– Front-loading supports current performance; expectations soften but remain positive
Standard Chartered and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) jointly released the latest Standard Chartered Greater Bay Area Business Sentiment Index (GBAI), which showed resilient current business performance after the so-called US ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs shock, supported by front-loading of orders and production. Meanwhile, businesses were cautious on the outlook as expectations softened but remained positive.
The “current performance” index for business activities eased marginally to 53.1 in Q2 from 53.5 in Q1. A breakdown of index components supports the front-loading narrative; “Production/sales” was the strongest performer among the eight main sub-indices, in terms of both absolute score (57.1, the highest in a year) and change (+4.2 pts). Other positive drivers include “Fixed asset investment” (+2.0pts), “Profits” (+1.1pts) and “Raw material inventory” (+0.1pts).
Meanwhile, the “expectations” index for business activity fell to 52.0 in Q2 from 54.3 in Q1. This is the weakest level since Q4-2022, but the fact that expectations stayed above the 50 neutral mark provides some relief. There is a broad-based deterioration across sub-components as seven of the eight expectations sub-indices fell, and the exception was “Capacity utilisation”. “Financing scale” (-5.1pts), “Finished goods/services price” (-4.8pts) and “Production/sales” (-2.6pts) saw the biggest declines in the quarter.
By sector, “Innovation and technology” outperformed (+6.3pts for “current performance” and +5.5pts for “expectations”), while “Manufacturing and trading” showed short-term resilience (-0.4pts and -2.1pts) as rush orders ahead of US tariff implementation have kept manufacturers busy. ‘Retail and wholesale’ disappointed (-1.0pts and -4.1pts), despite the perceived effectiveness of China’s consumer goods trade-in program.
Across GBA cities, there was setback for Hong Kong and Guangzhou. Hong Kong saw the biggest drops among GBA cities (-9.8pts for “current performance” and -10.5pts for “expectations”) in the quarter. This partly reflects its vulnerability to the external environment and domestic consumption struggles. Guangzhou fell 9.3pts for “current performance” and 6.3pts for “expectations”.
Kelvin Lau, Senior Economist, Greater China and North Asia, Standard Chartered, said: “The looming tariff uncertainty has driven the front-loading of orders and production in the second quarter, while also accelerating AI development. Looking ahead, the findings revealed a more cautious view of GBA businesses amid the uncertain business outlook in the second half, especially regarding the outcome of bilateral trade deals after the 90-day pauses. Additionally, Hong Kong’s economy saw steady expansion in the first quarter. Given the significant proportion of external economic activities relative to its GDP, international trade and tariff policies are crucial for Hong Kong.”
For thematic questions, only some 10% of respondents saw a material direct impact from US tariff hikes. Notably, tariff pauses and exemptions provided relief on the impact, this underscores the importance of maintaining the recent US-China trade truce and quickly finalising other bilateral trade deals in Q3.
In terms of the impact of doing business, 41% of the respondents said US tariff hikes would delay the implementation of their business plans. Other major impacts include “difficult to navigate high level of logistical/customs disruption/uncertainty” (35%) and “losing business to other markets with lower tariff impact” (30%). Meanwhile, 32% of the respondents would sell more into the domestic market as the most common way to address the US tariff shocks and associated uncertainties.
Irina Fan, Director of Research, HKTDC, said: “The findings showed that GBA companies are relatively resilient to US tariffs, although our survey was conducted shortly after the US ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs against its trade partners in April and did not capture all of the more recent developments since. Some 75-80% of the GBA companies see negative impacts by US tariffs, mostly due to delay in business plan implementation and logistics disruptions.”
“In response to this new era of US trade policy, GBA companies seek to increase domestic sales and expanding to key markets in the region, in particular ASEAN, reflecting the mainland and HKSAR Governments’ efforts in promoting closer economic ties with these countries and regions.”
About the GBAI The GBAI is the first forward-looking quarterly survey in the market that looks at the business sentiment and synergistic effects in cities and industries across the GBA. It is compiled based on a survey of more than 1,000 companies in the GBA covering the manufacturing and trading, retail and wholesale, financial services, professional services and innovation and technology sectors. The index enables investors and businesses to better understand the current business climate, gauge future performance prospects and formulate their market strategies for the GBA.
About Standard Chartered We are a leading international banking group, with a presence in 53 of the world’s most dynamic markets. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, here for good.
Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges.
The history of Standard Chartered in Hong Kong dates back to 1859. It is currently one of the Hong Kong SAR’s three note-issuing banks. Standard Chartered incorporated its Hong Kong business on 1 July 2004, and now operates as a licensed bank in Hong Kong under the name of Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Standard Chartered PLC.
About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit:www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
Alliance Delivers ‘Nanaho Yoshi’ to Transform Sustainability Data into Competitive Advantage
Valuufy, a pioneering value measurement startup, and Mainichi Future Creation Lab, the innovation hub of the Mainichi Shimbun Group, have announced a strategic partnership that turns sustainability reporting into actionable business intelligence. The collaboration combines Valuufy’s data-driven ValuuCompass™ platform with Mainichi’s trusted media platform to provide companies with new approaches to their business sustainability strategy.
