Finance

FIII Hong Kong Investor Summit Unites Global Leaders to Forge Path on Major Global Issues

Published December 8, 2023

The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute hosted the inaugural FIII Hong Kong Investor Summit on the 7th and 8th of December, gathering a cohort of international investors, policymakers, and innovators with the aim of confronting some of the most pressing issues facing humanity today, such as technological advancements, climate change, and economic challenges.

The summit bridged influencers and investors from across Asia with their global peers, fostering dialogue on how investment can be harnessed for societal betterment.

Inaugural FII PRIORITY Summit in Asia

His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and FII Institute's Chairman, led the charge, marking the Asia FII PRIORITY summit's launch. The summit also saw the presence of HE Khalid A. Al-Falih, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Investment, who highlighted the burgeoning economic growth in the Global South.

Hong Kong's Unique Role

John Lee, Chief Executive of Hong Kong's Special Administrative Region, embraced the FII Institute's arrival, emphasizing Hong Kong's intrinsic value as a bridge between East and West, a role fortified by its 'one country, two systems' governance.

Exchange and Innovation in Finance

Nicolas Aguzin, CEO of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), touched on geopolitical shifts and the crucial role of innovation in finance. The two-day summit, supported by HKEX, played host to thought-provoking panel discussions, including one featuring Richard Li, Chairman of Pacific Century Group, who spoke on how digitalization is revolutionizing access to financial services.

A significant moment of the event was marked by a traditional gong-striking ceremony, signaling the opening of markets, a symbolic act witnessed by a global audience.

Addressing Megatrends

The theme of the summit, 'Megatrends Shaping Humanity', cast light on Asia's rise, AI advancements, and the importance of empathy in today's volatile world. Nicholas Ho, Belt & Road Commissioner for Hong Kong, envisioned Hong Kong as a key regional hub for MENA-region business.

Laura M. Cha of HKEX underscored the compelling connection between Asia's untapped capital and the Middle Eastern potential for financial synergy.

The FII Institute's research efforts, which spanned 50,000 individuals from 23 countries, have influenced the summit's discourse, highlighting a significant decline in global contentment and shining a light on various societal concerns.

The Role of AI and Empowering Women

Eric Pulier of Vatom Corporation advocated for AI models that honor local heritage to ensure a human-centric future, and Solina Chau of Horizons Ventures called for counterfactual thinking to address biases. She also emphasized the importance of striving for women's equality in finance.

Additionally, strategic partnerships and local sustainability initiatives received spotlight during the summit, reinforcing the FII Institute's commitment to positive global action.

An Ongoing Dialogue and Commitment

The discussions at the Hong Kong summit are a continuation of a global conversation, with further summits scheduled in other world cities. Richard Attias, CEO of the FII Institute, affirmed the commitment to addressing issues crucial to the global population through investor-focused policy action.

Investment, Technology, Climate