.africa TLD Now Available on GoDaddy.com for Global Registrations

Registry Africa, the official operator of the .africa top-level domain (TLD), and GoDaddy, a world leader in domain registration and web services, have announced that the .africa domain is available on GoDaddy.com. This will help increase Africa’s digital ecosystem while catering to the rising international demand for connectivity with the continent.

GoDaddy’s vast customer base – spanning millions of business owners organizations, and entrepreneurs globally – can easily register and manage .africa domains by simplifying access to .africa extension. The aim is to empower entities seeking to establish or expand their digital footprint across Africa’s rapidly growing markets.

“Having GoDaddy as our Registrar increases our market reach and puts .africa at the top shelf for users to access,” said Lucky Masilela, CEO of Registry Africa.

The move comes as interest in Africa’s digital potential is growing internationally due to the continent’s youthful population, increased internet penetration, and a surge in startup environment. The .africa domain, synonymous with regional identity, offers businesses a strategic tool to localize their online presence.

Industry analysts and economic experts highlight that strategic partnerships can act as a catalyst for transformation, accelerate digital innovation and stimulate cross-border investments throughout Africa. This partnership coincides with a period of rapid expansion, exemplified by the remarkable surge in mobile internet adoption across sub-Saharan Africa.

For more information on registering a .africa domain through GoDaddy, visit www.godaddy.com/en-ph/tlds/africa-domain.

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.

About Registry Africa

Registry Africa is the official registry for the .african domain, responsible for managing the .africa top-level domain (TLD) and maintaining the database of all registered .africa domain names along with corresponding registrant information. Visit www.registry.africa for more information.

PR contacts:
GoDaddy: mohammed.elbatta@fekracomms.com
Registry Africa: pr@registry.africa

HER Courage Leaders Summit 2025: Expanding Women’s Leadership Across ASEAN

A movement that began as a spark of inspiration now returns as a beacon of empowerment. The HER Courage Leaders Summit 2025 is set to take place on 5 April 2025, at NTUC One Marina Boulevard, Singapore, bringing together trailblazers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers dedicated to advancing women’s leadership across ASEAN.

Organised by Class Living, a women-led and social impact-driven enterprise passionate about empowering women in self-development and entrepreneurship, the summit is more than an event — it is a call to action. This year, with strengthened partnerships in Singapore, Vietnam, and Brunei, the summit amplifies opportunities for women leaders through cross-border networking, mentorship, and business expansion.

One of the most inspiring additions this year is the student video project, where young voices will share their perspectives on leadership, offering a glimpse into the aspirations and challenges that shape the next generation of women leaders in ASEAN.

Inspiring Change – HER Courage Leaders Summit 2025

With the theme “Inspiring Courage,” this year’s summit will feature dynamic panel discussions, strategic networking opportunities, and engaging conversations with industry leaders and advocates of female empowerment. The day will culminate in the highly anticipated HER Courage Awards & Celebration Dinner, commemorating Women of Courage Asia’s 6th anniversary and honouring women who have shown exceptional resilience and leadership.

More than just an awards ceremony, the evening will serve as a tribute to unsung heroines — women whose stories of strength and perseverance often go unnoticed. It is a night to celebrate courage, break barriers, and inspire others to step boldly into their leadership journeys.

“HER Courage Leaders Summit is not just a conference; it is a movement. It is a catalyst for awakening the courage of women and igniting their power of influential leadership for transformative impact,” said Lilian Ong, Founder of Class Living, Women of Courage Asia, and HER Courage Biz Network, Country President of ABWCI Singapore, as she shared her vision for the future of women’s empowerment.

The summit’s reach also extends beyond Singapore’s borders. The Transform With Courage Conference will make its debut in Brunei in 2025, with plans to expand into the Philippines by 2026. These initiatives serve as stepping stones for women to build meaningful networks and thrive as leaders in their communities without the restrictions of borders.

Advancement in Women’s Leadership Through Strategic Partnership

This year, Class Living partners with NTUC U Women & Family, having Ms Yeo Wan Ling – Assistant Secretary-General and Director of U SME and U Women & Family at NTUC, Executive Secretary of the National Transport Workers’ Union, and Member of Parliament for Pasir Ris–Punggol GRC – as the Guest of Honour, to strengthen mentorship and career advancement programmes, reinforcing the summit’s commitment to fostering long-term impact. These initiatives aim to build self-leadership confidence and career pathways for women at all stages of their professional journeys and includes NTUC’s International Women’s Day celebrations—To-Gather: Power of Women – Bright, Brave and Bold—which features a symbolic fun walk and SHE Supports Friendship Circles session.

The need for structured mentorship and leadership programs remains urgent in ASEAN, where women still face barriers to career growth. Vietnamese entrepreneur Nhi Le is a testament to the impact of such programs—once a mentee, she now serves as a mentor, proving that empowered women uplift entire communities.

Partnering with Extraordinary People to support caregivers in gaining confidence and new skills, this initiative empowers them to take charge of their journeys—whether in their families, communities, or careers. “Caregivers are the backbone of their loved ones’ lives. They deserve opportunities for personal growth and leadership in ways that matter to them,” said Mr. Ivan Chin, CEO of Extraordinary People.

Education also plays a pivotal role in shaping future leaders. This year, Class Living is also collaborating with PSB Academy and SME Marketing Academy to create career development and networking opportunities for aspiring women leaders. The partnership with PSB Academy provides students with real-world exposure through industrial projects in marketing, content creation and podcast production, connecting academic learning with real industry work experience.

“These collaborations equip our students with essential skills in organisation and planning, along with practical experience, ensuring that they graduate prepared to excel in their careers and make valuable contributions to their industries,” said Falilah Mohamed, Deputy Director of the Student Success Office at PSB Academy.

The HER Courage Leaders Summit 2025 will leave attendees with transformative insights, strategic partnerships, and an empowered vision for their leadership journeys, while also providing access to key business networking platforms such as SME Bosses Connect, NTUC U Women & Family, and ABWCI. The evening will also be graced by a special performance from Extraordinary People, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs.

