HONG KONG has landed the world’s largest international stem cell research conventions for the first time, thanks to the strategic efforts of Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and its powerhouse team of Hong Kong Convention Ambassadors.
The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) 2025 Annual Meeting officially opened yesterday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, drawing more than 2,400 leading researchers and regenerative medicine experts from 58 countries and regions.
HKTB said the four-day event marked a historic return to Asia after more than a decade and further underlined Hong Kong as a destination for medical and science conferences .
So far, HKTB has facilitated 76 international conventions scheduled between 2025 and 2027, expected to attract over 180,000 MICE visitors, according to official figures. Of these, 27 events – including ISSCR 2025 – are directly attributed to the efforts of the Convention Ambassadors, a tourism board initiative to harness the expertise and connections of the city’s academic, science, technology, business and other experts to win conferences.
Other notable event wins include the IEEE Electron Devices Technology and Manufacturing Conference, Routes World 2025, and the World Cancer Congress 2026.
Valentina Greco, President of ISSCR, hailed the event’s location as a turning point for the global scientific community. “Hosting ISSCR 2025 in Hong Kong marks a defining moment for global stem cell science,” she said. “As a vibrant research hub at the crossroads of Asia and the world, Hong Kong offers an ideal setting to connect diverse scientific communities, spark new collaborations, and accelerate innovation.”
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“The ISSCR is deeply grateful to the city of Hong Kong and to our generous co-sponsors – the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology – for their support and commitment to bringing The Global Stem Cell Event to this beautiful city,” Grecco said.
Since its launch in 2020, the Hong Kong Convention Ambassadors programme has grown to include representatives from eight local universities, chambers of commerce, public bodies, and industry associations. HKTB said the 2025/26 cohort boasts a record-breaking 180 members – 30 per cent more than the previous term – with 72 new members expanding its reach across sectors like medical sciences, technology, and professional services.
HKTB chairman Peter Lam praised the role the convention ambassadors in attracting conferences. “Hong Kong is the first city chosen to host this annual event in Asia after a 13-year hiatus, underscoring the city’s status as the ‘World’s Meeting Place’. I am grateful for the active participation of the Hong Kong Convention Ambassadors from the three local universities, who leveraged their influence and network during the bidding for the host of the event to make the event come true.”
The ISSCR 2025 programme features an agenda of plenary sessions, award lectures, innovation showcases, and networking opportunities. HKTB provided comprehensive support to the organisers, from site visits and venue arrangements to sponsor engagement.