The partnership builds on compelling market data: Japan hosts 56% of the world’s companies over 200 years old, organizations that have consistently outperformed competitors by managing stakeholder relationships strategically. These companies recognized that focusing only on financial indicators such as shareholder value creates vulnerabilities, while organizations that effectively manage relationships and risks across customers, employees, partners, shareholders, society, and nature achieve superior long-term performance and market resilience.
“Japan’s business longevity demonstrates that systematic stakeholder insights and management creates competitive advantages,” said Kyle Barnes, CEO of Valuufy. “Our partnership with Mainichi Future Creation Lab makes these practices measurable and actionable. ValuuCompass provides companies with the stakeholder intelligence and risk visibility needed to navigate today’s complex business environment.”
Stakeholder Intelligence Platform
ValuuCompass functions as both a transparency tool and management platform, enabling organizations to track and optimize their stakeholder ecosystem. The methodology builds on ‘sanpo yoshi’, the centuries-old principle practiced by Ohmi merchants ensuring business benefits the seller, buyer, and society. Valuufy has expanded this wisdom into ‘nanaho yoshi’ or ‘seven-way satisfaction’ for modern business complexity.
ValuuCompass reveals how stakeholder relationship health connects to business resilience. Organizations can identify specific risks such as employee turnover costs, customer defection patterns, supply chain vulnerabilities, and regulatory backlash before these issues impact operations. The platform also helps companies avoid reputation risks by identifying gaps between public sustainability communications and actual performance.
ValuuCompass has demonstrated market validation through implementations with a major Japanese financial institution and one of the “Magnificent Seven” technology leaders, providing stakeholder relationship intelligence, portfolio risk assessment, and competitive benchmarking capabilities across different markets and business cultures.
“ValuuCompass shows companies both the value they’re creating and the risks they need to manage across all stakeholder relationships,” Barnes stated. “This dual capability—value identification and risk early warning—gives organizations visibility into their business ecosystem that conventional frameworks miss.”
The ValuuCompass methodology synthesizes over 1,200 metrics from 45 global frameworks into actionable business intelligence. The partnership addresses growing corporate frustration with existing frameworks that cannot benchmark performance across competitors, industries, or regions while failing to connect stakeholder impacts to long-term business success.
“Japanese businesses have long understood that lasting success requires creating value for society alongside shareholders,” said Tamotsu Takatsuka, CEO of Mainichi Future Creation Lab. “This partnership translates that understanding into concrete metrics that today’s business leaders can implement while providing the stakeholder intelligence needed for effective risk management.”
Market Applications
The platform serves organizations facing various sustainability challenges: mature sustainability teams seeking to demonstrate measurable impact, investment firms requiring better portfolio guidance and risk assessment, and companies identifying value creation opportunities through stakeholder relationship optimization. For investors specifically, ValuuCompass provides stakeholder value assessment and risk intelligence that conventional due diligence processes cannot capture, quantifying how stakeholder relationship deterioration translates into financial impact.
The collaboration will begin with content examining case studies of Japanese companies that embody sustainable business models and feature dialogue with executives and thought leaders on the future of business sustainability and value creation. The partnership will also explore additional collaborative opportunities to advance sustainability standards and business practices in Japan and globally, while identifying opportunities for expanded strategic initiatives. Following Valuufy’s feature in Mainichi Weekly Economist in May, additional content will explore how Japan’s traditional business values connect with next-generation sustainability thinking.
Organizations wishing to learn how ValuuCompass can help them with their risk and value assessment or investment evaluations can contact learnmore@valuufy.com or visit www.valuufy.com.
About Valuufy Founded in Kyoto and built on a decade’s research at Doshisha University’s Value Research Center, Valuufy translates stakeholder relationship management into measurable business value. The company provides stakeholder assessment, competitive benchmarking, and strategic improvement roadmaps that help organizations create value while managing risks. ValuuCompass synthesizes over 1,200 sustainability metrics from 45 global frameworks into actionable insights across seven stakeholder groups, providing data on relationship health, value potential, risk exposure, and improvement pathways.
About Mainichi Future Creation Lab Established in 2017 as the innovation hub within the Mainichi Shimbun Group, one of Japan’s largest media groups encompassing newspapers, magazines, and digital publications with nationwide reach, Mainichi Future Creation Lab identifies and accelerates breakthrough solutions to pressing social challenges. The group’s publications include the Mainichi Shimbun daily newspaper and Weekly Economist magazine, among other media properties. The Lab invests in startups and operates acceleration programs while supporting government startup initiatives and municipal innovation projects.
