The annual Hong Kong Forum concluded as another successful event for the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide, bringing more than 350 associates from 21 countries and regions, including more than 70 first-time visitors, to Hong Kong over the week of October 8.

The Forum starred many heavyweight speakers such as Allan Zeman, Chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Holdings, Henry Fan, Managing Director of CITIC Pacific, and C Y Leung, Convenor of the Non-Official Members of Hong Kong's Executive Council - all of whom delivered very inspiring talks.

The programme also included a side visit to Shenzhen, with a special focus on the technology partnership between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The delegates appreciated the new perspective they gained from this, and treasured their personal meeting with the Mayor of Shenzhen.

The Forum's awards programme gave due recognition to various individual associations for their outstanding efforts in promoting Hong Kong around the world. The network now embraces a total of more than 11,000 associates across the globe, compared to about 7,000 since its inception in the year 2000.

One of the new members of the Hong Kong Canada Business Association - Edmonton section, was impressed with the competitive edge of Hong Kong in his first visit, that he extended his stay here and is now seriously looking into setting up an office for his financial services company in Hong Kong. That's one more success story in the bank!

The 6-Minute Business Dating was a particularly popular part of the Forum this year, creating a new level of engagement between the Federation associates and Hong Kong companies. Of course, the Federation associates could never be satisfied meeting just 10 dates in an hour…. they wanted more!

Newly-appointed TDC Chairman, Jack So, received a very warm welcome by the Federation network at his keynote luncheon, where he outlined his vision for Hong Kong and the Council, his first official appearance since assuming duty on Oct 1st.

The event rounded off with a festive farewell dinner hosted by Fred Lam, Executive Director of TDC, aboard the Bauhina Harbour Cruise, which was festooned in nostalgic '60s and '70s décor. TDC colleagues joined in the fun with associates, dining and dancing in celebration of the great work they did for these Hong Kong ambassadors overseas.