GoDaddy, a global leader in empowering entrepreneurs, unveiled GoDaddy Airo®, an innovative AI-powered experience set to transform small and medium-sized businesses sector. This groundbreaking new AI-powered experience enables entrepreneurs to establish a comprehensive online presence within minutes, bridging the gap between vision and digital reality.
Selina Bieber, Vice President for International Markets at GoDaddy, emphasized the new experience’s significance, “GoDaddy Airo® provides accessible AI-powered tools for Asian entrepreneurs and business owners to realize the benefits of using AI technology to help build and grow their digital brands together effortlessly.”
The AI-driven features include instant brand creation, digital marketing tools, Search Engine Optimization, and a user-friendly interface that allows navigation of advanced features without technical expertise. GoDaddy Airo® generates custom logos, websites, and email addresses in moments, develops targeted social media calendar aligned with local events, and enhances online visibility with built-in email marketing campaigns.
Many small business owners feel they face challenges in leveraging new technologies, primarily due to high implementation costs and lack of in-house technical expertise. GoDaddy Airo® eliminates these obstacles by providing cost-effective solutions accessible to businesses of all sizes, an intuitive design requiring no specialized skills, and comprehensive support and resources to confidently embrace AI technology and realize its benefits to their business operations.
With the purchase of a domain name, GoDaddy Airo® leverages the power of AI to make it easy to start a business and take it to the next level with a user-friendly online interface that requires no technical expertise.
Key features include:
Logo Creation – Building a compelling visual identity is essential for any business but can be time-consuming and expensive. With GoDaddy Airo® entrepreneurs can generate unique, professional logos in minutes, providing a solid brand image without needing design expertise.
Instant Website Development – One of the platform’s standout features is its ability to generate complete websites instantly. Entrepreneurs can publish a functional site with personalized content within minutes, simplifying digital presence creation without technical skills.
Automated Search Engine Optimization – GoDaddy helps businesses enhance their search rankings by providing suggestions to optimize their websites with targeted keywords and descriptions. AI analyses and recommends improvements, increasing visibility in search engine results and helping small businesses attract more customers.
Professional Email Services – A company domain-based email not only builds customer trust but also promotes the brand with every message sent. Additionally, it is backed by advanced email security through Microsoft 365, with features such as proactive protection, email backup, archiving, and seamless migration.
“GoDaddy Airo® can offer business owners new opportunities, while saving valuable time, so they can focus on building their brand, engaging with their customers and growing,” added Bieber.
For more information on how GoDaddy Airo® can help your business, visit.
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 enabling 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.
What if your offshore investments aren’t delivering the returns you expect. As global enterprises rethink their expansion strategies, SRKay Consulting Group unveils its latest whitepaper, “Offshoring’s ROI Dilemma: Are You Really Gaining from Global Expansion.” This game-changing financial playbook provides organizations with data-driven insights, strategic frameworks, and real-world case studies to maximize profitability, manage risks, and optimize financial planning in offshore markets.
Offshore Investment: A Game-Changer for 2025
In an era where 40% of global enterprises cite financial stability as the most critical factor in selecting offshore partners, businesses must rethink their expansion strategies. India’s projected 6.6% GDP growth rate and increasing foreign direct investments (FDI) signal new opportunities for cost-efficient, innovation-driven offshore strategies.
Key Findings and Insights
1. Strategic Financial Excellence
Break-even analysis, cash flow optimization, and KPIs have become essential tools for offshore financial success.Hybrid offshoring models (onshore oversight + offshore execution) mitigate compliance risks and improve efficiency.
2. Emerging Markets Driving ROI
Vietnam, Mexico, and India have become key offshore destinations, leveraging digital transformation, alternative investments, and geopolitical shifts.Nearshoring in Mexico offers cost-effective supply chain solutions amid shifting US trade policies.
3. Technology-Enabled Offshore Success
AI and automation reduce operational costs by up to 19%, enhancing supply chain efficiency.Blockchain adoption in offshore banking is streamlining international transactions and improving transparency.
4. Mitigating Financial and Regulatory Risks
Regulatory compliance (39%) and currency exchange volatility (28%) were identified as major offshore challenges.Hedging strategies and location diversification are key to mitigating financial uncertainties.
