Our Hong Kong Foundation Launches MEET 2023

Our Hong Kong Foundation Launches MEET 2023
One Hundred Young Entrepreneurs to Visit Hainan and Nansha in July

(June 30, 2023 Hong Kong)   Our Hong Kong Foundation (OHKF) and the Torch High Technology Industry Development Center of the Ministry of Science and Technology (Torch Center) jointly organise the "Mainland Expedition on Entrepreneurship & Technology (MEET) 2023" to help Hong Kong young entrepreneurs develop their businesses in the mainland.

Sponsored by Dah Sing Bank Limited, OHKF will lead a delegation of 100 Hong Kong start-up entrepreneurs to visit Hainan and Nansha from July 9 to 15. The delegation will delve into the business environment, supporting policies, incubation framework and resources network offered for start-ups in the Mainland. 

Featuring various seminars and sharing sessions with the two cities’ government leaders and officials, experienced industrialists, entrepreneurs and investors, the seven-day expedition builds the foundation for future exchanges and business collaborations for the participants. The MEET 2023 kick-off ceremony cum briefing session was held on June 29 at CyberArena, the venue of today’s event strategic partner, Cyberport.

HKSAR Government Home Affairs and Youth Affairs Secretary Ms Alice Mak officiated the ceremony and said in her speech that, "MEET has received innumerous positive responses from different business sectors and youths in Hong Kong. We appreciate OHKF’s years of dedication in organising the expedition to support the young industrialists exploring the opportunities offered to start-ups and innovators in the Mainland. MEET participants can also expand their businesses through extending their business network in China.” 

Ms Mak revealed that the Bureau is setting up an innovation and entrepreneurship alliance for Hong Kong Youth to uncover every prospect of the Greater Bay Area (GBA). The alliance aims to be a one-stop exchange platform for information, promotion and communication, and to connect with respective government units in the Mainland. In addition, it offers support to Hong Kong youth to start their businesses in the GBA and to gain a better understanding about innovation and entrepreneurship, with an ultimate goal of achieving their dreams.

The MEET 2023 delegation will be guided by the Central People's Government Liaison Office in Hong Kong Deputy Director for Education and Technology Ms. Wu Cheng as the Honorary Advisor; The Chinese University of Hong Kong  Faculty of Engineering Associate Dean (External Affairs), HKSAR Legislative Council Member, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Member Professor William Wong Kam-Fai and Fok Ying Tung Group Vice President, Hong Kong Guangdong Youth Federation Chairman, the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Standing Committee Member Mr Eric Fok Kai Shan as the Honorary Heads; OHKF President Dr Jane Lee as the Leader.

Professor Wong delivered a video speech to show his support to the delegation. He said, “2023 is a crucial year for the 14th Five-Year Plan, while Hainan and Nansha are two major centres of growth.” He called on Hong Kong youngsters to make use of their unique advantages in internationalisation and multilingual ability to contribute to the nation’s high-quality development.” 

The MEET 2023 Selection Committee has evaluated and selected 100 candidates out of the over 270 applications received. The average age is 35 years old with the average years of incorporation is three. In terms of sector spread, 82 are from technology and innovation, 8 belong to cultural and creative, and the rest are from the traditional sector or other categories.

OHKF Public Affairs & Engagement Vice President and MEET 2023 Secretary-General Ms Louisa Lui said in her welcome remarks, "Since the first MEET in 2016, OHKF has spared no effort in strengthening youth development in Hong Kong. We have collaborated with the HKSAR Government and various sectors in the city to address and accomplish President Xi Jinping's aspirations "A nation will prosper only when its young people thrive" and " Hong Kong will prosper only when its young people thrive".” She emphasised, “Travel between Hong Kong and China are now fully resumed from the three years pandemic hindrance. It is time we actively engage in our nation’s development and seize the opportunities in the GBA. OHKF truly believes that MEET 2023 will fuel the businesses, ambitions and dreams of these 100 young entrepreneurs!"

MEET 2023 is supported by the Education and Technology Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and three HKSAR Government bureaux and offices, including the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, Home Affairs and Youth Affairs Bureau, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong (GDETO). Science & Technology Department of Hainan Province, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office in Hainan, Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City (YZBSTC) and Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Bureau and the administration of the economic and technological development zone in Nansha are the program’s Facilitating Partners along with two Strategic Partners, The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited. In addition, MEET 2023 is aided by 36 partner organisations, ranging from government departments, universities, businesses, and professional and youth groups.

The expedition will visit Hainan, known as the largest free trade port in China, and Nansha, reputed the heart of the GBA, from July 9 to 15. The trip features two sharing sessions which will be greeted and addressed by the leaders and senior officials from the Torch Center, the two cities’ governments, and GDETO and the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government. Through visits to selected industrial parks, incubators and high-tech enterprises, including the Bo Ao Le Cheng International Medical Treatment Tourism Xianxingqu, Fullsing Town Internet Innovation Park and the TIMETABLE at the GBA Innovation Bay, and  exchanges with senior executives, entrepreneurs, and investors, MEET members will learn and explore the business environment, government support, resources and networks and collaboration opportunities for start-ups, and glimpse through the accelerating development of the cities’ digital economy, biopharmacy, and marine technology.