Day Session Tickets are priced at $297, covering panel discussions, networking, and a buffet lunch. Evening Gala Dinner Tickets are available for $397, including dinner and the HER Courage Awards ceremony. Early Bird tickets start at just $60, and a limited-time IWD special promotion offers a ‘Buy 1, Get the 2nd at 50% off’ deal until 10 March. Tickets and table bookings can be secured on the website.

Media Contact:
Julia Lachica
julia@swstrategies.org
+65 8748792

You may download the media assets here.

Class Living is a women-led and social impact-driven enterprise that is passionate about empowering women to focus on their personal growth and leadership development so that they can achieve their dreams & destinies while making a transformative impact in their spheres of influence. Class Living has built three communities, namely Connecting Mothers Support Group, Women of Courage Asia and HER Courage BizNetwork to meet the different needs of women in their journey of Personal growth & Leadership, Motherhood, Professional advancement or Entrepreneurship.

NTUC U Women and Family is the voice for working women and families. It supports the aspirations of working women through the promotion and enhancement of employment opportunities and work-life initiatives. For more details, visit https://www.ntuc.org.sg/uwomenandfamily

Extra•Ordinary People, established in July 2017 as a registered charity, endeavours to enable and support children and individuals with special needs in forming an inclusive society. Inclusion recognises that everyone has value and can contribute. Singapore can take the lead as an Inclusive society fuelled by compassion, supported by well-equipped carers and driven by corporate leadership.

As one of Singapore’s leading private education institutions with a 60-year heritage of producing more than 200,000 learners, PSB Academy is committed to defining its identity as “Asia’s Future Academy”. Established in 1964, the Academy started under Singapore’s Economic Development Board and later Productivity and Standards Board to upgrade the knowledge and skills of Singapore’s workforce. With an approach to education that focuses on what really matters: performance in the New Economy, PSB Academy provides quality education to shape and nurture future-ready graduates with the necessary skills and tools to stay relevant in a digitally-driven economy.

PSB Academy campuses include three dynamic locations, with the newly added Cathay Campus* at the iconic building of The Cathay at the buzzing Orchard Road, alongside its City Campus comprising the Main Wing and STEM Wing at Marina Square Shopping Mall. The learning spaces in the heart of the city connect students globally through a collaborative learning and networking environment that enables them to be agile innovators and contributors to society.

With a strong network of industry partners to prepare students for the workforce, PSB Academy today hosts over 20,000 students from more than 50 nationalities with its slate of certificate, diploma, degree, and short courses.

SME Bosses Connect is a dynamic platform dedicated to empowering small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners and entrepreneurs. Founded with the mission to foster growth and success in the business world, this organization provides a unique space for SME leaders to network, share experiences, and gain valuable insights. Through their events and initiatives, SME Bosses Connect aims to create a supportive community where business owners can connect, collaborate, and thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.

At the heart of SME Bosses Connect is the belief that every business owner has the potential to become a “boss” in their respective field. By bringing together like-minded individuals, the platform facilitates knowledge exchange, mentorship opportunities, and access to resources that can help SMEs overcome challenges and seize new opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your business journey, SME Bosses Connect offers a welcoming environment where you can learn, grow, and build lasting relationships with fellow business leaders.

ABWCI is a global chamber for women in business; empowering them through a supportive ecosystem, fostering equity, and inclusive prosperity for a thriving society. We are a membership-based network, connecting more than 150,000 women across diverse sectors in over 30 countries. Having 150+ strategic partnerships with key stakeholders of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, ABWCI is creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs across the globe.

Registered as a Not For Profit under Section 8 of the Indian Companies Act, 2013, ABWCI was officially launched in 2021; with the aim to empower, engage, and educate women in business, while advocating for policies that foster a collaborative ecosystem globally. Since then, we have mobilized funds worth $18M for women in business and organised 80+ events aligned to our goal of advancing women’s economic empowerment.

Being recognized as a member of UNFPA’s Equity 2030 Alliance, knowledge partner by the UNGCNI, partner by VUCEA (Ministry of Economy in Argentina), and knowledge partner by the G20/W20 in 2023 is a testament to our pivotal role in advancing societal transformation through women-led development, and commitment to social impact.

SRKay Consulting Group Unveils Research on Why New-Shoring is Replacing Traditional Offshoring

SRKay Consulting Group has released a groundbreaking whitepaper, “New-Shoring: The Next Evolution in Global Expansion,” providing data-driven insights into why companies are rapidly moving away from traditional offshoring models and embracing New-Shoring as a future-proof strategy.

With geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and rising labour costs impacting global businesses, organizations are actively seeking new locations that offer regulatory stability, skilled talent, and operational resilience. According to the whitepaper, 76% of CEOs now see New-Shoring as a long-term transformation strategy, rather than a cost-cutting measure.

Key Highlights from the Whitepaper

Why Offshoring is No Longer Sustainable:

35% of executives rank political stability as the top concern when selecting new expansion locations.83% of North American and 90% of European businesses are actively diversifying their supply chains post-pandemic.China’s labor costs have surged by over 15% annually, reducing its cost-advantage.

New-Shoring: The Strategic Shift

India (75%), Vietnam (70%), and Mexico (55%) are the top New-Shoring destinations based on workforce availability, infrastructure, and policy incentives.22% of global executives now use AI-powered site selection for risk mitigation and operational efficiency.57% of enterprises prioritize sustainability and ESG compliance in location selection.

Case Studies from Industry Leaders

  • Apple – Shifting iPhone production to India to diversify its manufacturing footprint.
  • Tesla – Expanding Gigafactories in Mexico for nearshoring closer to the U.S. market.
  • Boeing – Investing in Mexico’s aerospace hub to improve supply chain efficiency.

The Future of Global Expansion

AI-driven automation, hybrid workforce models, and geopolitical realignments will define business expansion strategies over the next five years.Companies that embrace New-Shoring will gain a competitive advantage in resilience, speed-to-market, and innovation.

As per Karunjit Kumar Dhir, CEO of SRKay Consulting Group:”New-Shoring isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about ensuring long-term stability and business resilience. Our latest whitepaper outlines a strategic framework for companies looking to make this shift effectively.”

Why Download the Whitepaper?

Discover which global destinations offer the best opportunities for New-Shoring.✔ Gain insights into AI-driven decision-making for site selection and risk assessment.✔ Explore real-world case studies showcasing how top companies are making the shift successfully.

