Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) today (October 18) unveiled details of Hong Kong FinTech Week 2023 (HKFW). The eighth edition of HKFW, themed “Fintech Redefined.” will take place from October 30 to November 5. This flagship event lies at the core of global fintech innovations and aims to shape the future of fintech across various dimensions of financial services and beyond.
Gathering global leaders at the forefront of innovation, technology, and finance
Organised by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) and InvestHK, and co-organised by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and the Insurance Authority (IA), HKFW is set to attract more than 30 000 attendees and garner over 5 million online views from more than 90 economies.
Over 300 distinguished speakers and 540 exhibitors are expected to join the main physical conference taking place between November 2 and 3 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
This year’s conference will bring together global leaders and world-leading fintech innovations to explore the future development of fintech through six key themes – global regulations and focuses such as sustainable and green finance; funding and venture capital as well as family office investments; exploring the realms of artificial intelligence (AI), Web3 and emerging frontiers; unveiling the latest opportunities within the dynamic Greater Bay Area; Hong Kong’s innovation journey; and business showcases.
The Acting Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Joseph Chan, said, “Hong Kong’s fintech industry is entering a new era, where it is no longer solely about technology but also its real-life application. We are excited to witness this transformation and its impact on the financial ecosystem. The upcoming HKFW 2023, with its theme ‘Fintech Redefined.’, will serve as a remarkable platform to showcase pioneering advancements and opportunities in the industry, demonstrating how the real-life applications of fintech can improve financial inclusion, enhance customer experience and drive sustainable growth.”
New models, rules and value creation
Various captivating metaverse experiences will also feature at this year’s conference, presenting cutting-edge technologies under immersive and educational engagements. The experiences will also demonstrate the possibilities of the metaverse in connecting business and promoting Hong Kong culture through virtual games and augmented and virtual reality devices.
In addition, the cross-boundary Greater Bay Area Day will be resumed on October 31, presenting ample opportunities and synergies between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. A full day forum will be organised in Shenzhen, followed by a series of concurrent company tours to Mainland tech giants.
There will be dedicated spaces such as the Investor Lounge, Venture Stage, workshops and events specifically designed for investors. Additionally, InvestHK is excited to introduce the Women in Tech Lounge, a unique space with special workshops, panels, and networking events tailored to empower and connect women in the tech industry.
The Acting Director-General of Investment Promotion of InvestHK, Dr Jimmy Chiang, said, “Hong Kong FinTech Week is the ultimate gathering for anyone eager to explore the frontiers of finance and technology, and witness the deepening collaborations within our thriving ecosystem as well as exciting convergence across diverse industries. Continuously pushing the boundaries of excellence, we are thrilled to have HKFW as an anchor event of VIVA HONG KONG, a remarkable lineup of financial, tech, Web3 and cultural events from the end of October to November, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and startups from around the world to be part of the dynamic momentum reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as Asia’s World City, financial centre and fintech hub.”
InvestHK will also host the much anticipated grand finale of the Global Scaleup Competition. The event will feature 13 finalists carefully selected by a panel of 50 international judges, including investors who collectively manage over US$54 billion in assets. This event is part of the broader Global Fast Track 2023 programme, which aims to foster connections between fintech firms, corporate clients, investors, and industry partners. This year, the program received an overwhelming response, with over 500 applications from 63 economies worldwide, setting a new record.
List of esteemed speakers at the main conference:
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and regulators:
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee;
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan;
The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui;
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong;
The Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan;
The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue;
The Chief Executive Officer of the SFC, Ms Julia Leung;
The Chief Executive Officer of the IA, Mr Clement Cheung;
The Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Joseph Chan;
The Director-General of Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, Mr Philip Yung; and
The Acting Director-General of Investment Promotion of InvestHK, Dr Jimmy Chiang.
Mainland Government and regulators:
The Director of the Guangzhou Municipal Local Financial Supervision and Administration, Mr Qiu Yitong;
The Director of the Shenzhen Municipal Financial Regulatory Bureau, Mr He Jie;
The senior representative of the Shanghai Stock Exchange; and
The senior representative of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.