Contact Information: Valuufy Inc news@valuufy.com
Media Inquiries: Mainichi Future Creation Lab mirailab@mainichi.co.jp
According to the GoDaddy 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Survey, nearly half of small businesses in now primarily operate online, using websites, marketplaces, or social media to sell. This shows a clear shift as entrepreneurs embrace digital channels to reach customers, grow sales, and stay competitive in today’s market.
Social Media: A Key Tool with Real Challenges
Social media plays a major role in how small businesses operate and grow. 80% of entrepreneurs say it’s important to their sales strategy, and half (50%) say it’s very important. It has also become the top place to learn about running a business: 59% turn to social media for insights, ahead of traditional educational resources like books and blogs (40%), and artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT (37%).
But while the value is clear, so are the challenges. When it comes to managing their social media presence, many entrepreneurs struggle with content. 37% say it’s hard to come up with engaging ideas for posts, and another 33% don’t have enough time to create and post regularly. Even when content is shared, converting engagement into sales remains difficult—51% say they have trouble converting followers into customers, and 54% can’t reach the right audience.
“At GoDaddy, we realize how much potential entrepreneurs have—and we also understand how hard it is to turn online effort into real growth,” said Selina Bieber, Vice President of International Markets at GoDaddy. “That’s why we’re focused on giving them smart, easy tools like Show in Bio that can help turn social engagement into actual sales, without adding more work.”
These hurdles show that while social media is essential, it’s not easy. Entrepreneurs need smarter tools and support to turn digital activity into real business growth.
The Rise of Digital-First Small Businesses
Running a business today means going beyond a physical store. While 31% of small businesses still work mainly from a physical location, the online world is catching up with 19% now run their business primarily through their own website. Another 28% operate mostly on social media.
Sales channels also reflect this shift. Though 36% sell in person, 18% use online stores or marketplaces, and another 31% sell directly through social media.
This mix of physical and digital approaches shows that small businesses are finding new ways to meet customers—whether in-store, online, or on social media. The ability to combine different methods indicates a significant evolution in business’ ability to adapt to customers’ needs and preferences.
The Need for Smarter Tools and AI Support
As entrepreneurs go digital, many know exactly what would help them sell on social. More than half (59%) say they need better ways to reach the right audience, almost half (48%) want simpler tools for creating and posting content, and over a third (39%) want insights into what is working and is not, highlighting a clear demand for practical, time-saving solutions.
The Opportunity Ahead
As more small businesses move online, the need for effective tools and support continues to grow. GoDaddy is committed to helping entrepreneurs succeed with easy-to-use solutions like Show in Bio, GoDaddy Studio, and GoDaddy Airo® all designed to simplify digital marketing and turn engagement into real results.
About GoDaddy
GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a website and logo, sell their products and services, and accept payments. GoDaddy Airo®, the company’s AI-powered experience, makes growing a small business faster and easier by helping them to get their idea online in minutes, drive traffic and boost sales. GoDaddy’s expert guides are available 24/7 to provide assistance. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com.
UOB Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the ASEAN Conference 2025 in Singapore, marking a significant milestone in regional collaboration between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and ASEAN. This strategic agreement positions UOB Hong Kong as the first Singapore-based bank to formalise a partnership with HKTDC, reaffirming a shared commitment to advancing sustainable economic development and deepening regional integration.
The MOU was announced by Adaline Zheng, CEO of UOB Hong Kong, and Vivienne Chee, Director of Singapore, HKTDC, witnessed by Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Singapore, Teo Siong Seng, Chairman of the Singapore Business Federation, Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, UOB, and Kwan Ho Leung, Regional Director – Designate, South East Asia and South Asia, HKTDC.
The agreement outlines a robust framework for cooperation, aimed at strengthening regional ties and promoting sustainable growth. Through strategic initiatives, the partnership will enhance connectivity, promote trade, and foster integrated development of markets across the GBA, including Hong Kong, and ASEAN.
The MOU also aims to create job opportunities and empower communities across both regions by supporting enterprise development and deepening regional collaboration. Companies can leverage UOB’s extensive regional network and financial expertise, alongside HKTDC’s strengths in trade promotion, to access new markets, resources and professional knowledge.
Vivienne Chee, Director of Singapore, HKTDC, said: “We are delighted to partner with UOB Hong Kong to strengthen GBA-ASEAN collaboration. This MOU reflects our shared vision to foster sustainable economic growth through deeper trade and investment ties. By leveraging our respective strengths, we will enable businesses to seize arising opportunities and navigate the evolving global landscape with confidence.”
Adaline Zheng, CEO of UOB Hong Kong, said, “This partnership with HKTDC underscores our strong commitment to driving regional growth and connectivity. By leveraging our extensive ASEAN network, professional financial expertise and well-established foreign direct investment (FDI) advisory capabilities alongside HKTDC’s strengths in trade promotion, we aim to unlock new opportunities for businesses and deliver innovative and sustainable solutions that fuel trade and development. Together, we empower businesses to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic economic landscape.”
