A New Chapter for Hawai‘i–Hong Kong Business Collaboration

Aloha HKBAH Members & Friends,


HKBAH is entering an exciting new chapter — one that expands our mission, strengthens our community, and prepares us for the future of Hawai‘i’s cross‑Pacific business landscape. As we move into the second half of 2026, I am excited to share important updates about our new initiatives, upcoming events, and the work ahead as we continue building Hawai‘i’s role in U.S.–Hong Kong–GBA collaboration.


🌺 Introducing HKBAH’s 11 New Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

A New Direction for Hawai‘i–Hong Kong–GBA Business Collaboration


We are proud to announce the launch of 11 new Special Interest Groups (SIGs) representing the key sectors that drive Hawai‘i’s economy and connect us to Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA).


These SIGs will become HKBAH’s core communities of practice — places where professionals, innovators, and entrepreneurs can gather, learn, and collaborate in meaningful ways.


🌺 Why SIGs? Why Now?


Hawai‘i’s business community is diverse, dynamic, and deeply connected to Asia. Until now, HKBAH has not had a structured way to serve each sector individually.


The SIG program changes that.


Goals of the SIG Initiative

  • Build stronger sector‑specific communities
  • Provide more value to members and the general public
  • Create year‑round programming
  • Support SMEs and professionals with practical knowledge
  • Strengthen Hawai‘i’s connection to Hong Kong and the GBA
  • Prepare for the HK‑GBA Cross‑Pacific Conference in May 2027


This is a long‑term initiative — a foundation for HKBAH’s next decade.


🌺 The 11 HKBAH SIGs


  1. Real Estate & Property Investment
  2. Professional Services
  3. Women in Business & Leadership
  4. SME & Entrepreneurship
  5. Technology & Innovation
  6. Food & Agriculture
  7. Export, Trade & Supply Chain
  8. Tourism, Hospitality & Retail
  9. Finance, Banking & Investment
  10. Creative Industries & Media
  11. Sustainability, Energy & Ocean Tech


Each SIG will host events per year, beginning January 2027.


🌺 Save the Date — SIG Expo & Networking Night

Late September or October 2026

(Final date announced next month)


Before the SIGs officially launch, we invite you to a special event:


⭐ HKBAH SIG Expo & Networking Night


A fun, interactive, walk‑around experience where you can:



  • Explore all 11 SIGs
  • Meet Honorary Chairs, Ambassadors, and community partners
  • Enjoy pupus and drinks
  • Help shape HKBAH’s future programming


This event will introduce the SIGs to the public and gather interest before the official launch in January 2027. Stay tuned for the official date!


🌺 Looking Ahead — HK‑GBACON 2027: Hawai‘i’s Signature Cross‑Pacific Conference


As we build the SIG program, we are also preparing for our major event next year:


⭐ HK‑GBA Cross‑Pacific Conference


May 19–21, 2027 | Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa


This three‑day forum will bring together leaders from Hawai‘i, Hong Kong, the Pacific and the Greater Bay Area for:


  • Business exchange
  • Innovation and technology discussions
  • Sector‑specific sessions shaped by our SIGs
  • Cross‑Pacific collaboration opportunities


More details will be shared in upcoming newsletters.


🤝 Engagement with HKETO, HKTDC, Regional & Local Partners


HKBAH continues to maintain strong relationships with regional partners, including HKETO, HKTDC, other HK and local government agencies and business organizations, we look forward to exploring opportunities for their participation in HK‑GBACON 2027 through:


  • Opening remarks
  • Economic outlook sessions
  • Government‑to‑business dialogues
  • Cultural and community engagement


Our goal is to create a platform where all partners feel welcomed, valued, and able to contribute meaningfully.


🌐 Collaboration with Other HKBA Associations


HKBAH welcomes:


  • Association updates
  • Joint programming ideas
  • Opportunities to highlight association businesses
  • Cross‑chapter participation in HK‑GBACON 2027


Our intention is to create a space where associations can connect, learn from one another, and build lasting partnerships.


🌺 What’s Next?


In the coming weeks, HKBAH will begin recruiting:


  • Honorary Chairs
  • SIG Ambassadors
  • Community partners


If you are interested in supporting a SIG, please reply to this email at: hkbahinfo@yahoo.com — we would love to hear from you.


Mahalo for being part of HKBAH’s next chapter. Our work continues to be guided by our commitment to Hawai‘i’s business community and our belief in the power of cross‑Pacific collaboration. We look forward to sharing more updates soon and welcoming you to Hawai‘i in 2027.


Warm regards,


Barinna Poon

President, Hong Kong Business Association of Hawai‘i
Contact Us
 
 
 

🌺 Introducing the 1-6 HKBAH SIGs
 
 

⭐ 1. Real Estate & Property Investment SIG

A sector group for real estate professionals, developers, architects, construction leaders, property managers, and investors focused on Asia‑Pacific real estate trends.


