The HKFYG kicks off the Global Youth Entrepreneurs Forum 2024

The HKFYG kicks off the Global Youth Entrepreneurs Forum 2024

A five-day forum spanning Hong Kong, Macau and Shunde, Foshan for the first time

Gathering global entrepreneurial talent to explore AI-driven opportunities in the GBA

The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) kicked off its flagship event, the Global Youth Entrepreneurs Forum 2024, today (14 October). Spanning Hong Kong, Macau and Shunde, Foshan, this year’s Forum is themed “The New Wave of Artificial Intelligence in Business” and has attracted over 300 young entrepreneurs, angel investors, industry experts and business leaders from around the world. Focusing on topics such as new trends in artificial intelligence (AI), novel applications and transformations in traditional industries, the Forum aims to promote cross-sector collaboration by exploring how AI is reshaping industries and unlocking opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

Officiating guests of the Forum included Prof Hon William Wong Kam-fai, member of the Legislative Council; Dr Wingco Lo Kam-wing, member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, President of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong; Zhang Guo-lai, Level II Bureau Rank Official of the Youth Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Cheung Yee-wai, Daniel, Deputy Commissioner (Digital Infrastructure); Lai Suet-fun, Betsy, Principal Assistant Secretary (Youth Affairs) Special Duties, Home and Youth Affairs Bureau; David Chen, Party Committee Secretary, Chairman of Shenzhen Qianhai Service Group Co., Ltd.; Yunqi Ye, Secretary General, HE Innovation Foundation; Bat-Orshikh Erdenebat, Chief Advisor, Development Solutions NGO; and Josephine Tse, Director of Development, Da Heng Qin (Hong Kong) Company Limited.

In her welcoming remarks, Hsu Siu-man, Executive Director of the HKFYG, stated that AI has brought unprecedented opportunities to businesses. She hoped that global entrepreneurial leaders and veterans would inspire young entrepreneurs to adopt a forward-thinking mindset, capitalise on opportunities and realise their aspirations. She also thanked partners and sponsors for their unwavering support in nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.

International dignitaries speaking at the Forum included Dejan Markovic, Head of Innovation, Youth Business International (UK); Jo-Anne Dreyer, Provincial Support Manager, Department of Basic Education-Ecubed Programme, Western Cape (South Africa); Tonya McNeal-Weary, Managing Director, IBS Global Consulting, Inc. (USA); Jasen Lew, CEO and Founder, Glowing Inc. (Singapore); and Odgerel Tergel, CEO and Co-Founder, Phronesis (Mongolia).

Local luminaries also took the stage, including Fred Sheu, National Technology Officer, Microsoft Hong Kong; Ir Eric Chan, Chief Public Mission Officer, Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited; Simon Lee, Senior Director of FinTech, PropTech & Art-Tech, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI); Dr Leo Ma, Dean, Deloitte AI Institute (Hong Kong); Michael Yung, Strategic Advisor, Google Cloud; and Maryann Tseng, Senior Managing Director – Strategic Development, SenseTime. They shared insights into the business opportunities, entrepreneurial ventures and best practices pertinent to AI.

The panellists addressed the delegates on five key themes, including “What New Business Opportunities Lie with AI,” “The Smart Future for Entrepreneurs,” “Promoting Inclusive Youth Entrepreneurship: Challenges Faced by Young Women Entrepreneurs,” “Leveraging AI to Enhance Efficiency” and “How AI & Interactive Technology Improve Marketing Efficiency.”

In parallel with the Forum, the Google Career Certificates has been launched by Google and the HKFYG. Now in its third year, the initiative aims to help young people develop digital skills. Each year, 500 youths and students in need are offered full scholarships to enroll in designated courses. This year, Google AI Essentials has been introduced to the curriculum to encourage digital talent to unleash their potential.

In addition to the themed discussions, Generative AI workshops were hosted by Amazon Web Services (AWS), providing participants with both conceptual knowledge and practical, technical skills. Participants could further pursue an AWS Certified AI Practitioner certification at a 50% discount. Pitching roadshows were also conducted, where eight local startup teams presented their business ideas to investors and experts from across the globe, showcasing the sophistication of the local startup scene.

As the Hong Kong station concludes, the Forum will continue in Macau (from 15 to 16 October) and Shunde, Foshan (from 21 to 22 October). Over the course of five days, delegates will gain deeper insights into the business development opportunities within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The Macau edition will coincide with the 29th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), fostering synergy while facilitating knowledge sharing, business cooperation and economic development through business matching and exchange visits.

The Global Youth Entrepreneurs Forum 2024 is organised by the HKFYG and sponsored by the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub, HE Innovation Foundation and Youth Business Mongolia. For details, please visit sic.hkfyg.org.hk/gyef.

Since its inception in 2014, the Global Youth Entrepreneurs Forum has convened over 6,000 delegates from more than 33 countries and regions and connected them with youths worldwide.

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