Industry leaders:
The Chief Executive Officer of Citi Hong Kong & Macau, Ms Aveline San;
The Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered PLC, Mr Bill Winters;
The Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Coinbase, Mr Brian Armstrong;
The Chairman of Longling Capital, Mr Cai Wensheng;
The Chief Executive Officer of Yuga Labs, Mr Daniel Alegre;
The Global Head of Christie’s Ventures, Mr Devang Thakkar;
The Chairman of Wanxiang Blockchain and HashKey Group, Dr Xiao Feng;
Corporate Vice President of Tencent, Head of Tencent Financial Technology, Mr Forest Lin;
The Chief Economist of Circle International Financial, Mr Gordon Liao;
The Chief Executive Officer of J P Morgan Hong Kong and Head of Strategy Asia Pacific, Ms Harshika Patel;
The Vice President and Chief Information Officer of WeBank, Mr Henry Ma;
The Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Crypto.com, Mr Kris Marszalek;
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sinovation Ventures and the President of Sinovation Ventures Artificial Intelligence Institute, Dr Lee Kai-fu;
The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of General Catalyst, Mr Hemant Taneja;
Partner of Qiming Venture Partners, Mr Kuantai Yeh;
The Chairman of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd, Mrs Laura Cha;
Founding Partner of Hillhouse Capital, Mr Luke Li;
The Managing Member of The Department of XYZ and the Board Director of Gemini, Mr Matthew Homer;
The Global Partner of Fosun, the Co-Chairman of the board and the Chief Executive Officer of Fosun Capital, Mr Mike Xu;
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ledger, Mr Pascal Gauthier;
The Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of The Sandbox, Mr Sebastien Borget;
The Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Animoca Brands, Mr Siu Yat;
The Chief Executive of Bank of China (Hong Kong), Mr Sun Yu;
The Global Head of Product of Wise, Mr Surendra Chaplot;
The Group Executive of the HSBC Group and Co-Chief Executive of HSBC Asia- Pacific, Mr Surendra Rosha;
The Co-founder of Chainlink, Mr Sergey Nazarov;
The Chief Executive Officer of Onyx by J P Morgan and the Global Head of Financial Institution Payments, Mr Umar Farooq; and
The Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Digital Asset, Mr Yuval Rooz.
HKFW will also include a series of fantastic events under VIVA HONG KONG featuring a diverse range of financial, tech, Web3 and cultural events throughout the city such as ApeFest Hong Kong, the Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit and the StartmeupHK Festival. More information of VIVA HONG KONG can be found at www.fintechweek.hk/viva-hk.
Selected keynote sessions will be live-streamed via the official HKFW app and YouTube channel, as well as several metaverses including in Mainland China.
Further information can be found at https://www.fintechweek.hk/, or follow via official social media accounts:
Hong Kong FinTech Week 2023, organised by the FSTB and InvestHK, and co-organised by the HKMA, the SFC and the IA, is Asia’s global financial technology event for scaling new heights. It is expected to host over 300 speakers, 540 sponsors and exhibitors, welcoming over 30,000 attendees and attracting over 5 million views from over 90 economies to the event. The week-long event will feature multitrack conferences with prominent speakers, exhibitions, a deal floor, workshops, networking and satellite events, demo sessions and metaverse experiences.
About InvestHK
InvestHK is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government responsible for attracting foreign direct investment. It has set up a dedicated fintech team in Hong Kong to attract the world’s top innovative fintech enterprises, start-up entrepreneurs, investors, and other stakeholders to set up and scale their business via Hong Kong into Mainland China, Asia, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.hongkong-fintech.hk.
First Swedish company to join WEMIX PLAY global blockchain gaming platform
New RPG games feature innovative blockchain-based elements VoYd Tokens, VoYd Heart and VoYd Soul
Fully inter-operable: VoYd Tokens and NFTs earned can be used across all current and future games built on MYSTiC GAMES’ Catalyst platform
Leading global game developer Wemade has signed an onboarding agreement with MYSTiC GAMES, the first Swedish game studio to onboard games to WEMIX PLAY, the world’s biggest blockchain gaming platform. With over 9 million cumulative users, WEMIX PLAY offering close to 40 web3 games including the hugely successful MIR4 and its sequel, MIR M: Vanguard and Vagabond, the largest P&E MMORPG in the world; collectible card game Summoners League; and farming simulation game Every Farm.
