Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX), operator of Asia’s third-largest stock market, is taking its iconic gong on a tour of the city over the next two weeks to commemorate 25 years as a listed company.
The exchange operator will display the gong, used for listing ceremonies, on a truck alongside a first-generation trading booth at nine locations from Friday until July 3. The HKEX completes a quarter century as a listed entity on June 27.
The public can view the display at tourist spots like the Hong Kong Observation Wheel in Central, West Kowloon, and Wan Chai, as well as residential areas such as Quarry Bay, Sha Tin and Tseung Kwan O.
“The gong is used for every listing ceremony and all important events,” said Bonnie Chan Yiting, CEO of HKEX, at the launch of the gong’s tour at the Central Harbour Front on Thursday. “To me, the gong not only represents listed companies, the HKEX and the capital market, but also Hong Kong – an international financial centre.”
The city’s stock market, which traces its roots to 1891, has always had a listing ceremony, with executives raising a toast to mark a company’s debut. However, the first gong-striking ceremony was held on December 7, 2011, to mark the start of trading of gaming operator Melco Crown Entertainment.
