For two days in mid-October, the QEII Centre in Westminster became a crossroads for ambitious professionals and recruiters from Hong Kong and mainland China. The Hong Kong · Global Talent & Career Showcase @London, organised by Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE), drew more than 4,500 visitors and collected over 12,000 CVs on site. With more than 200 job openings across banking, fintech, engineering, and professional services, the event offered a rare face-to-face window into career opportunities in the Asian financial hub.
A direct line to recruiters
Unlike online job portals, the showcase let attendees speak directly with representatives from more than 50 leading companies. Workshops covered everything from global banking trends to AI and robotics, while forums brought government officials and business leaders together to discuss how international talent can build a life in Hong Kong. For many, the personal interaction was the biggest draw.
Leo Wickert, a British university student exploring auditing roles, had already visited Hong Kong twice and was keen to plan his next step. “Of course, you can read some information online, but when you come here, you actually get to talk to someone and learn more,” he said. “The workshops have given me a good understanding of industry trends and deeper insight into the sector.”
Employers found the event equally valuable. Ian Choy, Executive Director of Gammon Construction and President of the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management, said his company received more than 100 CVs on site. “The quality of the candidates is high and they are proactive, spanning undergraduates, postgraduates, PhDs and experienced professionals,” he noted. “We are considering several of them for AI or engineering roles, fields where the city needs to attract more talent.”
Hong Kong's global talent strategy
The showcase is part of Hong Kong's “Go Global Together” initiative, which pairs the city's connectivity and professional services with mainland China's industrial and innovation strengths. Felix Chan, Director of HKTE, said the event enabled global talent to learn about career development in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, and to match jobs directly with enterprises. “In line with Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan, HKTE will continue to promote Hong Kong around the world and adopt a targeted approach to attract talent with the skills required,” he added.
Hong Kong's appeal is underpinned by its rankings: it placed third in the 2026 Global Financial Centres Index and first in Asia-Pacific. A 2025 survey recorded 11,070 local companies with parent companies in the Chinese Mainland or overseas, up 11% on the previous year. For European professionals, the city offers a unique bridge between Western and Asian markets.
Adam Janmohamed, a British competition lawyer who moved from London to Hong Kong, shared his experience in a video shown at the event. “Hong Kong is a super connector across languages, time zones and markets,” he said. His career has advanced significantly, advising mainland clients while coordinating with colleagues across Europe.
The showcase also highlighted the broader appeal of London as a hub for international recruitment events. As the city prepares for its festive season, with Regent Street's Christmas lights drawing thousands, the UK capital remains a magnet for global talent and business. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's proactive outreach signals a competitive race for skilled workers, one that European professionals are increasingly willing to consider.
For those who missed the London event, HKTE plans to continue its roadshow across Europe and beyond. The message is clear: your next career move could be in Hong Kong, and the city is actively courting European expertise.
