Across Belt and Road Economies will further share practical experiences of enterprises expanding into overseas markets. In addition, the Summit will feature a new GoGlobal Connect Zone, showcasing professional services solutions across different sectors in Hong Kong and providing consultation and practical support for enterprises going global. The Summit will also arrange one-on-one meetings between Mainland enterprises seeking to expand overseas and potential partners and service providers, as well as hold roundtable discussions on going global, providing more comprehensive and enhanced support for Mainland enterprises expanding overseas. The Summit will also organise the GoGlobal Business Study Mission to Nansha, Guangzhou, enabling participants to gain first-hand understanding of development and investment opportunities in the Greater Bay Area. Central Asia and Middle East Chapters showcase investment opportunities Following the successful delegations led by John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, and organised by the HKTDC over the past two years, Hong Kong, Central Asia and the Middle East have strengthened ties with reciprocal exchanges. The Summit will further enhance these ties by inviting government officials and business leaders from these regions to share their latest development opportunities and investment prospects, and will feature a dedicated Central Asia Chapter and a Middle East Chapter, featuring consulates, business organisations and companies showcasing investment projects and commercial opportunities across the regions. The two-day Project Investment Sessions held during the Summit will also explore investment, infrastructure, smart city and professional services opportunities arising from major development projects in Central Asia and the Middle East. The Cocktail Reception will be officiated by Paul Lam, Secretary for Justice of the HKSAR, who will deliver welcoming remarks. The reception will also feature ethnic music performances, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of Central Asia and Middle East from another perspective and promoting cultural exchanges. Global expert insights on finance, technology, green development and youth The second day of the Summit will open with a special address session, featuring Professor Teresa Cheng, Secretary-General of the International Organization for Mediation and other distinguished guests. Making its debut this year, a Dialogue for Future session themed Think Tank Dialogue: The Belt and Road Initiative and Asia-Pacific Cooperation in a Changing Global Landscape will feature a conversation between Professor Li Cheng, Director of Centre on Contemporary China and the World and Professor of School of Governance and Policy, The University of Hong Kong and Gim Huay Neo, Managing Director of Member of the Managing Board, World Economic Forum. A Business plenary on the same day, themed Unlocking New Market Opportunities along and beyond the Belt and Road, will focus on the Middle East and African markets. Chaired by Professor KC Chan, Chairman of WeLab Bank, the panel of speakers will include Mansoor Rashid Al-Khater, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Financial Centre, Muneer Ali Al Muneeri, Deputy President for Operations of Oman Investment Authority, Dr Mteto Nyati, Chairman of Eskom, Cliff Zhang, CEO & Founding Partner of Templewater Hong Kong Limited and Samaila Zubairu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Finance Corporation. The session will examine the immense potential of emerging markets within and beyond the Belt and Road countries and regions amid evolving global business landscapes, as well as how Hong Kong can support global enterprises in capturing new market opportunities. Alongside themes of Finance, Green Development, Youth and Technology, this year’s summit will introduce brand-new thematic breakout sessions including going global and the low-altitude economy. From corporate global expansion and emerging-industry advancement to talent nurturing, these sessions will explore fresh opportunities for high-quality development. Among them, the Thematic Breakout Session: Dialogue with Youth Business Leaders - Hong Kong as an International Hub for High-Calibre Talent will discuss how Hong Kong can leverage its strengths in local education, research, innovation and technology to attract top talent worldwide and inject new momentum into Hong Kong and regional growth. Project investment enhanced with signature projects and extended deal making The Summit will once again host Project Investment Session, Belt and Road Summit Deal Making and Exhibition zone, featuring more than 300 investment projects, with a combined investment value exceeding US$3.7 billion, and over 800 one-on-one project matching meetings to help enterprises connect with potential partners. The Project Investment Session will provide a platform for project owners from different countries to present their projects, giving investors and service intermediaries a comprehensive understanding of the investment opportunities in different sectors. Pitching sessions will focus on five main areas: (1) energy, natural resources and public utilities, (2) urban development, (3) New Market Focus: The Middle East, Africa and Latin America, (4) transport and logistics