Asia Forum 2020 (Zoom Meeting) (16 June 2020) Asia Forum is an annual regional forum organized by the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide It provides a platform for Heads of the Business Associations (BAs) to brainstorm at a regional level on the future direction of the BAs. Association leaders are encouraged to raise new ideas, exchange information, share experiences and initiate greater co-operation. The Asia Forum was successfully held consecutively in various cities in Asia since 2004 and started in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Asia Forums were held in Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City) over the years. This year, the 17th Asia Forum was held successfully online using video conferencing in response to the worldwide Covid-19 situation. With the support from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Hong Kong Singapore Business Association played host to the 17th Asia Forum held on 16th June 2020 via Zoom. PARTICIPANTS 51 participants (excluding HKTDC representatives) attended the 17th Asia Forum Online from the Hong Kong Business Associations in Australia, Cambodia, Mainland China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam as follows: The Federation of Hong Kong Business Association Worldwide (The Federation) Hong Kong Business Association of Cambodia (HKBAC) Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China (HKCCC) Indonesia-Hong Kong Business Association (IDHKBA) Japan-Hong Kong Society (JHKS) Hong Kong-Korea Business Association (HKKBA) Hong Kong-Malaysia Business Association (HKMBA) Myanmar Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MHKCCI) Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. (HKCCPI) Hong Kong Singapore Business Association (HSBA) Thai-Hong Kong Trade Association (THTA) Hong Kong Business Association Vietnam (HKBAV) Hong Kong Australia Business Association – National (HKABA) Hong Kong New Zealand Business Association (HKNZBA) PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Mr Dennis Chiu, Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide delivered a welcome speech to all online participants. Mr Nicholas Kwan, Director of Research, HKTDC shared the latest Hong Kong Economic updates. Mr Peter Wong, Regional Director, South East Asia and South Asia, HKTDC, shared with all HKTDC promotional activities in the region, including adjusted schedules of HKTDC exhibitions and recent virtual Online Marketplace. Discussion Session 1 All presidents/ representatives of the HKBAs were invited to share latest updates and initiative plans of their respective associations in 2020/ 2021. Discussion Session 2 Ms Irene Hau, Federation Secretary of the Federation of Hong Kong Business Association Worldwide provided an update on the Familiarisation Programme for Federation’s Executive Committee Members as well as HK Forum Programme Outline. During the “Interactive Discussion” session, the following were discussed on how to: Enhance inter-regional exchanges and communications; Encourage members’ registration at the Federation’s website; and Boost youth engagement Closing Remarks Mr Dennis Chiu, Chairman of Federation of Hong Kong Business Association delivered a closing remarks. He expressed his appreciation of the efforts of the HKTDC to facilitate the transformation and communication of all Federation members. Dennis thanked all participants for attending the event, exchanging new ideas and initiating greater co-operation.