Hong Kong Global Talent Summit Week – meeting the challenges of a changing market
The world economy and the global talent market are in a paradoxical position at the start of 2026. On one hand, the possibilities opened up by artificial intelligence and the pace of technological change make the future of work even more uncertain than usual. But on the other hand, realising those same possibilities will require investment and skilled human capital. Talent acquisition specialists have the job of navigating this uncertainty, while every professional worker needs to think about how to adapt to the new reality.
In this new environment, Hong Kong strives to reinforce its position in the front rank of economic centres, regionally and globally. The city has always been a key hub for Asia, benefiting from proximity to the Chinese economy coupled with a common law legal system and a diverse English-speaking business community. Last year, Hong Kong jumped from ninth to fourth in the International Institute for Management Development’s World Talent ranking, making it the number one location in Asia in terms of competitiveness for top global talent. The financial centre was the global leader for IPO capital raised, and as part of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster, topped the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s innovation rankings.
Hong Kong has always been the place for international talent to fast-track a career. There are more regional offices and subsidiaries of international companies in the city than any other in Asia, and an active expat community. Anyone hoping to develop truly global executive experience will find that there are unparalleled opportunities in Hong Kong, as the fast growth of the local and regional market coupled with an entrepreneurial culture mean that promotions and personal development happen at a faster pace.
In order to support global professionals considering relocation, the Hong Kong government set up Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) in 2023. This office is tasked with highlighting Hong Kong’s role and advantages as an international talent hub and the country's gateway for talent, providing a single central point of contact for all the needs of high level international professionals. As well as promotions and job fairs, HKTE provides ongoing advice and support for lifestyle and career needs.
Global Talent Summit Week
This sets the stage for the Global Talent Summit Week, a flagship series of events, organised by the Labour and Welfare Bureau and HKTE with the aim of showcasing Hong Kong as a destination for top global talent. It is centred on the International Talent Forum on the 18th and 19th of March, along with the CareerConnect Expo taking place on the same dates, surrounded by nine “satellite” events over the course of the week focused on specific themes and sectors. As Felix Chan, the Director of HKTE, puts it, this week is a “signature event, to send a very strong signal to the world”.
The Director of HKTE, Felix Chan.
The International Talent Forum will take place for an invited live audience and streamed online in real time. Forum speakers will include business leaders, along with panelists representing the technology, finance, education and other key sectors, with a keynote address from Nobel Prize-winning economist Professor Christopher Pissarides. The forum aims to provide thought leadership and inspire forward-looking perspectives, as experts on technology, education and talent from around the region and the globe discuss the current environment and its opportunities.
At the same time, the CareerConnect Expo, also taking place in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre will comprise five different themed zones to support professional advancement. As well as live showcases and networking opportunities with exhibitors, the Expo will give access to HKTE’s one-stop support services to help global professionals to integrate and advance in the city. There will also be opportunities to connect with Hong Kong’s universities for global talent interested in taking advantage of the world-class education system. A special Technology Zone focuses on the cross-regional opportunities in Hong Kong’s innovation and technology ecosystem.
The week is filled out by a large number of satellite events organised by bodies including ACCA, Cyberport and Hong Kong Talents Group. These events highlight specific opportunities and sectors, while allowing global talent professionals to network and discuss the changing trends, challenges and opportunities for the future.
Heading for Hong Kong
The CareerConnect Expo is open to the public, along with nine satellite events, creating a great opportunity for global talent in other centres to consider making a visit in person. As Felix Chan, says, “It is about making the connection. By coming here into Hong Kong, people can see for themselves what Hong Kong is – the great environment here, the new world-class Kaitak stadium, the promenade along the Victoria Harbour, and also make friends and connections… at the macro level and at the personal level, I would aim to make use of the GTS Week to showcase Hong Kong and to help those to make the decision to come to the city.”
For people who do not have the ability to make the trip on this occasion, the International Talent Forum will be broadcast online, and HKTE organises regular virtual events throughout the year. However, for global professionals who are seriously considering a career move, there is hardly a better time to explore Hong Kong.
Details of the Global Talent Summit Week are available on its dedicated website at https://gts.hkengage.gov.hk/en. Now is the time to register at https://gts.hkengage.gov.hk/register/attendee/public?lang=en and get ready to make the first steps on a career journey to the most exciting centre for global talent.
