Daily News Archives - Page 6 of 59

“J-Style Trip Season 3” Tops Ratings for Twelve Consecutive Episodes

– Star Plus Legend Achieves a Win-Win in Both IP Ecosystem and Commercial Value

On June 15, the outdoor reality-variety show J-Style Trip Season 3, co-produced by Star Plus Legend and Zhejiang Satellite TV and exclusively sponsored by MODONG MAGIC, successfully concluded its season. Praised for its unscripted format, absence of fixed personas, and rule-free structure, the show has maintained high popularity across all three seasons. This season, J-Style Trip Season 3 topped the ratings for 12 consecutive episodes, ranking No.1 among variety shows in its time slot across 71 major cities according to CSM data. Across the entire season, the show garnered 375 trending topics on major platforms and generated over 4.1 billion views related to its content. On Weibo, the main hashtag #J-Style Trip# surpassed 2.2 billion views, with the total cumulative views of the main topic across all three seasons reaching 3.77 billion. A total of 56 individual trending topics remained on the charts for over 10 hours each, contributing to a long-tail effect with the season’s hot search duration exceeding 1,220 hours. On Youku, the show consistently ranked No.1 on multiple charts, including the Free Variety Show Popularity List and the Travel Variety Show List. J-Style Trip Season 3 set new benchmarks across all three seasons in terms of social media buzz and audience engagement. On Weibo alone, topic views for this season exceeded the combined total of the first two seasons — highlighting the show’s enhanced storytelling power and growing cultural impact.

This season, J-Style Trip Season 3 was led by Jay Chou, the creator of the “J-style journey,” who was joined by a vibrant group of travel companions including Will Liu, Ken Lin, Funky Tu, Will Tsai, Chien-Te Fang, Kuan-Ting Chen and Guanlin Chen. Together, they visited breathtaking destinations and uncovered touching personal stories—building an emotional connection unique to the “J-style” travel experience and contributing countless standout moments throughout the show. The addition of Will Liu brought fresh energy to the series. His seamless chemistry with Jay Chou created numerous memorable highlights—from leading foreign tourists in a ‘Chinese Herbal Manual’ fitness dance on the streets of Greece, to exploring traditional Chinese culture through Wing Chun and lion dancing in Guangdong. These moments added new layers of fun, spontaneity, and cultural richness to the journey.

J-Style Trip Season 3 centers around the theme of “looking for outstanding Chinese individuals around the world,” highlighting overseas Chinese who have made remarkable contributions across various fields—including professionals, artists, and cultural inheritors. This season’s journey spans countries such as Italy, Greece, and Saudi Arabia, where the cast meets figures like tennis star Zhang Zhizhen, rising opera talent Wang Kang, and world latte art champion Hu Zhonghua, among many others who are preserving and innovating intangible cultural heritage. Through these inspiring personal stories, the show vividly conveys the spirit of “passion knows no borders” and sheds light on the diversity and strength of Chinese identity in a globalized world. No longer just a casual trip among celebrity friends, this season has transformed into a warm, meaningful, and resonant exploration of culture.

This season, J-Style Trip 3 further elevated its signature relaxed travel aesthetic, while staying true to its unscripted, unfiltered, and freeform filming style. With a faster storytelling rhythm and more dynamic transitions, the show guided viewers through local markets, street food scenes, and everyday urban life—offering both in-depth cultural exploration and practical travel tips. In the season finale, the J-Style Trip group took part in a cultural exchange with young Chinese dancer Liang Daiqing and the “Shaoli Ensemble”, a traditional folk music group from the Zhuang ethnic minority in Guangxi. This “folk song × pop” crossover showcased the unique charm of the minority culture.

As the show’s popularity continues to rise, attention has also turned to its sponsors. MODONG MAGIC is the exclusive title sponsor, with Alipay as strategic partner. Special sponsors include ADATA, Enya Cyber-G, Bonggie, and VIVICYCLE, while the tourism boards of Saudi Arabia and Australia provide special support. This diverse brand backing fully unlocks the commercial potential of the content IP. Historically, star-led reality shows often “win critical acclaim but fail to reach mass appeal.” Even with top-tier celebrities and loyal fans, they rarely break out of niche circles. Star Plus Legend, the company behind J-Style Trip Season 3, has now set a new benchmark in star IP commercialization.

Unlike traditional talent management firms, Star Plus Legend focuses on creating proprietary brands based on each artist’s traits, adopting a long-term approach to star IP commercialization. In this season, Star Plus Legend upgraded the commercial loop around the show’s boutique content IP. Industry insiders explain that Star Plus Legend attracts brand sponsors and earns licensing revenue through the show, while also empowering its own IP and brands to boost new-retail sales. Leveraging celebrity influence and full-channel promotion, including livestream e-commerce and private-domain social media, Star Plus Legend converts IP traffic into product volume, forming a complete commercial loop that highlights the superiority of its operating model.

