Sophia Chong Assumes Leadership at Hong Kong Trade Development Council Amid Global Economic Shifts

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) announced that Sophia Chong assumed the role of Executive Director on October 1, 2025. Chong emphasized Hong Kong's critical position in the global economy as both a "superconnector" and "super value-adder" during times of economic transformation. She stated that the HKTDC remains committed to standing alongside Hong Kong businesses, helping enterprises identify and capitalize on opportunities despite worldwide economic uncertainties.

Chong outlined the organization's strategic direction, noting that the HKTDC will expand both the depth and breadth of its services. This expansion will leverage Hong Kong's distinctive advantages to help businesses enhance their competitive positioning and explore emerging markets. Simultaneously, the council will work to attract additional enterprises to utilize Hong Kong as a platform for international growth, which is expected to generate new economic momentum for the city and strengthen its status as a global business center. The HKTDC maintains an extensive global presence with information available at https://www.hktdc.com/aboutus.

Concurrent with Chong's appointment, Jenny Koo assumed the position of Deputy Executive Director, taking responsibility for international exhibitions, related services, and digital business operations. Chong praised Koo's extensive experience serving both the HKTDC and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), noting her comprehensive perspective across multiple business domains. Chong expressed confidence that Koo's background and innovative approach would enable the organization to effectively support businesses facing contemporary challenges while identifying new opportunities.

Koo brings substantial institutional knowledge to her new role, having previously served as Assistant Executive Director with oversight of exhibitions and digital business initiatives focused on promoting Hong Kong's external trade. Her career demonstrates adaptability to changing market conditions, particularly during 2020 when she successfully transitioned physical exhibitions to virtual platforms as Director of Exhibition Market Development. The following year, as Director of Digital Business, Koo led the development and implementation of the HKTDC's digitalization strategies, including significant upgrades to the ourhktdc.com Sourcing platform designed to help SMEs adopt digital technologies.

The leadership transition occurs as global economic patterns continue to evolve, placing increased importance on Hong Kong's role in facilitating international trade and investment. The HKTDC, established in 1966 as a statutory body to promote, assist, and develop Hong Kong's trade, maintains over 50 offices worldwide, including 13 in Mainland China. The organization regularly organizes international exhibitions, conferences, and business missions to create opportunities for companies, with particular focus on SMEs operating in both mainland and international markets. Additional information about the organization's activities and market insights can be found through their research reports and digital news channels.

This leadership change represents continuity in the HKTDC's mission while signaling adaptation to new economic realities. The combination of Chong's strategic vision and Koo's digital expertise positions the organization to address both current business challenges and future market opportunities. For businesses relying on Hong Kong's trade infrastructure, these appointments suggest maintained support for international expansion and technological adoption, particularly crucial for SMEs navigating complex global supply chains and digital transformation requirements.