Chengdu, China – June 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – On June 20th, the ‘Global Connectivity • Industrial Interaction’ international sports industry forum took place in Hong Kong. Hosted by the National Business Daily, organized by the NBD Think Tank Hong Kong Center, and supported by the Chengdu Sports Federation, the Hong Kong Commercial Daily, and COJOY, the event attracted over 50 representatives, including business leaders, experts, and pioneers in the sports sector from Hong Kong and Chengdu. They convened to deeply discuss various themes, such as how the sports industry can support the development of cities and strengthen regional collaboration. Darren Burden, Operations Director of Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, presented the design philosophy and operational model of Kai Tak Sports Park – the largest sports infrastructure project in Hong Kong. He stated: "Kai Tak Sports Park is not only a key venue for the 15th National Games of the People’s Republic of China, but is rapidly becoming a new center for sports and entertainment in Hong Kong."

Darren Burden, Operations Director of Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, presented the design philosophy and operational model of Kai Tak Sports Park – the largest sports infrastructure project in Hong Kong. He stated: "Kai Tak Sports Park is not only a key venue for the 15th National Games of the People’s Republic of China, but is rapidly becoming a new center for sports and entertainment in Hong Kong."

Ismael Martinez Merchan, Lead Collaborator and Project Architect of the prestigious design firm Populous, shared the company’s leading experience in global design of sports arenas and specifically presented how the design of Kai Tak Sports Park integrates local cultural elements with an international perspective. Chengdu will host the World Games 2025 in August. Therefore, the event included a special section ‘Promoting the World Games in Chengdu’, within which the Geely Holding Group, as an official partner of the Games, could share its insights on the topic ‘How large-scale sporting events strengthen city branding’. The Head of Brand Strategy of the Group noted: "The World Games are not just a venue for competitors, but also a window for presenting the culture and innovative capabilities of the city."

Ismael Martinez Merchan, Lead Collaborator and Project Architect of the prestigious design firm Populous, shared the company’s leading experience in global design of sports arenas and specifically presented how the design of Kai Tak Sports Park integrates local cultural elements with an international perspective. The Head of Brand Strategy of the Group noted: "The World Games are not just a venue for competitors, but also a window for presenting the culture and innovative capabilities of the city."

In addition, representatives from the renowned AG E-sports Club (Chengdu) and Chengdu Happy Sports Development Group presented their business successes and development over the years. During the panel discussion, experts discussed various topics, such as ‘How to further strengthen the visibility and influence of the city through international sporting events’ and unanimously agreed that the sports industry has become a new engine for economic, cultural, and social development of cities. The successful organization of the sports forum concluded the international series of forums. The organizer expressed its commitment to hold further similar dialogues at a high level in the future, which would support exchanges between various industries in Chengdu and the global community. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2715634/image.jpg