The success and monetization of J-Style Trip Season 3 mark the maturation of Star Plus Legend’s “IP-empowered new retail” model. In the arena of deep integration between content and consumer, this IP-centric, omnichannel marketing commercial loop not only increases the long-tail value of star IP but also creates a sustainable monetization path for the industry.

‘Talon Academy’ Triumphs as RoV Championship After Intense Battle Against ‘Dream’ at the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT Grand Final

Talon Academy delivered an outstanding performance to claim the winner of RoV, emerging victorious in a historic match at the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT (Grand Final Tournament). The event was filled with excitement and enthusiasm from gamers and esports fans from across the country at BEAT Active BITEC BURI.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President/CEO of Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), stated that the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT, one of the key initiatives under the depa ESPORTS Project, has now reached its Grand Final. Throughout the project, more than 6,500 young participants joined various competitions, including sub-events such as depa ESPORTS IN SCHOOL and depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT which included the Daily Tournament, Influencer Tournament, and Regional Tournament -well surpassing the initial goal of 5,000 participants. depa recognizes the dedication, talent, and potential of all competitors, including their gaming skills, creativity, strategic thinking, teamwork, and sportsmanship. These qualities demonstrate that esports is more than just playing games. It’s a valuable opportunity for learning, development, and growth, both on an individual level and as part of a team.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon further stated that the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT is not merely a stage to crown esports champions, but also a crucial opportunity for Thai youth to showcase their potential, determination, and ambition to pursue careers as professional esports athletes or in other roles within the industry. At the same time, the tournament serves as a source of inspiration for young people with dreams of entering the esports world. It also plays a key role in driving the sustainable growth of Thailand’s esports ecosystem and acts as a small yet significant gear in advancing the country’s digital economy toward true international competitiveness.

The highlight of the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT (Grand Final Tournament) was the intense competition in the popular game Arena of Valor (RoV), featuring 16 up-and-coming esports teams representing eight regions across the country, selected from the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT (Regional Tournament) stage. For the Grand Final, depa and its network of partners transformed the venue into a spectacular esports arena, allowing everyone to experience the thrill and excitement of a competitive atmosphere that closely mirrors international standards. The excitement peaked during the final match, which was broadcasted with live commentary by two of Thailand’s top shoutcasters, BrightO and SunWaltz.

Throughout the competition, each team showcased their capabilities in precise game control, strategic planning, quick decision-making, and effective teamwork under pressure. The team that demonstrated outstanding technical skills and professionalism, rising above the rest, was awarded the championship title of the 2025 depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT. depa sincerely hopes that today’s tournament will serve as a powerful source of inspiration, igniting the dreams of a new generation of youth who are passionate about esports.

The winners of the RoV competition at the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT (Grand Final Tournament) are as follows:

The Winner: Talon Academy – awarded 300,000 THB, a championship trophy, and special prizes from Intel
1st Runner-up: Dream – awarded 150,000 THB, a trophy of honor, and special prizes from COM7
2nd Runner-up: Hater x Doo White – awarded 50,000 THB, a trophy of honor, and special prizes from COM7
3rd Runner-up: Introvert – awarded 20,000 THB and special prizes from COM7
5th –8th Place: each team received 10,000 THB
9th –15th Place: each team received 5,000 THB

“The concept behind organizing the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT began in 2018, driven by depa’s commitment to challenging negative perceptions surrounding gaming and esports. We firmly believe that ‘kids who play games are not bad kids. With the right support and guidance, they can become world-class athletes or pursue other professional paths in the esports industry, building careers, generating income, and gaining societal recognition. Therefore, the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT is not just a platform to showcase the potential of youth, but a key mechanism for developing the industry, creating opportunities, and reshaping society’s views on esports. It also aims to raise awareness and promote positive attitudes toward esports-related careers, while enhancing the capabilities of Thailand’s esports industry to reach international standards,” said the President and CEO of depa.

The implementation of the depa ESPORTS project has been made possible through strong collaboration with Garena Online (Thailand) Co., Ltd., along with various partner organizations that have helped drive the project’s activities toward success. Those interested can view the list of winning teams from the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT (Grand Final Tournament) and stay updated on news and upcoming activities from the depa ESPORTS project by visiting www.depa.or.th , LINE OA: depaThailand, and the Facebook Page: depa Thailand.

Viva Technology 2025: Hong Kong Tech Pavilion Empowers Startups to Expand into European Market

– Impressive Results Showcase Hong Kong’s Innovation and Technology Strength

Viva Technology 2025 concluded successfully last Saturday with the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, effectively supporting local start-ups in entering the European market.
A series of events, including seminars, start-up pitching sessions, workshop and networking reception and business matching, provided a robust platform for start-ups to demonstrate Hong Kong’s innovation and technology capabilities.
The participating start-ups achieved successful outcomes, including Point Fit Technology, a Hong Kong healthtech start-up, signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Kinomap, a French indoor training platform.

