HKBMIA- HKUST DRAP Seminar
The HKBMIA–HKUST DRAP Seminar, held on 16 October 2025 at HKUST, brought together leading experts, academics, and industry professionals to explore Hong Kong’s emerging role in global biotech collaboration and regulatory modernization.
Under the theme “Catalyzing Biotech Innovation: Hong Kong's Role in Global Collaboration,” the seminar began with opening remarks by Professor. Yuk Lam Lo, President of HKBMIA, and Professor Sunny Tam, Program Co-Director of the HKUST MSc Program in Drug Regulatory Affairs and Policy (DRAP). Both speakers highlighted the importance of academic–industry partnerships and Hong Kong’s potential to become a leading hub for biotechnology innovation and regulatory excellence.
The keynote speech, titled “China Biotech Innovation to Emerging-Market Unmet Needs: Hong Kong as a Catalyst to Build a New Model of Global Collaboration,” was delivered by Dr. Zili Li, DIA Board Member and former Global Vice President and Head of Asia Pacific R&D at Johnson & Johnson. Dr. Li presented insights from the DIA China Task Force Report, highlighting the transformation of global drug development frameworks, the growing influence of emerging markets, and how Hong Kong can accelerate innovation through policy, science, and international cooperation.
The seminar also examined topics such as:
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The evolution of global and emerging-market drug development models.
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The phenomenon of “reversed drug lag”, where new drugs are first approved in emerging markets;
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Regulatory modernization in Hong Kong SAR, positioning the city as a regional center of regulatory science excellence; and
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The need for developing local talent to sustain long-term biotech and regulatory innovation.
A panel discussion followed, titled “Developing Local Talent for Regulatory Modernization and the Globalization of Hong Kong’s Biotech Industry,” featuring distinguished experts who shared perspectives on workforce development, academic-industry collaboration, and opportunities for young professionals in the regulatory and biotech sectors.
The event successfully fostered dialogue between academia, regulators, and industry leaders—reinforcing Hong Kong’s strategic role in driving biotech innovation and contributing to the next era of global healthcare advancement.