Media OutReach
The 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit Concludes Successfully
This year marks the second consecutive time that Hong Kong has hosted the international conference. Approximately 1,000 participants attended, including ministerial-level officials from government departments, senior representatives of international organizations, diplomatic envoys to China, leaders from prominent internet enterprises, as well as experts and scholars from more than 50 countries and regions.
John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, stated that the successful hosting of the summit fully demonstrates Hong Kong’s unique advantages under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework. The HKSAR Government is accelerating the development of innovation and technology, with artificial intelligence as a key pillar. Hong Kong ranks among the world’s leading economies in AI readiness and is committed to harnessing the power of AI in a responsible and inclusive manner.
Zhuang Rongwen, Chairman of the World Internet Conference and Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China, noted that the summit aims to align with the accelerating trends of digitalization, networking, and intelligent transformation. It seeks to build consensus and pool strengths across sectors, leveraging new achievements and cooperation outcomes in the digital and intelligent fields to make greater contributions toward a brighter digital future for the Asia-Pacific region.
On the afternoon of April 13, the main forum of the 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit, along with the Distinguished Contributors Ceremony, was held in Hong Kong.
Wang Jingtao, Deputy Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China, and Francis Gurry, Vice Chairman of the World Internet Conference and former Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization, attended and delivered keynote speeches. Ren Xianliang, Secretary-General of the World Internet Conference, was also present.
Wang Jingtao pointed out that the global wave of intelligent transformation is surging, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence emerging collectively. He emphasized the need to build consensus and deepen cooperation to address the critical question of how digital technologies can better benefit humanity. He proposed four key measures:
- Uphold openness and cooperation to expand the digital economy;
- Promote inclusiveness and shared benefits to bridge digital and intelligence divides;
- Strengthen coordinated governance to build a fair and equitable cyberspace order;
- Reinforce security foundations to safeguard cyberspace safety.
Francis Gurry stated that digital and intelligent empowerment means enabling individuals, enterprises, institutions, and diverse cultural and economic actors to adapt to the digital and AI environment, seize social and economic opportunities, and share in development dividends. He emphasized that all stakeholders bear important responsibilities in this process. The Distinguished Contributors Ceremony was established to honor individuals and enterprises that have driven the development of digital and intelligent technologies, recognizing both their technological excellence and their deep concern for the societal impact of technological transformation.
Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, and Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, also attended and delivered speeches. Other distinguished participants included Wu Jianping, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Director of the Zhongguancun Laboratory; Nii Quaynor, Chairman of Ghana Dot Com and recipient of the 2024 Distinguished Contribution Award; and Kilnam Chon, Honorary Professor at KAIST and also a 2024 award recipient. Wu Dong, Chief Engineer of the Cyberspace Administration of China, also attended the event.
The event invited individuals, enterprises, and prominent figures who have made outstanding contributions to the development of the global internet. Through keynote speeches, roundtable discussions, and personal narratives, participants shared their practices and insights on building a community with a shared future in cyberspace. The program featured four thematic sections: “Tribute to the Connectors of the World,” “Tribute to Technological Innovators,” “Tribute to Digital Pioneers — Hong Kong Dialogue,” and “Tribute to Technology for Good.” Participants also explored future directions and opportunities for artificial intelligence.
During the event, the launch of the 2026 World Internet Conference Leading Science and Technology Awards and the global call for case studies on jointly building a community with a shared future in cyberspace were announced. The launch ceremony for the 2026 Distinguished Contribution Awards was also held.
On April 14, six sub-forums on different themes were held in Hong Kong. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on topics including intelligent agent innovation and applications, digital finance, AI safety governance, smart livelihoods, digital health, and the digitalization and dissemination of classical texts.
On the same day, ten think tanks participating in the World Internet Conference Think Tank Cooperation Program released a series of research outcomes at the Smart Livelihoods and Digital Finance Forum of the 2026 Asia-Pacific Summit.
The 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit was organized by the World Internet Conference, hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, and co-organized by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau of the HKSAR Government.
Hashtag: #WorldInternetConference
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CUHK’s Academic Excellence and Global Research Impact
CUHK’s academic rigour is further recognised in the 2026–27 Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report, where it ranks 28th globally and 5th in Asia, remaining Hong Kong’s top university for the fourth consecutive year. The University features 15 subjects in the global top 50, including five in the top 10, such as Education and Educational Research (#1), Gastroenterology and Hepatology (#2), Computer Science (#7), and Arts and Humanities and Artificial Intelligence (both ranked #9).