Viva Technology (VivaTech) 2025 in Paris, Europe’s biggest start-up and tech event, concluded last Saturday. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), in collaboration with Strategic Partner, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels, and Supporting Organisations including Invest Hong Kong, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), and Hong Kong Cyberport, set up the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion. The Pavilion promoted 20 Hong Kong start-ups to investors and buyers, and hosted seminars, start-up pitching sessions, workshop and networking reception, inviting representatives from various enterprises and organisations to analyse trends in Hong Kong’s start-up ecosystem. Business matching meetings were also arranged to help start-ups explore opportunities in the European market.

Hong Kong tech ventures were the recipients of VivaTech awards including Ailytics Limited, which developed AI-Powered Video Surveillance Systems (AI-VSS) for operations, was awarded among the Top 30 of VivaTech Innovations of the Year Award and was also selected as one of the Top 5 winners of the Startup Challenge organised by Électricité de France (EDF). Imsight Technology, OKOsix, and Vismed Training were nominated as finalists in the VivaTech Tech for Change Award, recognising their positive impact respectively in cancer diagnostics, biomaterial composition, and medical training and care. Braillic Limited, specialising in Augmented Reality (AR) guided surgical navigation systems, was nominated in the Top 12 AI Tech Trail. AQUMON and Midas Analytics, which developed AI-driven wealth management and data analysis solutions, were nominated as the Top 12 FinTech Trail.

The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion also achieved notable success. Point Fit Technology, a healthtech start-up signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kinomap, a French indoor training platform. Point Fit’s sweat sensor continuously monitors muscle fatigue without invasive blood tests, will integrate their sweat biomarker data into Kinomap’s platform. This will enhance indoor training experiences and expand Point Fit’s sales channels through Kinomap’s global partner network. During VivaTech, Point Fit Technology’s research attracted international interest. Kenny Oktavius, Co-founder & CEO of Point Fit Technology Limited, said: “Apart from signing an MoU with Kinomap, we also linked up with a top European football club, and secured key partners that will help us to further penetrate the European market.”

Founded in Singapore with an international office in Hong Kong, Ailytics’ AI-VSS products are used to enhance safety and maximise productivity by leveraging existing cameras. The company is in discussion with EDF and will conduct a trial run at EDF’s new power plants in France. Wei Zhuang Tan, CEO, Ailytics said: “We received enormous resources and support in Hong Kong, especially from HKTDC and HKSTP to expand into the international market. Through joining the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at VivaTech, we have met customers and partners and have a deeper understanding about the requirements of French companies.”

Midas Analytics, which introduced its newly launched Asia Market Intelligence platform and AI Agent at VivaTech, drew strong interest from investors, analysts, and strategic partners. Founder Michele De Flippo said: “We have connected with a high-caliber audience that included institutional investors, corporate venture leaders, innovation executives from major banks and consulting firms, and decision-makers from government ecosystems. Through curated business matching sessions organised by the HKTDC and meeting with high-calibre audience, we identified multiple potential partners and expansion opportunities. The interest reinforced both the commercial potential of Midas Analytics and the clear demand in Europe for better visibility into fast-changing Asian markets.”

Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, attended the workshop and networking reception themed under “From Hong Kong to the World: Embarking on the New Journey of Innovation” last Friday. Highlighting that Hong Kong being an ideal gateway for global enterprises to enter the Mainland market, Professor Sun said the HKSAR Government has been actively attracting overseas and the Mainland I&T enterprises to set up or expand their businesses in Hong Kong. Companies choosing HK for the international headquarters exemplify Hong Kong’s important role as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder” between Mainland China and the rest of the world, serving as a two-way springboard for attracting overseas enterprises and helping Mainland enterprises to “go global”.

The subsequent discussions explored the strengths of Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem, and how to leverage Hong Kong’s advantages to seize new opportunities. Cindy Chow, Executive Director & CEO of Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, together viAct, Sandbox VR, and Orcauboat founders, shared their success stories leveraging Hong Kong as the platform for global expansion. Chapman Lee, Director of Imsight Technology Co., Limited, highlighted the strengths of Hong Kong’s R&D capabilities and access to international investment.

According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2025 by Startup Genome, a research institute, during VivaTech 2025, Hong Kong entered the Top 40 ranking for the first time. The ecosystem jumped 20 positions to 27th in the 2025 ranking.

The HKTDC continues to lead Hong Kong businesses in participating in major international tech exhibitions, helping local start-ups expand overseas and reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a global innovation and technology hub. Following the Consumer Electronic Show 2025 in Las Vegas and Mobile World Congress in Barcelona earlier this year, HKTDC once again organised the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at VivaTech in Paris, providing an effective platform for start-ups to showcase innovations, attract investment, and explore the European market.