MYSTiC GAMES will onboard “Call of the VoYd” and “Heroes of the VoYd”, the first two games that will offer full cross compatibility in its growing ecosystem.
“Call of the VoYd” is a free-to-play, mobile-first cross-platform top-down ARPG Roguelite game with auto-aim precision. As players progress through the game, they collect various characters and items, each with its unique set of skills and abilities.
“Heroes of the VoYd” is an easy-to-play idle RPG that combines simple effective core gameplay with strategic decision-making. Players must fight against monsters to unearth new heroes and unique weapons.
They can trade, sell, or use these in-game items inside and outside the game to customize their characters. These items will also be transferable between players, and can be spent in-game as well as staked and sold.
VoYd Tokens, Voyd Heart, Voyd Soul
VoYd tokens and NFTs will be shared across future games with the tokens playing a crucial role in “Heroes of the VoYd”. Serving as an in-game currency, players can utilize tokens for various purposes, but the primary focus is on using tokens to level up their Heroes.
The games feature innovative blockchain elements like the prestigious VoYd Heart and VoYd Soul which offer a range of benefits including the ability to safeguard gameplay progress by saving levels, and unlock additional game content like heroes and chests. VoYd Souls will also include an increased role in the MYSTiC DAO that will manage the entire gaming ecosystem.
“We believe in a future where your time and skill in gaming can be just as valuable as your time spent working and with other hobbies,” said Matthew Buxton, CEO of MYSTiC GAMES. “We look forward to a bright future together.”
About WEMADE
A renowned industry leader in game development with over 20 years of experience, Korea-based WEMADE is leading a once-in-a-generation shift as the gaming industry pivots to blockchain technology. Its WEMIX PLAY global blockchain gaming platform (www.wemixplay.com) offers everything from card, puzzle, simulation and strategy games; to first-person shooters, battle royale, SNG, MOBA and MMORPG games. Besides standard GameFi services like exchange, staking, swap, pool and bridge, WEMIX PLAY also offers a marketplace to trade NFTs and a Drops feature for developers to launch new collections.
About MYSTiC GAMES
MYSTiC GAMES is a crew of industry veterans on a mission to create the next wave of heart stopping multiplayer mobile games. We’re player first, player friendly and soon to be player owned. For more information, please visit: https://mysticgames.dev/
Saitama, an esteemed pioneer in the Web 3.0 domain, has made an exciting announcement regarding its latest creation, SaitaChain. This revolutionary Layer 0 blockchain has the potential to reshape the decentralized finance (DeFi) landscape by offering exceptional transaction speeds and competitive fee structures. SaitaChain stands as a testament to Saitama’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of blockchain technology and fostering innovation.
SaitaChain is not simply an incremental improvement on existing technology; it represents a fundamental shift in blockchain architecture. By leveraging advanced sharding techniques, this Layer 0 blockchain addresses the pressing challenges faced by Layer 1 counterparts, such as congestion and exorbitant gas fees. The launch of the alpha testnet this month signifies a strategic leap forward, providing developers and users alike with a more efficient, secure, and user-friendly environment.
The SaitaChain Roadmap – A detailed glimpse into the future.
At the heart of the SaitaChain ecosystem lies the Saitama Token, a versatile cryptocurrency that plays a pivotal role in facilitating transactions and fueling gas fees. The integration of the Saitama Token within SaitaChain emphasizes Saitama‘s vision of a decentralized financial system that prioritizes efficiency and affordability.
In conjunction with the introduction of SaitaChain, Saitama has also revealed the operational launch of XBridge, an innovative blockchain bridge connecting the Ethereum (ERC) blockchain with the Binance Smart Chain (BSC). Released on October 23, 2023, XBridge is an impressive technological feat that unlocks unparalleled interoperability and flexibility in the realm of DeFi. Users can now seamlessly transfer assets between these blockchains, gaining enhanced market access and increased liquidity options.
Saitama‘s commitment to making DeFi accessible to everyone is evident in their suite of products. The Saitama Token, the SaitaPro app, and the SaitaCard are all part of a cohesive strategy to demystify and mainstream DeFi. The SaitaCard, in particular, stands out with its global ATM access, diverse payment options, and seamless integration with the SaitaPro app, all without the burden of monthly fees.
