UBC Okanagan is hosting a Hong Kong trade delegation that will explore the region’s growing technology sector, and the innovation and research taking place on campus.
Innovation, technology and economic impact will be on the agenda as a delegation of business people from Hong Kong visit Kelowna later this week.
The visit is organized by UBC Okanagan and will feature delegates from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto), Invest Hong Kong (Canada) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. This is the first time a delegation of this type is visiting the Okanagan, says Dr. Marie Tarrant, UBCO Provost and Vice-President, Academic pro tem.
While facilitated by UBCO, the visit will introduce the delegates to many economic drivers in this region, including Okanagan College, the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission, Accelerate Okanagan, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, KF Aerospace, Days Century Growers Inc. and Melius Microbiomics, a firm developed by UBCO faculty and former students.
This visit is an opportunity for long-term collaboration in research and innovation, business exchange, talent mobility as well as technology and investment partnerships between the Okanagan region and Hong Kong’s education, research and business sectors, explains Dr. Tarrant.
“This visit will help us explore the strategic foundations for a potential Okanagan–Hong Kong innovation corridor,” she adds. “We have more than two days of meetings and events planned. During this time, we will be able to assess how global shifts in technology, trade and supply chains can create openings for new cross-Pacific innovation ties, and how each region’s strengths align.”
Established in 1991, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) is the official representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s government in Canada, with a mandate to promote and strengthen the bilateral economic, trade and cultural relations between Hong Kong and Canada.
Invest Hong Kong (Canada) is the investment promotion agency of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It supports Canadian founders and companies, from multinational corporates to startups, to plan, set up their business in Hong Kong, and to expand their operations and international reach via Hong Kong.
While in Kelowna, the visitors will have the chance to explore areas for continued dialogue, including shared research themes and high-value industry-university connections. They will also explore how co-op programs, visiting researchers, short exchanges and project-based teams could strengthen collaboration.
There are two opportunities on Thursday for the public to learn about the visit and explore mutual areas of interest and collaboration.
The Okanagan–Hong Kong Innovation Corridor
What: Panel discussion
When: Thursday, March 26, from 12:30 to 2 pm
Where: UNC Ballroom, University Centre, UBC Okanagan
Join UBC Okanagan, the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission, and the Hong Kong delegation for a moderated discussion on how cross-Pacific partnerships can fuel regional and global innovation ecosystems. This is a free event with a light lunch provided.
To learn more and to register, visit: events.ok.ubc.ca/event/the-okanagan-hong-kong-innovation-corridor-a-dialogue-on-opportunity-and-collaboration
Commerce ConneX at UBC Okanagan
What: Business networking event in collaboration with the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce
When: Thursday, March 26, from 5 to 7 pm
Where: UNC Ballroom, University Centre, UBC Okanagan
Commerce ConneX attendees will be able to connect directly with senior leaders from Hong Kong’s trade, investment and business‑development organizations. They can also explore business‑matching ideas, partnership and expansion pathways, and discover how UBCO supports business innovation, applied research, and talent development.
To learn more and to register, visit: events.ok.ubc.ca/event/commerce-connex
At each event, parking will be free to registered guests.