The 9th edition of VivaTech attracted more than 14,000 start-ups, 180,000 visitors, and 3,600 investors from 171 countries and regions. Industry leaders from around the world shared unique insights, further making the event a key highlight of the global tech ecosystem.

Websites: https://vivatechnology.com/partners/hong-kong-tech-pavilion

Media enquiries

For enquiries, please contact HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

Katy Wong

Tel: (852) 2584 4524

Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org

Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com

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.

ARE Expands India Leadership, Strengthens Regional Role in Climate, Energy, and Food System Transition

Asia Research & Engagement (ARE), a leading sustainability-focused consultancy and capital markets engagement firm, has expanded its India team with two senior appointments: Shishir Soti, Director, Global Operations and Partnerships and Arun Kumar, Strategic Advisor – Power Markets and Technology Innovation.

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Singapore, ARE works across Asia’s key economies – including China, India, and Japan – to drive sustainability outcomes through the alignment of capital markets, corporate strategy, and policy. India’s expanding influence in energy, agriculture, and capital markets makes it not just a domestic focus but a regional anchor for accelerating Asia’s net-zero transition.

“India is already making bold strides on its decarbonisation journey,” said Benjamin McCarron, Founder & Managing Director, ARE. “Expanding our footprint here strengthens our ability to connect investor expectations and corporate ambition across the region, from Tokyo to Bangkok to Singapore. India’s scale and innovation are pivotal to designing future-fit systems across all of Asia.”

Shishir Soti brings more than 25 years of experience to ARE, having held senior positions in banking and financial services at institutions including Standard Chartered and ICICI Bank, as well as senior roles at environmental groups such as the Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation and Environmental Defense Fund. At ARE he will help deepen the integration of India into ARE’s regional programmes on financed emissions, sustainable food systems, and transition financing. He will also spearhead stakeholder engagement and fundraising strategy for ARE’s India programmes, advancing efforts to align Indian corporates and banks with net-zero goals.

“India’s ambition to reach net-zero by 2070 has implications far beyond its borders,” said Soti. “Its energy and agricultural transitions will shape supply chains, investment flows, and climate ambition throughout Asia. I’m proud to support ARE’s work connecting policy, capital, and corporate action at this critical intersection.”

Arun Kumar joins ARE with more than 25 years of experience in power markets, technology, and strategy, having held leadership positions at PTC India, HSBC Securities, KPMG and CRISIL where he was consistently ranked among India’s top energy analysts. He will provide strategic insights into regulatory trends, market innovation, and grid decarbonisation.

“ARE’s investor-informed approach has already helped shift conversations in China, Japan, and Southeast Asia,” said Kumar. “India’s power market is on the cusp of transformation, and I look forward to helping shape the trajectory through collaborative engagement and technology foresight.”

Soti and Kumar will work closely with Rituj Sahu, Director – Protein Transition (India), who has been leading ARE’s work on food systems, climate finance, and impact stewardship in India since 2022. Their collective expertise positions ARE to deepen its regional impact across three core pillars: Energy transition and financed emissions engagement with corporates and banks; Sustainable food and agriculture systems, with a focus on the protein transition; Capital mobilisation, bridging global finance with local sustainability outcomes.

The India expansion complements and strengthens ARE’s ongoing work in Singapore, China, Taiwan, Japan, and Thailand – creating a more connected and coordinated platform for sustainable transformation across Asia.

“To solve regional sustainability challenges, we need local intelligence, regional coordination, and global capital alignment,” added McCarron. “India is integral to the systems change ARE is driving across the region.”

About Asia Research & Engagement (ARE)

Creating change through investor-backed engagement. ARE’s pioneering approach fills an engagement gap to bring leading investors into dialogue with Asian-listed companies. ARE currently works with investors representing US$10trillion. ARE covers Asian-listed companies from the financial sector, energy-related industries, and food value chains, seeking to advance a sustainable and compassionate Asia.

For media interviews and further enquiries, please contact
Wani Diwakar
Asia Research & Engagement (ARE)
wani.diwarkar@asiareengage.com

HKTDC Design Gallery x STICKYLINE present: “Love HK” Exhibition

– Reviving the charm of old Hong Kong by bringing traditional dragon and phoenix grand hall to life

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Design Gallery continues to champion original Hong Kong designs. The annual “Love HK” exhibition returns from 11 June to 6 July, in partnership with STICKYLINE, a prominent creative team in Hong Kong, and will debut their latest artwork, “The Carved Duo”, at the Design Gallery Wan Chai shop, featuring large-scale artistic paper sculptures that capture the essence of a traditional dragon and phoenix grand hall.

