About 300 people will participate in the Forum on Hong Kong as an International Asset Management Centre: Challenges & Opportunities on December 9.

It aims to strengthen Hong Kong's competitiveness as an international asset management centre and the premier capital formation centre for the Mainland.

Co-organised by the Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau and the Advisory Committee on Human Resources Development in the Financial Services Sector, the forum will facilitate the exchange of views and ideas on how Hong Kong can strengthen its position on the financial services front, with particular emphasis on strategic development of human resources to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Permanent Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury (Financial Services) Kevin Ho said Hong Kong is one of the most prominent asset management centres in Asia.

"Over the years, we have established a solid foundation and developed a large pool of talent with rich expert knowledge, experience and international exposure," he said, stressing the Government will spare no effort in enhancing the development of financial services talent.

Top opportunity

Mr Ho added the forum will provide an excellent opportunity and platform for market participants, professional organisations and academia to share insights and experiences.

The forum, with a maximum capacity of 300, has been oversubscribed with overwhelming support from all sectors of the financial services industry and academia.

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Frederick Ma will launch the forum. Keynote speakers include Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation Chairman David Eldon and Executive Council member Laura Cha. Advisory Committee on Human Resources Development in the Financial Services Sector Chairman Roger Luk will give closing remarks.

There will be three plenary discussions in the morning and two breakout sessions in the afternoon with specific focus on human resources development and training.

More than 20 renowned speakers and prominent representatives of the industry and academia will share their insights on topics like the outlook for the asset management industry, access of Hong Kong-based financial services to other markets as well as initiatives to reinforce the city's status as an international financial and asset management centre from the human resources perspective.