Tech Hong Kong Advocates | Community Meetup 2026

Connecting Hong Kong, China and the Global Tech Community

EVENT INTRODUCTION

How can Hong Kong businesses build stronger connections with the global technology community—and turn those relationships into knowledge, partnerships and opportunities for growth?

The Tech Hong Kong Advocates Community Meetup 2026 takes place as part of Russ Shaw CBE’s 2026 China visit, bringing together entrepreneurs, business leaders, SMEs, investors, industry representatives and professionals interested in the connections between technology, business and international trade.

The wider visit includes the launch of the Tech Guangzhou Advocates group and the Greater Bay Area (GBA) Working Group. These initiatives aim to strengthen connections across the region and create more opportunities for exchange between local businesses and the international tech community. The Hong Kong meetup provides an opportunity to learn about these developments and explore how Hong Kong businesses can participate.

With a focus on the needs of Hong Kong’s business community, this event combines professional learning, industry discussion and business networking. It will explore Hong Kong’s role as a gateway between Mainland China and international markets, and how closer connections with technology communities can support innovation, market understanding and cross-border collaboration.

Participants will hear perspectives from Russ Shaw CBE, Founder of Global Tech Advocates, and John Zai, Lead of Tech China Advocates, while meeting peers with shared interests in business development, technology adoption and international cooperation.

You do not need to be an existing GTA or TCA member to attend. If you are new to the network, this is an opportunity to discover how the community works, meet the people involved and learn how to engage with its local groups and international activities.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

• Support professional learning through insights into technology ecosystems and international business connections.

• Connect Hong Kong SMEs, businesses, industry representatives and technology professionals to exchange knowledge and identify shared interests.

• Introduce the Tech Guangzhou Advocates group and GBA Working Group, and explore their relevance to Hong Kong’s business community.

• Encourage cross-border collaboration and help participants engage with international innovation communities.

• Welcome new participants and introduce GTA, TCA and CENTI GROUP.

ABOUT GLOBAL TECH ADVOCATES (GTA)

Global Tech Advocates is an international network of technology communities founded by Russ Shaw. It connects local and regional groups, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders and professionals who share an interest in supporting technology ecosystems. Through its communities, GTA encourages knowledge exchange, relationship-building and collaboration across borders.

ABOUT TECH CHINA ADVOCATES (TCA)

Tech China Advocates connects China’s technology entrepreneurs, companies, investors and universities with innovators and institutions around the world. Led by the CENTI Group team, TCA brings together local Advocates groups and specialist working groups to support industry exchange and international connections. Its network includes Hong Kong, alongside communities in Mainland China.

ABOUT CENTI GROUP

CENTI GROUP is the organisation behind Tech China Advocates. Through its work with TCA and the wider GTA community, CENTI connects businesses and innovation networks in China with international counterparts, supporting dialogue, introductions and cross-border collaboration.

ABOUT RUSS SHAW CBE

Russ Shaw CBE is the Founder of Tech London Advocates and Global Tech Advocates, and a founding partner of London Tech Week. Since launching Tech London Advocates in 2013 and Global Tech Advocates in 2016, he has helped build an international movement connecting entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders and people seeking a place in the technology community.

His work has given the technology sector an independent voice and brought attention to challenges that affect its ability to grow: access to investment, digital skills, diversity, infrastructure and international talent. Tech London Advocates’ achievements include campaigning successfully for London to appoint a Chief Digital Officer and for digital roles to be recognised on the UK’s Shortage Occupation List.

The grassroots approach is central to this work. Russ established Tech London Advocates to give the private-sector technology community a stronger voice, creating a model in which people contribute their time, knowledge and connections to help one another. GTA carries that approach across borders through independent, volunteer-led local groups. Its emphasis is on practical peer support: sharing experience, making introductions, welcoming newcomers and working together on the issues that matter to each community.

For founders and smaller businesses, this creates a way to participate in a wider technology network, learn from others and build relationships beyond their immediate market. The community’s give-first ethos encourages members to contribute as well as benefit—helping local ideas and experience become part of a global conversation.

Organised by Tech Hong Kong Advocates.

Join us to meet the community, exchange ideas and explore how Hong Kong businesses can build stronger connections across the Greater Bay Area and the global technology network.