infrastructure, and (5) innovation and technology. The Signature Projects Session will highlight the massive infrastructure and investment potential of Alatau City and Data Centre Valley in Kazakhstan, as well as the Ankara-Istanbul High-Speed Rail in Türkiye. The Belt and Road Summit Deal Making session will create vital negotiation opportunities for participants. Running in parallel with the Summit and extended online from 14 to 15 September, it pools global resources and facilitates long-term collaboration and resource integration through one-on-one meetings. The exhibition zones bring together over 120 exhibitors. Alongside the Hong Kong Zone and Global Investment Zone, three new zones have been introduced this year. The University Zone assembles local universities to showcase research outputs, innovative technologies and talent-related strengths. The GreenTech Zone features artificial intelligence, green technologies and smart-city solutions, building bridges between technology enterprises and investors. The GoGlobal Connect Zone displays services and resources supporting enterprises’ overseas expansion, connecting businesses to global commercial networks and empowering them to tap into international markets. There are also regional-themed zones, including the returning Chinese Mainland Zone and the ASEAN Zone, which showcase promising investment projects and business opportunities from Belt and Road markets. The 11th Belt and Road Summit is supported by a wide range of partners, including China International Capital Corporation Limited as Strategic Partner, and Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited as the Banking Partner. Other supporters include Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited as Cross-border Business Partner, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited as the Global Connectivity Partner, Huatai International Financial Holdings Company Limited as Innovative Finance Partner, International Financial Centre of Oman as Diamond Sponsor, as well as CCB International (Holdings) Limited and China Mobile International Limited as Platinum Sponsors. New ASEAN Market Day to be held alongside Belt and Road Week The Belt and Road Summit is one of the key flagship events of Belt and Road Week, a themed week featuring events related to the Belt and Road Initiative held around Hong Kong. With representatives of ASEAN member states coming to Hong Kong to participate in the Summit, the HKTDC will introduce a new flagship event, ASEAN Market Day, which will be held on the afternoon of 10 September. The event, the first in a series of market days, will bring together business leaders and experts to share practical experience, helping Hong Kong businesses, particularly SMEs, gain a deeper understanding of the latest development trends and business opportunities in different ASEAN markets before taking steps to expand. Following the session, participants can visit the ASEAN Zone at the Summit for consultation sessions with representatives from the HKTDC’s offices in ASEAN and various ASEAN Consulates General and associations to exchange views and connect with potential partners. Looking ahead, the HKTDC will continue with the series of market days focusing on different regions with high business potential, such as Africa and the Middle East, and closer to home, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area in the Chinese Mainland. Held alongside the Summit is the Belt and Road Global Forum Annual Roundtable, a closed-door roundtable held on the morning of 11 September, which brings together Hong Kong, Mainland and international organisations and business associations to share information, interact and explore multilateral cooperation. The 11th Belt and Road Summit Date 9 to 10 September 2026 Venue Hall 5B-E, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Remarks Video and audio recordings at the Summit should be used only in the context of media reporting Media Registration Please contact [email protected] or [email protected] for media registration Websites Belt and Road Summit: https://www.beltandroadsummit.com/conference/bnr/en Programme: https://www.beltandroadsummit.com/conference/bnr/en/programme Speaker list: https://www.beltandroadsummit.com/conference/bnr/en/speaker Media representatives who would like to conduct interviews with the speakers, please submit interview requests to [email protected] or [email protected] by 4 September 2026. Photo download: https://bit.ly/45WBpUo The 11th Belt and Road Summit will be held from 9 to 10 September (Wednesday to Thursday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. In 2025 (shown in photo), the event’s 10th edition attracted 6,200 participants from 70+ countries and regions. The picture shows the Belt and Road Summit in 2025. This year’s Belt and Road Summit will feature a new GoGlobal Connect Zone, showcasing professional services solutions across different sectors in Hong Kong and providing consultation and practical support for enterprises going global. The picture shows the Asia Summit on Global Health held in May 2026, featuring the “GoGlobal Connect” and the Business of Healthcare Advisory Zone. Media Enquiries Yuan Tung Financial Relations: Louise Song Tel: (852) 3428 5691 Email: [email protected] Tiffany Leung Tel: (852) 3428 2361 Email: [email protected] Fung Wong Tel: (852) 3428 3122 Email: [email protected] HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department Navin Law Tel: (852) 2584 4525 Email: [email protected] Serena Cheung Tel: (852) 2584 4572 Email: [email protected] Winnie Kan Tel: (852) 2584 4055 Email: [email protected] HKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The HKTDC is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
