Upholding the core mission of “serving the society and keeping pace with the times”, Yao regards establishing a regular member liaison mechanism as a top priority. He aims to explore paths for economic development by building consensus. Meanwhile, he will fully act as a communication bridge between the Chamber, the business sector and the government, actively promote Hong Kong’s unique advantages, help the business sector seize opportunities brought by national development, and facilitate the coordinated “going global” of Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises.
Promote policy implementation and proactively respond to changes
With years of rich experience in managing the transformation of his family business, Yao deeply recognizes that Hong Kong’s business sector must expand revenue streams, diversify risks by developing multiple markets and continuously strengthen its competitiveness.
Yao pointed out that several initiatives proposed in the 2025 Policy Address are precisely aligned with the urgent needs of the business sector. These include advancing the development of AI and data science industries, setting up a special task force for Mainland enterprises to go global, and enacting exclusive legislation for the Northern Metropolis development—all of which are key priorities that require accelerated progress. In this regard, he stated that he will, in his capacity as a Legislative Council Member, strengthen regular communication with the government to push for the speedy implementation of these measures.
Support traditional enterprises and encourage digital transformation
Promoting the upgrading and transformation of traditional industries is a core component of Yao’s election platform. He proposes to leverage advanced technologies to help traditional enterprises enhance productivity and output value. Currently, the government’s BUD Fund covers 40 economies, among which the “e-Commerce Easy” project specifically supports enterprises in developing e-commerce—proving highly valuable for the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries. He noted that in-depth discussions can be held based on the actual needs of the industry to ensure that support policies are more precise and effective.
Yao further added that beyond the much-discussed innovation and technology sector, blue ocean areas suitable for Hong Kong’s Chinese-funded business sector to participate in include the silver economy, life and health industry, and low-altitude economy. As population aging intensifies, demand for the silver economy continues to rise, leaving ample room for future expansion. In the life and health industry, Hong Kong boasts a mature “government-industry-university-research-investment” ecosystem. Relying on platforms such as the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone, it can accelerate the industrialization of research outcomes.
Link resources and support young people
Yao has long been deeply engaged in Shanghai-Hong Kong youth exchanges. As a father and a long-serving member of a university council, he has a profound understanding of the pain points in youth development. In the future, he hopes to link resources from the Chamber’s member enterprises to further expand internship and employment opportunities for Hong Kong young people in the Mainland, and build broader practical platforms.
In his view, supporting measures such as housing, medical care, cultural integration and leisure and entertainment are equally crucial for young people to develop in the Mainland—these are the core concerns affecting their decision to stay and build their careers there. To this end, he will use his status as a Legislative Council Member to actively reflect young people’s actual difficulties to the government and promote the improvement of relevant support policies.
Dedicate to the cause with passion
Shouldering multiple heavy responsibilities—including managing his family business, serving as Vice Chairman of the Chamber, and being a Legislative Council Member—Yao leads a busy schedule, yet he has his own way to balance work and life. He revealed that he has a running habit, and the recent opening of the eastern section of the East Point Coastal Boardwalk is expected to become an ideal place for him to exercise while sorting out his work ideas.
Standing at over six feet tall, Yao also hopes to “stand higher and see further”. He will continue to assist the Chamber in playing its role as a bridge and link, leading Hong Kong’s business sector to seize the opportunities of national development.
