InvestHK to showcase Hong Kong as premier go-global launchpad for biotechnology companies at US BIO International Convention 2026
Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) willshowcase Hong Kong as the go-global launchpad for life sciences and health technology companies at the BIO International Convention 2026. Opening tomorrow (June 22, San Diego time) and running through June 25 at the San Diego Convention Center in the United States (US), the convention is recognised as one of the world's largest and most comprehensive events for the global biotechnology sector.
Driving the Government's cross-market collaboration at the flagship event, the Head of Innovation & Technology and Life & Health Sciences of InvestHK, Mr Andy Wong, and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) will lead a delegation of over 20 Hong Kong-based life science and health technology companies, five universities and 15 university spin-offs.
At the Hong Kong pavilion, InvestHK and the HKSTP will host a series of company showcases, pitching sessions and networking events connecting the delegation with global investors, partners and industry leaders. The programme highlights how Hong Kong serves as a gateway to Asia, and increasingly as a springboard for life sciences and health technology companies to expand from the region into international markets.
Among the participating companies are Chinese enterprises SPH Biotherapeutics (HK) Limited, Canton Biologics (Hong Kong) Limited, and Great Bay Bio Limited, each of which has chosen Hong Kong as a platform to connect with international capital, partners and markets, turning Mainland innovation into global opportunity.
InvestHK has been working closely with these companies to support their go-global strategies, from facilitating market entry and business set-up to connecting them with investors, research partners, and industry networks globally.
Mr Wong said, "Building on our participation last year, InvestHK is returning to deepen our engagement with the US biotech sector and strengthen connections between Hong Kong and key international players. Hong Kong provides life sciences and health technology companies with a strong foothold in Asia and a clear pathway to global growth. With top-tier research talent, world-class research and development infrastructure, robust intellectual property protection and deep connectivity with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), the city offers an environment where companies can raise capital, build partnerships and accelerate time-to-market for their innovations."
He added, "Hong Kong's appeal as a go-global base is reinforced by strong government support for the sector. This includes the '1+' mechanism for expedited drug approval, robust funding incentives such as the Research, Academic, and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme, the measure of using Hong Kong-registered drugs and medical devices used in Hong Kong public hospitals in the GBA, as well as the development of a vast innovation hub in the Northern Metropolis. The city has everything it takes for life sciences and health technology companies of all sizes to thrive and excel."
The BIO International Convention 2026 unites over 20 000 global industry leaders from more than 76 countries, representing the full spectrum of the biotechnology ecosystem, and offers one of the ideal stages for Hong Kong to make its case to the world.
Source: AI-found images
DH reminds public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses during very hot weather
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (June 21) reminded members of the public to take appropriate precautions against heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, during very hot weather.
In a high-temperature environment, excessive sweating and difficulty in heat dissipation can cause stress to the body. Members of the public should take the following precautions:
- Hydrate in a timely manner to prevent dehydration;
- Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting and breathable clothing to minimise heat absorption and facilitate perspiration and heat dissipation;
- Keep indoor areas well ventilated and maintain appropriate temperature and humidity, e.g. by opening windows or using a fan or air-conditioning;
- Avoid strenuous exercise and prolonged activities such as hiking or trekking;
- Arrange outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible, and bring enough water; and
- Avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcoholic beverages, which may speed up water loss through the urinary system.
In addition, infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, overweight people and outdoor/manual workers are more susceptible to heat stroke. These groups should pay special attention to the following:
- Infants and young children: Avoid going outside when the temperature is high. If they must go outside, adults should ensure they stay in places with moderate temperatures and good ventilation or air-conditioning. Infants and young children should never be left unattended in a confined space such as a vehicle;
- The elderly, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses and overweight people: Pay close attention to health conditions and seek help as soon as possible if experiencing any abnormalities in health indicators such as blood pressure, heart rate, etc or if there are fluctuations in health conditions. Avoid going out when the temperature is high. Make sure there is good ventilation, or turn on a fan or air-conditioner to keep an appropriate temperature indoors. High temperatures can also worsen the condition of people with chronic illnesses (such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases). Therefore, they should have an ample supply of their usual medication and keep in contact with family members, neighbours and the community. People should seek immediate help if they feel unwell.
- Outdoor/manual workers: Reschedule work to cooler hours as far as feasible. If working in a hot environment is unavoidable, provide shade where practicable and use ventilation and heat dissipation equipment. Once work has begun, gradually adjust the pace of work and take breaks in the shade to regain strength.
The DH reminded the public that heat stroke is one of the most common health risks in hot weather. Over the past five years, there have been over 200 hospital admissions due to heat stroke each year in Hong Kong, with two to five fatal cases occurring mainly during the summer months from May to September. Vulnerable groups are more susceptible to heat stroke. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion. In severe cases, patients may suffer from convulsions or become unconscious, which can be life-threatening if they are not cooled down and resuscitated in a timely manner.
Members of the public are also advised to pay attention to the latest weather, as well as the real-time and forecasted ultraviolet (UV) index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV index is high (6 or above), the public should note the following:
- Avoid direct sunlight exposure to the skin and the eyes;
- Apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen liberally, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 or higher, when participating in outdoor activities. Reapply every two hours if staying outdoors for long periods, or after swimming, sweating or towelling off;
- While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen before insect repellent;
- Seek shade;
- Wear UV-blocking sunglasses;
- Wear loose-fitting clothing with long-sleeves; and
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella.
If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
For more health information, the public may visit theCHP's heat strokepage andUV radiation page; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200),latestweather report and forecast,UV Indexand weather information forhiking and mountaineering; andpress releasesof the Labour Departmenton precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Heat Stress at Work Warning is in force.
Source: AI-found images