- JF SmartInvest Holdings Ltd Announces 2026 Interim ResultsHIGHLIGHTS: - Gross billings amounted to approximately RMB1,679.8 million, representing a slight decrease of 1.5% from approximately RMB1,705.4 million in the Corresponding Period, with business fundamentals remaining robust. - Total revenue was approximately RMB1,290.0 million, and profit attributable to Shareholders was approximately RMB32.3 million. - As of the end of the Reporting Period, the balance of contract liabilities was approximately RMB1,889.4 million, which will primarily be recognized as revenue for 2026 and 2027. HONG KONG, Sep 1, 2026 - 31 August, JF SmartInvest Holdings Ltd (the "Company”; together with its subsidiaries, the "Group" or "We") announces its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2026 (the "first half of 2026" or the "Reporting Period"). Sound Financial Performance with Contract Liabilities Rise Sharply to Support Future Performance During the Reporting Period, under the dual-driver strategy of “technology + investment research”, the Group continued to advance product innovation, AI application and investment research capabilities, maintaining a stable development momentum. Gross billings amounted to approximately RMB1,679.8 million, representing a slight decrease of approximately 1.5% from the Corresponding Period in 2025. Total revenue was approximately RMB1,290.0 million, the non-HKFRS adjusted profit for the period (i.e. excluding the share-based compensation expense) amounted to approximately RMB113.7 million, the profit for the period was approximately RMB31.9 million, and the profit attributable to Shareholders was approximately RMB32.3 million. The changes in revenue and profit were primarily because the majority of orders during the Reporting Period were derived from repurchases by existing customers, and the provision of services for most of these orders had not yet commenced. Such order amounts are expected to be gradually recognized as revenue in subsequent reporting periods upon the commencement of services. As of the end of the Reporting Period, the balance of contract liabilities amounted to approximately RMB1,889.4 million, representing a substantial year-on-year increase of approximately 133.6%. These contract liabilities will primarily be recognized as revenue for 2026 and 2027, providing solid support for subsequent performance. Leveraging its sound financial position and ample cash reserves, the Group consistently places great emphasis on Shareholder returns. During the Reporting Period, it repurchased a total of 4,440,800 Shares at an aggregate consideration of approximately HK$134 million, fully demonstrating the management’s confidence in the Company’s long-term development prospects. Overseas Business Breakthrough and Globalizations Advancement During the Reporting Period, the Group continued to deepen its strategy of “diversifying product layout domestically + exploring business overseas”. In terms of overseas business, the Group completed the strategic acquisitions of entities including Forthright Securities and Forthright Capital (collectively referred to as “Forthright”) in January 2026. The Group established “dedicated investment advisory”, “in-depth investment research” and “AI intelligent investment” as its core engines, and adopted a dual-track approach to serve mass and private wealth clients by integrating online efficiency with offline trust, advancing various business integrations and infrastructure development in an orderly manner. Since the beginning of 2026, Forthright SmartInvest App successively launched batch trading functions for US stocks and Hong Kong stocks, with core functions such as AI assistant, AI stock diagnosis, intelligent stock selection, and AI account analysis deeply integrated into usage scenarios. The Forthright AI Stock Machine was officially launched in July 2026. The flagship store located in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, has been put into operation, reaching a broader customer base through pop-up stores and shopping mall events. In terms of licences and qualifications, Forthright have been approved by the SFC for the addition of virtual asset-related service qualifications, and virtual asset dealing services were launched in July 2026, forming a full-chain service capability covering virtual asset dealing, investment advisory, and asset management. AI Agent Full-Stack AI Technology System Empowers as Intelligent Investment Advisory Services Enter the Application Stage With “AI+” as its core, the Group focused on the three major pillars of multi-agents, large models, and high-quality financial data to establish a full-stack AI product system, driving the paradigm shift in AI capabilities from “tool-based applications” to an “agent ecosystem”. During the Reporting Period, the number of FinSphere AI Agent users increased by approximately 