The Hong Kong Investment Corporation (HKIC) is considering investments in fintech, aerospace and AI, as geopolitical shifts reshape capital flows and talent mobility, its Chief Executive said.
Speaking at the Asia Private Equity Forum, CEO Clara Chan Ka-chai said the city’s wholly owned investment vehicle would expand into new sectors that align with Hong Kong’s strengths, while continuing to seek long-term returns and enhance the city’s competitiveness, according to the South China Morning Post.
“As a long-term investor, you actually see through the cyclical challenges; you see great opportunities like valuations for you to go in,”
Chan said, referring to geopolitical uncertainty and market volatility.
She added that HKIC was actively seeking co-investments with international institutions and identifying high-quality growth companies.
HKIC manages HK$62 billion in capital and operates under a dual mandate of generating financial returns while supporting Hong Kong’s strategic development.
Chan said rising geopolitical tensions and China’s push for technological self-reliance had created new investment opportunities.
“We want to do more because of Hong Kong’s vibrancy, competitiveness and advantages, not only in innovation and technology, but also in other areas and industries where we believe we can add value,”
she said.
Chan also highlighted opportunities to attract returning academics and scientists from US universities, including Stanford and Harvard, many of whom are experienced in company incubation and talent development.
“With Hong Kong’s international backdrop, it’s the first place they would like to come,”
she said, adding that HKIC could help connect them with commercial resources.
According to its first annual report, HKIC generated HK$2.34 billion in investment income in 2024 and invested in more than 170 companies across hard technology, healthcare and biotech, and green and new energy.
More than 60% of deployed capital went to mainland China and over 30% to Hong Kong, with every HK$1 invested attracting more than HK$6 in long-term capital.
Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Hong Kong, based on image by Achmad Khoeron via Freepik