Best Networking Groups in Modern Hong Kong

Moving to Hong Kong and starting your business there is an extremely exciting opportunity.

One of the best ways to take advantage of these opportunities is to attend industry-specific networking events. Hong Kong enables professional connections through networking events.

However, if you are new to the Hong Kong business environment it may be difficult for you to network and build long-lasting professional relationships within your business sector and industry. 

To overcome this challenge, it is important to understand how networking works in Hong Kong and understand the type of business networking events you should attend to build your brand and professional development.

This article outlines the main business networks and chambers you should join once you register your company and move to Hong Kong.

Why Is Networking So Important?

Before jumping into the business networks in Hong Kong, it is important to understand the importance of networking and why it is essential for your business, brand, and professional development. 

Firstly, networking with other professionals, both within and outside of your industry, allows you to exchange creative ideas and learn from one another.

By doing so, you also establish long-lasting relationships and build trust within your cohort.

Secondly, it creates an avenue for unique opportunities that can allow you to expand your business, reach more customers, and build brand loyalty.

Finally, it allows you to develop a pool of resources that you can access if you need advice or help.

Business Networking Groups

Networking groups are established to enable people to connect, meet new professionals, expand their network, benefit from new opportunities, and learn from one another.

Nowadays, professional networking groups operate both in-person and online.

It's better to search for online events as some platforms might allow you to "save this event" or "share this event" within their system. 

This allows you to revisit the networking event details easily later.

You can easily find professional networking events near you by visiting the websites of the networks mentioned below or signing up for websites such as Eventbrite, Facebook, and Meetup.

Global Social Networking 

Global Social Networking (GSN) was established in 2012 and aims to bring professionals from different backgrounds and cultures together.

GSN is a public group that can be joined here on Facebook.

It offers various networking activities and development opportunities at many exciting and exclusive venues in Hong Kong.

GSN also offers a service where they organize your company's corporate events and promote company products.

Business Network International 

Business Network International is one of Hong Kong's oldest and largest business network groups.

BNI has nearly 4,000 members in Hong Kong and Mainland China.

You can find out more about BNI and how it works by visiting a local chapter meeting.

You can find the chapter closest to you here. 

The benefits of joining BNI include an increase in business prospects through referrals, access to exclusive training programs that contribute towards your professional development, fifty-two networking opportunities per year, and access to exclusive member resources such as educational material on networking, public speaking, and business best practices.

After visiting your local chapter, you can apply for membership with the Membership Committee of your respective chapter.

The process involves an application and an interview.

Hong Kong Freelancers and SMEs Meetup

The Hong Kong Freelancers and SMEs Meetup networking group has nearly 3,900 members and aims to create a strong referral network for freelancers and SMEs in Hong Kong.

You can learn more about the group and join it here.

Past events include courses such as learning Photoshop for beginners, building a website with absolutely no coding skills, and digital strategy building for freelancers and SMEs.

Hong Kong Social Entrepreneurs Meetup 

The Hong Kong Social Entrepreneurs Meetup is organized by a group of professionals that aim to join forces and tackle the issues facing the planet and society as a whole.

You can request to jump into the group here.

If you are a social entrepreneur interested in innovation and change-making, this group could be your cup of tea!

By joining the group, you will have access to monthly events and daily interaction with the social entrepreneur community.

Hong Kong Startup Founder 101 Meetup

Hong Kong Startup Founder 101 is a group dedicated to bringing experienced tech entrepreneurs together to engage in conversation and collaborate to build and grow startups in Hong Kong.

The group hosts a number of free events throughout the year which include talks from experienced professionals on coming up with a strong startup idea, the legal basics of establishing a startup, and guidance on how to pitch your startup to investors.

Hong Kong Startup Founder 101 Meetup often hosts events like speed networking at co-working spaces like The Hive Hong Kong and The Great Room.

You can join the group here to benefit from these events and receive feedback on your ideas!

Hong Kong Business & Social Network

The Hong Kong Business & Social Network has nearly 6,000 members and is affiliated with the Global Business and Social Network.

The group aims to provide a positive and safe environment for professionals in Hong Kong to socialize and promote cross-cultural dialogue through both local and international activities and trips.

Activities include karaoke, bowling, badminton, dancing, and basketball.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in, you can join the group here.

The group is open to those who have recently moved to Hong Kong, those planning to travel there, and Hong Kong nationals currently living abroad.

The Entrepreneur Network

The Entrepreneurs Network provides opportunities for people to network with other professionals.

This network hosts monthly events for all its members to attend which include networking opportunities, speaker events, jointly organized events with other organizations, and themed workshops on topics such as funding, startup, and marketing tools and strategies.

Chambers of Commerce

A Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary partnership between businesses and professionals who work together to build a community, achieve their goals, and further their business interests.

There are many chambers in Hong Kong that are known for their networking opportunities and useful events.

Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce 

The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce organizes nearly 500 events for its members every year.

It is also one of the oldest and largest business organizations in Hong Kong.

The Chamber hosts training workshops, seminars, and policy meetings to improve the business environment in Hong Kong.

Its mission is to promote, represent and safeguard the interests of the business community in Hong Kong and to provide support, networks, and business services to foster growth amongst the business community.

Their key functions include:

• Advocacy
• New connections
• Events
• Business Services

You can learn more about how to join here.

Hong Kong-Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The Hong Kong-Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry was founded in 1969 by the Hong Kong-Japanese Club Economics Committee.

The aim of the chamber is to provide information and promote business networking.

American Chamber of Commerce

The American Chamber of Commerce is the biggest international chamber in Hong Kong.

The mission of the chamber is to increase business relations between the United States of America, Hong Kong, and Mainland China.

You can learn more about the benefits of joining the American Chamber of Commerce here.

British Chamber of Commerce

The British Chamber of Commerce is another well-known chamber in Hong Kong.

It is an extremely active organization that aims to help its members grow their businesses, promote their business interests, network, and gain brand exposure, information, and insight.

You can find more information on how to join here.

Back to You

By joining these networking groups and chambers of commerce, you can connect with like-minded professionals, learn from industry leaders, and gain valuable insights to help you establish and grow your business in Hong Kong.

Register your company in Hong Kong with Air Corporate today and get started on your business networking!

Focus on your business. We take care of the rest.