50.9% year-on-year, with the number of effective interactions reaching 20.335 million, representing a year-on-year increase of approximately 50.5%. The To-C AI Q&A token consumption reached approximately 254.3 billion, roughly 8 times the level in the Corresponding Period, signalling that intelligent investment advisory services have entered the phase of large-scale application. In August 2026, FinSphere AI Agent was officially integrated into Tencent WorkBuddy and Alibaba Qwen Platform, becoming an officially certified securities domain expert on the platforms. In the first half of the year, the Group continued to drive the deep integration of AI technologies with specific business scenarios and product service workflows, extending AI capabilities from single-point products to the full business matrix. The Group concurrently upgraded “AI Xiaojiu Steward”, launching features including AI stock diagnosis, AI stock selection, AI stock monitoring, and AI post-investment review; Decision Master upgraded its exclusive Q&A intelligent agent “AI Xiaoce”; and Forthright SmartInvest App launched exclusive functions such as AI account diagnosis and AI position analysis. During the Period, the Group also launched the digital employee assistant “AIX” and built an AI content centre reaching 3.109 million users, processing a daily average of approximately 1.5 million customer messages. Research and development expenses for the Reporting Period amounted to approximately RMB167.1 million (representing approximately 13.0% of revenue), with 657 R&D personnel. As of the end of the Reporting Period, the Group had 167 software copyrights and patents, representing a year-on-year increase of 28. Upgrading Product Matrix with AI and Quantitative Capabilities In the first half of 2026, the Group continued to deepen its diversified product strategy, and the synergistic effects of its multi-level product system gradually emerged. The VIP products steadily iterated around “AI + Quantitative”, launching the Xingtou Quantitative Platform and introducing multiple quantitative indicators such as the Sentiment Barometer , as well as 6 AI quantitative strategy portfolios. Decision Master launched the “Premium Version”, achieving an upgrade from delivery of viewpoints and content to full-process decision-making support, with AI services covering approximately 55% of active users during the Reporting Period. The Enjoy-Stock Pad launched the new-generation “Intelligent Navigation Edition”, covering six core AI functions. Jiuyao Stocks continuously enriched its small-denomination product matrix, with the AI upgrade coverage rate of its products reaching 43%. Star-tier Services created a closed-loop ecosystem of “tools-services-trading”, continuously enriched premium functional modules. Through its tiered product matrix, the Group precisely addressed the differentiated needs of investors ranging from entry-level to advanced users. The enhancement of product capabilities directly drove steady growth in user scale and operational performance. During the Reporting Period, the number of paying users reached 462,217. The Group operated approximately 1,180 accounts on different internet platforms, attracting over 73 million followers. Monthly active users of SmartInvest App increased by approximately 15% year-on-year, with a 30-day retention rate exceeding 60%. Service quality improved simultaneously, with the refund rate for VIP products further optimized to approximately 19.8%, representing a decrease of 4.8 percentage points from the Corresponding Period, and user satisfaction steadily increased. Deepening Investment Research with Breakthroughs in Density and Depth The Group continuously deepened its “1 research institute and N business lines” investment research system, with JF Financial Research Institute as the core. It adhered to the “buyer-side investment advisory” philosophy and combined AI technology for service efficiency enhancement. This empowered user service scenarios, product capability optimization, and employees” professional standards. During the Reporting Period, the institute cumulatively conducted 336 research sessions on listed companies, representing a year-on-year increase of approximately 270 sessions. It also undertook on-site visits to more than 20 cities nationwide, covering more than 10 trending industries including biomedical science, mechanical equipment, and electronic semiconductors. Concurrently, the institute newly established a quantitative research team, supported by a supercomputing system and a quantitative factor library covering A-shares and ETFs. The quantitative products have been incorporated into the VIP business service system. As of the end of the Reporting Pemachinriod, the Group had 625 employees who possessed qualifications for securities investment advisors and 2,745 employees who possessed qualifications for securities practitioners. Adopting postdoctoral cultivation as a long-term talent strategy, the Group continuously enhances its competitiveness in investment research. Future Outlook The chairman of the Board and chief executive officer of JF SmartInvest Holdings Ltd, Mr. Chen Wenbin said: “In the first half of 2026, we consistently adhered to the dual-driver strategy of “technology + investment research”, and our overall development remained