Hong Kong at a Crossroad: Global Talent Realities and Regional Strategy

Last week, the University of Manchester East Asia Centre and the Hong Kong Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HKJCCI) were proud to jointly host a high-impact panel discussion at our Causeway Bay venue, where guests enjoyed stunning views overlooking Victoria Harbour. The evening drew close to 50 ambitious professionals to explore the critical dynamics of regional talent and strategy. A standout highlight of the event was the incredible partnership behind it, uniting HKJCCI, FSAHK (Filipino network), GBA partner UME, and CanCham Hong Kong. This collaboration filled the room with a diverse, vibrant mix of local and expat talent from across the East Asia region. Guests exchanged ideas over canapès and premium sake drinks generously sponsored by HKJCCI, creating a dynamic atmosphere of cross-cultural networking.

The heart of the evening was a lively panel discussion featuring John Chan, Adhitya Wisesa, and David A. Knight, who brought deep insights from the finance, property, and tech sectors (with Sesa and Andy joining as proud alumni of our Global MBA programme). Drawing on their varied career paths across Hong Kong, Japan, and Mainland China, the speakers shared real-world stories about adapting to different work cultures, building cross-border relationships, and shaping their own long-term career goals.

A central takeaway from the panel was the undeniable power of a strong regional network. The speakers emphasized that staying competitive requires looking beyond Hong Kong and the GBA to unlock wider opportunities. True talent mobility ultimately comes down to personal choice, making it essential to foster a resilient, open ecosystem. By championing continuous learning, innovative thinking, and global connectivity, events like this remind us why Hong Kong continues to thrive through constant repositioning.