The partnership focuses on initiatives that drive cross-border collaboration, facilitate trade flows and foster cultural and business exchange through joint programmes and knowledge-sharing platforms. By matching local value chains with incoming FDI, the partnership creates new avenues for local enterprises and promotes inclusive growth. Enhanced financial connectivity and investment support strengthen the region’s economic resilience, while capacity-building efforts equip businesses to sharpen their competitiveness and succeed in the regional landscape.
About UOB UOB is a leading bank in Asia. Operating through its head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, UOB has a global network of more than 470 branches and offices in 19 markets in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Since its incorporation in 1935, UOB has grown organically and through a series of strategic acquisitions. Today, UOB is rated among the world’s top banks: Aa1 by Moody’s Investors Service and AA- by both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings.
For nine decades, UOB has adopted a customer-centric approach to create long-term value by staying relevant through its enterprising spirit and doing right by its customers. UOB is focused on building the future of ASEAN – for the people and businesses within, and connecting with, ASEAN.
The Bank connects businesses to opportunities in the region with its unparalleled regional footprint and leverages data and insights to innovate and create personalised banking experiences and solutions catering to each customer’s unique needs and evolving preferences. UOB is also committed to helping businesses forge a sustainable future, by fostering social inclusiveness, creating positive environmental impact and pursuing economic progress. UOB believes in being a responsible financial services provider and is steadfast in its support of art, social development of children and education, doing right by its communities and stakeholders.
About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
Thailand has successfully concluded the 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (GFEAI 2025), held from 24–27 June at Centara Grand, Bangkok. With over 1,000 participants from more than 100 countries, the forum served as a key platform for global dialogue on responsible, inclusive, and human-centric AI development.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra opened the forum and presented the government’s vision of “AI for Every Human”, focused on using AI to enhance quality of life across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education, while addressing digital threats through literacy and protection. PM announced a landmark investment of USD 15.4 billion in AI, aiming to drive at least THB 4 billion in economic value by 2027.
A central highlight was the launch of the AI Governance Practice Center (AIGPC) the first in Asia-Pacific set to become a regional hub for AI ethics, with support toward UNESCO Category 2 Centre status.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society H.E. Mr. Prasert reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to AI that aligns with ethical principles and national priorities. The government targets 90,000 trained AI specialists, 50,000 developers, and outreach to over 10 million users, under the National AI Strategy.
Discussions also advanced the Global Network of AI Supervising Authorities (GNAIS), aiming to create global codes of conduct rooted in human rights and inclusivity. Thailand’s leadership in AI governance was further reinforced through bilateral engagements, including with Indonesia (AI ethics), Malaysia (smart cities and digital gaming), and India, focusing on expert exchange and project development.
Thailand also endorsed UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) as a tool to guide AI policy, regulation, workforce development, and open data practices across ASEAN. A key milestone was the tripartite MoU between ETDA, NECTEC, and DataDotOrg to develop 10,000 AI/data professionals and create a sustainable AI education ecosystem.
Youth engagement was prominent, with over 200 Thai students participating in the “AI for Children” session. Citing UNICEF data, Thailand launched initiatives such as the Digital Vaccine powered by DQ, YDCD, and Digitally Ready, aiming to build AI-ready schools in over 10 countries by 2026.
GFEAI 2025 marked a pivotal milestone in positioning Thailand as a strategic and ethical leader in AI—both in Southeast Asia and globally. The forum underscored Thailand’s readiness to take an active role in shaping international AI governance, while laying the groundwork for a responsible, inclusive, and sustainable digital future. For continued updates and highlights from GFEAI 2025, please visit ETDA Thailand’s official website.
Thailand has affirmed its commitment to ethical and inclusive artificial intelligence by hosting the 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI 2025, a Center to Support AI for Economy, Society, and Human Rights at Centara Grand at CentralWorld from June 24 to 27. The event brought together representatives from 104 countries. In her keynote speech, H.E. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated, “AI is no longer the future, it is the power shaping our present,” emphasizing that Thailand is ready to lead the region in ensuring AI serves the public good and leaves no one behind.
The Prime Minister outlined Thailand’s three key AI priorities: harnessing AI for positive impact in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and education; addressing threats such as disinformation and deepfakes; and putting people at the center of the AI transition. She stressed that AI must support workers, not replace them, and urged investment in reskilling to protect human dignity.
Thailand’s National AI Strategy, led by the National AI Committee, aims to drive social and economic transformation through AI by 2027, targeting at least 4 billion baht in value creation. A central focus is on empowering SMEs to apply AI tools that lower costs, boost productivity, and enhance global competitiveness.
During the Forum, the Prime Minister also held a bilateral meeting with Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation on AI ethics, with Thailand’s AI Governance Practice Center (AIGPC) designated as a key regional partner. AIGPC will support capacity building, certification programs, and knowledge-sharing across Asia-Pacific.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Mr. Prasert Chandraruangthong, reaffirmed Thailand’s alignment with UNESCO’s ethical AI framework. Thailand has adopted the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) to evaluate its AI readiness, which will inform future investments and policy development.