robust. During the Reporting Period, gross billings remained generally stable year-on-year, and contract liabilities grew substantially, accumulating ample momentum for subsequent performance release. We successfully completed the strategic acquisitions of Forthright, achieving a key milestone in our overseas expansion. AI capabilities are accelerating their penetration across the entire product matrix, the “1+N” investment research system continues to deepen with significant improvements in research density and depth, and all strategic deployments have made substantial progress. Looking ahead, the Group will firmly implement its Group-wide AI technology strategy, driving the continuous evolution of AI capabilities from “tool-based applications” to an “agent ecosystem”. At the same time, we will deepen our globalization strategy, leveraging Forthright as platforms and taking “dedicated investment advisory”, “in-depth investment research” and “AI intelligent investment” as core engines to build a new generation of internet securities brokerage and cultivate a second growth curve. We will continue upgrading product functions, enriching our product matrix, and precisely addressing investors' diverse needs across all levels and markets. In addition, we will optimize our omni-domain traffic system to drive synergy between public and private channels, further strengthening user stickiness. We are committed to making investment and wealth management simpler and more professional, and enhancing the sense of happiness in investment and wealth management.” About JF SmartInvest Holdings Ltd (Stock Code: 9636) JF SmartInvest Holdings Ltd is a next-generation stock investing assistant, providing individual investors with equity investment tools, securities investment advisory, investor education and other services, with product offerings including Stock Navigator, Super Investor, Decision Master, Enjoy-Stock Pad, Jiuyao Stocks and Star-tier Services. Through the “Technology + Investment Research” model, the Company develops AI products such as FinSphere AI Agent based on artificial intelligence (AI) and big data technology, achieving innovative industry practices and scenario applications. Overseas, the Company conducts securities-related businesses in Hong Kong through licensed entities such as Forthright Securities and Forthright Capital. Taking “dedicated investment advisory”, “in-depth investment research” and “AI intelligent investment” as its core engines, the Company is committed to building a new generation of internet securities brokerage in the AI era. For enquiries, please contact:Financial PR (HK) LimitedEmail: [email protected]: 852 2610 0846Fax: 852 2610 0842
- Vimi WellnessFrom America to Hangzhou, Chelsey Goodan Partners with Vimi Wellness to Open a New Chapter in Women's HealingFrom August 21 to 23, Chelsey Goodan, a U.S. adolescent education expert and USA Today bestselling author, traveled to China for the first time at the invitation of Zhang Xinyuan, founder of Vimi Wellness and a leading Chinese relationship...
- JF SmartInvest Holdings Ltd Announces 2026 Interim ResultsHIGHLIGHTS: - Gross billings amounted to approximately RMB1,679.8 million, representing a slight decrease of 1.5% from approximately RMB1,705.4 million in the Corresponding Period, with business fundamentals remaining robust. - Total revenue was approximately RMB1,290.0 million, and profit attributable to Shareholders was approximately RMB32.3 million. - As of the end of the Reporting Period, the balance of contract liabilities was approximately RMB1,889.4 million, which will primarily be recognized as revenue for 2026 and 2027. HONG KONG, Sep 1, 2026 - 31 August, JF SmartInvest Holdings Ltd (the "Company”; together with its subsidiaries, the "Group" or "We") announces its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2026 (the "first half of 2026" or the "Reporting Period"). Sound Financial Performance with Contract Liabilities Rise Sharply to Support Future Performance During the Reporting Period, under the dual-driver strategy of “technology + investment research”, the Group continued to advance product innovation, AI application and investment research capabilities, maintaining a stable development momentum. Gross billings amounted to approximately RMB1,679.8 million, representing a slight decrease of approximately 1.5% from the Corresponding Period in 2025. Total revenue was approximately RMB1,290.0 million, the non-HKFRS adjusted profit for the period (i.e. excluding the share-based compensation expense) amounted to approximately RMB113.7 million, the profit for the period was approximately RMB31.9 million, and the profit attributable to Shareholders was approximately RMB32.3 million. The changes in revenue and profit were primarily because the majority of orders during the Reporting Period were derived from repurchases by existing customers, and the provision of services for most of these orders had not yet commenced. Such order amounts are expected to be gradually recognized as revenue in subsequent reporting periods upon the commencement of services. As of the end of the Reporting Period, the balance of contract liabilities amounted to approximately RMB1,889.4 million, representing a substantial year-on-year increase of approximately 133.6%. These contract liabilities