Carved dragon and phoenix statues were iconic decorations in Hong Kong’s banquet halls during the 1970s. STICKYLINE reimagines these symbols through contemporary geometric paper sculptures, incorporating pixel-like grid patterns into the Design Gallery’s window. This artwork retains the auspicious meanings of the dragon and phoenix while refining their forms, exploring how cultural heritage can evolve within modern contexts.

STICKYLINE’s co-founder Mic Leong said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with the HKTDC Design Gallery on the ‘Love HK’ exhibition. In line with the theme, we have created paper sculptures inspired by the traditional dragon and phoenix grand halls found in old restaurants which were used to symbolise the city’s economic boom and opulence. Although modern restaurants have phased out such designs, these motifs are resurfacing in unexpected ways, such as tattoo art, wedding backdrops, and avant-garde photography, reflecting younger generations’ reinterpretation of tradition. Through this piece, we aim to revive the collective memories of old-school restaurants and showcase Hong Kong’s unique charm.”

In addition to the dragon and phoenix installation, the main entrance of the Design Gallery features a playful paper sculpture of the word “HEY”. Soilworm Lai, Co-Founder, STICKYLINE, explained, “‘HEY’ is a phonetic nod to the word ‘ (double happiness)’. We aspire to merge modern elements with the traditional dragon and phoenix theme, offering a friendly greeting to visitors.”

Curated selection of Hong Kong-themed products
During the exhibition, the Design Gallery will feature a curated selection of Hong Kong-themed products, including AMAZING STUDIO Neon Light Hong Kong Metal Badge Pin, CAMEL Modern Hong Kong Culture Glass Vacuum Flask, IRON WORKSHOP Hong Kong Silk Scarf Map, and PLAYFUL SOCKS Dragon Phoenix Happiness Socks.

Share on social media for shopping discount
Visitors can enjoy an additional 10% discount on purchases during the exhibition by taking photos of the exhibits and sharing these on social media, tagging @HKTDC Design Gallery.

Website
HKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

Serena Cheung
Agnes Wat

Tel: (852) 2584 4272
Tel: (852) 2584 4554

Email: serena.hm.cheung@hktdc.org
Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org

About STICKYLINE
STICKYLINE, founded in Hong Kong in 2011 by creative designers Mic Leong and Soilworm Lai, creates unique, large-scale polyhedral sculptures that showcase the complexity of creative engineering, mathematics and geometric structures. They transform two-dimensional planes into three-dimensional forms through a process of deconstruction and reconstruction. They have collaborated with international brands including Hermès, Ralph Lauren, and Mercedes-Benz.

Discover more at: https://www.stickyline.hk

About HKTDC Design Gallery
Established in 1991, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s Design Gallery (DG) promotes Hong Kong’s creativity innovation in design. With two physical outlets in Hong Kong and Taobao and JD International online stores, DG helps Hong Kong brands connect and collaborate with buyers to grow and expand in Mainland China and beyond. The DG online shop also provides suppliers with local online sales channels. DG’s entry into the ASEAN market enables Hong Kong brands to connect with overseas consumers and buyers.

Discover more at: https://hkdesigngallery.hktdc.com/

SRKay Consulting Group Releases Research Report: ‘From Legal Frameworks to Successful Operations’–A Strategic Playbook for India Market Entry

SRKay Consulting Group, a trusted global advisor in GCC setup and cross-border business strategy, has released its newest white paper titled “From Legal Frameworks to Successful Operations: A Strategic Blueprint for Entering and Thriving in the Indian Market.” Anchored in deep regulatory insight and on-ground operational expertise, the research report provides a step-by-step guide for foreign enterprises navigating India’s intricate market dynamics.

As global enterprises increasingly pivot toward India—now poised to reach a USD 5 trillion economy by 2027—the paper emphasizes the importance of aligning legal compliance, policy navigation, and cultural integration to achieve long-term operational success. With over 1,400 new foreign business entries in the past five years, India has become more than a destination—it’s a strategic necessity.

Research Insights from the Paper:

Companies with structured India entry strategies achieve operational readiness 45% faster than ad hoc setups.
Entity setup, regulatory friction, and cultural misalignment are the top three failure points during the first 12-18 months of market entry.
Localization in leadership and governance accelerates talent alignment and policy compliance by over 30%.

The paper introduces SRKay’s proprietary I.N.D.I.A.S. Playbook, a six-pillar framework guiding companies through every stage of market entry:

I – Intent: Clarifying purpose, expectations, and India’s role in the global business strategy.
N – Navigate Policy: Understanding and adapting to central/state-level laws, FDI norms, and licensing frameworks.
D– Due Diligence: Evaluating partners, regulatory risks, infrastructure gaps, and operational feasibility.
I – Infrastructure: Making informed decisions on city selection, office/plant readiness, digital ecosystem, and vendor ecosystem.
A – Activate: Streamlining the launch process across entity registration, HR setup, taxation, and stakeholder onboarding.
S – Scale: Creating long-term governance models, brand equity, and innovation readiness.

