HONG KONG, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dalton Venture CEO Summit 2025 , jointly hosted by Dalton Venture and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), successfully concluded at Hong Kong Science Park. The summit brought together over 100 distinguished guests, including government officials, leading scholars, entrepreneurs, and investors from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and beyond, to explore new global opportunities in life sciences innovation.
The event gathered more than 60 entrepreneurs from Dalton Venture's portfolio companies across cutting-edge sectors such as cell and gene therapy, ophthalmology, AI in healthcare, embodied AI, bio-3D-printing, and cardiovascular technologies.
Uniting Industry, Research, and Capital to Accelerate Globalization
Founding Managing Partner Sun Qi highlighted Hong Kong's unique advantages as an East-West bridge, with world-class research infrastructure and capital markets. "Dalton Venture sees Hong Kong not only as a gateway to the world but as a convergence point for technology, capital, industry, and vision," as he said.
Ms. Cheong Man Lei, Lillian, JP, Deputy Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the Hong Kong SAR Government, delivered a video keynote address. She emphasized Hong Kong's commitment to becoming an international innovation and technology hub, citing initiatives like the HK$10 billion Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme. She warmly welcomed more Mainland Chinese enterprises to leverage Hong Kong's platform for international expansion.
Hong Kong Science Park as a Launchpad for Life Sciences Innovation
Ms. Gracie Ng, Chief of Staff and Acting Chief Corporate Development Officer of HKSTP, also extended a warm welcome. She highlighted HKSTP's role in cultivating a vibrant life sciences ecosystem through research support, incubation services, and funding channels, including its HK$1 billion corporate venture fund. "We are delighted to host Dalton Venture's CEO Summit and look forward to deepening collaboration with visionary enterprises."
Capital Empowering Innovation: Insights from HKEX
Sam S.K. Luk, Vice President (Global Issuer Services) at Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), outlined Hong Kong's latest initiatives to support biotech and hard-tech enterprises through listing mechanisms like Chapter 18A and 18C. He emphasized that Hong Kong remains a preferred destination for innovative companies seeking global investors, citing recent resilience in the local stock market and continued inflows from Southbound trading under the Stock Connect program.
Thought Leadership on Frontier Technologies
The summit also featured keynote speeches from leading scientists and entrepreneurs.
Professor Lam Hon Ming, Distinguished Professor of Life Sciences at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology shared insights on agricultural biotechnology and sustainability.
Professor Sirui Han, representing Professor Guo Yike, Chief Vice President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Director of the Hong Kong Center for Generative Artificial Intelligence Research and Development, discussed the evolution of large AI models and their transformative impact on life sciences.
Strengthening Cross-Border Innovation Bridges
Prior to the summit, Dalton Venture organized a closed-door dialogue with InvestHK and the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), connecting over 30 Mainland biotech companies with Hong Kong's innovation and policy resources. Discussions focused on leveraging Hong Kong as a springboard for global clinical development, regulatory pathways, and international fundraising.
Looking Ahead: Building a Global Innovation Network
Mr. Huang Ning, Founding Partner of Dalton Venture, concluded the summit by reaffirming Dalton's commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and accelerating the globalization of life sciences innovation.
As innovation continues to reshape the life sciences sector, Dalton Venture remains dedicated to fostering a robust, interconnected ecosystem that links research, capital, and industry across borders — advancing healthcare for a better future.
CONTACT
Name: Lynn Ning
Email: ningx@daltonventure.cn
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
AI Evolution and Life Sciences: Embracing New Frontiers at Dalton Venture CEO Summit 2025
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HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda reveals that Vietnam is becoming an increasingly popular year-end travel choice for families in the region and beyond. Based on searches made between September and November 2025 for stays during December 2025 and January 2026, Agoda recorded a 30% increase in family travel interest to Vietnam compared with the same period the previous year.
Agoda data shows that Vietnam is attracting more international families than ever this winter holiday season. South Koreans take the lead as the top market interested in traveling to Vietnam in December and January, with families from India, Singapore, Australia, and Malaysia rounding out the top five. Notably, Agoda reported that Indian families showcased the highest growth in travel interest to Vietnam during this period, with a 186% increase in searches. Malaysians also, are expressing strong growth in interest, with a 74% increase in searches, highlighting Vietnam's appeal as a family destination in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Families are choosing Vietnam for its storied culture and cuisine, diverse landscapes, and abundance of family-friendly resorts and attractions.
