Some 1,600 business leaders from Hong Kong and Malaysia recently gathered in Kuala Lumpur to strengthen bilateral ties and explore new avenues for growth in an environment of trade uncertainty and rapid technological change.
The Think Business, Think Hong Kong (TBTHK) campaign, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and held on 11 August, gave Malaysian business leaders direct access to government officials, investors, innovators and professional service providers, helping connect growth opportunities with capital and expertise.
More than 300 one-on-one business consultations and on-site business matching facilitated deals and cooperation during the event. In addition, 10 MoUs were signed.
“Trusted connections and strong networks are more valuable than ever,” emphasised HKTDC Chairman Prof Frederick Ma, speaking at the opening ceremony.
“First launched in 2011 and held in major cities all around the world, TBTHK has proven to be popular and successful,” Prof Ma added. “It is a platform via which networks are expanded, relationships are deepened and new partnerships are forged.”
Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong SAR Government, and Loke Siew Fook, Malaysia’s Minister of Transport, also sought to build on the longstanding relationship between Hong Kong and Malaysia.
Hong Kong has the experience and expertise to help Malaysian companies expand overseas, while also supporting Chinese Mainland enterprises as they explore international markets, including Malaysia and beyond, Mr Yau said. “Especially at times like this, everyone is talking about diversification,” he remarked.
Mr Loke described how Hong Kong’s depth in logistics, trade finance, arbitration and professional services complements Malaysia’s increasingly high-value export market. “This is a corridor you should be examining closely,” he told attendees.
Opening new pathways for growth
TBTHK’s Malaysia edition featured a full-day symposium, as well as business support and networking events, among other activities.
A plenary session examined how companies can respond to the changing dynamics of Asia’s business landscape. Subsequent panels highlighted key areas of collaboration, reflecting Malaysia’s strategic importance within ASEAN, as well as evolving business priorities across the region.
A session on RMB opportunities, co-organised with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Hong Kong’s central banking institution, explored renminbi’s growing role in trade, investment and treasury management.
The green economy was another focus area. A panel discussion co-organised with Cyberport, a Hong Kong-based tech hub, examined how green finance and climate tech, among other areas, can help businesses meet sustainability goals while pursuing growth.
Later in the day, delegates heard how Hong Kong can help optimise corporate assets, mitigate geopolitical risk and accelerate growth in a session on the city’s role as a base for regional expansion. This discussion was co-organised with Invest HK, the Hong Kong SAR Government’s investment promotion agency.
Health tech also featured prominently. A session co-organised with the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park focused on how ecosystem collaboration can accelerate the commercialisation and global expansion of health and biotech innovations.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board also brought a taste of Hong Kong's vibrant culinary culture to TBTHK. Participants sampled signature offerings from Chinesology, Hong Kong’s pioneering Muslim-friendly fine-dining Chinese restaurant, and Bar Leone, the first Asian bar to top The World's 50 Best Bars list.
TBTHK is part of the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Economic Trade and Express initiative. This encourages Hong Kong SMEs and start-ups to explore overseas markets, while attracting more companies to invest in and establish operations in Hong Kong.
As a major economy and export hub within ASEAN, Malaysia remains a key market for Hong Kong, ranking as the city's third-largest trading partner among ASEAN member states.
Separately, analysts from HKTDC’s Research arm have published an overview of Malaysia’s economic transformation, highlighting opportunities and growth sectors for businesses and investors.