Hong Kong Hosts Networking Reception in Seoul to Boost Cultural and Economic Ties with Korea

Tokyo ETO holds reception in Seoul to foster cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Korea

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo (Tokyo ETO) today (March 27) organised a networking reception in Seoul, Korea, for delegates of the Hong Kong Arts Administrators Association visiting Korea to foster cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Korea and underscore Hong Kong's position as an events capital in Asia. Over 50 participants from the arts and culture sectors attended.

Speaking at the reception, the Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Ms Gillian Lam, said that Hong Kong has long been a unique melting pot of Chinese and Western cultures. With its extensive international connections, Hong Kong brings together local and global talent, serving as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

Ms Lam added that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is firmly committed to supporting the development of the arts, culture and creative industries. Over HK$9 billion has been injected into initiatives such as the CreateSmart Initiative and the Film Development Fund to nurture talent and support industry growth.

She remarked that the Government is committed to constructing world-class arts and cultural facilities. New venues, including the Kai Tak Sports Park, have already hosted major international performances by renowned Korean pop groups. Major events such as Hong Kong Arts Festival and Art Basel Hong Kong 2026 have brought together numerous Korean artists in Hong Kong.

In addition, Tokyo ETO, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong-Korea Business Association, co-organised a Hong Kong-Korea business networking reception in Seoul yesterday (March 26) under the Economic and Trade Express platform to promote Hong Kong's business advantages.

Ms Lam said that Tokyo ETO will continue to work closely with regional partners, including Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, in leveraging the Economic and Trade Express platform to promote economic and trade co-operation and assist Hong Kong enterprises in exploring business opportunities in Korea.

Tokyo ETO holds reception in Seoul to foster cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Korea Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Tokyo ETO holds reception in Seoul to foster cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Korea Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Tokyo ETO holds reception in Seoul to foster cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Korea Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Tokyo ETO holds reception in Seoul to foster cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Korea Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Tokyo ETO holds reception in Seoul to foster cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Korea Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKMA and HKSTP announce winners of the IADS Developer Hackathon empowering innovation through secure account data sharing

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) today (March 27) announced the winners of the IADS Developer Hackathonat the IADS Developer Conference held at the Hong Kong Science Park. The ceremony marks the successful conclusion of a six-month innovation journey that has further unleashed the potential of the Interbank Account Data Sharing (IADS) initiative.

Launched in October 2025, the Hackathon brought together the banking industry and fintech firms to collaborate on innovative, secure, customerconsented solutions, leveraging the IADS to accelerate digital transformation in Hong Kong's banking sector.

After a rigorous selection process and mentorship phase,fivefinalist teams presented their solutions today to a panel of judges.

Mr Nelson Chow, the Executive Director (Financial Infrastructure) of the HKMA, said, "The IADS Developer Hackathon has served as a catalyst for innovation in the banking sector. It has been truly encouraging to see participating teams deliver high-quality and practical solutions that open up new opportunities for financial services. Looking ahead, we will continue to strengthen collaboration with banks and fintech firms to drive the industry's broader adoption of the IADS."

Mr Eric Or, the Chief Ecosystem Development Officer of the HKSTP, said,"The IADS Developer Hackathon reflects the strong collaborative spirit within Hong Kong's innovation community. By connecting fintech talent with real industry needs, the Hackathon has helped accelerate new ideas that can enhance banking efficiency and user experience through secure data sharing. The HKSTP is proud to provide a sandbox testing platform and technical support for this competition, and we look forward to seeing these solutions contribute to Hong Kong's fintech development."

Details of the winning teams are set out at theannex. For more information about the IADS initiative, please visit theHKMA website.

HKMA and HKSTP announce winners of the IADS Developer Hackathon empowering innovation through secure account data sharing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKMA and HKSTP announce winners of the IADS Developer Hackathon empowering innovation through secure account data sharing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKMA and HKSTP announce winners of the IADS Developer Hackathon empowering innovation through secure account data sharing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases