IP economy a pillar of HK, HKCEC management chief says, as the city welcomes Comic Con 26

The Intellectual Property (IP) economy is becoming a value-added pillar of Hong Kong’s economy, as evidenced by the Hong Kong Comic Con 2026 to be held in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in May, said Monica Lee-Muller, managing director of HKCEC (management).

The event to be staged in the SAR for the first time is different from the annual Ani-Com & Games Hong Kong hosted in the summer, Lee said at a media event on Tuesday.

Comic Con will focus on international pop culture, inviting Hollywood stars, including those from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Star Wars movies, as well as internationally renowned comic artists, she said.

The event is expected to attract large numbers of anime and comic fans from around the world, generating considerable economic benefits for Hong Kong, Lee noted.

The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair held in January showcased the city’s strength in developing the IP economy, she said, adding that the newly launched “Pop & Play” pavilion was a big draw at the fair, with local IP character B.Duck and Chinese fashion IP Tutu Mokey being highly popular among visitors. 

Together with the Comic Con, the center will host four new conferences and events this year, Lee said.

The management firm has continuously enhanced its service quality and facilities, with HK$1 billion invested in a major refurbishment of the venue, she said, adding that it also introduced muslim friendly facilities and services to cater to their needs, including prayer rooms and halal food.