Expert Insights
“Businesses that optimize financial planning, leverage technology, and align with global regulatory shifts will emerge as leaders in offshore expansion. This whitepaper is an essential guide for decision-makers navigating the evolving landscape of global investments.”— Karunjit Kumar Dhir, CEO, SRKay Consulting Group
Industry Case Studies: Lessons from Global Leaders
IBM: Achieved $168M+ in savings through a hybrid offshore model, balancing cost-efficiency and regulatory compliance.Lloyd’s of London: Optimized IT operations by outsourcing while maintaining in-house governance.Walmart & Flipkart: Strengthened e-commerce dominance in India via strategic acquisitions and supply chain optimization.Tesla & Vietnam: Implemented supply chain diversification to reduce manufacturing dependencies.
Outlook: The Next Wave of Offshore Expansion
Expansion of Tier-II & III Cities – Growing hubs like Nagpur, Coimbatore, and Visakhapatnam offer untapped offshore potential.Fintech & AI-Driven Financial Planning – AI and machine learning will redefine offshore budgeting, hedging, and compliance.Sustainability in Offshore Operations – Businesses are prioritizing green infrastructure, ESG-focused financial models, and circular economies.
Download the Whitepaper & Gain a Competitive Edge
Don’t miss out on the insights that will shape the future of offshore financial success! Download the whitepaper todayand position your business for maximum ROI in global markets.
Operating across eight countries, SRKay Consulting Group specializes in strategic offshoring, GCC establishment, and financial compliance solutions. Our expertise in innovation, AI-driven financial planning, and global regulatory strategies empowers businesses to achieve sustainable growth and long-term offshore success.
foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME), a leading jobs and talent platform, has released the annual foundit Insights Tracker (fit) report, offering comprehensive insights into hiring trends across Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. This in-depth analysis sheds light on the evolving employment landscapes in these dynamic Southeast Asian economies.
The tracker analyses labour market trends in Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines, offering key insights into hiring dynamics across these job markets.
A closer look at the hiring trends shows that the Philippines recorded a robust 20% YoY growth in hiring primarily driven by its expansion of retail, logistics, and BPO sectors. Malaysia also experienced a 10% rise in hiring activities, while Singapore saw an 11% drop, reflecting a slowdown, especially in industries like IT and BFSI.
Commenting on these findings, V Suresh, CEO of foundit, said, “The evolving employment landscape across Southeast Asia is shaped by key factors such as digital adoption, workplace dynamics, and shifting compensation strategies. Malaysia has leveraged its digital momentum, particularly in retail and hospitality, to drive substantial hiring growth. Similarly, the Philippines has capitalised on consumer demand to expand its retail sector. Meanwhile, in Singapore, technology and efficiency are redefining industry roles. Overall, businesses that strike a balance between technology-driven strategies and employee well-being will be best positioned to navigate these shifts and sustain long-term growth.”
Malaysia recorded the highest YoY growth in Retail hiring at 85%, followed by the Philippines at 75%, where growth was driven by rapid expansion of retail outlets and rising middle-class consumption. Meanwhile, Singapore’s retail industry experienced a 9% YoY decline in hiring activities, which reflects the maturity of its online shopping business.
A sector-specific analysis showed that substantial investments, visa-free policies and spending on digital advertising across borders made by the Malaysian government led to the 42% YoY growth in hiring in the hospitality sector. Meanwhile, growing infrastructural investments, rising tourism, and the use of smart hospitality technology like digital booking systems enabled the Philippines to achieve a notable 30% growth.
Singapore’s hospitality industry saw a 15% decline in recruitment annually, reflecting a slowdown in workforce demand within the sector. This low performance might be attributed to limited promotional initiatives, tighter visa norms and technological shifts such as jobs being outsourced to artificial intelligence (AI) and automation.
Functional outlook analysis across sectors indicated that Malaysia saw a 25% annual increase in roles across Software, Hardware, and Telecom. This resilience reflects the high demand for experts in AI, machine learning, and cloud computing, aligning with the global digitalisation trend as companies place a higher priority on technology for long-term growth and sustainability. In contrast, Singapore experienced a sharp 45% decline in tech roles, and Philippines faced challenges at -8% YoY.
