(Hong Kong, 15 May 2024) – The three-day Hong Kong mega event Global Prosperity Summit 2024 (GPS 24) concluded today, having gathered more than 250 thought leaders and representatives from a broad range of disciplines to take part in frank, rational discussions on the dominant issues impacting global prosperity and helping the international community establish common ground to address such vital issues.  GPS 24 also highlighted Hong Kong’s importance as an intermediary in fostering consensus and regional cooperation.

GPS 24 hosted the Young Leaders’ Forum today, where young business leaders and academics from across Asia – which accounts for about 60 percent of global economic growth, according to the International Monetary Fund’s latest regional economic outlook report – shared their insights on regional economic development.  The Forum was designed to facilitate exchange and cooperation among enterprises and experts from Hong Kong and throughout Asia and contribute to the promotion of global prosperity.

The Forum was moderated by Dr. Brian Wong, Assistant Professor in Philosophy at the University of Hong Kong, featuring panellists Mr. Melvyn Pun, Chief Executive Officer, Yoma Strategic Holdings Ltd.; Mr. Jesse Choi, Regional Director of Sunwah Group (ASEAN); Mr. Patrick Walujo, President Director and Chief Executive Officer of GoTo Group, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Northstar Group and Ms. Dee Poon, Member of the Board, President of Brands and Retailing, Tessellation Group, in a lively conversation regarding Mainland China and Hong Kong’s relationship with the Global South. They shared their own experiences on topics such as how to better understand and engage Southeast Asian governments, providing practical advice including the pivotal role of ethnicity, religion and culture in driving interactions between Southeast Asian countries and China, and how these societal factors can impact government-to-government relations. Panellists shared the challenges they are facing, as well as how they perceive the US-China relationship, and stressed that resilience was the key to moving forward, despite all the uncertainties ahead in the global environment.

Panellists concluded on an optimistic note, after echoing participants’ belief that Hong Kong will continue to play a unique role as the gateway to Mainland China. Regarding how Singapore is frequently mentioned as Hong Kong’s competitor, the panellists noted that it is unnecessary for Hong Kong to compare itself with other cities or countries in the region, and instead, we should focus our own strength, which is that Hong Kong will always be the biggest asset of China under the “One Country, Two Systems" principle, and will remain the best platform for international businesses to enter the Mainland Chinese market. Hong Kong should leverage this advantage while embracing changes in Mainland China and the world.

Mrs. Regina Ip, a founder of GPS 24 and Chairperson of the Savantas Policy Institute, said, “GPS 24 has created a pioneering platform for candid exchange between experts and leaders from all over the world, while the Young Leaders’ Forum served as a fertile new meeting ground for Asia’s next-generation entrepreneurs and talent.  Young people are a major pillar of the world’s development, and their enthusiastic discussions at the Forum have provided much new impetus for future advancement.”

Mrs Ip added, "We are deeply encouraged by the successful conclusion of GPS 24 today. We definitely will bring more objective and insightful minds from business, academia, the investment community, think tanks and other sectors to come together in Hong Kong in the future, for them to provide their unique perspectives and open up new horizons for global prosperity.”

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About Global Prosperity Summit Hong Kong
Global Prosperity Summit Hong Kong was initiated by a group of business, academic and thought leaders in Hong Kong to provide a platform for frank, objective and rational discussions on dominant issues impacting global prosperity.

About Savantas Policy Institute
Savantas Policy Institute (SPI) was founded in 2006 by a group of Hong Kong belongers with overseas experience who cared deeply about Hong Kong.  The core vision of SPI is to enhance Hong Kong’s transformation into a knowledge-based economy. SPI engages mainly in conducting public policy research and analysis; and recommending appropriate long-term developmental strategies; as well as promoting public understanding of and participation in the economic and social development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
About Shanghai Institutes for International Studies
Established in 1960, Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS) has played a crucial role in conducting strategic research, providing policy recommendations, and contributing to the understanding of international politics, economics, security, and other related fields.  It has evolved into an important institution informing and shaping China’s foreign policy and global engagement, and has been accredited as one of the most influential think tanks in China and around the world.