Download the Whitepaper today and future-proof your global expansion strategy.

About SRKay Consulting Group

With operations in eight countries, SRKay Consulting Group is a trusted partner for businesses navigating global expansion, New-Shoring, and offshore transformation strategies. The firm specializes in regulatory compliance, digital transformation, and operational excellence, helping enterprises unlock growth opportunities in emerging markets.

For media inquiries, partnerships, and whitepaper access:
Komaldeep Kaur
Email: Komal@mianext.com
Explore More: www.srkay.com

CleverTap partners with upGrad to build a Deep Learning Track to upskill Marketers with Hands-On AI & Analytics Training

CleverTap, the all-in-one engagement platform, has partnered with upGrad – one of Asia’s largest integrated skilling and forever learning majors, to introduce a specialised deep-learning program / track within upGrad-powered Digital Marketing and Product Management courses with MICA and Duke CE, respectively.

With the commitment of enabling brands to unlock limitless customer lifetime value, CleverTap currently boasts a strong clientele of over 2000 brands globally to help build personalized experiences for all their customers. The platform is powered by TesseractDB™ – the world’s first purpose-built database for customer engagement, offering speed and cost efficiency at scale. On the other hand, upGrad is one of Asia’s leading integrated skilling giants that offers a range of online & hybrid skilling programs, Certifications, and Bootcamps under its B2C portfolio while also facilitating top Indian and global universities to offer their Diploma, Master’s and Executive Doctorates.  

Seamlessly integrated into the curriculum, the two entities jointly enable deep learning that blends academic rigor with real-world application, equipping learners with cutting-edge expertise in customer retention, engagement strategies, and AI-driven marketing. Through live masterclasses and hands-on training with CleverTap’s platform, learners will gain exclusive industry insights and practical experience to tackle modern marketing challenges.

Learners will receive exclusive, one-month access to the CleverTap dashboard, gaining hands-on experience in leveraging marketing analytics for impactful campaigns. They can extend their access at a discounted rate for deeper learning. Upon completion, candidates will also earn a prestigious joint Certification from upGrad and CleverTap, enhancing their competitive edge in the job market.

Discussing the new partnership Sunil Thomas, Co-founder and Executive Chairman at CleverTap said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with upGrad on this initiative. The marketing landscape is dynamic and ever-evolving; it is therefore crucial for aspiring professionals to stay ahead of the curve. This partnership is enabling us to interact with young talent and give back to the industry by nurturing skilled marketers of the future.”

Commenting on this initiative, Rohit Sharma – President, Consumer Business, upGrad said, “AI-driven marketing is no longer the future, it is now. As businesses globally demand data-savvy professionals who can translate insights into impact, this partnership with CleverTap ensures our learners are not just job-ready but future-ready – armed with core capabilities of churning data sets for driving business results. At upGrad, we’re committed to shaping careers that drive the new economy, where AI and analytics define success, and this thought-through collaboration will continue to lead us with a unified approach to build a skilled talent force.” 

Learners can also access videos from CleverTap University – created by the platform to expand user knowledge on the CleverTap product, business use cases, and best practices to maximize the value of the platform. These videos will be available on upGrad’s Learning Management System. 

About upGrad

Started in 2015, upGrad is one of Asia’s largest integrated Learning, Skilling, and Workforce Development majors offering a range of online & hybrid skilling programs, Certifications, and Bootcamps under its B2C portfolio. It also facilitates top Indian and global universities to offer their Diploma, Master’s and Executive Doctorates. Additionally, select programs are tailored for Enterprise clients under the corporate skilling division, along with other recruitment and staffing services.

About CleverTap

CleverTap is the leading all-in-one customer engagement platform that helps brands unlock limitless customer lifetime value. CleverTap is trusted by over 2000 brands like Decathlon, Domino’s, Levis, Jio, Emirates NBD, Puma, Croma (A Tata Enterprise), Swiggy, SonyLIV, Axis Bank, AirAsia, TD Bank, Ooredoo, and Tesco to help build personalized experiences for all their customers. The platform is powered by TesseractDB™ – the world’s first purpose-built database for customer engagement, offering speed and cost efficiency at scale.

Backed by top-tier investors such as Accel, Peak XV Partners, Tiger Global, CDPQ, and 360 One, the company is headquartered in San Francisco, with presence across Seattle, London, São Paulo, Bogota, Mexico, Amsterdam, Sofia, Dubai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Singapore, Vietnam, and Jakarta.

For more information, visit clevertap.com or follow us on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clevertap/
X: https://twitter.com/CleverTap

For more information:
SONY SHETTY
Director, Communications, CleverTap
sony@clevertap.com 

ASHMIT CHAUDHARY
Associate Consultant, Archetype
+91 8850752121
ashmit.chaudhary@archetype.co 

Hong Kong products highly rated by ASEAN e-shoppers

– Singaporean, Thai and Malaysian consumers spend the most

Hong Kong businesses are well placed to make good on the government’s budget commitment to step up e-commerce trade with the ASEAN bloc, according to new research from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). In particular, the findings show that the extension of the E-Commerce Easy initiative may be of huge benefit to Hong Kong’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Titled ASEAN eCommerce opportunities: Insights on Consumer Behaviours and Positioning of Hong Kong Products, the research shows that Hong Kong brands and products are already particularly valued in six key ASEAN markets – Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – with every indication that this positive perception will lead to significant growth in future trade.

Previewed today, the full report will be released on 19 March during a dedicated session at this year’s HKTDC MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse events at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

HK electronic, fashion, cosmetic products popular in ASEAN
Among the key findings of the research is the high level of popularity Hong Kong brands and products enjoy among ASEAN-6 e-consumers. In fact, some 70% of online shoppers within the six-nation grouping indicated they had bought at least one Hong Kong-sourced product within the past 12 months.

This preference was particularly pronounced among younger consumers, with the 18-29-year-old demographic indicating the highest regard for goods of Hong Kong origin.

In terms of the factors behind the appeal of Hong Kong brands and products for ASEAN consumers, the research identified three primary reasons. Firstly – and most compellingly – some 35% of respondents perceived Hong Kong-sourced goods as less costly and better value for money than those from other sources.