Phu Quoc Island leads as the most sought-after destination among international family travelers with a 47% increase in searches, popular for its sandy beaches, calm waters, and nature parks ideal for multi-generation vacations. Da Nang follows with 42% growth in travel interest, noted for its beaches, soft adventure activities, and access to Ba Na Hills theme park. Nha Trang comes in third place, remaining a favorite for its long coastline, family-oriented resorts, and island experiences. In fourth place, Ho Chi Minh City appeals with its vibrant food scene, entertainment complexes, and day trips to the Mekong Delta. In the north, Hanoi continues to draw families with its cultural landmarks, museums, and festive atmosphere, rounding out the top five most family-friendly year-end destinations in Vietnam.
Meanwhile, although Vietnamese families traditionally travel less internationally at the end of the year – typically preferring to wait for the Lunar New Year - China is becoming a noticeable exception. Among the top 20 outbound destinations preferred by Vietnamese families during the December-January period, searches for Shanghai increased 58%, while Beijing increased 59%. This shift is supported by the launch of new direct routes between Hanoi and selected Chinese cities earlier this year, making end-of-year overseas trips more accessible than ever.
Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director at Agoda, said: "It is wonderful to see Vietnam increasingly chosen as an end-of-year holiday destination for families from across Asia and beyond. Agoda's data shows that travelers are recognizing Vietnam's family-friendly appeal, which further strengthen its position on the global travel map. As more families plan their festive-season or year-end getaways, we are delighted to support them through Agoda's simple, intuitive platform and our wide range of stays, flights, and activities."
With over 6 million properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, all bookable in one seamless itinerary, Agoda helps families plan memorable year-end holidays, whether they choose a peaceful beach break, a cultural city escape, or an international exploration to mark the close of the year.
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda reveals that Vietnam is becoming an increasingly popular year-end travel choice for families in the region and beyond. Based on searches made between September and November 2025 for stays during December 2025 and January 2026, Agoda recorded a 30% increase in family travel interest to Vietnam compared with the same period the previous year.
Agoda data shows that Vietnam is attracting more international families than ever this winter holiday season. South Koreans take the lead as the top market interested in traveling to Vietnam in December and January, with families from India, Singapore, Australia, and Malaysia rounding out the top five. Notably, Agoda reported that Indian families showcased the highest growth in travel interest to Vietnam during this period, with a 186% increase in searches. Malaysians also, are expressing strong growth in interest, with a 74% increase in searches, highlighting Vietnam's appeal as a family destination in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Families are choosing Vietnam for its storied culture and cuisine, diverse landscapes, and abundance of family-friendly resorts and attractions.
Phu Quoc Island leads as the most sought-after destination among international family travelers with a 47% increase in searches, popular for its sandy beaches, calm waters, and nature parks ideal for multi-generation vacations. Da Nang follows with 42% growth in travel interest, noted for its beaches, soft adventure activities, and access to Ba Na Hills theme park. Nha Trang comes in third place, remaining a favorite for its long coastline, family-oriented resorts, and island experiences. In fourth place, Ho Chi Minh City appeals with its vibrant food scene, entertainment complexes, and day trips to the Mekong Delta. In the north, Hanoi continues to draw families with its cultural landmarks, museums, and festive atmosphere, rounding out the top five most family-friendly year-end destinations in Vietnam.
Meanwhile, although Vietnamese families traditionally travel less internationally at the end of the year – typically preferring to wait for the Lunar New Year - China is becoming a noticeable exception. Among the top 20 outbound destinations preferred by Vietnamese families during the December-January period, searches for Shanghai increased 58%, while Beijing increased 59%. This shift is supported by the launch of new direct routes between Hanoi and selected Chinese cities earlier this year, making end-of-year overseas trips more accessible than ever.
Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director at Agoda, said: "It is wonderful to see Vietnam increasingly chosen as an end-of-year holiday destination for families from across Asia and beyond. Agoda's data shows that travelers are recognizing Vietnam's family-friendly appeal, which further strengthen its position on the global travel map. As more families plan their festive-season or year-end getaways, we are delighted to support them through Agoda's simple, intuitive platform and our wide range of stays, flights, and activities."
With over 6 million properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, all bookable in one seamless itinerary, Agoda helps families plan memorable year-end holidays, whether they choose a peaceful beach break, a cultural city escape, or an international exploration to mark the close of the year.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Agoda Data Shows Vietnam Rising as a Favorite End-of-Year Destination for Families Across Asia and Beyond
