INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY SYMPOSIUM 2026 9 Oct 2026 (Friday)
INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY SYMPOSIUM 2026 14:30 – 18:00 (Reception starts at 14:00)
INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY SYMPOSIUM 2026 Meeting room S221, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai
INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY SYMPOSIUM 2026 Language: Cantonese & English (SI: Cantonese-English / English-Mandarin)
Under the theme "Weaving 20 Years | Threading New Paths. Building to Last" the Symposium brings together leaders from the textile and apparel, technology, finance, and sustainability sectors to explore the next chapter of industry transformation. Through discussions on AI-driven innovation, green manufacturing, sustainable finance, and talent development, the programme will examine how Hong Kong's textile and apparel industry can accelerate green growth, strengthen global competitiveness, and unlock new opportunities in international markets.
Explore with Us

Scaling Innovation Beyond Borders: Learn how Hong Kong's textile and apparel industry can leverage innovation to unlock overseas opportunities.
The Future of AI: Discover how AI and digital technologies are reshaping sustainable manufacturing and global business models.
The Future of Green Finance: Gain insights into the financial trends and opportunities driving green industry development.
Building Industry Resilience: Explore the partnerships, talent, and capabilities needed to support long-term competitiveness.
INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY SYMPOSIUM 2026 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
 
14:30 - 14:35

Welcome Remarks

Ms Teresa Yang, JP
Chairman, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel
14:35 - 14:45

Opening Remarks

Ms Lillian Cheong, JP
Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
14:45 - 14:55

Opening Ceremony

14:55 - 15:05

Guest Address

Mr Paulo Pong, BBS, JP
Chairman of the Board, Ocean Park Corporation
15:05 - 15:10

Partnership Announcement

15:10 - 15:15

Introductory Remarks

Mr Jake Koh
Chief Executive Officer, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel
15:15 - 15:30

Keynote Speaker
Accelerating Sustainable Growth - The Role of Finance in Enabling Innovation, AI Adoption and Industrial Transformation

Mr Paul Yeung
Managing Director, Head of Enterprise Banking, Commercial Banking, HSBC
15:30 - 16:15

1st Panel Discussion
The New AI Frontier: Advancing the Green Fashion Revolution

Moderator
1.
Ms Angelica Leung
Deputy Head of Consumer & Hospitality, Invest Hong Kong
Panelists
2.
Prof Erin Cho
Dean of School of Fashion and Textiles, Limin Professor in Integrated Strategies and Leadership in Fashion, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
3.
Mr Kanth Kolluru
Global Head - IT, Epic Group
4.
Mr Roger Chan
Chief Operating Officer & Chief Technology Officer, Cobalt Fashion
16:15 - 16:35

Networking Break

16:35 - 16:55

Open Lab Challenge 2026 Award Presentation

16:55 - 17:30

2nd Panel Discussion
Breaking Waves: Shaping Next-Gen Minds for Global Sustainability

Moderator
1.
Mr Patrick Lam
Presenter & Artist, TVB
Panelists
2.
Prof Jeanne Tan
Professor of School of Fashion and Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
3.
Mr Ody Chu
Leader of Merchant Success Team, Alibaba.com Hong Kong Limited
4.
Ms Valerie Chiu
Founder of Teen Animals da Scientists
17:30 - 18:00

Networking Session

14:30 - 14:35

Welcome Remarks

Ms Teresa Yang, JP
Chairman, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel
14:35 - 14:45

Opening Remarks

Ms Lillian Cheong, JP
Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
14:45 - 14:55

Opening Ceremony

14:55 - 15:05

Guest Address

Mr Paulo Pong, BBS, JP
Chairman of the Board, Ocean Park Corporation
15:05 - 15:10

Partnership Announcement

15:10 - 15:15

Introductory Remarks

Mr Jake Koh
Chief Executive Officer, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel
15:15 - 15:30

Keynote Speaker
Accelerating Sustainable Growth - The Role of Finance in Enabling Innovation, AI Adoption and Industrial Transformation

Mr Paul Yeung
Managing Director, Head of Enterprise Banking, Commercial Banking, HSBC
15:30 - 16:15

1st Panel Discussion
The New AI Frontier: Advancing the Green Fashion Revolution

Moderator
1.
Ms Angelica Leung
Deputy Head of Consumer & Hospitality, Invest Hong Kong
Panelists
2.
Prof Erin Cho
Dean of School of Fashion and Textiles, Limin Professor in Integrated Strategies and Leadership in Fashion, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
3.
Mr Kanth Kolluru
Global Head - IT, Epic Group
4.
Mr Roger Chan
Chief Operating Officer & Chief Technology Officer, Cobalt Fashion
16:15 - 16:35

Networking Break

16:35 - 16:55

Open Lab Challenge 2026 Award Presentation

16:55 - 17:30

2nd Panel Discussion
Breaking Waves: Shaping Next-Gen Minds for Global Sustainability

Moderator
1.
Mr Patrick Lam
Presenter & Artist, TVB
Panelists
2.
Prof Jeanne Tan
Professor of School of Fashion and Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
3.
Mr Ody Chu
Leader of Merchant Success Team, Alibaba.com Hong Kong Limited
4.
Ms Valerie Chiu
Founder of Teen Animals da Scientists
17:30 - 18:00

Networking Session

*The Organiser reserves the right to change the programme without prior notice.
 
Organised by HKRITA and funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC), the Open Lab Challenge aims to inspire solutions for a more sustainable world by encouraging bold ideas that transform waste into valuable resources. Leveraging technologies such as AI, biotechnology, environmental chemistry and 3D printing, participants develop creative approaches to material transformation that contribute to a healthier planet. Join us as we celebrate this year's award-winning teams and discover their pioneering ideas for advancing sustainability and circularity.
 
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Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material/event (or by members of the project team) do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Innovation and Technology Commission or the Vetting Committee of the General Support Programme of the Innovation and Technology Fund.
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