On September 27, the 4th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Outstanding Young Entrepreneurs Award Ceremony took place simultaneously in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Macao. During his speech, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee expressed his utmost appreciation for the achievements of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Entrepreneurs Alliance since its establishment six years ago. He emphasized, “The Entrepreneur Alliance has played a crucial role in fostering collaboration and exchange among enterprises in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. The Alliance's efforts have focused on promoting technological innovation, youth entrepreneurship, charitable initiatives, and various other areas of work. Additionally, the Alliance has actively guided and supported young individuals who aspire to develop their careers in the Greater Bay Area, helping them realize their ambitions. I hope that the alliance would continue to build upon its past accomplishments and strive for even greater success in the future.”
The grand award ceremony was attended by a significant number of individuals both online and offline. Among the notable attendees were Zhang Xin, Vice Governor of Guangdong Province; Lei Wai Long, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR; Dr. Jonathan KS Choi, member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and chairman of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Entrepreneurs Alliance; Kou Hoi In, member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and chairman of the Macao SAR Law Association. The event was coordinated by Li Ling from the Liaison Office of the Central Government in Hong Kong, along with Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Yang Hao, from the Economic Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, also attended the meeting. Additionally, representatives from the European Union Office in Hong Kong and Macau, as well as the consulates general of Israel, Canada, and Vietnam in Hong Kong, were present. Overall, the ceremony drew the attendance of over 3,000 individuals online and offline.
John Lee: Supporting young people to start businesses in the Bay Area
Chief Executive John Lee expressed his delight at attending the fourth Outstanding Young Entrepreneurs Award Ceremony of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, organized by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Entrepreneurs Alliance. This ceremony serves as a vital platform that connects Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau, celebrating the achievements of exceptional young entrepreneurs in the Greater Bay Area.
He emphasized that the development of the Greater Bay Area holds significant importance for Hong Kong's future growth and provides abundant opportunities for its youth. The SAR government is fully committed to supporting young individuals in starting their own businesses, both within Hong Kong and in mainland cities within the Greater Bay Area.
Jonathan KS Choi: Recover from the epidemic and forge ahead
During his speech, Dr. KS Jonathan KS Choi highlighted the significant challenges faced during the past three out of six years since the establishment of the alliance, mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The world, including China, and every individual and enterprise, have endured rigorous tests. However, despite the obstacles, the progress of constructing the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has remained steadfast. The economy and people's well-being in the Greater Bay Area continue to advance vigorously, with the completion and utilization of various hard connectivity facilities. Meanwhile, soft connectivity such as the flow of people, logistics, and capital, have improved, and the concept of a one-hour living circle in the Greater Bay Area is taking shape.
Dr. Jonathan KS Choi underlined the significance of the occasion, as it marked the first time the awards ceremony could be held without wearing masks in all three venues. Among over 1,300 esteemed peers, 100 Chinese and foreign young entrepreneurs who have made exceptional contributions to the development of the Greater Bay Area emerged after a rigorous selection process conducted by renowned universities and notable figures. This selection process also signifies the accelerated integration among the three regions. Dr. KS Jonathan Choi encouraged the awardees to remember their initial aspirations and continue to forge ahead with courage.
Zhang Xin: Support study, employment and entrepreneurship in Guangdong
Vice Governor Zhang Xin, representing the Guangdong Provincial People's Government, conveyed warm congratulations to the deserving young entrepreneurs who received the award. He expressed sincere gratitude to all the attendees, with a special mention to the young entrepreneurs, for their continuous support and significant contributions to the economic development of Guangdong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
He emphasized the Guangdong Provincial Government's commitment to implementing the principles outlined in the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. They will prioritize high-quality development and strive to establish platforms and projects that facilitate the exchange and growth of young individuals from Hong Kong and Macao within Guangdong. These initiatives will provide opportunities for study, internships, employment, and entrepreneurship.
To support this objective, the province and cities in the Pearl River Delta have introduced a range of support policies. These policies include targeted innovation and entrepreneurship training for young people from Hong Kong and Macau. Additionally, they offer comprehensive one-stop services such as consultations, ongoing support, and assistance with transforming achievements.
Lei Wai Long: The selection confirms the vitality of the Greater Bay Area
Secretary Lei Wai Long highlighted the significance of the fourth Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Young Entrepreneurs Selection and Award Ceremony. The winners, through their relentless efforts and innovative spirit, have emerged as crucial contributors to social construction and development. The selection activities not only acknowledge the fruitful accomplishments of young entrepreneurs but also inject vitality into the Bay Area market.
Wang Shourui: Provide good services in preparation for those who plans to pursue their careers in Shenzhen
Vice Mayor Wang Shourui, representing the Shenzhen Municipal Party Committee and Government, extended warm congratulations to all the award-winning entrepreneurs. He emphasized the commitment of the Shenzhen Municipal Party Committee and Government to creating a favorable environment for learning, employment, and entrepreneurship for young individuals relocating to Shenzhen. Moving forward, they will implement supportive policies to facilitate the employment and entrepreneurship of young people from Hong Kong and Macao in Shenzhen. The aim is to provide enhanced services for a larger number of outstanding young individuals from Hong Kong and Macao.