AsiaWorld-Expo Business Case Competition 2026 Concludes Successfully

Empowering Future Talent Through a Real-World Mega Events Industry Challenge

HONG KONG, June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) successfully concluded the AsiaWorld-Expo Business Case Competition 2026 today. Under the theme "Can You Shape Hong Kong's Next Big Thing? Reimagining the Future of AsiaWorld-Expo", the competition challenged students to develop innovative ideas based on a real-world business case, encouraging them to explore topics including business strategy, venue development, event experience and industry trends while nurturing future talent for Hong Kong's mega events industry.

As Hong Kong continues to promote its mega event economy and demand for large-scale events and international exhibitions grows, talent development has become increasingly important. This year's competition attracted close to 100 students from different universities, with both registrations and submissions reaching record highs. Six finalist teams advanced to the Grand Final to present their innovative proposals to a panel of industry professionals.

AWE Phase II Opens New Possibilities Through a Real-World Learning Experience

This year's competition was built around the development of AsiaWorld-Expo Phase II, inviting participants to propose innovative ideas on venue development, event experience, cross-sector collaboration and market positioning. Through the real-world case study, students gained valuable insights into the role of major event venues in driving city development, tourism growth and event planning, while exploring emerging opportunities within Hong Kong's evolving mega events industry.

The championship team, comprising students from The University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, City University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Baptist University, impressed the judging panel with a proposal that leveraged AWE's strategic location next to Hong Kong International Airport. Their concept integrated exhibitions, entertainment, tourism and lifestyle experiences, demonstrating both creativity and practical potential while offering valuable ideas for the future development of AWE and Hong Kong's mega event economy.

"AWE Innovator Award" Nurtures Future Industry Talent

As part of AWE's commitment to talent development, the competition once again featured the "AWE Innovator Award", recognising participants who demonstrated exceptional creativity and leadership potential. Award recipients will have the opportunity to undertake internships at AWE and gain first-hand industry experience.

Through the competition, AWE aims to provide young people with exposure to real business challenges, encouraging them to combine academic knowledge with market insights while developing strategic thinking, innovation and teamwork skills. The initiative also strengthens collaboration between industry and academia, helping identify and nurture future talent for Hong Kong's events and exhibition sectors.

One of last year's AWE Innovator Award recipients, Connie Lee, is currently interning with AWE's Event Planning and Management team, supporting the planning and delivery of international exhibitions, conferences and large-scale events.

"Participating in the competition sparked my interest in the events industry and opened the door to an internship at AsiaWorld-Expo," said Connie. "Through hands-on involvement in different events, I have gained valuable insights into various aspects of event planning and operations, from venue setup and on-site management to food and beverage services and guest experience. It has been an incredibly rewarding learning journey."

Connecting Students with Industry Opportunities

Following the competition, AWE hosted a networking luncheon, bringing together students, finalists, judges and members of the management team to exchange views on career development and opportunities within Hong Kong's growing events industry.

Looking ahead, AsiaWorld-Expo will continue to serve as a platform for Future Leaders—Innovate, Collaborate, Impact—while nurturing industry talent, fostering innovation and strengthening partnerships with educational institutions, further reinforcing Hong Kong's position as the Events Capital of Asia.

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AsiaWorld-Expo Business Case Competition 2026 Concludes Successfully

HONG KONG, June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Geely Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group (Geely Farizon), China's top new energy commercial vehicle brand, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with WeRide, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, and Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings Limited, a leading public transport operator in Hong Kong at the 2026 International Automotive & Supply Chain Expo (Hong Kong)

This collaboration will see to the joint development of a mass-produced Robotaxi designed for right-hand-drive markets based on the existing factory-built GXR platform by leveraging their respective strengths in new energy vehicle manufacturing, autonomous driving innovation, and public transport operations. With this development, Hong Kong will be the first to deploy commercial right-hand-drive Robotaxi services, marking the Robotaxi industry's shift to true global adaptability, bringing transformative autonomous mobility solutions to right-hand-drive markets worldwide.

Kwoon Chung Smart Mobility, a subsidiary of Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings, previously deployed left-hand-drive Robotaxi GXR units in Hong Kong and secured a pilot autonomous driving licence, with on-road trials already underway on public roads across the city. Building on this foundation, the three-party alliance will further advance product development, road validation and operational trials tailored for right-hand-drive markets.

As there are currently no right-hand-drive Robotaxis available in the market, the new model pioneers the industry's first ground-up design dedicated to right-hand-drive operating standards. Going beyond a simple adaptation of a left-hand-drive Robotaxi GXR, it taps into the Robotaxi GXR's validated mass-production capabilities to undergo full original development spanning vehicle layout, autonomous driving software and HMI design, fully adapted to regional traffic rules, road conditions and operational requirements for right-hand-drive territories. Enhanced core performance in perception, judgment and chassis control ensures riders enjoy safe, smooth and instinctive autonomous mobility.

Hong Kong is among the first deployment markets for the new right-hand-drive Robotaxi, and is supported by its highly international transport environment and robust regulatory framework. Together, the three companies will accelerate product validation, testing, and initial commercial operations, developing a scalable and replicable model. This model will be rolled out across other key right-hand-drive markets globally including Singapore, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia, leveraging proven local experience to support broader global expansion.

This collaboration builds on Geely Farizon and WeRide 's strong partnership in mass-produced Robotaxis and commercial deployment. In October 2024, the both parties launched the Robotaxi GXR based on Geely Farizon's SV platform, which entered fully driverless commercial operations in Beijing within four months, followed by Guangzhou in August 2025. In March this year, Geely Farizon and WeRide signed an in-depth cooperation deal to unveil a newly upgraded mass-produced pre-installed Robotaxi GXR.

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Geely Farizon, WeRide and Kwoon Chung Launch Right-Hand-Drive Robotaxis at 2026 International Automotive & Supply Chain Expo (Hong Kong), Accelerating Global Expansion