Hiring activity in the Marketing & Communications industry saw an upward annual trend in both the Philippines and Malaysia, reaching 43% and 36%, respectively. Digital campaigns, the growth of social media, SEO & SEM, and expanding e-commerce technology have propelled this surge. In contrast, Singapore’s Marketing & Communications sector faced a 9% decline in hiring demand, primarily due to reduced budgets for traditional marketing roles.
A notable shift was observed in HR & Administration roles, with the Philippines experiencing remarkable growth of 47% over the last year. This was driven by the expansion of industries such as Retail, Outsourcing, and Infrastructure sectors, as companies prioritised scaling their HR functions to manage workforce growth, streamline operations, and enhance employee engagement. At the same time, HR roles in Malaysia grew by 28%, while Singapore saw a 12% decline, most likely due to organisations in the country shifting towards automation and outsourcing of administrative functions to optimise costs.
About foundit Insights Tracker
The foundit Insights Tracker (fit) offers a detailed perspective on hiring patterns in Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines, focusing on the demand for specific skills, available positions, and salary ranges in the market. This analysis provides essential insights for job seekers and employers navigating the evolving employment landscape.
Period for the Report
The period considered for the foundit Insights Tracker (fit) data is December 2023 vs. December 2024, offering a comprehensive view of hiring trends in these key Asian markets.
About foundit – APAC & Middle East
foundit, formerly Monster (APAC & ME) is Asia’s leading jobs & talent platform offering comprehensive employment solutions to recruiters and job seekers across APAC & ME. In addition to a powerful AI-powered job search, foundit offers e-learning, assessments, and services related to resume creation, interview preparation, and professional networking. Since its inception, the company has assisted over 120 million job seekers across 18 countries in connecting them with the right job opportunities and upskilling. foundit is now also the Official Talent Partner of the Badminton World Federation across 20 key world tour events.
Over the last two decades, the company has been a leader in the world of recruitment solutions and has launched a cutting-edge solution to give recruiters access to passive candidates in addition to active ones. With the use of advanced technology, foundit is seeking to efficiently bridge the talent gap across industry verticals, experience levels, and geographies. Today, foundit is committed to enabling and connecting the right talent with the right opportunities by harnessing the power of deep tech to sharpen hyper-personalised job searches and offer precision hiring. Additionally, foundit has been recognised as a Great Place To Work, reflecting its dedication to fostering a supportive and dynamic work culture.
Venturi Partners, a leading consumer fund in India and Southeast Asia, today announced a $25 million investment in JQR (Just Quick Run), a rapidly emerging brand in the affordable footwear segment. This marks the first venture capital funding for JQR, with Venturi acquiring an undisclosed minority stake.
Founded in 2014, JQR is today, a highly trusted brand in India’s $12 billion mid and economy priced footwear segment. With vertically integrated manufacturing, in-house design capabilities and strong offline distribution, JQR consistently delivers high quality products at affordable price points.
Rishika Chandan, Managing Director of Venturi Partners, commented: “We are very excited to partner with JQR. The footwear industry is seeing strong support from government policies, and we believe there is a significant gap in the price segment that JQR operates in. India’s consumer market continues to have a dearth of high-quality, affordable brands, and our mission at Venturi is to identify and scale such businesses across categories. JQR has impressed us with its product quality, design aesthetic, in-house manufacturing, and well-established distribution network. We look forward to working closely with the founders to accelerate their growth trajectory.”
This funding will allow JQR to further expand its offline presence to new markets as well as launch its online channel, and further enhance its product offerings to meet India’s rising demand for affordable, high-quality sneakers.
The promoter brothers of JQR, Rinku, Sunil and Manish Garg commented: “The partnership with Venturi Partners marks an exciting milestone in JQR’s journey. The investment will not only allow us to accelerate our growth and deliver value to our consumers, but, with their support and expertise, we are also confident that JQR will emerge as the leading brand in its category and deliver strong value to all stakeholders.”
This investment is part of Venturi Partners’ broader strategy to empower audacious brands across sectors such as retail, education, healthcare, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) amongst others. Venturi Partners aims to support JQR not just with funding but also with strategic expertise, helping the company scale efficiently while staying true to its core brand identity. Venturi’s existing portfolio includes Livspace, Country Delight, Believe, Pickup Coffee, DALI, and K-12 Techno.