To engage the public, Thailand is also organizing Bangkok AI Week 2025 under the theme “AI Powered Nation: Unleashing the Digital Economy for All,” featuring exhibitions, workshops, and interactive events across the city.
The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques, represented by the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa, presided over the occasion of the replacing of the Kiswa on the first day of the month of Muharram (Hijri). This took place within an integrated operational system that reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s willingness and dedication to serving the Two Holy Mosques-continuing a legacy of over 100 years of care in producing the Kiswa for the Ancient House.
Holy Kaaba
The Ceremony of Changing the Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba
The occasion was conducted with meticulous organisation. As the previous Kiswa was carefully prepared for removal, the new Kiswa was raised and securely fastened to all sides of the Kaaba. Additionally, the door curtain embroidered with golden embellishments, lantern-shaped pieces, the belt, and samadiyah pieces were affixed-a scene embodying high craftsmanship and precision.
The King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa is the sole specialist entity responsible for the production of the Kiswa. The production stages are carried out within the complex through a precise production process that begins with the purification of water designated for dyeing, followed by automated weaving, printing, embroidery, and assembly. It concludes with quality assurance measures undertaken by 154 skilled Saudi specialists and technicians.
During the production of the Kiswa-which weighs up to 1,415 kilograms-high-quality raw materials are utilised, including 825 kilograms of black-dyed natural silk and 410 kilograms of cotton. The Kiswa is embroidered with 120 kilograms of gold thread and 60 kilograms of silver thread. Additionally, it features 54 gold-coated pieces, comprising the belt, Quranic verses, the door curtain, lantern-shaped pieces, and embellishments surrounding the Mizab and corners.
The Kiswa is adorned with 68 Quranic verses from 11 surahs, while the door curtain contains 763 words from the Quran. It is secured using 100 precisely positioned ropes, evenly distributed across all four sides of the Noble Kaaba.
The Kiswa stands over 14 metres tall and is made up of five main parts-four of which cover each side of the Kaaba, while the fifth forms the door curtain, embroidered with Quranic verses in gold and silver threads, crafted using precise techniques and profound expertise.
The occasion of replacing the Kiswa represents a continuation of the legacy established by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since the time of its founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud-may Allah have mercy upon him. It reaffirms the continuation of this blessed legacy under the direct care of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and his Deputy, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz-may Allah preserve them both. This initiative aligns with the national vision that emphasises excellence in the services provided to the visitors of the Sacred House of Allah.
The Investing News Network (INN), a global leader in independent news and investor education focused on publicly listed companies, is pleased to announce the appointment of John Phillips as Country Head, Australia. This strategic hire underscores INN’s ongoing commitment to supporting Australian-listed companies and connecting them with a growing base of active, informed investors.
Phillips brings more than two decades of media, financial publishing and investor engagement experience. His deep industry knowledge and trusted reputation in Australia’s capital markets will be instrumental as INN expands its reach and services across the region.
“Australia remains one of the world’s most dynamic markets for early-stage and resource-focused public companies. We’re committed to providing these issuers with the tools and exposure they need to reach global investors,” said Chris Hogg, Chief Revenue Officer of INN. “Bringing John on board represents a major step forward in that mission. His expertise and relationships across the sector will allow us to deliver even greater value to our clients and our audience.”
INN has operated in Australia since 2017 and continues to grow its audience of retail investors interested in commodities, technology, life sciences and more. The network produces original news, interviews and investor reports that help demystify complex sectors and improve access to credible company insights.
“This is a unique opportunity to help grow a trusted brand with a global footprint and bring greater visibility to the incredible innovation happening across the ASX,” said Phillips. “I’m excited to join INN and help strengthen its position as a key bridge between companies and investors.”
For more information on INN’s services or its expansion in Australia, please visit www.investingnews.com or contact:
The Investing News Network (INN) is a destination for trusted, independent news and education for investors exploring the public markets. With sector-specific coverage and direct access to company insights, INN helps investors make informed decisions – and helps public companies improve visibility and attract shareholder interest.
– July’s Spotlight Event in Hong Kong runs together with Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks
– Book Fair runs alongside the HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and HKTDC World of Snacks from 16 to 22 July at the HKCEC – With a single ticket, visitors can immerse themselves in the worlds of literature, sports and leisure activities and global snacks. To celebrate the Book Fair’s 35th edition, three special offers will be launched to welcome both Hong Kong citizens and tourists, encouraging attendees to visit the fairs with their companions – The theme of this year’s Book Fair is “Food Cultureï½¥Future Living”, featuring more than 620 cultural activities. The World of Art & Culture will feature an interactive exhibition, “Book a Table ï½¥ Food for Thought” – The FIBA 3×3 World Tour Hong Kong 2025 international event will take place at the Sports and Leisure Expo, while the World of Snacks will offer more than 1,300 tasty treats
The 35th HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held from 16 to 22 July (Wednesday to Tuesday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The popular annual event will run concurrently with the HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and the HKTDC World of Snacks, bringing together more than 770 exhibitors across the three fairs. With the theme of the year “Food Cultureï½¥Future Living”, the Book Fair will feature more than 620 cultural activities both onsite and offsite, including acclaimed writers’ seminars, book launches and multicultural activities, creating a literary feast and promoting a culture of reading.