Secondly, a significant proportion of respondents (33%) stated that they particularly valued Hong Kong-sourced items for the way they seamlessly and successfully blended Asian and Western elements. A further 32% indicated that the stylish nature of the online inventory of Hong Kong-sourced items was the attribute they valued most highly.

In terms of Hong Kong e-commerce categories with the highest level of appeal for ASEAN-6 purchasers, consumer electronic items topped the list, winning favour with 70% of respondents. Taking the number-two spot was Hong Kong-sourced fashion items (38%), while coming a close third was the city’s online range of cosmetic/personal care products (34%).

Singaporean, Thai and Malaysian e-shoppers spend the most
The survey also found e-shoppers from Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia spent the most per purchase on Hong Kong goods. Take Hong Kong-sourced consumer electronics as an example, Singapore e-shoppers on average spent US$371 per purchase, followed by those in Thailand (US$276).

In terms of individual ASEAN markets, it was Thailand that showed the greatest partiality to Hong Kong e-commerce items, with 81% of the relevant survey respondents having purchased such an item within the past 12 months.

In second place was Indonesia, with 73% of respondents having ordered a Hong Kong item online within the last year. Slightly below this, in third place, was the Philippines, with 69% of the country’s respondents having made a related purchase over the past 12 months.

In terms of age demographics, respondents aged 30-49 had the highest average spending per purchase.

Separately, an average of 76% of those 18-29 year-olds across all ASEAN-6 markets had purchased a Hong Kong-sourced item online within the past 12 months. Among the 30-49 segment, the corresponding figure fell marginally to 72%, before falling further – to 52% – for online shoppers aged 50 or above. Reassuringly, even in this older category, a slender majority still manifested a preference for buying from the city via an online channel.

Commenting on the significance of the survey, Irina Fan, Director of HKTDC Research, said: “It’s encouraging that the first study of its kind should show just how willing ASEAN consumers are to purchase Hong Kong brands and products via a variety of online channels. In line with our findings, Hong Kong SMEs should particularly bear in mind the high regard consumers in Thailand and Indonesia have for Hong Kong-sourced products.”

Ms Fan added: “In terms of product categories, it’s clearly particularly good news for Hong Kong companies in the consumer electronics sector, an area that has long been one of the city’s key strengths.”

Full report revealed at eTailingPulse
The HKTDC is organising the MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse conferences at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre next Wednesday, 19 March. The full ASEAN e-Commerce opportunities: Insights on Consumer Behaviours and Positioning of Hong Kong Products report will be unveiled at an eTailingPulse panel discussion, where business leaders will share insights from their successful experiences in the ASEAN e-commerce market.

The panel is among nearly 30 sessions at the two Pulse events, which bring together more than 65 global elites from diverse industry sectors, including influential marketing experts, economists, retail giants, brand strategists, advertising and PR professionals and e-commerce leaders.

Themed Inspiring Possibilities, the events aim to turn visionary ideas into actionable strategies and spark cross-disciplinary collaboration. This year’s event will spotlight six key marketing topics: leveraging data and artificial intelligence (AI) to drive innovative marketing strategies; integrating art, music and culture into brand marketing to explore new frontiers; embracing neurodiversity to foster more inclusive marketing perspectives; opportunities in the ASEAN and halal markets; addressing the challenges and possibilities of global industry transformation in light of the rising trend of single-person households; and empowering the “she economy” through innovative AI solutions to enhance the market competitiveness of e-commerce platforms.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore forward-thinking market dynamics, emerging trends, innovative marketing strategies and compelling success stories.

HKTDC support SMEs tapping into e-commerce
The HKTDC has been supporting SMEs to tap into the tremendous business opportunities brought by the rapidly developing e-commerce market. The HKTDC Design Gallery online store will extend to Singapore and Malaysia in 2025/26, followed by Thailand in a subsequent phase. Hong Kong suppliers will be able to sell their products to the ASEAN region through this online channel in the form of cross-border e-commerce. The range of products to be offered in the initial stage includes gifts, housewares, bags, baby/kids’ products and eco-friendly products.

This year, the HKTDC is also launching a year-long programme called E-Commerce Express to address the pain points faced by local SMEs when developing cross-border e-commerce businesses in the mainland. The programme will involve the HKTDC, together with major e-commerce or social media platforms, arranging a series of thematic training seminars and research sharing sessions.

Appendix
– E-commerce Easy: The E-commerce Easy initiative was set up by the Hong Kong SAR Government in July 2024 to help fund local businesses as they seek to serve potential mainland clients via a range of e-commerce channels. In the 2024 Policy Address, the Government announced it would expand the scheme to cover ASEAN-10 markets within 2025, with Hong Kong companies looking to access the bloc via online sales platforms eligible for subsidies of up to HK$1 million.
– Methodology: HKTDC Research conducted an online survey of 1,846 online shoppers in June and July 2024 covering the six ASEAN-6 markets of Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Singapore. There were roughly 300 respondents from each country. Typically, respondents were aged 18 to 60, resided within selected major metropolitan areas, made online purchases at least once a month, and were mid- to high-annual income earners.

References
HKTDC Research website: https://research.hktdc.com/en/

Photo download: https://bit.ly/41zMoAf

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Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communication and Public Affairs Department:

Jane CheungTel: (852) 2584 4137Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org
Katy WongTel: (852) 2584 4524Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org

                  
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 exhibitionsconferences 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.

Exceptional Presence of 24 Hong Kong Innovators Mesmerised Mobile World Congress Audience

– Hong Kong tech companies looking to supply Europe markets with innovative solutions and
– inspirational exchanges in terms of tech and talent

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) joined the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) in highlighting achievements of 24 tech companies and corporations at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, marking it the largest delegation to date joining the world’s biggest mobile industry event.

The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion continues its journey overseas from recent appearance at Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas and engages the premises of Europe, covering the latest solutions in key sectors including Advanced Electronics & Robotics; AI & Data; and Digital Transformation. Ranging from AI-integrated products to automation services, these technological excellence brewed optimism in extending to new frontiers, and gain traction from industry leaders, potential partners, and inspired investors. (Please refer to Appendix 1 for the full list of participants.)

A partnership agreement signed between HKSTP and 22@Network Barcelona, and a Memorandum of Understanding signed between HKTDC and Barcelona City Council, both witnessed by Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) of HKSAR Government, will be urging conversations in promoting collective efforts between the cities for a sustainable I&T future.

Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, commented: “The world’s premier mobile event makes an unrivalledopportunity to forge impactful connections – an important stage for each local tech company to play a role in the European and global markets and accelerate the adoption of transformative solutions. We look forward with excitement to witnessing new opportunities for innovation on both sides emerge at this year’s conference.”

Iris Wong, Director of Merchandise Trade and Innovation & External Relations of HKTDC added: “The HKTDC is committed to showcasing Hong Kong’s dynamic technological prowess on the global stage. We are proud to present 24 outstanding Hong Kong start-ups and tech ventures at the Mobile World Congress, an important global arena showcasing the latest mobile communications advances. Moreover, we are happy to renew our partnership with Barcelona City Council and continuously strengthen cooperation in promoting trade and investment between the two cities. The HKTDC also continues to work closely with the city council to help Hong Kong tech start-ups gain exposure in the Spanish market”

As one of the top emerging startup ecosystems, Hong Kong ranks third global after Madrid and Barcelona, and companies from the EU make up the largest foreign business community in Hong Kong, totalling 1,640 according to government data in 2024, and Technology is highly active contributing to this figure, suggesting spotlight in I&T collaborations between the regions is encouraged. Sharing the notion, HKSTP will be joining Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO), Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), and the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) to co-organise a seminar in London, following further on the traction for potential investors, partners, and high-calibre talents to thrive in Hong Kong.

Photo download: https://tinyurl.com/2v93bpcr

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Photo 1: Hong Kong Tech Pavilion saw the presence of (from left) Paula Kant, Head of Investment Promotion of InvestHK; Chris Lo, Regional Director, Europe, Central Asia & Israel of HKTDC; Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP; Susana Prado, President of 22@Network Barcelona; Shirley Yung, Special Represenattive for HK Economic & Trade Affairs to the European Union, Brussels ETO; Prof. Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of HKSAR Government; Jordi Valls Riera, Deputy Mayor of Barcelona City Council; Iris Wong, Director of Merchandise Trade and Innovation & External Relations of HKTDC; Rocky Cheng, CEO of Cyberport; and Whitney Chan, Senior Systems Manager of Digital Policy Office of HKSAR Government.
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Photo 2: MoU signed between the HKTDC and Barcelona City Council was represented by Iris Wong, Director of Merchandise Trade and Innovation & External Relations of HKTDC (left) and Jordi Valls Riera, Deputy Mayor of Barcelona City Council (right), and witnessed by Prof. Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of HKSAR Government (middle).
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Photo 3: A Partnership agreement signed by Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP (left in front) and Susana Prado, President of 22@Network Barcelona (right in front) was witnessed by Prof. Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of HKSAR Government (left in the back) and Jordi Valls Riera, Deputy Mayor of Barcelona City Council (right in the back) in forming an alliance to foster growth of both the I&T communities.
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Photo 4-5: Derek Chim, Head of Startups Ecosystem and Development of HKSTP (first on the left of Photo 4) joined in sharing Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem at the 4YFN25, an occasion that connects international innovators, and celebrates achievement and aim to “Create Better.”
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Photo 6: 24 Hong Kong tech companies and corporations at Mobile World Congress 2025 Barcelona, Spain.
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Photo 7-10: Showcases of Hong Kong tech companies engaging the local audience.
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Note:
– Non-HKSTP park companies marked with (*).

About Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 as a thriving I&T ecosystem grooming 14 unicorns, more than 15,000 research professionals and over 2,200 technology companies from 26 countries and regions focused on developing healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies, etc.   

The growing ecosystem serves at an international I&T hub in Asia, offers comprehensive support including R&D infrastructure, investment expertise, partnership networks, talent traction and more, in accelerating ideation, and commercialising innovation for technology ventures, all with the I&T journey built around key locations across Hong Kong and branched towards the GBA and further to continuously contribute to the development of I&T making a pillar of growth for Hong Kong.     

More information about HKSTP is available at www.hkstp.org.    

About Hong Kong Trade Development Council
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 exhibitionsconferences 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.
Follow us on @hktdc and LinkedIn   

Media Contact:Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
Sam Yan
Tel: +852 2629 6743
Email: sam.yan@hkstp.org

The Hoffman Agency
Daphne Chan
Tel: +852 5960 7926
Email: dchan@hoffman.com

Hong Kong Trade Development Council
Katy Wong
Tel: +852 2584 4524
Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.com

Raconteur
Betsy Tse
Tel: +852 9742 7338
Email: betsytse@reconteur.hk

Sevens Atelier records profit for FY 2024, paving the way for accelerated growth and strategic expansion

Sevens Atelier Limited (the “Company” or “Sevens Atelier”, and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”), one of the  leading players in the Design and Build industry for landed properties, has announced its financial results for the twelve months (“FY 2024”) ended 31 December 2024.

In FY 2024, the Group marked a significant milestone by delivering a net profit of S$0.31 million, following a loss of S$4.05 million in FY 2023, despite a decrease in revenue from S$14.33 million in FY 2023 to S$9.10 million in FY 2024. This achievement comes as a direct result of management’s decisive actions to optimize costs, streamline operations, and improve financial discipline.

Gross profit margins grew from 15.4% to 19.6% year-on-year, signalling the success of focused restructuring and cost management efforts. In addition, administrative expenses reduced by almost 50%, setting the foundation for sustainable, long-term growth through operating a leaner and more efficient organisation.

The Group continues to grow its reputation as the preferred choice for customers as it has accumulated an order book amounting to S$12.36 million as at 31 December 2024, positioning the Company for stronger revenue streams in the coming year. Aligned with targets of enhancing project profitability, these contracts are expected to generate higher profit margins than in previous years, reflecting a shift towards a more sustainable and profitable business model, despite challenges such as cost inflation and rising competition.

Additionally, the Group’s focus on high-quality, Design and Build solutions for landed homes in Singapore continues to set it apart from competitors. For instance, the Group’s unique flagship experience centre enhances customer engagement, contributing to increasing demand and a growing pipeline of projects.