About Venturi Partners:
Founded in 2020, Venturi Partners is an Asia-focused investment platform that enables consumer-facing businesses build disruptive brands in India and Southeast Asia. The firm provides growth funding to consumer-centric, purpose-driven brands, with a focus on retail, education, healthcare, and fast-moving consumer goods, that have a shared desire to create a positive impact on the world. Venturi has built a unique investment platform for families wanting to participate in the long-term consumer growth trends in Asia. The platform is built around shared values and long-term partnerships, and aims to bring operational value-add to entrepreneurs building tomorrow’s leading brands in Asia.
Founded in 2013, JQR Sports Shoes is a symbol of quality footwear in India. Known as the “People’s Brand,” the company has dedicated themselves to serving every Indian with shoes that redefine comfort, style, and durability. In 2015, the brand launched India’s first fluorescent shoes. Over the years, JQR’s unwavering commitment to innovation has made the firm a leader in the footwear industry.
From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 29, Blackbox held its first in-house media event. We were aiming to start off small, so we were pleasantly surprised with the turnout – thank you to all the press and ecosystem representatives who made the time to come by.
BLACKBOX EVENT Roundtable With Regional Delegates
It being our first event, we began by explaining Blackbox’s mission statement and the social context that led to our launch. General Manager Taiki Iwasaki talked about the growing support for startups – especially foreign startups – in Japan over the last few years.
We are now roughly midway through previous PM Kishida’s five-year Startup Development plan, and the landscape is indeed changing. Currently over 700 Startup Visas have been issued, with well over half of them maturing to full-time Business Management Visas.
And yet there remains the issue of Japan being a black box to outsiders, especially within the business sphere. Even information exclusively intended for non-Japanese – for example, the application process for a startup visa – is often only available in Japanese, and often fragmented and buried on various regional government websites.
This is what Blackbox seeks to address; via Directory pages for each featured city, users can find information about visas, government support programs, local organisations, news, and interviews with local entrepreneurs, all in English.
Startup City Project We were also happy to welcome Toru Udagawa, representative of the Cabinet Office’s Secretariat of Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy, who gave a presentation on the government’s roadmap for further developing Japan’s startup ecosystem. The startup phase is of course very exciting, but how will a healthy startup ecosystem mature into an economic engine contributing to Japan’s future, and what support structures and tools need to be in place to help it do so?
Roundtable With Regional Delegates The highlight of the afternoon was a roundtable discussion with representatives from Shibuya, Nagoya, Kobe, Kyoto, and Sapporo – all cities within Special Economic Zones that offer startup visas.
It was fascinating to hear how the different cultural and historical backgrounds of the different areas have affected the startup scenes there, as well as their designs for the future. Nagoya, with its long history of heavy industry and manufacturing, is keen to expand into global hubs such as the U.S., Europe, and Singapore, while the port town of Kobe emphasises collaboration within Japan and the immediate area, like Taiwan and Korea. Shibuya’s place as a premier world destination sees it making efforts towards attracting foreign capital and VCs, while Hokkaido’s rich quality of life acts as a strong force in attracting human resources. Overall, a brilliant insight into the strengths of the different regions.
Thank You Blackbox recently celebrated its second year of operations, and we’re constantly growing and devising new ways to demystify the startup scene in Japan. If you’re interested in joining our enthusiastic community, don’t hesitate to check us out here.
As the new year gets started, small businesses owners are gearing up for the year to come. To help businesses get started early on to drive their sales growth throughout the year, GoDaddy offers a suite of AI-powered tools designed to help small businesses get found online, streamline e-commerce, optimize marketing strategies, and boost customer engagement in a competitive market.
A New Year, A New Opportunity
As 2025 gets started, businesses have an opportunity to prepare themselves to make the most of digital opportunities to help their business grow. Small business owners are shown to be more open to using artificial intelligence where they believe it will help impact their businesses. GoDaddy’s Entrepreneurship survey global results showed that 68% said they will use artificial intelligence in marketing and 55% said they would use it in business planning and strategy. GoDaddy Airo™, an AI-powered experience, is designed to save small business owners time in establishing their online presence and attract new customers by realizing the benefits of using AI technologies to help their business be more efficient and drive growth.
