July 2026 Newsletter

 

Welcome to the July edition of the Irish Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong newsletter. In this issue, we bring you some BIG news, the latest updates, insights, and more. You’ll find everything you need to stay informed and connected in Hong Kong from upcoming events and member highlights to industry trends and networking opportunities.

 

There’s even a special mooncake offer from The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel negotiated by Henry!

 

If you are an Irish company ready to expand into Hong Kong, China now is the time to act! Contact us to discover how we can help you unlock opportunities and accelerate your growth in the market. Email:   info@irishchamber.hk

 

We thought we’d kick off the July newsletter with some exciting news! The Asian Gaelic Games will be coming to Hong Kong on 21–22 November 2026, bringing what will be the world’s biggest hurling and camogie competitions at that time. It’s worth going along just for the bragging rights alone!

 

But seriously, this is your chance to see top-tier hurling and camogie up close, with the very best players in the region firing on all cylinders. Expect fast hands, fierce tackles, and moments you’ll be talking about long after the final whistle(s).

 

The event takes place at Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground (not to be confused with the (as I have) Tseung Kwan O Sports Centre). This is a drop-everything-and-go event, so mark your calendars / fridge notes / digital diaries and get ready to enjoy some truly thrilling matches.



Be part of the games! Sponsorship packages are now available with multiple bands and benefits. If you’re keen to get involved as an individual or corporate sponsor, contact Kenneth Cronin, Vice Chairperson, Asian County Board atvicechairperson.asia@gaa.ie to find out what’s on offer.

 

 

 

 

Welcome to Our Newest Board Member: Maria Bourke

 

Maria hails from Borrisokane, a small village in North Tipperary, and has called Hong Kong home for the past 16 years. In that time, she's become a familiar and active face across the city's international communities; a natural networker and self-confessed extrovert who's rarely far from a good conversation.

 

With over 30 years of international experience in brand strategy, design, and go-to-market, spanning both agency and client side, Maria joins the Board keen to support Irish organisations here in Hong Kong, to bring fresh ideas and energy to the table, and will play an integral role in putting together the Asia Pacific Irish Business Forum.

 

Please join us in giving Maria a very warm welcome to the Board.

 

 

A quick look at business news that you may have missed:

 

 

 

According to IDA Ireland, the country is home to more than 250 companies across the semiconductor value chain and ranks among the top three EU destinations for semiconductor foreign direct investment, with 15 of the world’s top 30 semiconductor companies maintaining operations there.

 

Which is why news this month about Intel investing a whopping €5 billion more into their Leixlip, Co Kildare plant reaffirms Ireland’s status as Europe’s leading hub for advanced semiconductor manufacturing and long‑term tech investment. Intel will be expanding output through an upgrading programme and installing new equipment plus employing hundreds more people.

 

 

[As a side note, in the first five months of this year, US$124 billion worth of chips were re‑exported from Hong Kong to mainland China, electronics now account for about 70% of all Hong Kong exports and roughly 80% of the chips it imports are ultimately destined for the mainland market. HK Standard and HKTDC Research.]

 

 

 

Ellen Ní Cléirigh, Senior Client Advisor in Enterprise Ireland, writes in the Irish Independent about last month’s fourth annual Food Innovation Summit in Croke Park, where over 300 food and drink companies, researchers and industry partners met to focus on innovation in a sector that exported €16.98 billion in 2025 and supports almost 70,000 jobs nationwide.

 

 

The message is that food and drink firms must focus on what they can control, such as investing in R&D, innovation and skills, supported by practical measures like the R&D tax credit, Enterprise Ireland funding and emerging technologies such as AI.

 

 

Bloomberg reported that Hong Kong is seeing its strongest economic growth since 2021, with Q1 expanding 5.9% and rising equity capital market activity lifting demand for long-term office rentals. Central Grade A rents jumped 7.3% in the first half, the biggest rise in 15 years, while vacancy fell to 8.8% from 10.9% by end-2025. Finance and insurance are driving the recovery, making up roughly half of new leases over the first six months.



High-demand skyscrapers are attracting heavy pre-leasing, with tenants competing for floors available later this year or in 2027, leading to waiting lists.

 

 

According to Irish folklore, leprechauns guard pots of gold at the end of a rainbow. Whether that’s true or not (it is – editor), what is true is that at Curraghinalt in Northern Ireland’s Sperrin Mountains, there is a real treasure trove, with gold deposits estimated at 3.5 million ounces. While over at the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin, visitors can also see one of Europe’s largest collections of prehistoric gold.

 

Why this sudden interest in gold? Because our very own Pádraig will be hosting an “Ask Me Anything” about gold on the last Thursday of September at The Refinery in Taikoo Place. This event is free although pre-registration is required. More details next month.