Looking ahead, the Group is actively exploring strategic growth opportunities through mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and expansion into new business segments and geographic markets. With a favourable macroeconomic outlook, including stabilizing market demand and positive expectations on further global interest rate adjustments, the Company is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

The Group Operation Director, Mr. Tang Yao Zhi commented, “Achieving our first full-year profit since changing to a Design and Build player is a testament to our unwavering commitment to financial prudence and operational efficiency. Looking ahead, we are looking ahead to executing our growing orderbook, which already exceeds FY2024’s revenue.”

About Sevens Atelier Limited (SGX:5EW)

Sevens Atelier is listed on the Catalist Board of the Singapore Exchange. The Company offers full-fledged consultancy services in the Design & Build industry, including pre-leasing consultations of business spaces and pre-purchase inspections of premium landed properties in Singapore.  From consultation to completion, the Company provides turnkey services to its premium clients. Sevens Atelier is a BCA-certified solutions provider in the Design and Build arena with the goal to constantly improve and evolve. Its artisanal capabilities are a hallmark of its commitment to clients.

For all media queries, please contact:
Tang Yao Zhi
T: (+65) 8139 7777
E: yaozhi@sevensatelier.com


This press release has been reviewed by the Company’s sponsor, PrimePartners Corporate Finance Pte. Ltd. (the “Sponsor”).  It has not been examined or approved by the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (the “Exchange“) and the Exchange assumes no responsibility for the contents of this press release, including the correctness of any of the statements or opinions made or reports contained in this press release.

The contact person for the Sponsor is Ms. Foo Jien Jieng, 16 Collyer Quay, #10-00 Collyer Quay Centre, Singapore 049318, sponsorship@ppcf.com.sg

Yashaa Global Capital Secures Financial Services Permission to Establish a Global Sports VC Fund

The fund comprises of sporting legends Shikhar Dhawan, AB de Villiers, Ravi Shastri with a pedigreed investment team

Yashaa Global Capital, a venture capital fund dedicated to Sports, has received the Financial Services Permission (FSP) from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM, Abu Dhabi’s leading international financial centre. This significant milestone marks the fund’s official establishment in ADGM, positioning Yashaa Global Capital as a catalyst for driving global investments in the rapidly evolving sports sector.

The fund, a unique initiative, helmed by General Partners Shikhar Dhawan, Mohammed Sirajuddin, Arif Padaria and Dr. Victor Tay, combines a pedigreed investment team with elite athletes. This collaboration leverages their expertise and extensive networks in the sports ecosystem, aiming to provide unparalleled value to portfolio companies through mentorship, strategic partnerships, and growth opportunities. Previously known as Da One Global Ventures, the fund has been rebranded to reflect its global ambitions and sharpened focus on innovation and wealth generation.

Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Yashaa Global Capital has a targeted $75M corpus (including a $25M greenshoe option), and is set to deploy capital globally across SportsTech, Fitness & Wellness, Esports & Gaming, MediaTech, Leagues & Teams. Leveraging ADGM’s status as a premier financial hub, the athlete-backed fund bridges global investors, startups, and sports entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and scalability. Its unique network ensures that its portfolio companies gain strategic insights and connections, delivering exceptional value to all stakeholders.

Shikhar Dhawan, General Partner at Yashaa Global Capital, commented, “ADGM’s stable regulatory environment and strategic location at Capital of Capital Abu Dhabi, make it the perfect base for our fund. This is an exciting opportunity to create a global impact and contribute to the evolving landscape of sports entrepreneurship. With ADGM’s support, we are confident in creating a platform that not only nurtures groundbreaking startups but also delivers meaningful value to our investors globally.”

Mohammed Sirajuddin, General Partner at Yashaa Global Capital, expressed his vision for the fund, “Business of Sports is at a transformative stage, becoming increasingly globalized, institutionalized, and technology-driven. With a unique team blending deep industry expertise, strong networks, and proven investment experience, we aim to bridge the gap in the Asian market, where sports-focused funds are limited. As a global fund with a strong Asia focus, we are dedicated to empowering visionary businesses shaping the future of sports and delivering exceptional value to founders, investors, and the broader ecosystem.”

“I am proud to be associated with this visionary global fund. As a sports ecosystem VC originating from the GCC region, it has the potential to reshape the business of sports, esports, and gaming investments worldwide. I look forward to supporting entrepreneurs on and off the field”, said AB de Villiers.

ADGM, recognized worldwide as a stable financial hub, provides a robust platform for venture funds like Yashaa Global Capital to thrive. Its dedication to fostering financial innovation and entrepreneurship underpins Yashaa’s strategic vision.

Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief of Market Development at ADGM, commented: “We are proud to support Yashaa Global Capital as they establish their presence in ADGM and launch a groundbreaking venture capital fund focused on the rapidly evolving sports sector. This milestone reflects ADGM’s commitment to fostering innovative and transformative industries while providing a robust and progressive regulatory environment.”

About Yashaa Global Capital
Yashaa Global Capital is a global multi-stage venture capital fund investing in transformative startups across the Business of Sports, New Age Media, and the Future of Sports & Human Performance. With its establishment in ADGM, and backing from leading athletes like Shikhar Dhawan, the fund is positioned to pioneer innovation in sports and gaming, fostering growth for startups and delivering robust returns for investors worldwide. This announcement marks the beginning of Yashaa Global Capital’s journey to redefine the sports and esports investing landscape, with a commitment to building a sustainable ecosystem for global entrepreneurs and stakeholders. Learn more at https://yashaa.vc/.

For any communication and media engagements please contact:
contact@yashaa.vc 

Igloo kicks off 2025 with Multi-market Partnership Wins and Chief Distribution Officer Appointment

Leading regional insurtech Igloo enters 2025 with a strong push, launching new partnerships, introducing new products with existing partners across the region, and appointing a Chief Distribution Officer to grow its embedded insurance and sales intermediaries business lines.

Sasitharan Krishnan, Chief Distribution Officer, Igloo
Sasitharan Krishnan, Chief Distribution Officer, Igloo

New and enhanced partnerships with leading brands

Building on their collaboration in 2024, Igloo and Salmon are strengthening their partnership in 2025 with the launch of Gadget Protection in the Philippines. This new offering will cover device repairs and replacements for gadgets purchased through Salmon’s platform, complementing their existing loan protection coverage, which safeguards repayments in case of unforeseen incidents.