Focus Areas:

  • Asia‑Pacific buyer behavior
  • Cross‑border capital flows
  • Investment and development trends
  • ESG and sustainable building practices
  • Architecture, design, and construction insights
  • Market outlook and luxury sector developments


Engagement Opportunities:

This SIG will offer a mix of professional briefings,

networking opportunities, expert discussions, and industry‑focused programs

designed to support Hawai‘i’s real estate community and its connections to Hong

Kong and the GBA.
 
 

⭐ 2. Professional Services SIG

Connecting legal, accounting, consulting, HR, and advisory professionals across the Pacific.


Focus Areas:

  • Cross‑border business advisory
  • Regulatory and compliance updates
  • Tax, legal, and financial considerations
  • Professional best practices
  • Case studies and market insights


Engagement Opportunities:

Panels, knowledge‑sharing sessions, and professional networking designed to support advisors serving Asia‑Pacific clients.


 
 
Woman having video call on laptop

⭐ 3. Women in Business & Leadership SIG

A community for women entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals across Hawai‘i, Asia and the Pacific.


Focus Areas:

  • Leadership development
  • Women‑led entrepreneurship
  • Cross‑Pacific mentorship
  • Diversity and inclusion
  • Career advancement


Engagement Opportunities:

Leadership conversations, networking circles, and community‑building programs that uplift women across industries.
 
 

⭐ 4. SME & Entrepreneurship SIG

Supporting Hawai‘i’s small businesses and entrepreneurs expanding into Asia‑Pacific markets


Focus Areas:

  • SME growth strategies
  • Startup innovation
  • Export readiness
  • Funding and investment pathways
  • Cross‑border business opportunities



Engagement Opportunities:

Workshops, founder meetups, and practical business sessions tailored to Hawai‘i’s SME community.
 
 
 

⭐ 5. Technology & Innovation SIG

Connecting innovators, tech founders, researchers, and investors across the Pacific.


Focus Areas:

  • Emerging technologies
  • Startup collaboration
  • Cybersecurity
  • AI, fintech, and digital transformation
  • Innovation ecosystems in Hong Kong and the GBA
  • Investment and commercialization


Engagement Opportunities:

Tech talks, innovation showcases, and cross‑Pacific collaboration opportunities.
 
 

⭐ 6. Export, Trade & Supply Chain SIG

Supporting Hawai‘i businesses engaged in global trade and logistics.


Focus Areas:

  • Export readiness
  • Supply chain resilience
  • Trade policy and market access
  • Hong Kong as a logistics hub
  • Market entry strategies
  • Cross‑Pacific distribution channels


Engagement Opportunities: Trade briefings, logistics insights, and business‑to‑business networking.


 
 
 

🌺 Introducing the 7-11 HKBAH SIGs
 
 

⭐ 7. Finance, Banking & Investment SIG

Connecting financial professionals, investors, and institutions across the Pacific.

 

Focus Areas:

  • Capital Markets
  • Investment Trends
  • Wealth management
  • Cross‑border tax
  • Fintech and digital finance
  • Cross‑border financial flows


Engagement Opportunities: Market briefings, investment discussions, and professional networking.


 
 

🌺 8. Food & Agriculture SIG

Bringing together Hawai‘i’s food producers, chefs, distributors, and agriculture innovators.


Focus Areas:

  • Hawai‘i‑to‑Asia food pathways
  • Sustainable agriculture
  • Food innovation and product development
  • Export opportunities
  • Culinary and cultural exchange


Engagement Opportunities: Industry discussions, tastings, and collaborative programs supporting Hawai‘i’s food ecosystem.

.
 
 

⭐ 9. Tourism, Hospitality & Retail SIG

Shaping the future of Hawai‘i’s visitor industry and retail landscape.


Focus Areas:

  • Tourism trends in Asia
  • Retail and consumer behavior
  • Hospitality innovation
  • Destination marketing
  • Cross‑Pacific travel flows



Engagement Opportunities: Industry conversations, market updates, and collaborative hospitality programs.
 
 

⭐ 10. Creative Industries & Media SIG

Celebrating Hawai‘i’s creative talent and connecting it to Asia‑Pacific opportunities.


Focus Areas:

  • Film, media, & entertainment
  • Design & branding
  • Cultural exchange
  • Creative entrepreneurship
  • Digital content & storytelling


Engagement Opportunities: Creative showcases, industry talks, and cross‑Pacific collaboration opportunities.
 
 

⭐ 11. Sustainability, Energy & Ocean Tech SIG

Advancing Hawai‘i’s leadership in sustainability, clean energy, and ocean innovation.


Focus Areas:

  • Renewable energy & clean energy
  • Climate resilience
  • Ocean technology
  • Sustainable development
  • Environmental innovation


Engagement Opportunities: Expert discussions, innovation spotlights, and sustainability‑focused programming.


 
 


.
 
 

Hong Kong Business Association of Hawaii | P.O. Box 1839 | Honolulu, HI 96805-1839 US

Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

 
Constant Contact