Build a Strong Digital Presence for 2025
As businesses transition into the new year, setting a solid digital strategy is crucial. Having a professional website tailored for a business can help to raise business visibility and online reach as more people go online first to check where to eat, where to shop and where to visit. With GoDaddy Airo’s customizable experience included with any new domain purchase, along with a new domain, a business can then instantly build a website, logo and more.
Additionally, GoDaddy’s digital marketing tool allows businesses to create personalized, targeted marketing campaigns. Businesses can engage with customers by offering exclusive discounts, promoting limited time offers, and creating festive promotions to help drive new customer conversions.
GoDaddy’s SEO tools help businesses optimize their websites for local search, ensuring that they rank higher on search engines and attract more potential customers. These tools can help businesses directly connect with their target audience and integrate with driving sales via social channels, which when integrated together with a website, strengthens a business’ overall digital presence.
Tailored Promotion Strategies for Businesses
Holiday seasons are often a key period for businesses to connect with customers to help drive sales and build revenue. GoDaddy’s tools are designed to help local businesses tap into the full potential of shopping seasons during the year, including peak shopping times. GoDaddy Websites + Marketing with online store makes it easy for businesses to set up an online store as a part of their website with localized payment options, multi-currency support, and a user-friendly design. This enables businesses to cater to diverse audiences and meet their customers’ needs throughout the year and especially during busy festive periods.
“With increased interest in building websites and selling online, it’s important for businesses to recognize their specific customer needs,” says Selina Bieber, Vice President for International Markets at GoDaddy. “The GoDaddy Airo AI-powered experience, helps small businesses get online quickly with a professional website and integrates with social media platforms, helping small business owners create a digital presence without spending hours working on it,” she adds.
Leverage Data with Analytics to Drive Results
Understanding customer behavior and trends can be key to successful customer engagement strategies. GoDaddy’s website analytics offer valuable insights, helping businesses track user activity, measuring campaign performance, and adjust strategies in real-time. By using these insights, business owners can optimize their websites and promotional offers to better cater to their audience’s needs.With GoDaddy’s digital tools and solutions, businesses can build a robust digital presence while also gain efficiencies by streamlining their operations by automating invoicing, managing inventory, and offering a mobile-friendly shopping experience. These tools allow entrepreneurs to focus on engaging with their customers and growing their business, while GoDaddy supports the technical aspects of presenting their digital presence.
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.
Amata Corporation, a Stock Exchange of Thailand-listed industrial estate, is celebrating this year the 50 years in business of its founder, Mr Vikrom Kromadit, and the success of the group’s business operations in Thailand and Vietnam. The two countries are attracting global manufacturing companies seeking to establish a base in Southeast Asia to weather geopolitical uncertainties.
Aerial view on Amata City Chonburi, the company’s flagship project in Thailand
Mr. Vikrom Kromadit, Founder and Chairman of Amata Corporation Public Company Limited
The story of Amata started in the mid-1970s, when Mr Vikrom, then a young graduate from the Taiwan National University, set up on an entrepreneurial journey in his native country, Thailand. After forays in import-export and business consulting, he entered the industrial estate business. Amata now manages full-service industrial parks in Thailand and Vietnam that are home to over 1,500 factory and commercial outlets.
Amata’s clients include many Global Fortune 500 (2023) groups such as BASF, BMW, Bosch, Bridgestone, Brystol-Myers Squibb, Cardinal Health, Conch, Denso, Foxconn, GAC, Idemitsu, Magna, Mitsubishi Chemical and Mitsubishi Electric, Nestlé, PepsiCo, Posco, Sony, Toyota Tsusho, Toyota, etc.
The five large industrial parks the company manages in Thailand—including Amata City Chonburi, the company single-largest estate—and the seven projects, including industrial parks and townships, that its affiliate Amata VN manages in all key economic zones of Vietnam, are no ordinary industrial estates. The parks offer ample water supply and wastewater treatment, stable electricity supply, including a fast-rising share of renewable energy, mostly solar, as well as schools and pleasant residential areas.
“At Amata, our objective is to build the most perfect possible cities ensuring sustainability and financial stability through careful urban planning, state-of-the-art utilities, and dedicated management,” said Mr Vikrom, who will be 72 in March this year. “We select perfect locations near deep seaports and airports, as that’s the most important success factor for industrial parks. But we also add facilities that go one well beyond that to make our parks liveable cities, ensuring a convenient and clean environment to all.”
