Hong Kong recently hosted the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) 2025 Annual Meeting, marking its return to the city after a 13-year hiatus.
The four-day international convention in stem cell research and regenerative medicine at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre drew over 2,400 leading researchers and experts from 58 countries and regions.
Throughout the summit, delegates engaged in discussions spanning a wide array of topics within the field of regenerative medicine. Key areas of focus included cutting-edge advances in cell therapies, fundamental discoveries pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge, and deeper insights into understanding complex disease processes.
The successful bid to bring the prestigious ISSCR Annual Meeting to Hong Kong was a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). The HKTB worked in close partnership with dedicated Hong Kong Convention Ambassadors from three of the city’s prominent local universities: The University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
The Hong Kong Convention Ambassadors programme, a key strategy of the HKTB since its 2020 establishment, has grown to a record 180 members (a 30 per cent increase from last term). These ambassadors, drawn from political, business, and academic sectors, as well as eight local universities, chambers of commerce, and various professional bodies, leverage their networks and influence to attract and facilitate major conventions.
So far, HKTB has facilitated 76 international conventions to be held in Hong Kong between 2025 and 2027, with an estimated attendance of over 180,000 delegate arrivals. Among these conventions, 27 events are contributed to the Convention Ambassadors’ efforts, such as the ISSCR 2025 Annual Meeting. Some of the events will also be held in Hong Kong for the first time, such as the IEEE Electron Devices Technology and Manufacturing Conference in March 2025, Routes World 2025 in September, and World Cancer Congress 2026.