Similarly, Igloo’s partnership with Skyro, which introduced Gadget Protection and Loan Protection last year, is expanding in 2025 with the introduction of Goods Protection. Through this new product, home furniture, clothing, auto accessories, and even toys can now be protected from the same everyday risks.

As access to credit remains a challenge in the Philippines, consumer finance platforms like Salmon and Skyro provide financial and insurance access to underbanked and unbanked segments. These platforms currently serve an estimated 300,000 Filipinos.

Igloo continues to strengthen its ties with Shopee in the Philippines, launching its fifth product, Goods Protection to its existing suite. Since 2022, the partnership has facilitated over 16.9 million protection plans across product lines with Shopee’s 56 million monthly visitors.

Underwritten by SeaInsure, Goods Protection covers eligible items purchased on the platform — such as electronics accessories, vehicle spare parts, baby gear, and office supplies — that suffer total loss or damage due to accidents like fire, collision, falls, liquid damage, or being run over.

In Indonesia, Igloo has two new partnerships under its belt — with leading fintech company Akulaku, and consumer finance platform Kredivo. With the former, gadget protection service underwritten by Victoria Insurance, covers repairs and replacements for gadgets purchased on the platform with a one-year coverage period. With smartphone users expected to reach 249.95 million by 2029, this service meets the growing demand for reliable device protection in the country’s increasingly digital market.

Igloo also continues to innovate with new offerings like Xtra Protection — its fifth product with Indonesian e-wallet platform DANA, which currently serves 200 million users. As more Indonesians move to digital payments with transactions expected to grow to US$371.6 billion in 2025, the product is timely, protecting users from lost wallet balances due to fraud.

Igloo’s collaboration with consumer finance platform Kredivo — which serves more than 10 million users, introduces Travel Domestic, covering trip cancellations, lost baggage, and more.

In Thailand, Igloo has expanded its partnership with e-payment and financial services provider True Money to include coverage for cars and motorcycles, building on the success of its health and accident insurance offering from the previous year, this new product extends protection to approximately 20.7 million registered vehicles across the country. Meanwhile, the successful collaboration with Lazada Thailand, which serves millions of customers in the country, also sees the addition of a fifth product — Flight Insurance for domestic and international trips.

“These partnerships underscore Igloo’s efforts to make insurance more seamless and integrated into everyday online transactions, and as we enter 2025, we are building on this momentum by deepening our commitment to making insurance more accessible, affordable, and seamlessly integrated into digital experiences. The slew of new partnerships — and the expansion of existing ones — within the first months in 2025 heralds our positive trajectory and highlights the continued value we provide in embedding insurance across diverse industries in Southeast Asia,” Mehta added.

Key regional hire to accelerate growth in Southeast Asia

In addition, Igloo has added to its leadership fold Chief Distribution Officer (CDO) Sasitharan Krishnan who brings over 30 years of expertise from the insurance distribution sector serving as Senior Vice President for Asia Affinity at insurance giant Sompo and Chief Officer of Digital Sales at Allianz Ayudhya Assurance.

In his role, Sasi will drive Igloo’s distribution strategy with a key focus on brokering regional deals, and increased value for Igloo and its partners through relationships with regional and local insurers. He will also bring mentorship and rigor to Igloo’s commercial organisation.

“With Sasitharan’s addition, we will make significant strides in accelerating growth,” Mehta explained. “His extensive experience in insurance distribution and digital sales will be instrumental in building new partnerships, driving value for Igloo and our partners and ensuring our products are consumer-centric, accessible, and effectively delivered across business lines.”

Learn more about Igloo, its partnerships, and technology by visiting iglooinsure.com.

About Igloo

Igloo is a regional full-stack insurtech firm headquartered in Singapore. It has offices in Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia and tech centres in China and India. With a mission of making insurance accessible for all, the firm leverages big data, real-time risk assessment, and end-to-end automated claims management to create B2B2C insurance solutions for platform companies and insurance companies. Igloo’s insurance solutions enable companies to eliminate their exposure to operational risk, create new revenue streams, and optimise and enhance existing products and services. It has partnered with over 75 well-known brand names across the markets in various verticals, including insurance, telecommunications, e-commerce, hospitality, health tech and financial services. Recognized by the industry for its innovations and expertise, Igloo was named ‘Insurtech of the Year’ in the 2023 and 2024 Asia Fintech Awards.

For more information, please visit https://iglooinsure.com/.

For Media Queries:
PRecious Communications for Igloo
Email: Igloo@preciouscomms.com

HKTDC strengthens local competitiveness and global connections

– Driving innovation, nurturing a new generation of SMEs
– reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a resilient international business hub

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) today announced its work focus for the 2025/26 fiscal year, which aims to strengthen Hong Kong’s competitive advantages and intensify efforts to promote Hong Kong as a resilient international business hub. Embracing opportunities arising from global development trends, the HKTDC continues to create new opportunities for Hong Kong businesses.

HKTDC Chairman Dr Peter K N Lam said: “Just two months into 2025, the HKTDC has already held a number of major events, such as the Asian Financial Forum (AFF) in January and three trade fairs, which attracted strong participation from attendees, buyers and exhibitors from around the world, a herald of a year of vibrant business activity.”

“Looking ahead, the HKTDC will strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a resilient and connected international business hub, intensify efforts to promote our city’s advantages to the global business community and promote further integration of Hong Kong into the national development framework, which highlighting Hong Kong’s unique role in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Furthermore, we will drive innovation and sustainable development to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness, and nurture a new generation of SMEs and start-ups.”

In 2024, the HKTDC hosted over 40 large-scale exhibitions and conferences in Hong Kong, attracting buyers, exhibitors and attendees from over 190 countries and regions, further solidifying Hong Kong’s position as the premier hub for exhibitions and conferences in Asia. Particularly noteworthy was the increased participation from Mainland China and emerging markets, such as ASEAN and the Middle East, as well as the traditional markets of Europe and North America, with all showing robust growth compared to 2023.

In the 2025/26 fiscal year, the HKTDC will intensify efforts to actively promote Hong Kong’s advantages and opportunities to Mainland China and the global business community, further solidifying Hong Kong’s crucial role as a key global hub for two-way investment and trade.

