#None #Hong Kong #Kai Tak Sports Park #Sports Salon #NBD Think Tank

International Salon of the Sports Industry: Global Connectivity and Industrial Interaction

On June 20, 2025, an international sports industry salon titled "Global Connectivity • Industrial Interaction" took place in Hong Kong. Hosted by the National Business Daily, the event was organized in collaboration with the NBD Think Tank Hong Kong Center and supported by the Chengdu Sports Federation, Hong Kong Commercial Daily, and COJOY. This significant gathering attracted over 50 representatives, including business leaders, experts, and innovators from the sports sector in Hong Kong and Chengdu. The purpose was to facilitate in-depth discussions on various topics such as how the sports industry can contribute to urban development and enhance collaboration between different regions.

Keynote Presentations

One of the highlights of the event was a presentation by Darren Burden, the Operations Director of the Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong. He elaborated on the design philosophy and operational model of the Kai Tak Sports Park, which is the largest sports infrastructure project in the region. Burden emphasized that the Kai Tak Sports Park is rapidly becoming the new hub for sports and entertainment in Hong Kong, serving as the main venue for the 15th National Games of the People's Republic of China.

In addition to this, Ismael Martinez Merchan, a lead collaborator and project architect from Populous, shared insights into how the design of the Kai Tak Sports Park integrates local cultural elements with an international perspective. These elements play a crucial role in creating a venue that not only serves the sporting community but also resonates with the cultural identity of Hong Kong.

Promotion of Chengdu's World Games

As Chengdu is set to host the World Games 2025 in August, a special section of the salon was dedicated to the promotion of the upcoming event. Geely Holding Group, an official partner of the games, presented their insights on how major sporting events foster the branding of cities. The company's Brand Strategy Director noted that the World Games offer not just a competition platform but also a window to showcase the culture and innovative capabilities of a city.

Additionally, representatives from the renowned AG E-sports Club (Chengdu) and Chengdu Happy Sports Development Group shared their business successes and growth trajectories over the years. This exchange of ideas highlighted the positive impact of sports on local economies and cultures, affirming the industry's importance.

Panel Discussions and Future Prospects

During the panel discussions, experts explored various topics, including how to further enhance a city's visibility and influence through international sporting events. There was a unanimous agreement that the sports industry has become a new engine for economic, cultural, and social development in urban areas. The successful organization of this sports salon marked a significant milestone in an international series of salons, with organizers stating their commitment to hosting more high-level dialogues in the future. This aims to foster exchanges between different industries in Chengdu and the global community, strengthening partnerships across sectors.

The event concluded with a strong call to action for continued collaboration between the sports industry and urban development initiatives, reinforcing the role of sports as a catalyst for positive change.