Sophia Chong, HKTDCDeputy Executive Director, said: “The Hong Kong Book Fair Cultural Events Advisory Panel selecting ‘Food Cultureï½¥Future Living’ as the theme of the year is truly meaningful. Both food and reading serve as carriers of culture. Food literature works not only document local culinary traditions but also narrate stories through recipes, making them more intriguing. As a renowned food paradise where east meets west, Hong Kong offers a unique platform for promoting international cultural exchange through food literature. We hope the theme of the year will encourage people to explore diverse aspects of food culture through reading, savouring the cultural nuances and lifestyle attitudes behind the texts and delving into new food cultures shaped by future technologies. We invite everyone to relish the joy and flavour of reading.”
Ms Chong added that Hong Kong Book Fair, as a Hong Kong spotlight event and a feature of the Hong Kong Summer Viva in July, will present a wide array of engaging experiences for locals and tourists alike. To celebrate the 35th edition of the Book Fair, three special offers will be rolled out to allow citizens and tourists to fully immerse themselves in the three major cultural and leisure events of reading, sports and leisure, and snacks. First, visitors born in 1990, when the Book Fair was first held, can enjoy free entry by presenting valid identification. Second, a limited edition of 500 35th-edition special packages will be available, allowing five visitors to enter for the price of three tickets. Third, visitors who spend over HK$500 at the Book Fair will have the opportunity to receive a limited-edition commemorative tote bag and a special gift.
World of Art & Culture presents a cross-cultural feast The Book Fair continues to be supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to stage the World of Art & Culture and industry-focused activities such as the International Publishing Forum and the IP Roundtable.
To further promote Hong Kong as an east-meets-west centre for international cultural exchange, the World of Art & Culture echoes the theme of the year with an exhibition titled “Book a Table ï½¥ Food for Thought” that uses food as a bridge to connect cultures and offers visitors a chance to savour life and explore the world through the dining table. The exhibition is a collaboration between eight artists and the consulates general of various countries in Hong Kong. It features eight tables curated by eight artists, each exploring themes related to food and healthy living, surplus and future, table etiquette, lifestyle and culture, process, experience, music, art, and more. The consulates general will showcase related books and exhibits from around the world while an interactive artificial intelligence (AI) device onsite will recommend books to visitors. In addition, more than 30 events, including talks and workshops, will be held to provide a multifaceted exploration of food culture. Ray Lok, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Hong Kong agritech company Full Nature Farms, will share insights on the latest sustainable diets and future farming.
This year’s Book Fair features the Cultural and Creative Products Zone for the first time, offering interactive experiences related to Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage and showcasing a curated selection of cultural and creative products from Macao and the Palace Museum in Beijing. This year’s Mainland China Pavilion will spotlight Sichuan, the home of pandas, as the thematic province.
Under the theme “Sichuan and Hong Kong: Weaving Culture, Crafting Tomorrow”, the pavilion will showcase Sichuan’s lifestyle through iconic elements such as food, wine, tea, opera and embroidery, all rooted in the province’s rich heritage. There will be a display of award-winning Sichuan publications, foreign publishing achievements, and a variety of panda-themed books and cultural and creative products. There will also be a series of industry exchange activities such as the International Publishing Forum, the Hong Kong Publishing Biennial Awards and the Launch Ceremony of Publishing 3.0. The IP Roundtable will include a business matching session to help industry players explore business opportunities. (to be confirmed by branch office)
The 2025-26 Budget from the HKSAR Government mentioned plans to provide local technology companies with more physical displays for their products. In support of this initiative, the Book Fair will introduce the Hong Kong Tech Showcase area that will showcase innovative technology products in various areas including edtech, healthtech, sportstech, foodtech and more.
Eight Seminar Series explores the inspiration and wisdom of life The Book Fair will continue to feature the Eight Seminar Series, inviting authors from around the world to share and exchange ideas with readers on topics including Theme of the Year, Renowned Writers, English and International Reading, World of Knowledge, Children and Youth Reading, Personal Development and Spiritual Growth and Hong Kong Cultural and Historical and Lifestyle. The Theme of the YearSeminar Series will invite notable writers related to food literature, including Andrew Chui, the fifth-generation heir of Tai Ping Koon Restaurant; Benny Li, a food review author; Yim Ho, a renowned director and dietary therapy expert; and Sian “Leo” Proctor, the first American woman to become a commercial spaceship pilot. Together, they will explore food culture, lifestyle and future technology, offering the audience fresh insights on life through the world of cuisine.