CUHK: Where Bold Ideas Become Impactful Research
CUHK provides an exceptional environment for impactful research, supported by approximately 300 research institutes and centres, alongside four state key laboratories approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China. Reflecting on the academic environment, Zhamilya Zhirenova, a PhD student in Biomedical Science from Kazakhstan, has deepened her expertise through her involvement with the Centre for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine (CNRM), an InnoHK research centre CUHK established with Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet.
Unlike traditional research pathways, where students are often confined to a single university laboratory, Zhamilya gained extensive experience at Hong Kong Science Park, a dynamic setting that closely resembles industry. “It feels more like an industrial company,” she reflected, “and that experience has been invaluable.” For researchers with ambitions beyond academia, such early exposure to the pace and expectations of the biotech industry provides a distinct advantage.
Nurturing the Next Generation of Scientific Innovators
Many of CUHK’s scholars are globally renowned experts who have made significant breakthroughs in their respective fields. These experts provide valuable mentorship, cultivating an intellectually stimulating environment for innovative research.
At the Centre for Novostics, an InnoHK research centre dedicated to advancing molecular diagnostics, Yasine Malki, a Chemical Pathology PhD student from Hong Kong, highlighted mentorship as a defining aspect of his experience at CUHK. Benefiting from the mentorship of Professor Dennis Lo, CUHK’s Vice-Chancellor and President, and a pioneer in molecular diagnostics, Yasine collaborates with specialists in molecular technologies, bioinformatics, and clinician-scientists, exemplifying CUHK’s dynamic, multidisciplinary approach to medical science.
Through the latest global rankings, CUHK continues to demonstrate the impact of its research and scholarship. The University offers robust financial support to attract top-tier global talent, such as the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) for the 2027–28 intake, which provides over HK$1.81 million (approximately US$232,420) in funding. Applications open on 1 September 2026.
Hashtag: #CUHK
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About CUHK
Founded in 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is a leading comprehensive research university with a global reputation and world-leading rankings. Located in the heart of Asia, CUHK has a vision and a mission to combine tradition with modernity, and to bring together China and the West. The University has eight faculties: Arts, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science, and Social Science. Together with the Graduate School, the University offers over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. All faculties are actively engaged in research in a wide range of disciplines, with an array of research institutes and research centres specialising in interdisciplinary research of the highest quality.
Media OutReach
HKDL’s Immersive Interactive Experiences Win Guests’ Hearts Lucky Nugget Spin at Grizzly Gulch Surpasses 30,000 Participations
Immersive experiences fuel collectible merchandise craze and extend magical memories
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 July 2026 – In tune with the growing popularity of experiential travel and guests’ desire for participation and immersive experiences throughout their journeys, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) has been integrating retail with storytelling at the park through an endless flow of innovative interactive experiences and distinctive merchandise offerings. Emotional connections with guests are strengthened as merchandise is transformed into meaningful souvenirs interwoven with their Disney memories.
Launched in April this year at Grizzly Gulch, the Chip ‘n’ Dale Lucky Nugget Spin has recorded more than 30,000 participations as of the end of June, becoming one of the park’s most popular activities. Combining storytelling, live interactions, and surprises, the experience has been warmly received by guests and has further enhanced the atmosphere throughout the land.
David Koo, director of merchandise at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, shared: ‘Today’s guests are looking for more than products; they want keepsakes that capture the stories and memories of their visit. Through interactive experiences, we hope to make merchandise a natural extension of the Disney park journey. Whether it is a plush toy, a pin or an accessory, the true value lies not only in the item itself, but in the magical moments and personal memories it represents.’
David Koo, director of merchandise at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, is pictured in the center
This story- and interaction-driven strategy has been incorporated into various guest experiences across the resort. For example, in an engaging experience at the Popcorn Pop-Up Shop on Main Street, U.S.A., guests can reach into a giant popcorn bucket-themed installation to catch a “popcorn” and reveal the hidden Pixar pals plushie together with Disney cast members on the spot. Meanwhile, the Snow White Grotto, located beside the Castle of Magical Dreams, has introduced a new “Lock of Dreams” experience, offering guests a sense of ceremony and a souvenir to cherish.