The total industrial land managed by Amata, which started in 1989 with a six-hectare pocket of land, now represents around 150 sq. km. across the region, including Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar. The company has another equivalent amount of land in reserve, ready for future expansion.
The development in Laos, in the country’s northern province of Udomxai, is located next to the Namor station of the Lao-China Railway line. This new smart and eco-industrial park focuses on renewable energy, agro-industries, as well as the automotive and electronics sectors.
“In all countries where we operate, Amata’s focus is to live up to its name, which means ‘Eternity’ in Sanskrit. We want to make sure that the prosperity we are bringing to all these locations will still be there to make people’s lives better in another 50 years,” Mr Vikrom said.
The group’s 50th anniversary celebration is scheduled 17th January 2025.
About Amata Corporation PCL.
Amata Corporation PCL., listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) in 1997, focuses on industrial real estate development and related business in Thailand and other countries. According to its 2023 annual report, 45 subsidiaries and associate companies in which Amata Corporation holds shares directly or indirectly operate industrial estates, provide urban development, utilities, and services, or serve as holding companies.
Amata Corporation is the major shareholder of Amata VN PCL., also a publicly listed company on the Stock Exchange of Thailand since 2015. All investments and businesses in Vietnam are made through Amata VN. For more information, visit https://amata.com/.
For more information, please contact: Amata Corporation PCL. Corporate Communication communication@amata.com
SRKay Consulting Group announces the release of its latest whitepaper, “A Year in Review: The Success of Strategic Offshoring and New-Shoring,” offering a comprehensive analysis of global business strategies in 2024. This whitepaper provides actionable insights for organizations leveraging offshoring and new-shoring to achieve innovation-driven, resilient operations.
Context and Market Overview
2024 marked a pivotal year for global offshoring strategies, shifting from cost-saving models to value-driven approaches emphasizing innovation and sustainability. India emerged as a leader in new shoring, supported by advancements in Global Capability Centers (GCCs), robust digital infrastructure, and an adaptable workforce. These trends underscore India’s position as a critical hub for global businesses seeking long-term partnerships and operational excellence.
Key Findings and Insights
1. Advancements in New-Shoring
Companies accelerated R&D efforts, reducing time-to-market and aligning with ESG goals.Renewable energy and green infrastructure became central to operational strategies.
2. Rise of Emerging Cities
Tier-II and Tier-III cities like Visakhapatnam and Nagpur gained prominence as innovation hubs, offering 20–30% cost advantages.
3. Sustainability Integration
57% of organizations prioritized ESG goals, embedding sustainability into their operations and partnerships.
Expert Insights
“India’s transformation into a global leader in offshoring and new-shoring is a testament to its adaptable workforce, digital infrastructure, and innovation-driven ecosystem. This whitepaper offers organizations a roadmap to leverage India’s strategic advantages for sustainable growth and success,” said Karunjit Kumar Dhir, CEO, SRKay Consulting Group.
Detailed Analysis
The report delves into India’s unique advantages for global investors, including:
Cost Efficiency: 63% of companies reported significant savings, redirecting resources to R&D and sustainability initiatives.Talent Access: With 65% of the workforce under 35, India’s skilled professionals in AI, data analytics, and automation drove success for 43% of respondents.Innovation: Programs like Digital India propelled advancements in AI, IoT, and blockchain, enabling 88% of surveyed organizations to achieve improved efficiency.Market Adaptability: India’s growing middle class and regional expansion opportunities supported faster time-to-market for customized solutions.
Future Outlook
India’s strategic positioning as a hub for offshoring and new-shoring is expected to grow, with key trends including:
Emerging Hubs: Tier-II/III cities like Nagpur and Coimbatore offer untapped potential and cost benefits.Technological Integration: AI, 5G, blockchain, and cloud technologies are reshaping operational efficiencies.Sustainability Focus: Green infrastructure and circular economy models are becoming central to business strategies.
Call to Action (CTA)
Download the Whitepaper and discover how strategic offshoring and new-shoring in India can drive your business’s growth and innovation.
About SRKay Consulting Group
Operating across eight countries, SRKay Consulting Group specializes in establishing efficient GCCs and offshore entities. With a focus on innovation, regulatory expertise, and operational precision, SRKay empowers businesses to unlock global opportunities and achieve sustainable growth.
