Miss Alice Mak Ignites Entrepreneurship Spirit Among Youths in Hong Kong and Macao at Exciting Hengqin Event

In an inspiring start to the day, Miss Alice Mak, the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, attended the kick-off ceremony of a pivotal entrepreneurship event aimed at empowering youths from Hong Kong and Macao. The event took place in Hengqin, Zhuhai, on September 23, 2023, under the compelling theme of "New Quality Productive Forces Strive for High-quality Development."

This initiative is designed to connect young entrepreneurs from both territories with the burgeoning opportunities within Guangdong Province. Through various activities, including site visits and industry discussions, participants will gain invaluable insights into regional industry developments, equipping them with the knowledge needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving landscape of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

In her opening remarks, Miss Mak emphasized the crucial role that the youth play as a driving force behind the country’s aspirations for high-quality development. She announced new support initiatives, including the Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship and experiential programs to encourage innovation among young Hong Kong residents. These schemes represent a concerted effort by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Moreover, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau established the Alliance of Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurial Bases in the GBA last year in collaboration with the Guangdong Province authorities. This initiative has rallied approximately 60 member organizations, facilitating around 100 events aimed specifically at bolstering youth entrepreneurship. The Alliance’s rich programming has significantly instilled confidence within young professionals seeking to establish their careers in GBA.

The ambitious event is co-organized by various governmental bodies, including the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the People's Government of Guangdong Province, the executive committee of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone, and the Education and Youth Development Bureau of Macao's Government.

In a progressive move, this initiative is part of a larger framework to encourage closer economic integration among Hong Kong, Macao, and Guangdong, positioning the GBA as a global hub of innovation and technological advancement. Young participants are poised to be at the forefront of this explosive growth, redefining their futures in a region poised for unprecedented development.

Before returning to Hong Kong later that day, Miss Mak's remarks inspired hope and motivation among attendees, highlighting the limitless potential of today's youth as they step into an era brimming with entrepreneurial opportunities.

This event serves as a crucial reminder that the key to future economic prosperity relies heavily on the imaginative visions of the younger generations in Hong Kong and Macao.