Disney’s Classic Pin Trading Tradition Extends the Magic Beyond the Visit
Disney’s iconic Pin Trading tradition has long been an important part of how guests explore the park and connect with others. Reopened in June, Main Street Collectibles now features dedicated pin display areas designed to celebrate and elevate this beloved tradition. Guests can discover unexpected treasures while searching for favorite designs as they trade pins with Disney cast members and fellow collectors. More than just an addition to a collection, each pin carries unique memories and extends the guest journey.
More Than 3.5 Million 20th Anniversary Merchandise Items Snapped up
New Pixar and Marvel Experiences on the Way
Merchandise sales grew continuously during Hong Kong Disneyland’s 20th anniversary celebrations, which attracted a large number of local, mainland, and international visitors and concluded with fanfare in June. Since late June last year, the resort has sold more than 3.5 million 20th Anniversary-themed merchandise. Among them, about 600,000 units of the SouvenEARS collection have been snapped up. Meanwhile, the blind-box series inspired by attractions and themed lands achieved sales of more than 500,000 units during fiscal year 2025, demonstrating the continued popularity of merchandise with strong storytelling elements and collectible appeal.
Looking ahead, HKDL will continue to enrich the guest experience across the resort. New Pixar-themed and Marvel-themed experiences will be introduced, further expanding both entertainment and retail offerings. Through ongoing innovation, HKDL remains committed to meeting guests’ demand for more immersive experiences, enhancing its appeal to local, mainland, and international visitors, and strengthening its position as a leading travel destination in the region.
Hashtag: #HongKongDisneylandResort
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The HR Asia Awards are among Asia’s most prestigious annual human resources awards, recognizing organizations that demonstrate excellence in workplace culture and sustainable people development. Winners are evaluated using the TEAM (Total Engagement Assessment Model), which measures employee engagement, organizational trust, and workplace experience, drawing on benchmarking data from more than 2.5 million employees across 20,000 organizations throughout the region.
According to the independent assessment conducted for the HR Asia Awards 2026, Green SM significantly outperformed market benchmarks in the “Best Companies to Work for in Asia” category, achieving outstanding scores across several key dimensions, including technology enablement in the workplace (4.8/5), workplace sustainability (4.71/5), and diversity, equity, and inclusion (4.72/5).
A defining element of Green SM’s workplace culture is its unwavering commitment to the principle that “Every Voice Counts.” This commitment is embedded through comprehensive employee engagement initiatives, including regular internal surveys, 360-degree performance evaluations, and multiple feedback channels that transform employee insights into tangible improvements in policies, workplace practices, and operational excellence.
At Green SM, talent development is viewed not merely as an HR function but as a strategic driver of service excellence. The Company continues to invest comprehensively in recruitment, professional training, operational standardization, workplace culture, and structured career development pathways for its Green Drivers. In parallel, Green SM delivers continuous capability-building programs for managers and employees, combining practical learning with digital learning platforms to strengthen leadership and management capabilities and organizational agility in an evolving business environment.
Alongside its investment in people, Green SM has been progressively building a unified organizational culture across its international markets. Rooted in values established in Vietnam while embracing the diversity of local cultures and communities, the Company fosters an environment that encourages collaboration, continuous learning, and empowerment. This enables teams across different countries to uphold consistent service standards while remaining responsive to the unique needs of local customers and communities.
Green SM also received the Technology Empowerment Awards in recognition of its continued digital transformation in human resource management. Through the digitalization of HR processes, the development of competency frameworks, the expansion of digital learning ecosystems, and the integration of data-driven people management, the Company has streamlined repetitive administrative tasks, enhanced decision-making efficiency, and enabled employees to devote greater focus to innovation, customer experience, and superior service delivery.
Mr. Nguyen Quoc Tuan, Global Chief Executive Officer of Green SM, said: “Our people have always been the cornerstone of Green SM’s sustainable growth. We believe that when individuals are empowered by technology and united by shared values, our teams across every market can deliver exceptional experiences for our customers. These two awards affirm the direction we have taken and further strengthen our commitment to building a truly multinational organization with its roots in Vietnam.”
In 2026, Green SM aims to expand its global workforce and partner network to approximately 400,000 people worldwide. As the Company continues to accelerate its international expansion, it will further invest in talent development and technology-driven people management to build a highly capable global workforce, maintain consistent service excellence across markets, and advance its vision of becoming the world’s leading green mobility platform.
Hashtag: #GreenSM
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