Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: Bridging Education and Opportunity
Patrick Yeung, CEO of HKGCC
Hong Kong is constantly evolving as a premier international business and financial centre, and our long-term growth is driven by one crucial factor: our talent. At a recent HKGCC Town Hall Forum, I was highly encouraged to hear Secretary for Education Dr the Hon Choi Yuk-lin outline the Government’s vision to bolster Hong Kong’s position as an international education hub. Her strategies – from expanding non-local student admissions and promoting the “Study in Hong Kong” brand to develop the Northern Metropolis University Town. Ensuring our young people have the skills, adaptability, and confidence to succeed is essential to our city’s continued prosperity. Here at the Chamber, we see nurturing talent not just as an educational priority, but as a driving force for our economic success. By giving students early, hands-on exposure to the professional world, we can help them pick up critical soft skills and discover how their textbook knowledge translates into real-world impact.
This commitment is something I am incredibly proud to see reflected in our own youth development initiatives. Just this past July, we celebrated a major milestone: the 25th anniversary of the HKGCC Business School Partnership Programme. The BSPP has served as a vibrant bridge between education and industry. This programme gives students first-hand exposure to different sectors through company visits, career seminars, and direct interactions with seasoned professionals. This year, the programme brought together nearly 60 schools and 45 companies, extending its reach across the Greater Bay Area (GBA) as students begin mapping out their bright career journeys.
Equally close to my heart is the HKGCC 2026 Internship Programme. Over the course of four months, we welcomed two cohorts of students to immerse themselves in a real professional environment, working right alongside our Chamber staff and learning from experienced mentors. Watching these young people build their confidence and navigate a modern office setting is deeply inspiring.
To build on this momentum, the Chamber’s Academy launched its first-ever Summer Youth programme this year. The initiative offers immersive experiences in top-tier business environments, alongside executive mentorship from seasoned industry leaders. This direct access to high-level operations and leadership wisdom is invaluable as students prepare for a competitive global market. Moving forward, you can expect more events from our new Student Associate Club alongside several new youth programs.
Ultimately, preparing our youth for the opportunities ahead is a shared and rewarding responsibility. Businesses, educators, and policymakers all have a vital role to play. Hong Kong has always thrived by investing heavily in its people. By expanding experiential learning and fostering greater regional and international exposure, we can empower the next generation to realise their full potential.
Hong Kong’s future will be shaped by the capable young people entering our workforce today. By supporting their aspirations, nurturing their creativity, and championing their determination, we aren’t just helping them build careers – we are helping to build a more innovative city for generations to come.