The Renowned Writers Seminar Series, co-organised by the HKTDC along with Ming Pao and Yazhou Zhoukan, will feature a lineup of highly influential Chinese-language writers who will share and interact with readers onsite. The heavyweight speakers include Lung Ying-tai, making a return to the Hong Kong Book Fair; Xu Ze-chen, Mao Dun Literature Prize winner for his novel Northward; Xu Zi-dong, former Chair of the Department of Chinese at Lingnan University; business management expert Feng Tang; and Zhu Jia-ming, one of the “four gentlemen of China’s market reform” and an expert on AI.
The English and International Reading Seminar Series brings international authors to Hong Kong every year, highlighting the city’s position as an international metropolis. The star-studded authors in 2025 include Japanese author Rie Qudan, who won the Akutagawa Prize in 2024 for her AI-themed novel; Cheon Seon-ran, selected as the “Young Writer Who Will Become the Future of Korean Literature”; Kim Bo-young, one of Korea’s leading science fiction authors; Nguyen Hanh Phuong (aka Rosy Black), a 16-year-old Vietnamese writer of English fiction stories; and Osamu Okamura, a Czech architect focusing on human-centred urban design. Speakers at other seminars include Jack So, former Chairman of the HKTDC; Ronnie Chan, Honorary Chair of the Hang Lung Properties Limited; Yuen Kwok-yung, Chair Professor of the Department of Microbiology of the University of Hong Kong; and polar researcher Rebecca Lee. The Story Sharing by Celebrities session, meanwhile, will feature Vivian Kong, Olympic fencing gold medallist, Vicky Lau, the first female Michelin star chef in Hong Kong, and artists Carlos Chan and Grace Chan. For more details on the seminars and the lineup of speakers, please visit: https://shorturl.at/TRdAw )
Sports and Leisure Expo runs concurrently with the FIBA 3×3 World Tour The 15th National Games will be held this year with several events set to take place in Hong Kong. The Sports and Leisure Expo will feature an exhibition area where visitors can take photos with the mascots, Xiyangyang and Lerongrong, and learn more about the competitive events and mass participation events that are being hosted in Hong Kong. To tie in with the current basketball craze, the HKTDC is collaborating with M1 Group Limited to bring the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Hong Kong 2025 international event to the HKCEC, where it will be held indoors for the first time on 19 and 20 July during the Sports and Leisure Expo. Ticket holders for the Book Fair can access the carnival-style 3×3 Village from 16 to 22 July, where they can enjoy various sports booth games and visit sports product showcases.
The Hong Kong Sports Institute (Booth 5C-B02) will once again set up a cheering zone and an exhibition area showcasing some of the precious items belonging to elite athletes, with visitors able to show their support for the Hong Kong stars as they prepare for the National Games. The popular Hong Kong Playground Association (Booth 5C-D02 &5C-E02) will also participate in the expo again. In addition to its signature mobile rope nets, the Association will introduce a new multi-sports experience zone, offering various sports experiences over the course of the seven-day exhibition period. Sports experiences include pickleball, rope skipping and running will feature on 16 and 17 July; street workouts will feature on 18 and 19 July; HADO AR dodgeball will be showcased on 20 and 21 July; and drone soccer features on 22 July. Making its debut at the event, Gymetaverse Company Limited (Booth 5C-C02) will promote the sport-finance concept through the LIVE4WELL sports rewards platform, encouraging the public to exercise more.
A new Travel Zone will debut this year, featuring the ever-popular Japan Pavilion along with the newly added Taiwan Pavilion and Thailand Pavilion. The Consulate General of Japan in Hong Kong will team up with 17 Japanese prefectures including Kagoshima, Okinawa, Shizuoka and Iwate, to participate in the Japan Pavilion, with a special focus on the Tohoku region’s popular local snacks beloved by tourists (Booth 5B-E23). Moreover, this zone highlights the Hong Kong attractions include GO PARK Sports (Booth 5B-E02) and the Sai Yuen Camping Adventure Park in Cheung Chau (Booth 5C-A05), offering visitors information on water and land sports, adventure activities and camping.
Discover Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand treats at the World of Snacks This year’s World of Snacks will bring together more than 1,300 different treats featuring a variety of classic flavours, healthy options and handcrafted snacks from around the world. They include the stone-ground black sesame snacks that were selected for the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand 2025 (Heartwarming: Booth 5B-A21) as well as handcrafted sodas in special flavours such as ginger lemon honey and salted plum lemon honey (City Carbonation: Booth 5B-A10).
Cultural July brings the community together to promote the love of reading In addition to the Book Fair, the HKTDC is once again organising Cultural July in collaboration with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the HKSAR Government, publishers, and various educational, cultural and arts institutions. From 24 June to 31 July Cultural July will feature nearly 400 cultural activities including a food and culture tour, author sharing sessions, parent-child reading workshops, storytelling theatre, art exhibitions and handicraft workshops, all designed to promote a city-wide love of reading across each of Hong Kong’s 18 districts.