Case Examples Featured in the Report:

A European logistics player that achieved pan-India operational coverage in under 12 months through policy-aligned rollout.
A Southeast Asian technology firm that avoided multi-million dollar tax penalties through early-stage entity structuring and compliance assessments.

“Global expansion into India cannot be approached as just a legal transaction. It is a business transformation journey that requires regulatory fluency, operational agility, and cultural empathy,” said Rameez Khan, Principal Consultant, SRKay Consulting Group. “This research report is the culmination of our real-world experience supporting GCCs and enterprise market entry—and serves as a practical guide for decision-makers.”

With projections indicating over 2,000 new foreign enterprises to enter India by 2030, SRKay’s white paper urges CXOs to approach India entry as a layered strategic initiative, not just a back-office expansion.

The full report is now available for download at www.srkay.com. Enterprises exploring India as a destination for GCCs, innovation labs, or regional HQs can also consult SRKay’s expert teams via letstalk@srkay.com.

About SRKay Consulting Group

SRKay Consulting Group is a global strategic consulting firm specializing in the setup, scale, and transformation of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) and foreign business operations through its proprietary Virtual Captive model. With presence across the USA, UK, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and India, SRKay delivers end-to-end services including market research, legal structuring, policy navigation, location strategy, infrastructure, talent operations, and post-entry governance.

Media Contact:
Komaldeep Kaur Dhir
Marketing In Asia
Email: Komal@mianext.com

New HKTDC Chairman Frederick Ma keen to promote Hong Kong as best partner for global enterprises

– Advance connectivity, build multinational supply chain management centre and drive innovation

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)’s new Chairman Prof Frederick Ma met with media today, outlining the HKTDC’s strategic direction to help Hong Kong enterprises navigate global challenges and seize new opportunities.

Prof Ma said: “The international trade landscape is turbulent, and enterprises urgently need to reassess their development strategies. As both a springboard for the country and an international hub, Hong Kong possesses the unique advantages of internal and external connectivity and is poised to play a pivotal role in the new trade landscape.”

He pointed out that HKTDC will help Hong Kong businesses connect globally and turn challenges into opportunities. Through three strategic directions —1) reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a superconnector and super value-adder to highlight its international status and deepen ties with global markets, 2) building a multinational supply chain management centre, and 3) promote trade digitalisation to position Hong Kong as the best partner for global enterprises, helping SMEs to stand out in an ever-changing world.

The HKTDC will leverage its network of 51 offices globally and 49 Hong Kong business associations to support enterprises in exploring new markets and enhancing competitiveness. Prof Ma said: “Hong Kong has always been a city of opportunities. The HKTDC will stand side by side with Hong Kong businesses, seizing opportunities in an ever-changing world, integrating Hong Kong into national development and telling the good stories of Hong Kong and Mainland China.”

Five directions to forge a new chapter for Hong Kong
1.Advancing our strengths in internal and external connectivity and leveraging our global network, enhancing overseas visits and flagship promotions: Reviewing the HKTDC’s global network of 51 offices to reinforce our work in key markets and enhance Hong Kong’s international competitiveness. The HKTDC will continue organising more trade missions to tell the good stories of Hong Kong and Mainland China. A prime example is our flagship campaign Think Business, Think Hong Kong, which will be held in Milan, Italy in November.
2.Optimising existing flagship events: By incorporating industry collaboration elements into the annual Asian Financial Forum (AFF), we will transform it into AFF Plus to facilitate connections between finance and the real economy, driving innovation, regional integration and sustainable development. For trade fairs, we will strengthen content related to global trends, including elements of robotics and higher education. Additionally, we will host new events targeting key markets, like the Middle East, inviting mainland enterprises to participate, to promote trade and investment cooperation between Hong Kong and countries in the Middle East region.
3.Building an international supply chain management centre: In response to the trend of mainland industrial chains extending overseas, the HKTDC will actively position Hong Kong as a supply chain command centre to support mainland firms in going global.
4.Driving the innovation engine and promoting trade digitalisation: The HKTDC will enhance existing support services, focusing on core elements of trade digitalisation to help SMEs leverage technologies – such as IOT, AI, blockchain and big data – to boost efficiency. In the long term, the HKTDC aims to position Hong Kong as a value chain centre, utilising technology, data analytics and collaborative networks to refine value chains for global enterprises, creating added value and addressing market changes and uncertainties.
5.Explore long term demand for the convention and exhibition industry: The HKTDC will support the Hong Kong SAR Government in reviewing the needs of the convention and exhibition sector in the long term.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/440xPHs

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

Serena Cheung	Tel: (852) 2584 4272	Email: serena.hm.cheung@hktdc.org
Sunny Ng	Tel: (852) 2584 4357	Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org
Agnes Wat	Tel: (852) 2584 4554	Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org

Global Communities Unite at centralwOrld as Thailand Steps Forward on Global LGBTQ+ Stage with Central Pattana’s Pride For All

On June 1, 2025, Central Pattana plc, Thailand’s leading real estate developer and operator of Central shopping centers nationwide, proudly led one of the world’s largest Pride celebrations as more than 300,000 people gathered in Bangkok for the Bangkok Pride Parade 2025, which culminated in a powerful finale at centralwOrld — now recognized as a landmark of global inclusion.