SaitaPro, a non-custodial wallet that supports multiple blockchains, offers a secure and intuitive platform for asset management. Its collaboration with ePayme enhances the user experience by simplifying the purchase of cryptocurrencies.
Saitama’s expansion into logistics with SaitaLogistics, in partnership with ePayme, exemplifies their innovative use of blockchain technology in practical, real-world applications. This peer-to-peer logistics system facilitates secure cryptocurrency transactions, streamlining the shipping process on a global scale.
SaitaChain serves as the cornerstone of Saitama’s expanding ecosystem, which includes SaitaSwap, an innovative multi-chain decentralized swap platform designed to cater to cryptocurrency investors with secure token trading capabilities.
In reality, SaitaChain is much more than just a blockchain; it serves as a strong foundation for constructing a more integrated, inclusive, and efficient blockchain ecosystem. Saitama‘s pioneering work in Layer 0 technology is helping to chart a path for the future of DeFi, setting the standard for future evolutions of the blockchain landscape.
As Saitama continues its leadership role in advancing blockchain technology, SaitaChain will play a crucial role in supporting a more secure, streamlined, and accessible financial system. Saitama’s vision of a decentralized financial future depends on their innovation and execution, and their continued dedication to progress will help create a more decentralized, efficient, and equitable financial world.
Wemade CEO Henry Chang (left) meets with Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers (right)
Wemade is the first and biggest Korean game developer to establish official talks for joint collaborations with Dubai Chambers
Talks mark next phase of Wemade’s efforts to support the growth of blockchain gaming ecosystems in Dubai and the UAE
Henry Chang, the CEO of leading South Korea-based gaming giant Wemade met with H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, to discuss a broader scope for future collaboration. Wemade is the first and biggest Korean game developer to establish talks with Dubai Chambers for broad plans to contribute to game development industry initiatives. The meeting between CEO Chang and Dubai Chambers’ President and CEO H.E. Lootah marks the next phase of Wemade’s efforts to support and grow blockchain gaming ecosystems in Dubai and the UAE.
As an advocate for the interests of Dubai’s business community, Dubai Chambers serves as a bridge connecting the local business community with Dubai’s dynamic government and is committed to ensuring a thriving environment in which businesses can flourish. The chamber seeks to facilitate and improve the ease of doing business in the emirate and advance Dubai’s position as a highly competitive global commercial centre.
“The UAE is among the most dynamic regions building the next generation of games and gaming industry talent with Dubai and key stakeholders including Dubai Chambers playing an important role,” said Henry Chang, CEO, Wemade. “Wemade will focus on working with Dubai Chambers to explore how we can contribute our expertise and technology to support key initiatives including the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033.”
H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, commented: “We are pleased to initiate this collaboration with Wemade, which will contribute to driving innovation in the UAE’s rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. Dubai’s growing influence in the global gaming and blockchain arenas reflects our dedication to fostering an ecosystem that is rich in technological expertise. We remain committed to further strengthening the emirate’s position as a leading global hub at the heart of the digital economy.”
Unveiled recently by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 set out major industry goals. These are: to position Dubai among the top 10 cities in the global gaming industry; generate 30,000 new jobs in the gaming sector; significantly boost the sector’s contribution to the growth of Dubai’s digital economy; and increase the GDP by approximately US$1 billion by 2033.
About WEMADE
A renowned industry leader and innovator in game development, Wemade is now leading a once-in-a-generation shift as the global games industry pivots to blockchain technology. Through subsidiary WEMIX, Wemade is building an experience-based, platform-driven, and service-oriented mega-ecosystem to offer a wide spectrum of intuitive, convenient, and easy-to-use Web3 services. This includes WEMIX PLAY, the world’s biggest blockchain gaming platform which can transform games of every genre into blockchain games. www.wemix.com/communication.
About Dubai Chambers
Dubai Chambers is a non-profit public entity that supports Dubai’s vision as a global player by empowering businesses, providing innovative value-added services and access to influential networks. In March 2021, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the restructuring of Dubai Chamber and the formation of three chambers for the emirate, namely, Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Dubai International Chamber, and Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, which now operate under Dubai Chambers. For more information, please visit: www.dubaichambers.com