The Hong Kong Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks will continue to offer a single ticket for entry to all three events. This year, the adult ticket price remains at HK$30, while special discounts such as Morning Admission Tickets, Special re-entry, and Tourist Tickets will continue to be available. More details can be found below.
Disclaimer: Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.
Media enquiries Hong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks Yuan Tung Financial Relations: Agnes Yiu Tel: (852) 3428 5690 Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk Salina Cheng Tel: (852) 3428 2362 Email: salcheng@yuantung.com.hk
Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo, World of Snacks HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department: Stanley So Tel: (852)2584 4049 Email: stanley.hp.so@hktdc.org Jane Cheung Tel: (852) 2584 4137 Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org
Hong Kong is still on course for export growth of 3% this year, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) confirmed today. This timely assessment came as the HKTDC announced the findings of two of its key metrics namely the 2025 Mid-Year Export Review and Outlook and the HKTDC Export Confidence Index 2Q25.
Strong frontloading amid tariff uncertainties The city’s 2025 export performance is navigating a period of almost unprecedented turbulence in the global trade arena. Much of this uncertainty has stemmed from the radical shift in US trade policy – particularly the heavy reliance on substantial import tariffs – adopted by President Trump’s administration.
In anticipation of a hefty tariff regime, many of Hong Kong’s exporters opted to “frontload” their orders in the early months of 2025 before the new tariffs were implemented. This helped bolster the city’s export figures in the early months of the year and resulted in a number of other positive factors.
Low exposure to US market First, Hong Kong has low exposure to the US market when compared with other economies. For instance, US-bound exports in 2024 accounted for just 6.5% of Hong Kong’s total exports.
By learning the lessons of previous tariff regimes, notably during the first term of President Trump (2017 to 2021), Hong Kong successfully reconfigured its trading base to reduce its exposure to uncertainties in the US market. Since 2017, Hong Kong has bolstered its trade ties with other economies, with exports to the ASEAN bloc up 38.5% and to the Middle East increasing by 58.1%. The upshot of this is that, despite a 10.5% drop in Hong Kong’s exports to the US over the last eight years, Hong Kong’s total exports for the period recorded a 17.2% increase.
This vulnerability has been further reduced by many Hong Kong exporters prioritizing the diversification of their sourcing locations in line with China+1 or China+N strategies. As a consequence, many of Hong Kong’s US-bound exports are now sourced from different locations than they were in 2017. In fact, in 2024, nearly half of Hong Kong’s US-bound exports originated from a variety of international sources, notably up from the comparable figure of 15% eight years ago.
Taken together, should a high level of US tariffs be reinstated, only about 3.4% of Hong Kong’s total exports would be affected. Any impact would then be further diminished once the products eligible for tariff exemptions were also taken into account. Collectively, these factors underpin HKTDC Research’s expectation that, even in such adverse trading conditions, Hong Kong’s exports will still expand by 3% as predicted earlier in the year.
Commenting on the HKTDC’s decision to confirm its earlier forecast, Director of Research, Irina Fan, said: “Whatever the outcome of the ongoing trade negotiations, our low exposure to the US market, robust trade ties with other markets and diversified sourcing networks are the key underlying factors that should allow Hong Kong exporters to weather the US tariffs relatively unscathed.”
Weaker export performance expected in 2H In line with the overall expectation that export performance would weaken as 2025 progresses, the overall reading for the HKTDC Export Confidence Index in the second quarter fell below 50 for the first time in a year. This moderate decline in Hong Kong exporter confidence can be taken as aligning with the escalation in global trade uncertainty.
With the survey conducted at the height of the China-US tariff trade war (28 April-15 May), this downbeat outcome was widely anticipated. In specific terms, this saw the Current Performance Index fall to 49.6 (down from 52.1), while the Expectation Index stood at 49.0 (down from 51.0). Subsequent to the completion of the survey, new trade negotiations have emerged between Mainland China (including Hong Kong) and the US; an outcome expected to be reflected in the findings of the 3Q25 Index.
In other findings, Hong Kong exporter confidence remained high regarding prospects in both the ASEAN bloc (59.9) and Mainland China (52.6), while the corresponding reading for the US plummeted to 31.6 (down from 46.7)
The Current Performance of three of the six key Hong Kong industry sectors tracked by the Index remained positive with Jewellery at 51.6, Timepieces at 52.1 and Equipment/Materials at 50.4. In the case of the other three sectors, Electronics and Clothing (both 48.9) were marginally below the watershed level while Toys (43.1) continued its recent decline.
Putting the findings into context, Kenneth Lee, Special Project and Business Advisory Section Head, HKTDC Research, said: “Overall, the findings for the second quarter align with earlier expectations of weaker exporter confidence amid US tariff uncertainties. It is, however, heartening to see Hong Kong exporters maintain a largely positive outlook with regard to all of the city’s major markets, except for the US.”
About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