will primarily be recognized as revenue for 2026 and 2027, providing solid support for subsequent performance. Leveraging its sound financial position and ample cash reserves, the Group consistently places great emphasis on Shareholder returns. During the Reporting Period, it repurchased a total of 4,440,800 Shares at an aggregate consideration of approximately HK$134 million, fully demonstrating the management’s confidence in the Company’s long-term development prospects. Overseas Business Breakthrough and Globalizations Advancement During the Reporting Period, the Group continued to deepen its strategy of “diversifying product layout domestically + exploring business overseas”. In terms of overseas business, the Group completed the strategic acquisitions of entities including Forthright Securities and Forthright Capital (collectively referred to as “Forthright”) in January 2026. The Group established “dedicated investment advisory”, “in-depth investment research” and “AI intelligent investment” as its core engines, and adopted a dual-track approach to serve mass and private wealth clients by integrating online efficiency with offline trust, advancing various business integrations and infrastructure development in an orderly manner. Since the beginning of 2026, Forthright SmartInvest App successively launched batch trading functions for US stocks and Hong Kong stocks, with core functions such as AI assistant, AI stock diagnosis, intelligent stock selection, and AI account analysis deeply integrated into usage scenarios. The Forthright AI Stock Machine was officially launched in July 2026. The flagship store located in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, has been put into operation, reaching a broader customer base through pop-up stores and shopping mall events. In terms of licences and qualifications, Forthright have been approved by the SFC for the addition of virtual asset-related service qualifications, and virtual asset dealing services were launched in July 2026, forming a full-chain service capability covering virtual asset dealing, investment advisory, and asset management. AI Agent Full-Stack AI Technology System Empowers as Intelligent Investment Advisory Services Enter the Application Stage With “AI+” as its core, the Group focused on the three major pillars of multi-agents, large models, and high-quality financial data to establish a full-stack AI product system, driving the paradigm shift in AI capabilities from “tool-based applications” to an “agent ecosystem”. During the Reporting Period, the number of FinSphere AI Agent users increased by approximately 50.9% year-on-year, with the number of effective interactions reaching 20.335 million, representing a year-on-year increase of approximately 50.5%. The To-C AI Q&A token consumption reached approximately 254.3 billion, roughly 8 times the level in the Corresponding Period, signalling that intelligent investment advisory services have entered the phase of large-scale application. In August 2026, FinSphere AI Agent was officially integrated into Tencent WorkBuddy and Alibaba Qwen Platform, becoming an officially certified securities domain expert on the platforms. In the first half of the year, the Group continued to drive the deep integration of AI technologies with specific business scenarios and product service workflows, extending AI capabilities from single-point products to the full business matrix. The Group concurrently upgraded “AI Xiaojiu Steward”, launching features including AI stock diagnosis, AI stock selection, AI stock monitoring, and AI post-investment review; Decision Master upgraded its exclusive Q&A intelligent agent “AI Xiaoce”; and Forthright SmartInvest App launched exclusive functions such as AI account diagnosis and AI position analysis. During the Period, the Group also launched the digital employee assistant “AIX” and built an AI content centre reaching 3.109 million users, processing a daily average of approximately 1.5 million customer messages. Research and development expenses for the Reporting Period amounted to approximately RMB167.1 million (representing approximately 13.0% of revenue), with 657 R&D personnel. As of the end of the Reporting Period, the Group had 167 software copyrights and patents, representing a year-on-year increase of 28. Upgrading Product Matrix with AI and Quantitative Capabilities In the first half of 2026, the Group continued to deepen its diversified product strategy, and the synergistic effects of its multi-level product system gradually emerged. The VIP products steadily iterated around “AI + Quantitative”, launching the Xingtou Quantitative Platform and introducing multiple quantitative indicators such as the Sentiment Barometer , as well as 6 AI quantitative strategy portfolios. Decision Master launched the “Premium Version”, achieving an upgrade from delivery of viewpoints and content to full-process decision-making support, with AI services covering approximately 55% of active users during the Reporting Period. The Enjoy-Stock Pad launched the new-generation “Intelligent Navigation Edition”, covering six core AI functions. Jiuyao Stocks continuously enriched its small-denomination product matrix, with the AI upgrade coverage rate of its products reaching 43%. Star-tier Services created a closed-loop ecosystem