Marking its 6th year as The Pioneer of Equality, Central Pattana launched Thailand Pride Celebration 2025: “Pride For All”, under the theme “Embracing Freedom,” reaffirming its vision of “Place for All” and its mission of imagining better futures for everyone.

The celebration began with “Love with Pride 2025” at centralwOrld and expanded nationwide across 39 Central shopping centers, making it Thailand’s most inclusive and far-reaching Pride campaign to date – uniting voices from around the world.

A highlight of the campaign is BEYOND THE RAINBOW 2025, a public exhibition inviting audiences to reflect on a world beyond gender-celebrating the historic passing of the Marriage Equality Law and amplifying voices for a more inclusive tomorrow.

With growing international attention, strong support from both the public and private sectors, and recognition by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) as an LGBTQIAN+ friendly destination, Thailand is embracing its role as a beacon of Pride in Asia.

The world is already here – and we invite everyone to join us in Thailand next year to celebrate love, freedom, and equality at one of the most vibrant and inclusive Pride events on Earth.

Revigorate Announces Japan Launch, Asia Office, and New Portugal HQ

APCS Lda, the Portugal-based company behind the luxury travel brand Revigorate, proudly announces three major milestones in its global expansion: the launch of bespoke, high-end Japan luxury travel, the establishment of a new Asia-Pacific operational team based in Manila, and the acquisition of a larger headquarters in Portugal. Together, these developments mark a transformative year for the company as it continues its mission to deliver extraordinary tailor-made vacations to discerning global travellers.

Woman in traditional Japanese kimono walking at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto

Expanding Into Japan: A Bespoke Gateway to Asia

The launch of Japan as Revigorate’s first Asia destination reflects growing client demand for luxury travel experiences that go beyond the ordinary. Revigorate’s Japan itineraries are designed to immerse travellers in the country’s most exclusive cultural and natural treasures: private geisha dinners in Kyoto, Zen meditation at ancient temples, bullet-train journeys through iconic landscapes, sumo stable visits, sake brewery tastings, and serene stays at ryokans renowned for impeccable hospitality.

This expansion deepens Revigorate’s reputation for designing tailor-made journeys that reflect each client’s unique interests and style, while providing insider access unavailable to mass-market travellers. An example of this destination expertise can be explored in the brand’s Japan luxury travel guide, illustrating the exceptional detail, planning, and care behind every Revigorate itinerary.

Introducing the Asia-Pacific Office in Manila

To support its growing footprint across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, Revigorate has launched a new Asia-Pacific team based in Manila. This team improves service delivery by offering seamless, round-the-clock support for global clients and enables the company to deepen local partnerships with luxury hotels, private guides, cultural experts, and premium experience providers throughout the region.

While the Manila team is already active, the formal incorporation of Revigorate’s Philippine subsidiary is expected to be completed by July 2025. This marks an important operational milestone, ensuring long-term growth and local presence to complement the company’s Portugal base.

A Larger Headquarters in Portugal Signals Continued Growth

Reflecting its strong business performance and future ambitions, APCS Lda has sold the freehold of its long-standing office on Vilamoura Marina and purchased the freehold of a larger, newly built headquarters in the Terraço de Quarteira II development in Quarteira, Portugal. The move to the new office, expected in early Q4 2025 following a custom-designed interior fit-out, will provide expanded space for Revigorate’s growing team and enhance its capacity to deliver premium client service and manage global operations.

About APCS Lda: Commitment to Crafting Unforgettable Travel

Founded in 2017, APCS Lda operates under the Revigorate brand to offer tailor-made vacations across Europe, North Africa, and now Asia. The company has earned recognition from leading industry publications such as Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure for its deep destination expertise, commitment to service excellence, and ability to design bespoke journeys that combine cultural richness, luxury access, and flawless execution.

For discerning travellers seeking expertly curated, high-touch journeys, Revigorate invites them to request a complimentary luxury travel consultation to begin crafting their next unforgettable experience.

Media contact:
Steven Vigor
APCS Lda
+351 289 009 580
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20 Start-ups Showcase at Hong Kong Tech Pavilion in VivaTech 2025

– Presenting Cutting-Edge Solutions and Innovations and Fostering Global Collaborations through Seminars and Networking Events

– The Hong Kong Trade Development Council will bring together 20 start-ups to participate in Viva Technology 2025 in Paris.
– The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion will showcase the cutting-edge solutions and innovations in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, HealthTech, Sustainable and ClimateTech, FinTech, and more.
– A series of seminars, start-up pitching sessions, workshop and networking reception will enhance international cooperation and highlight Hong Kong’s vibrant start-up and technology ecosystem.