 

Call for Speakers - Asia Pacific Irish Business Forum 2026 – 19 and 20 November

 

 

With dates now set for The Asia Pacific Irish Business Forum 2026 in Hong Kong, the organisers are looking for speakers on topics including finance, education, tech/AI, aviation, tourism and pharma.

 

Think you fit the bill? Contact admin@irishchamber.hk for details. We will continue to bring updates about this event in upcoming newsletters and on our website.

 

In line with the Chamber’s mission to support its members and the wider community, we pitched and secured an RTHK Radio 3 interview for two first-time attendees of last month’s Young Professionals event. Anson Liu and Hanson Zhao, founders of the wellness brand VitaCore, were interviewed by Carolyn Wright on RTHK Radio 3’s afternoon business programme, The Close, and spoke about the company origin, marketing strategies, and the continued growth.

 

Caption: RTHK’s Carolyn Wright with VitaCore’s Anson and Hanson

 

Hosted by Enterprise Ireland and the Consulate General of Ireland and held at the Conrad Hong Kong, this annual networking gala dinner featured prominent Irish-Hong Kong business leaders, Irish university alumni and government officials. The guest of honour was Ms. Jennifer Bourke, the Consul General of Ireland to Hong Kong and Macao, who gave opening remarks celebrating the bilateral and cultural ties between the regions.



Pádraig, Henry Au and Philip Quinn represented the Chamber.

 

BBC’s Sporting Witness travels back to 1956 to all the All-Ireland Hurling Championship Final and puts the spotlight on Irish hurling legend, Christy Ring. Craig Boardman talks to Christy’s grandson Simon Kennefick, and former teammate Seán Kennefick, about Christy’s legacy. Well worth a listen; there’s a quick explanation about hurling too.

 

We went down a foxhole and discovered that Rena Buckley and Briege Corkery are widely considered two of camogie and Gaelic games’ most renowned and decorated figures. Both from Cork, they are joint all-time record holders, with an extraordinary 18 All-Ireland medals each. Buckley won seven senior camogie titles and 11 ladies’ football championships, while Corkery secured seven camogie and 11 ladies’ football titles.



Kathleen “Kay” Mills of Dublin is another legendary name from the sport’s history. Often dubbed the “Christy Ring of camogie”, she dominated from 1941 to 1961, winning an unmatched 15 senior All-Ireland medals. Angela Downey of Kilkenny is also regarded as one of the most skilful players ever to play camogie, collecting 12 All-Ireland medals across her career.

Thanks to Henry, The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel’s mid-Autumn Mooncake Gift Boxes are offered to Chamber members for up to 49% discount. But hurry! Offer ends on 31 July 2026. Call +852 2166 7406 or email fop.festive@fullertonhotels.com. This year, The Fullerton will be donating a portion of mooncake proceeds to support Mother’s Choice.

A massive thank you to our Chamber sponsors Airwallex, AMT, Atelier Bouclier, Boase Cohen & Collins, Crown Worldwide Group, Enterprise Ireland, the Government of Ireland’s Emigrant Support Programme, InvestHK, Kildare Village, LynxCap Investments, Precious Metals Asia, Sors, The Beat Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Corporate Services Group. Check out the Irish Chamber of Commerce HK website for member offers from our sponsors.

 

 

Being part of the Irish Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong comes with plenty of everyday perks, from discounted fares and extra baggage with Turkish Airlines to access to group medical cover through INLE Risk Management and insurance savings with Lifestyle Insurance.



Members also enjoy preferential wholesale pricing on first‑time gold and silver purchases with Precious Metals Asia, preferential FX rates with Airwallex on up to HK$100,000 fee‑free (terms apply), and a little e‑VIP pampering at Kildare Village.

If your membership is due for renewal or if you are thinking of joining, check out our website to sign up now.

 

The Irish Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong supports Irish businesses and professionals and provides a trusted platform for connection, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing. While deepening commercial and cultural ties between Ireland and Hong Kong, we also welcome the opportunity to help new and existing members to find new opportunities, forge meaningful partnerships, and navigate the dynamic landscape of business in Hong Kong. Contact us at info@irishchamber.hk or find us on LinkedIn.

The Irish Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong is proud to be supported by Airwallex, AMT, Atelier Bouclier, Boase Cohen & Collins, Crown Worldwide Group, Enterprise Ireland, the Government of Ireland’s Emigrant Support Programme, InvestHK, Kildare Village, LynxCap Investments, Precious Metals Asia, Sors, The Beat Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Corporate Services Group. Check out the Irish Chamber of Commerce HK website for member offers from our sponsors.

Our WhatsApp group provides members with an easy way to stay updated on the latest Chamber news, events, and updates.