CE Addresses Global Youth Powerhouse Summit on Empowering Young Leaders for Hong Kong’s Future

Speech by CE at Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2026

Following is a video speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2026 today (October 5):

Dr Kevin Lau (Founding Convenor of the Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It is my pleasure to address you virtually at the Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2026.

I would like to begin by thanking the Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy, for bringing together young professionals from across the Greater Bay Area, Southeast Asia and beyond to connect, learn and lead.

The theme of this year's Summit, "Where Young Leaders Forge Hong Kong's Next Chapter", is a fitting description of our development. The younger generation is not only the beneficiary of our reforms; it is also the driving force behind them.

Hong Kong's young generation, Photo source: reference image

The world is fast-changing. Geopolitical tensions, rapid technological advances and economic uncertainties are reshaping the landscape for your generation. Hong Kong thrives on changes, and always emerges stronger from challenges. Under "one country, two systems", we are uniquely placed to bridge the Mainland and the world. Our role has always been that of a "super connector" and a "super value-adder", linking markets and people, and turning connections into opportunities and growth. As the country goes from strength to strength, Hong Kong's role matters more than ever.

For you, Hong Kong is where careers are built, talent is nurtured, and global horizons are within reach. To chart a clear path forward, we announced Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan and released the 2026 Policy Address last month, proactively aligning Hong Kong's growth with the country's development strategies. Both put young people at the centre, focusing on nurturing your growth and ambitions.

Key to our development as a city is the Northern Metropolis. This piece of land takes up one-third of Hong Kong's area, and will potentially be home to a third of our population. More than a new engine of growth, it will become a place to live, work, play, and shape your future. It will also become a major platform for Hong Kong in integrating into and serving the overall national development.

At its heart are three university towns in San Tin, Hung Shui Kiu and Ta Kwu Ling, each with its own focus, where education, technology, industry, talent and a suitable living environment converge. Each will integrate talent cultivation, scientific research, transformation of outcomes and industry development. Government, industry, academia, research and investment will work in close partnership.

We are also developing six dedicated industry parks across the Northern Metropolis, covering innovation and technology, advanced manufacturing, modern logistics and more. These parks will attract enterprises from around the world, bringing high-value jobs and real opportunities for young professionals.

Beyond the Northern Metropolis, we are opening doors around the world. We are launching a two-year, 30 000-place Youth Employment and Internship Programme with the business sector, providing jobs and internship places across various sectors. The new United Nations (UN) Youth Leaders Internship Programme will offer placements at UN agencies.

On the Mainland, we will expand internship and training schemes in finance, aerospace and cutting-edge research. These are concrete pathways open to young people today, to nurture our leaders of tomorrow.

For our young people, I firmly believe that your opportunities ahead outweigh the difficulties. The HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government will join hands with all sectors to build platforms for you to thrive in Hong Kong, in our country, and in the global arena.

I wish the Summit every success, and all of you the very best in your endeavours. Thank you.

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, Photo source; HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds at airport

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 4) detected a drug trafficking case involving an incoming passenger at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 6 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $1.2 million.

Customs officers yesterday found the batch of suspected cannabis buds at Hong Kong International Airport during an investigation. A 49-year-old mainland male passenger, who arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday, was suspected to be connected with the case and was arrested. Subsequently, Customs officers found two boxes of products containing a suspected Part I poison and one duty-not-paid cigarette inside his carry-on baggage.

An investigation is ongoing.

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, any person who possesses any poison included in Part 1 of the Poisons List other than in accordance with provisions commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO), cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account(crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 4) detected a drug trafficking case involving an incoming passenger at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 6 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $1.2 million. Photo shows the suspected cannabis buds seized in the case. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases