Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (HKLSS), today announced the 2026 results of its fifth annual Life Sciences Talent Survey. Respondents continue to show strong interest in life sciences internships and career development, alongside a growing demand for greater job search support and one-stop platform services. On the same day, HKLSS co-organised the Life Sciences Entrepreneurship Conference: UK-HK Perspectives on Innovation and Collaboration with the British Consulate-General Hong Kong for the first time, fostering the sustainable development and exchange of life sciences entrepreneurs and emerging industry professionals in Hong Kong. The Survey was conducted from mid-November 2025 to early March 2026, receiving a record-high total of 425 responses. Respondents included undergraduate and postgraduate students, and graduates within five years of graduation in life sciences-related programmes, with local (53.0%) and non-local respondents (47.0%) each accounting for approximately half. Hong Kong Remains Top Internship Destination, Non-local Talents Show Stronger Industry Commitment  This year’s Survey examined respondents’ views on the attractiveness of life sciences internship opportunities across different cities. A majority regarded Hong Kong’s life sciences internship opportunities as either “very attractive” (54.1%) or “attractive” (33.7%). In terms of preferred internship city, 58.5% of local respondents and 49.5% of non-local respondents selected Hong Kong as their top choice, showing the city’s competitiveness in attracting and nurturing life sciences talent. Respondents were generally positive about life sciences career prospects in Hong Kong. Although the combined proportion of those who were “extremely optimistic” and “very optimistic” (60.7%) recorded a slight decline compared with the previous year (66.7%), it remained at a relatively high level. On a scale of 5, the overall commitment of all respondents to pursuing a career in the life sciences and/or biotechnology-related industry after graduation increased (4.25→4.28): non-local respondents demonstrated a stronger level of commitment (4.43→4.50), while local respondents also showed a modest uptick (4.05→4.09).  In response to the Survey findings and the industry's need for emerging talent and the bridging of academia, research and industry, HKLSS acknowledged the need to continuously advance the local life sciences industry ecosystem, and will remain committed to strengthening Greater Bay Area synergies and deepening collaboration with governments, life sciences organisations and universities/ higher educational institutions in the Greater Bay Area and beyond. For respondents with no internship experience, Biotech Talent, HKLSS’ life sciences and biotechnology dedicated job platform, was found to be particularly helpful (58.0%). Among all respondents who indicated a need for a job search platform, non-local respondents accounted for a larger proportion (56.9%). HKLSS will continue to strengthen partnerships with high-quality employers and will open the Biotech Talent job platform free of charge to fresh graduates, expanding their life sciences employment opportunities to attract more outstanding talent to establish their careers in Hong Kong. UK-HK Experts Explore Collaboration and Industry Trends, Rallying Emerging Talent to Grow the Ecosystem Survey results also show that 30% of respondents found HKLSS’s biotech talks and webinars helpful, tripling the proportion of the previous year. Prof Ken Wong, Executive Director of HKLSS, said: “This year, HKLSS is honoured to co-organise the Life Sciences Entrepreneurship Conference with the British Consulate-General Hong Kong. In response to the strong demand reflected in the Survey for members to engage with international experts, we invited senior undergraduates and postgraduates to exchange views with UK entrepreneurs on a range of life sciences topics, and explore collaboration opportunities in translational biomedicine between the two places.” Mr Chris Woodward, Director General, Trade and Investment, British Consulate-General Hong Kong, said in his opening remarks: “For Hong Kong stakeholders, UK companies bring proven science, strong IP, and solutions aligned with global healthcare priorities - from biotech and medtech to diagnostics and digital health. For UK companies, Hong Kong is not just a market, but a strategic partner in growth.”  The Conference invited UK life sciences entrepreneur speakers for in-depth discussions across three key areas, including AI-powered drug discovery, innovative diagnostics, and novel therapeutics, sharing the latest industry developments from both regions. The Conference also featured a Fireside Chat with UK & HK industry leaders on “From Innovation to Collaboration — Opportunities, Challenges and Pathways”, driving a sector focused dialogue on collaboration opportunities and challenges, and building a foundation for long-term cooperation between both in the life sciences industry.  The HKSAR Government's 2026/27 Budget proposed to advance the integrated development of life and health technology across upstream, midstream and downstream levels, with talent development, research transformation, and industrialisation identified as core pillars. HKLSS will continue to strengthen and refine talent development and career support for Hong Kong's life sciences sector, with a diversified range of initiatives to address the needs of talent at different stages, such as the new Entrepreneurship Series activities for members with work experience, building a stronger professional network in life sciences to foster sustained career growth and long-term development for emerging industry professionals.  

