Hang Seng empowers Hong Kong’s next generation of business leaders

As AI reshapes industries, Hang Seng is equipping the next generation of its customers with the independent thinking, risk-assessment and problem-solving skills needed to turn ideas into practical solutions.

That philosophy underpinned the fourth Hang Seng New-Gen CEO Incubation Programme, which is designed for the children of customers of “Prestige Banking”, “Prestige Private Banking” or “Private Banking” and aims to nurture the next generation of Hang Seng customers into future leaders, while reinforcing the Bank’s leadership in serving clients and their families across generations through its strong business and customer network. Themed “AI Mastery, Dream Acceleration”, this year’s programme attracted more than 1,000 young people aged 11 to 18 from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, up nearly 30% year-on-year.

Beyond the classroom: Exploring innovation frontiers

Participants explored Financial Innovation, AI Foresight, AI Empowerment and Innovative Entrepreneurship. Learning extended beyond the classroom through a dialogue with 2025 Nobel Prize laureate Professor Omar M. Yaghi and visits to BytePlus, Google Hong Kong and Meta. A Shanghai expedition took students to AgiBot, Meituan, Tencent and Xiaohongshu to examine embodied AI, digital ecosystems and content creation.

After four weeks, participants submitted proposals. The Top 50 finalists attended the Graduation Ceremony at Hang Seng Bank Headquarters on 27 August, where 10 finalists pitched and five CEO Award winners were announced. The five awardees will receive the opportunity to join the “Hang Seng Workplace Wanderlust” and experience banking work first-hand.

Ms Luanne Lim, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, said competitiveness depended not on mastering numerous tools, but on independent thinking, sound judgement and responsible technology use. Dr Peter Wong, Chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, encouraged students to remain curious, refine ideas and combine an international outlook with an understanding of the country’s development.

AI in action: Building trust, talent and real-world impact

At the CEO Fireside Chat moderated by Luanne, Dr Peter Wong, Mrs Vivian Cheung, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, and Ms Cordelia Chung, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, shared a consistent view across banking, aviation and innovation: technology may accelerate progress, but trust, responsibility and human judgement must guide it. Dr Peter Wong advised young people to learn one AI model thoroughly rather than continually switching between different approaches.

Five proposals address everyday challenges

The proposals used AI to address real needs. Future CEO of the Year Fung Long Chun Ruskin proposed AI-guided nanorobots to detect biomarkers and deliver drugs. Returning for a second year, he said the award came as a surprise and valued learning beyond the classroom alongside peers from different backgrounds.

From company visits and cross-regional field trips and exchanges to crafting business proposals, the programme takes participants through a full journey of observation, judgement and real-world execution.

No. 1 Local Bank That Understands Hong Kong Family’s Needs

The Hang Seng New-Gen CEO Incubation Programme has been successfully held for four consecutive years, benefiting nearly 2,800 young people from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. More than 50 business leaders from diverse industries have served as mentors, speakers and judges, contributing to the development of future business leaders and helping young people realise their aspirations in the AI era.

As the “No. 1 Local Bank That Understands Hong Kong Family’s Needs”¹, Hang Seng recognises that customers and their families have diverse needs at different stages of life. The Bank has long been committed to providing thoughtful, comprehensive financial services and lifestyle support. Through the programme, Hang Seng extends its commitment to families into nurturing the next generation, helping parents equip their children with the vision, capabilities and leadership skills needed for the future. In doing so, the Bank supports customers and their families in planning ahead and achieving their long-term life goals together.

¹Source: An online survey conducted by international research and data analytics group YouGov between 30 July and 4 August 2026 among 1,002 Hong Kong residents aged 18 or above who hold a bank account. The analysis supporting these claims is based on 519 married respondents. The findings reflect respondents’ views during the survey period.