As the International Science, Technology, and Innovation Forum (ISTIF) of the Boao Forum for Asia 2025 officially opens at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, a powerful message is taking shape: Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to bridge the world of innovation between the East and the West.
Under the theme "Transitioning Towards the Future: Powered by Science, Technology, and Innovation," this year's ISTIF is being held in Hong Kong for the first time, co-hosted by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Boao Forum for Asia. The Forum highlights Hong Kong's dual role as a super-connector and super value-adder, reinforcing its standing as an international hub for innovation and technology (I&T).
With over 800 leading experts, scholars, and political and business leaders from around the world in attendance, the Forum is not only a celebration of global collaboration—it is a call to action.
Today, we spoke with three influential voices from the fields of youth entrepreneurship, semiconductors, and biotechnology. Their insights reflect the strategic importance of Hong Kong in the global innovation ecosystem and the challenges yet to be addressed.
🌏 Jasper Ngai: Hong Kong as a Gateway for Young Asian Entrepreneurs
Speaking to us on the sidelines of the Forum, Ngai Chee Foong (Jasper), Secretary-General of JCI Malaysia, described Hong Kong as an ideal launchpad for young Asian startups looking to scale their innovations.
"Hong Kong significantly lowers the barriers for startups that are not yet ready to enter the China market directly," Jasper said. "With its international connectivity, legal system, and English-friendly business environment, it offers a soft landing and a strategic springboard."
He also noted that Hong Kong is the perfect location for companies developing dual strategies—one for China and one for international markets—just like Douyin and TikTok.
Despite high operational costs, Jasper praised Hong Kong's efforts to support startups through initiatives like the Cyberport Micro Fund, the HKSTP incubation program, and BRIC. He called for clearer pathways and information access for foreign entrepreneurs and suggested more support for companies with R&D abroad but operations based in Hong Kong.
"Hong Kong is doing a good job," he concluded. "But making access easier and more transparent could help attract even more global talent and innovation."
💡 Pablo Morales Navarrete: Building Semiconductors from the Ground Up
For Pablo Morales Navarrete, CEO of Atom Semiconductor Technologies, Hong Kong is not about manufacturing big chips—but about designing them smarter.
"We are a fabless semiconductor company spun out of HKUST," he said. "Hong Kong gives us access to talent, capital, and global markets—what more could a startup ask for?"
Pablo believes Hong Kong's strength lies in early-stage research and design, not in large-scale fabrication like South Korea. He emphasized the importance of university collaboration, pointing out that Atom Semi still relies heavily on academic partnerships and government-funded programs like RAISE.
"We benefit from being neutral and flexible," he said. "And the Hong Kong government has been extremely open and supportive."
🧬 Professor Albert Yu: To Build the Future, Start with Education
Professor Albert Yu, Chairman of the Hong Kong Biotechnology Association, provided a wider systemic view of how Hong Kong can develop into a world-class biotech hub.
"The Northern Metropolis plan is ambitious," he said. "But to succeed, we must start with youth education—not just university students, but high schoolers too."
He called for more hands-on lab experience, investments in data analysis training, and deeper collaboration between government, universities, industry, and media.
Professor Yu also emphasized the complementary strengths of Hong Kong and Mainland students. While Hong Kong students tend to be more commercially minded and globally aware, Mainland students often display stronger fundamentals and a rigorous work ethic.
"If we build cross-boundary teams—combining Hong Kong's global perspective with China's industrial capacity—we can accelerate commercialization and innovation," he said.
He encouraged Hong Kong students to venture north, engage in internships, and participate in exchange programs, building teams that are diverse, resilient, and globally competitive.
🚀 ISTIF 2025: A Global Innovation Stage
The International Science, Technology, and Innovation Forum (ISTIF) is one of the world's leading platforms for international I&T collaboration. Having been held previously in Macao, Guangzhou, and Zhuhai, its arrival in Hong Kong marks a major milestone.
This year's Hong Kong Forum, under the sub-theme "Leveraging the Advantages of Connecting with Both the Mainland and the World to Foster Global Innovation and Technology Collaboration", will continue on June 7, featuring top-tier experts in sessions ranging from:
- Youth Leadership for an Intelligent, Green, and Inclusive Future
- The Arrival of the Quantum Age
- The Reshaping and Disruption of Life Sciences
- AI+, Internet+, and the Future of Technological Governance
From biotechnology to semiconductors, from youth entrepreneurship to cross-border collaboration, the message is clear: Hong Kong is not just participating in the global innovation race—it's helping lead it.
As Professor Yu wisely noted:
"You can't innovate in isolation. Teams create success. And Hong Kong is where those teams can form."
(Journalist: Lynn Zhou; Video Editor: Jack Wang, Felicia Li; English Editor: Felicia Li)
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