HKTDC’s 2025/2026 major work focuses are:
1. Reinforce Hong Kong’s unique role as a resilient and connected business hub globally, and strengthen its integration into national development and role as superconnector and super value-adder
Strengthen Hong Kong’s integration into national development

– Stage targeted fundraising salons in Mainland China to entice mainland enterprises to list in Hong Kong;
– Organise the second edition of the Hong Kong Shopping Festival in August and launch the E-Commerce Express to help SMEs deepen their understanding of mainland e-commerce and online platforms through a series of specialised training seminars and one-on-one advisory services;
– Active participation in mainland fairs, including setting up Hong Kong Image Pavilions at key mainland expos to promote Hong Kong’s advantages; organising a Hong Kong Day networking event at the China International Import Expo targeting key buyers and enriching the Style Hong Kong Pavilion offerings at the China International Consumer Products Expo to create more collaboration opportunities.

– Organise sectoral outbound mission
:1) A GoGBA mission to Dongguan will be organised to help SMEs in the food processing and medical devices sectors to stay competitive amid an evolving manufacturing landscape with innovative technologies;
2) An e-tailing mission to e-commerce hotspot Zhejiang to help SMEs understand the latest developments; and
3) A Fashion Go Places mission to Guangzhou and Dongguan to connect Hong Kong fashion industry players with partners in fashion tech and beyond.

Reinforce Hong Kong’s role as superconnector and super value-adder
– Build partnerships with Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) government agencies and industry multipliers to attract more RCEP businesses to leverage HKTDC trade fairs to connect with international buyers;
– Launch the Hong Kong Risk Management Squad to help mainland and ASEAN companies with plans for global expansion to mitigate business risks;
– Introduce the ASEAN Lifestyle Pioneer Series to increase SMEs’ market exposure in the region and facilitate opportunities;
– Stage Think Business, Think Hong Kong campaign in Italy to spotlight Hong Kong’s strengths and advantages, including its service offerings; and
– Organise missions, including to:
1) ASEAN to explore opportunities in the food and health supplement industry; and
2) Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates with an Infrastructure Development and Real Estate-related Services (IRES) delegation to capture opportunities arising from infrastructure expansion in the Middle East.

2. Fortify Hong Kong’s competitiveness by embracing innovation and sustainable development,  to support the national new quality productive forces strategy, and seize opportunities arising from global trends
Support the national new quality productive forces strategy

– Strengthen the content of and recruitment for exhibitions and conferences:
1) Establish InnoEX as an international I&T exchange platform for Asia;
2) Recruit more agritech and foodtech firms sought after by investors, to join AFF Deal-making;
3) Explore collaboration with local research centres to coorganise thematic sessions at the Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH) to facilitate industry collaboration;
4) Collaborate with Hong Kong Baptist University’s Chinese Medicine Hospital and Belt & Road Alliance for Traditional Chinese Medicine at ASGH to examine Hong Kong’s role in Traditional Chinese Medicine’s globalisation;
5) Explore opportunities in the low-altitude economy at the Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) and InnoEX;
6) Launch the SmartHK Tech Series to showcase Hong Kong’s I&T strengths across the GBA and at mainland I&T fairs; and
7) Focus on PropTech for Building for the Future campaign, especially in the mainland, to highlight Hong Kong’s strengths in PropTech and smart city development.

– Strengthen connections and collaboration with InnoHK, the Innovation and Technology Commission cluster:
1) Strengthen ties with the Health@InnoHK cluster to better understand their business matching needs and facilitate connections with relevant business partners and investors;
2) Partner with InnoHK research centres, local universities and incubators for the International Trade Fastpass SmartBiz Series to highlight the benefits of adopting innovative tech solutions.

Seize opportunities arising from global trends
– Sustainable development:
1) Launch the Hong Kong Green Team to highlight Hong Kong’s green strengths and capabilities in Hong Kong and ASEAN;
2) Invite sustainable fashion brands to promote circular fashion and a greener industry at CENTRESTAGE; and
3) Work with ESG-related multipliers to provide sustainability workshops and ESG certification courses for Transformation Sandbox (T-box) members.

Medical health and the silver economy:
1) Organise biotech missions to Europe and the US in partnership with industry multipliers to help start-ups grow and transform;
2) Invite partners and investors with expertise in geriatric medicine and elderly care to introduce ageing-related innovations at ASGH to facilitate collaboration and tech commercialisation;
3) Enhance the product line-up at Food Expo to showcase healthy food and supplements targeting the silver market; and
4) Create a thematic cluster on hktdc.com Sourcing to further highlight Optical Fair exhibitors targeting the silver market.

– Islamic business opportunities:
1) Collaborate with the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong to feature local halal food manufacturers at Food Expo PRO;
2) Strengthen participation of pavilions of countries with a large halal market to enrich the variety of halal products at Food Expo PRO.

3. Build the next generation of connected and future-ready SMEs and start-ups, and fast-track SMEs’ digital transformation
Build the next generation of connected and future-ready SMEs and start-ups

– Talent matching: Leverage events, such as InnoEX and Entrepreneur Day (E-Day), to offer talent matching sessions for start-ups and I&T companies.

– Strengthen collaboration with institutions:
1) Partner with the Hong Kong Productivity Council to inform Global Tech Summit participants about the latest tech in Industry 4.0 and showcase related solutions at E-Day to help SMEs, start-ups become future-ready;
2) Partner with academic institutions and youth and community organisations to engage young individuals at our fairs to equip them with the knowledge and skills in digital transformation and sustainability;
3) Launch the CV Clinic at the Education & Careers Expo by partnering with recruitment agencies to help the younger generation with their job search; and
4) Collaborate with local universities to leverage ASGH for their entrepreneurship events and as a showcase for their biomed projects.

Fast-track SMEs’ digital transformation
– Debut an AI productivity workshop series at InnoEX to help SMEs harness the power of AI tools to boost productivity;
– Host dedicated sessions at MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse to educate brands on short video features on the mainland’s social media platforms;
– Collaborate with leading AI service providers to provide T-box members with practical AI applications.

Media enquiries
HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Agnes Wat   Tel: (852) 2584 4554    Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org
Sam Ho      Tel: (852) 2584 4569    Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

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 exhibitionsconferences 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.