As an ecosystem enabler for the life sciences industry, the Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (HKLSS) has been organising its annual Mentorship Scheme since 2020 to nurture the next generation of talent and support the development of the life sciences ecosystem in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. This year’s Mentorship Scheme Kick-Off was successfully held on 5 March 2026, alongside a Spring Gathering, bringing together 200 mentors, current and past mentees, and industry experts to celebrate a new cohort of mentor mentee pairings. Prof Tony Mok, Chairman, Department of Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, CUHK delivered a keynote speech on the practical application of scientific breakthroughs, encouraging mentees to learn from seasoned industry leaders. He remarked, “Bringing scientific research to market is never easy. Every step – from building a team to securing funding – is crucial. Potential commercialization opportunity unlocks itself when novel technologies align with actual clinical indications. Mentees who make the most of what the Mentorship Scheme offers will find it a meaningful springboard for building a solid foundation for a successful career path.”  The Mentorship Scheme prepares aspiring life sciences students with essential workplace hard and soft skills through guidance from experienced industry experts. This cohort, with over 110 mentees, will gain diverse perspectives and practical experience from mentors across but not limited to business development, data analytics, healthcare, investment, and science communication. The Kick-Off also featured an Alumni Chat with Dr Carol Lee, a 2021-cohort mentee-turned-young-mentor since 2025, with mentees Lucky Tsoi (2023-25) and Brandon Julio Hadisaputro (2024-26), to share their growth and key takeaways throughout their mentorship journeys. The Young Mentors Scheme, a companion initiative to the Mentorship Scheme, invites alumni aged 35 or below to mentor undergraduate freshmen and college students. Drawing their relevant experience, young mentors can provide targeted and practical guidance on academics and career. Now in her role as an Assistant Lecturer at the School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, CUHK, Dr Carol Lee shared, “I benefited immensely from HKLSS’ supportive community as a former mentee and am now grateful for the opportunity to give back as a young mentor and inspire other to reach their goals.”  Mentee Lucky Tsoi described her experience as a mentee and intern at the HKLSS Summer Internship Program as a gateway to exploring the sector’s diverse career paths and deepening her understanding of translational research in application. As a non‑local student, Brandon added that the Mentorship Scheme helped him recognise the importance of building networks in turning ideas into reality. Inspired by this, he proactively connected with industry professionals during his following Summer Internship Program, humbly gaining valuable insights elevate the experience. In the 2026/27 Budget, the HKSAR Government outlined plans to integrate development of life and health technology at upstream, midstream and downstream levels, signalling a clear policy direction to drive the sector’s growth. Prof Ken Wong, Executive Director of HKLSS said: “We are encouraged to see the Government accelerating the life and health technology development with AI application. The need for talent of relevant calibre in the life sciences sector is steadily increasing. The Mentorship Scheme will connect these young professionals with the sector through guidance and cultivation, with the hope that our efforts will gradually help build momentum towards a thriving life sciences ecosystem in Hong Kong.”

Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (HKLSS) hosted the Hong Kong Life Sciences Scholarship Awards Presentation Ceremony 2025/26 at AIRSIDE last Saturday (27 September 2025) to recognize the academic excellence and aspirations of outstanding life sciences students in Hong Kong. Mr Vincent Cheung, Founder and Board Chair of HKLSS, presented the Scholarship Awards to six undergraduate students selected from a record high of over 120 nominations. Also attending the celebratory occasion was Mr Meng Zhou, Partner - Head of Private Investment Team of Nan Fung Trinity, who enlightened the awardees with his words of encouragement. Professor Ken Wong, Executive Director of HKLSS, congratulated the awardees in his welcome remarks, “As the leading youth organization devoted to building a dynamic life sciences ecosystem locally, we are not only delighted about the applicants’ competencies but also impressed by seizing the ample learning and career opportunities in our city, regardless of their nationality. With the HKSAR government’s blueprint to develop the life and health technology industry, including its latest proposal for the establishment of the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation as announced in the Policy Address last week, we are confident that the prospects for the field here are increasingly promising. This reinforces Hong Kong as an ideal place for the future pillars of life sciences to realize their ambitions.” International Awardees with Local Commitment Launched in 2022, the Hong Kong Life Sciences Scholarship Awards invite applications from students enrolled in life sciences or biomedical science programs at Hong Kong UGC-funded institutions. This year’s edition once again garnered an overwhelming response, attracting over 120 entries – the highest number ever – from which six candidates representing five universities (i.e., City University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and The University of Hong Kong) were chosen. In addition to a life sciences scholarship of HK$50,000, awardees also gain access to HKLSS Mentorship Scheme, along with priority enrollment in HKLSS Summer Internship Program. During the ceremony, three awardees represented the cohort to deliver their vote of thanks. Tai Wing Yin, a third-year Biomedical Sciences student at The University of Hong Kong, shared, “My journey into life sciences began with a curiosity about the human body and a desire to make a meaningful impact. That passion led me to Biomedical Sciences, a field where we can drive innovations to improve well-being, which has since evolved into an aspiration to contribute to the life sciences industry in Hong Kong. The scholarship allows me and my fellow awardees to move closer to our goals.” Rahman Syed Rayan, a year 3 Applied Biology with Biotechnology major at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, remarked, “Coming from the beautiful country of Bangladesh, I stand before you today as a proud recipient of the Scholarship Awards. Alongside this pride comes a tremendous weight of responsibility – to continue working hard and strive to revolutionize the field of life sciences research. By enriching my expertise through this award, I aim to contribute to both Hong Kong’s and the world’s biomedical research communities.” Santoso Rachelle Jacinda, shared the same enthusiasm for giving back locally. Now in her penultimate year of the Biological Sciences program at City University of Hong Kong, she said, “Being an international student from Indonesia, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to HKLSS for the support they have provided to all life sciences students in Hong Kong – support that extends beyond financial aids through this scholarship. Their mentorship and internship programs, as well as study tours, have given us a platform to connect with each other. I look forward to being part of this inspiring community and bringing my dedication to it.”

