Uniting Industry Strength for Future Innovation

Launch of FHKI Group 33: Biotechnology and Healthcare Council

 

The Biotechnology and Healthcare industries in Hong Kong have emerged as pivotal components of our city's innovative and high-value industrial landscape in an era marked by rapid advancements. To further propel the growth of these sectors alongside Hong Kong's broader new industrialisation and I&T ambitions, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) conducted its inaugural press conference and symposium for its newly established Group 33 (Biotechnology and Healthcare Council (the “Council”)) today (30 April).  The event was graced by our officiating Guest of Honour, Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development. The Honorable Andrew Leung, President of the Legislative Council and FHKI Honorary President, also joined us together with leaders of Hong Kong's biotechnology and healthcare industries at such a milestone occasion, marking our unified commitment and efforts in advancing such critical industries.

FHKI Chairman, Steve Chuang, emphasised the importance of the Council's establishment, noting that it is a testament to the industrial sector's commitment to embracing new industrialisation, “The Biotechnology and Healthcare industries harbour immense potential for development. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of companies within these sectors establishing in Hong Kong; they have also shown immense interest in joining the FHKI. As an international I&T centre, Hong Kong boasts its unique advantage of not only enjoying the strong support of our motherland but also closely connected to the world, making our city an ideal location for science and technology firms to establish headquarters, conduct research, and engage in advanced manufacturing. We will continue to consolidate industry efforts, offer strategic insights to the Government and assist the Biotechnology and Healthcare sector in capitalising on business opportunities, supporting the accelerated development of new productive forces in Hong Kong.

In his speech, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Algernon Yau, remarked, "The adage 'Health is wealth' was initially meant to emphasise the importance of health. However, with changing times, this phrase has acquired a deeper economic dimension, suggesting that health also represents substantial business opportunities." He further observed, "Biotechnology is an area where Hong Kong excels. Our industrial sector is robust and fully capable of developing this high-value industry. I am confident that the creation of the new group will serve as a platform for industry networking and exchange, driving forward the progress of the sector."

The newly formed Council encompasses a diverse array of enterprises, including those in biotechnology, biomedical, traditional Chinese medicine, health supplements, and health devices. Its primary objectives are to reflect Hong Kong's evolving industrial landscape, foster sectoral growth, and enhance service delivery to pertinent businesses. In March, Prof Jimmy Tao, CEO of Vitargent (International) Biotechnology Ltd, and Ryan Tse, Director of Vita Green Health Products Co. Ltd, were respectively elected as the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Council.

Following the press conference, a symposium "Hong Kong’s Manufacture & Innovation: A New Industrial Path for Biotechnology and Healthcare" took place. Hosted by Prof Jimmy Tao and Ryan Tse, the event featured compelling discussions with leading figures in Hong Kong's biotechnology sector, including: Prof Dennis Lo, Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Medicine, CUHK; Prof Francis Chan, Choh-Ming Li Professor of Medicine & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, CUHK; Dr Ricky Chiu, Chairman & CEO of PHASE Scientific International Ltd; Prof Terence Lau, Executive Vice President of Avalon Biomedical (Management) Ltd; Vivian Tang, Executive Director of Wai Yuen Tong Medicine Holdings Ltd; and Edmond Yau, Founder & CEO of Koln 3D Technology (Medical) Ltd.

During the event, the panel engaged in enthusiastic discussions surrounding key issues that are driving the flourishing growth of the Biotechnology and Healthcare industries. These included the types of talent the industry requires, the challenges faced in transforming research and development outcomes into practical applications, the difficulties encountered in maintaining patent rights, the complementary development of related industries in Mainland China and Hong Kong, the opportunities that Biotechnology brings to the traditional Chinese medicine industry, and how Hong Kong-funded Biotechnology and Healthcare companies can thrive in the Mainland market.  All those thought-provoking discussions offered profound insights and inspiration for industry innovation and breakthroughs.

In his concluding remarks, Prof Jimmy Tao acknowledged the various challenges facing the Biotechnology and Healthcare industries, such as, high investment costs and long payback periods. However, he expressed confidence in the sectors' potential growth, emphasising the Council's role in uniting industry leaders and its continuous efforts to invite more companies to join. "With our collective expertise, the proven research capabilities in Hong Kong and the international reputation of 'Made in Hong Kong’, we are poised to elevate the entire industry to newer heights," he affirmed.

Picture 1：Guests posed for a group photo. From left to right: Prof Francis Chan, Choh-Ming Li Professor of Medicine & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, CUHK; Prof Jimmy Tao, Chairman of Group 33, Biotechnology and Healthcare Council, FHKI; FHKI Executive Deputy Chairman Anthony Lam; FHKI Chairman Steve Chuang; Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development; the Honorable Andrew Leung, President of the Legislative Council and FHKI Honorary President; FHKI Honorary President Dr Sunny Chai; and Prof Dennis Lo, Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Medicine, CUHK.

 

Picture 2：The establishment of the Council is a testament to the industrial sector's commitment to embracing new industrialisation.

 

Picture 3：FHKI Chairman Steve Chuang delivered his welcome remarks.

 

Picture 4：Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development delivered a speech.

 

Picture 5：Prof Jimmy Tao, Chairman of Group 33, Biotechnology and Healthcare Council, FHKI, delivered a speech.

 

Picture 6：FHKI held a symposium "Hong Kong’s Manufacture & Innovation: A New Industrial Path for Biotechnology and Healthcare".

 

Picture 7：FHKI works hand in hand with the industries to promote the development of the biotechnology and healthcare industries.

 

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