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), in collaboration with Strategic Partner, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels, and supporting organisations including Invest Hong Kong, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), and Hong Kong Cyberport, will stage the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at Viva Technology (VivaTech) 2025 in Paris, Europe’s biggest start-up and tech event from 11 to 14 June 2025. The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion will feature 20 start-ups, showcasing cutting-edge solutions and innovations in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, HealthTech, Sustainable and ClimateTech, and FinTech, and host a series of seminars, start-up pitching sessions, workshop and networking reception to attract global investors and buyers, fostering international collaboration and showcasing Hong Kong’s dynamic start-up and technology ecosystem.

VivaTech connects start-ups, tech leaders, corporates, and investors to drive innovation and business collaboration. The HKTDC’s Hong Kong Tech Pavilion helps local start-ups and tech firms enter global markets while promoting Hong Kong’s unique advantages and reinforcing its status as a world-class innovation and technology (I&T) hub.

Chris Lo, HKTDC’s Regional Director, Europe, Central Asia & Israel, said: “The HKTDC actively supports start-up development through a wide range of activities and support services to enhance their competitiveness and expand global reach. These include launching Hong Kong Tech Pavilions at major overseas tech events and organising events like the HKTDC Entrepreneur Day (E-Day) and Start-up Express in Hong Kong. This year’s VivaTech focuses on AI, healthtech, climatetech, and sustainability, areas that align closely with the development of Hong Kong’s start-up ecosystem. The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion will provide a valuable platform for showcasing innovation, attracting investment, and expanding into the European market while raising international awareness of Hong Kong start-ups.”

Hong Kong’s start-up ecosystem is one of the most vibrant in Asia, with strengths in R&D capabilities, advanced technological infrastructure, robust legal system, and world-class intellectual property protection regime. As a business hub and international trading centre in Asia, Hong Kong provides a strategic platform for connecting innovation, expertise, and patents with global capital. Its strategic location within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) with access to over 86 million consumers, makes Hong Kong an ideal gateway to the entire GBA and also Asia and the world.

During VivaTech, the HKTDC will host a series of events including seminars, pitching sessions, workshop and networking reception. On 11 June, the seminar Hong Kong: Fast-Growing Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub will feature speakers Josephine Chan, Senior Manager, New Ventures Development of HKSTP, Florian Lang, Founder and CEO APAC of Libertify, and Benny Cheng, Founder & CEO of Insight Capital, who will discuss the advantages and prospects of Hong Kong’s start-up ecosystem.

Hong Kong Start-ups Pitching to Global Investors
On 12 June, start-ups at the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion will also pitch their cutting-edge solutions and innovative products to global investors. Start-ups focus on AI, Robotics and FinTech, such as Pantheon Lab, which uses deep-learning technology to create software applications for developing quality and self-generated visual content, Robocore, a leading developer of applications for robotic platforms, and Midas Analytics, a data consulting company based on artificial intelligence and big data technologies, will present their groundbreaking innovations. Start-ups focusing on Health Tech, Sustainable & Climate Tech, such as Braillic, specialising in Augmented Reality (AR) guided surgical navigation system, HairCoSys, which developed a hair and scalp AI health diagnosis platform, and OKOsix, which developed world’s first plastic-free multifunctional bio-based material, will showcase their innovations advancing human well-being and a more sustainable future.

On 13 June, Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, will attend the Workshop and Networking Reception – From Hong Kong to the World: Embarking on the New Journey of Innovation and deliver a keynote speech. Cindy Chow, Executive Director & CEO of Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, together with Sandbox VR, Orcauboat, and viAct, will share how Hong Kong start-ups succeed on an international stage. Yang Ming, CEO of Westwell Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited will share the advantages of choosing Hong Kong as springboard for global expansion. The followed panel discussion will be moderated by Christopher Lai, Director, France, Spain & Portugal of HKTDC. Cindy Chow, Chapman Lee, Director of Imsight Technology Co., Limited, Kenny Oktavius, Co-founder & CEO of Point Fit Technology Limited, and Jean-Baptiste Roy, Founding Partner of Asia Sports Tech, will explore the advantages of Hong Kong start-up ecosystem from both investor and start-up perspective and how to leverage Hong Kong’s advantages to seize new opportunities.

The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion is located at Hall 1 Booth F48, Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. The 9th edition of VivaTech is expected to attract over 165,000 visitors, 3,500 exhibitors, 13,500 start-ups, and 3,200 investors. Industry leaders from around the world will share unique insights, making the event the highlight of the global tech ecosystem.