This summer, Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (HKLSS) and HK Wuxi Trade Association co-organized Wuxi-Shanghai Study Tour, bringing more than 50 tertiary students to visit leading pharmaceutical companies and R&D institutions in Wuxi and Shanghai. Alongside a series of cultural activities, the youth gained valuable insights into the latest developments in life sciences in China. Among the Study Tour participants were interns from HKLSS Life Sciences Summer Internship Program 2025. As the Program drew to a successful close in early August, a closing ceremony was held at AIRSIDE last Saturday (9 August 2025) to showcase the highlights of both the Study Tour and the Program and to celebrate the growth of the budding life scientists. In attendance were Mr Vincent Cheung, Founder and Board Chair of HKLSS; Professor Ken Wong, Executive Director of HKLSS; representatives from participating corporations; interns; Study Tour members; and distinguished guests. Professor Ken Wong remarked, “Hong Kong Life Sciences Society is delighted that the HKSAR government is dedicated to transforming our city into an international center for life and health technology. Nurturing local talent and attracting those from overseas to Hong Kong are the core objectives of our annual Summer Internship Program. Since last year, with the support of the HK Wuxi Trade Association, we have especially rolled out the Wuxi-Shanghai Study Tour prior to the Program. By doing so, our interns got to see firsthand the full picture of China’s advancements in life sciences before having a real taste of work in the sector, making the entire experience more comprehensive and impactful.”  Study Tour Provides Macroscopic View on China’s Developments Held from 24 to 28 June 2025, the Wuxi-Shanghai Study Tour took undergraduate and postgraduate students from biotechnology, healthcare, or business disciplines from local and overseas schools to visit renowned pharmaceutical companies and R&D institutions, such as AstraZeneca (China) and Roche Accelerator, as well as high-tech industrial development zone Wuxi (Mashan) National Life Science Park. The exposure gave the group a window on the innovative technology infrastructure and prospects of the two cities, which will help them explore their future career paths.   Aside from company visits, the five-day tour also featured cultural excursions at iconic attractions, including Huishan Ancient Town in Wuxi, and Jing’an District, the Bund, and Zhangyuan in Shanghai. The thoughtfully designed itinerary invited the young minds to comprehend the present through the lens of the neighborhoods’ past and culture. Additionally, HKLSS hosted welcoming dinners in both cities, creating opportunities for the youngsters to network and build connections with local practitioners and industry experts. Internship Offers Up-Close Encounters at Real-life Workplaces  Following the Study Tour, HKLSS officially kicked off its Life Sciences Summer Internship Program. Held annually since the establishment of HKLSS, the Program continued to attract an overwhelming response this year, receiving an unprecedented 700+ local and international applications competing for approximately 50 places. The 2025 cohort also saw a record number of interns selected from diverse backgrounds, with the majority coming from Hong Kong and mainland China, while a few were from other Asian and African countries. They were assigned to a record high of 30 participating corporations, including prestigious start-ups, venture capitals, NGOs, and healthcare and pharmaceutical companies in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Shanghai.  The opportunity to work side by side with seasoned researchers and biotechnologists during the six-week internship has proven to be an important reference point for career planning. The Program has therefore been well-received by aspiring students and highly recognized by local educational institutions and industry partners alike since its launch seven years ago. HKLSS remains committed to continually innovating new initiatives to uphold its mission of nurturing life sciences talent and stimulating the overall ecosystem in Hong Kong.   

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