of “tools-services-trading”, continuously enriched premium functional modules. Through its tiered product matrix, the Group precisely addressed the differentiated needs of investors ranging from entry-level to advanced users. The enhancement of product capabilities directly drove steady growth in user scale and operational performance. During the Reporting Period, the number of paying users reached 462,217. The Group operated approximately 1,180 accounts on different internet platforms, attracting over 73 million followers. Monthly active users of SmartInvest App increased by approximately 15% year-on-year, with a 30-day retention rate exceeding 60%. Service quality improved simultaneously, with the refund rate for VIP products further optimized to approximately 19.8%, representing a decrease of 4.8 percentage points from the Corresponding Period, and user satisfaction steadily increased. Deepening Investment Research with Breakthroughs in Density and Depth The Group continuously deepened its “1 research institute and N business lines” investment research system, with JF Financial Research Institute as the core. It adhered to the “buyer-side investment advisory” philosophy and combined AI technology for service efficiency enhancement. This empowered user service scenarios, product capability optimization, and employees” professional standards. During the Reporting Period, the institute cumulatively conducted 336 research sessions on listed companies, representing a year-on-year increase of approximately 270 sessions. It also undertook on-site visits to more than 20 cities nationwide, covering more than 10 trending industries including biomedical science, mechanical equipment, and electronic semiconductors. Concurrently, the institute newly established a quantitative research team, supported by a supercomputing system and a quantitative factor library covering A-shares and ETFs. The quantitative products have been incorporated into the VIP business service system. As of the end of the Reporting Pemachinriod, the Group had 625 employees who possessed qualifications for securities investment advisors and 2,745 employees who possessed qualifications for securities practitioners. Adopting postdoctoral cultivation as a long-term talent strategy, the Group continuously enhances its competitiveness in investment research. Future Outlook The chairman of the Board and chief executive officer of JF SmartInvest Holdings Ltd, Mr. Chen Wenbin said: “In the first half of 2026, we consistently adhered to the dual-driver strategy of “technology + investment research”, and our overall development remained robust. During the Reporting Period, gross billings remained generally stable year-on-year, and contract liabilities grew substantially, accumulating ample momentum for subsequent performance release. We successfully completed the strategic acquisitions of Forthright, achieving a key milestone in our overseas expansion. AI capabilities are accelerating their penetration across the entire product matrix, the “1+N” investment research system continues to deepen with significant improvements in research density and depth, and all strategic deployments have made substantial progress. Looking ahead, the Group will firmly implement its Group-wide AI technology strategy, driving the continuous evolution of AI capabilities from “tool-based applications” to an “agent ecosystem”. At the same time, we will deepen our globalization strategy, leveraging Forthright as platforms and taking “dedicated investment advisory”, “in-depth investment research” and “AI intelligent investment” as core engines to build a new generation of internet securities brokerage and cultivate a second growth curve. We will continue upgrading product functions, enriching our product matrix, and precisely addressing investors' diverse needs across all levels and markets. In addition, we will optimize our omni-domain traffic system to drive synergy between public and private channels, further strengthening user stickiness. We are committed to making investment and wealth management simpler and more professional, and enhancing the sense of happiness in investment and wealth management.” About JF SmartInvest Holdings Ltd (Stock Code: 9636) JF SmartInvest Holdings Ltd is a next-generation stock investing assistant, providing individual investors with equity investment tools, securities investment advisory, investor education and other services, with product offerings including Stock Navigator, Super Investor, Decision Master, Enjoy-Stock Pad, Jiuyao Stocks and Star-tier Services. Through the “Technology + Investment Research” model, the Company develops AI products such as FinSphere AI Agent based on artificial intelligence (AI) and big data technology, achieving innovative industry practices and scenario applications. Overseas, the Company conducts securities-related businesses in Hong Kong through licensed entities such as Forthright Securities and Forthright Capital. Taking “dedicated investment advisory”, “in-depth investment research” and “AI intelligent investment” as its core engines, the Company is committed to building a new generation of internet securities brokerage in the AI era. For enquiries, please contact: Financial PR (HK) Limited Email: [email protected] Tel: 852 2610 0846 Fax: 852 2610 0842