By Vikneswaran Raman
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 (Bernama) -- Youths from 33 countries, including Malaysia, had the opportunity to gain valuable insights on future-readiness at the Youth Development Summit 2025 held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre last weekend.
More than 3,000 delegates attended the full-day event on Saturday, hearing from policymakers, Olympians, innovators and entrepreneurs, including Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, who shared perspectives on leadership, innovation and the role of youths in shaping the future.
Organised by Hong Kong’s Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) for participants aged between 14 and 39, the summit also featured thematic tours for about 400 overseas and mainland Chinese participants on Friday and Sunday.
The visits aimed to deepen understanding of Hong Kong’s latest developments in technology, finance, culture and the arts, while fostering cross-cultural exchange among young people.
One of the highlights was a visit to the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks, a four-million-square-foot innovation hub housing over 2,500 technology enterprises from 26 countries and employing over 25,000 people, including 15,000 research and development (R&D) professionals.
The visit allowed participants to explore cutting-edge technologies, startups, including unicorns and breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI).
Participants also toured the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), where they were briefed on Hong Kong’s monetary policy, the city’s banking history since 1842, and the operations of its three note-issuing banks — HSBC, Bank of China and Standard Chartered — under the supervision of the HKMA.
They also learned about the fixed exchange rate system that pegs the Hong Kong Dollar (HK$) to the US$ at HK$7.80, ensuring financial stability.
Pertubuhan Gerakan Belia Bersatu Malaysia (GBBM) president Aluyis Lim Soon Pin described the summit as a fruitful and enriching experience, marking his second time attending the event.
He said the discussions, particularly on AI and emerging technologies, offered valuable insights into their potential impact on education and youth development.
“The summit not only provided knowledge and inspiration but also a platform to network and build friendships with youths from many countries. By comparing policies and structures, we can bring home good practices and adapt them for Malaysia’s youth programmes,” he told Bernama.
The closing thematic session, 'Unleash Potential and Positivity,' was hosted by Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Clarence Leung, featuring distinguished speakers.
They include China’s national women’s volleyball team former captain Professor Hui Ruoqi, former Formula One (F1) racer Tung Ho Pin, and 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic gold medallist and head of the Olympic Studies Centre at Harbin Institute of Technology, Zhang Hong.
The panel emphasised the importance of positive thinking and proactive attitudes in helping young people realise their full potential, where Zhang particularly stressed on athletes’ strong physical and mental resilience to emerge victorious.
-- BERNAMA
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