Successfully expanded customer base and injected new momentum into Hong Kong’s economy
– Three fairs attracted over 80,000 buyers from 119 countries and regions – Buyer numbers from ASEAN countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand grew significantly – One green toys exhibitor expected new orders generated by this year’s fair to grow by 10-15 percent over last year’s fair – Tech toy products remained popular among buyers. A US buyer spent some US$450,000 on related products
The 51st HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, 16th HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and 23rd Hong KongInternational Stationery & School Supplies Fair concluded successfully today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair and Hong Kong Baby Products Fair were organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), while the Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair was jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. The four-day physical fairs attracted over 80,000 buyers from 119 countries and regions, marking a promising start for the HKTDC trade shows this year, while promoting the development of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) and driving Hong Kong’s economic growth.
As the first round of trade fairs this year, some 40,000 buyers visited the Toys & Games Fair, while more than 26,000 buyers attended the Baby Products Fair and over 14,000 buyers came to the Stationery & School Supplies Fair. The fairs adopted the HKTDC’s hybrid EXHIBITION+ model, which includes the physical shows and virtual access through the Click2Match smart business matching platform, connecting exhibitors and buyers until 16 January.
Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, said: “This year’s trio of fairs were very international, bringing together more than 2,500 exhibitors from 34 countries and regions to showcase innovative ideas from all around the globe, and kickstarting HKTDC’s 2025 calendar of events. We have actively promoted the events through more than 50 HKTDC offices around the world, and online and offline channels to attract international buyers and exhibitors to participate in the fairs and stay overnight in Hong Kong, to promote MICE tourism and Hong Kong’s economic development. This year, buyer numbers from ASEAN countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand grew significantly compared to 2024. The fairs also received European buyers from Germany, Italy, Russia and the United Kingdom, as well as those from Israel, Mexico and the US.”
Expanded new customer base and created cross-industry business opportunities Themed New Play for All, the three exhibitions featured multiple zones, from toys for infants and toddlers to STEM education toys, smart-tech toys & games, green toys to collectible toys designed for adults with a childlike spirit, catering to the needs of all age groups and market demands.
The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair saw a floorspace expansion at the Electronic and Remote Control Toys and Educational Toys & Gameszones. Funded by the Trade and Industrial Organisation Support Fund of the Trade and Industry Department, HKSAR Government, the Toys Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong and FHKI Group 19 (Hong Kong Toys Council) presented the first ESG pavilion, showcasing toys incorporating Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) elements. A Green Leaf Label was displayed at the booths of green exhibitors at the Toys and Stationery fairs for buyers’ easy reference. This year, over 370 exhibitors displayed products with a Green Leaf label, 70% more than last year.
Panley (H.K.) Ltd., an exhibitor selling green toys made from Forest Stewardship Council – certificated paper, adopts soy ink printing and paper packaging in the production line. The company’s senior sales manager, Peter Law said: “Buyers’ feedback has been encouraging. The number of buyers visiting our booth increased by 30-40 percent as compared to last year. We have found more than 10 potential buyers from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Spain, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and the US. They are leading importers, distributors and school supplies buyers with strong purchasing intention. Besides, the Click2Match smart business matching platform helped us connect buyers from the Czech Republic, Spain and Thailand in advance, before we meet at the physical fair. We expect new orders generated by this year’s fair to grow by 10-15 percent over last year’s fair. The ESG Pavilion provides an excellent platform for us to promote eco-friendly toys to international buyers and demonstrate our ESG pledge. We see a bright prospect for green toys.”
Tech toy products remained popular among buyers. Odyssey Toys, a toys wholesaler from the US, sells high-tech toys, including drones, remote-controlled vehicles, and educational gadgets to retailers across the country. The company’s owner, Michael Irigoyen, said: “We found some suppliers from Mainland China and plan to spend some US$450,000 on products such as remote-controlled boats, drones, planes, and digital cameras for kids.”
Johnny Mui, Vice President – Merchandise of the Toys”R”Us (Asia) Limited, said: “The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair and Hong Kong Baby Products Fair are the must-attend international sourcing events for Toys“R”Us Asia each year. Looking ahead, we see tremendous opportunities in the growing kidult and plush segments. We are proud to contribute to and benefit from the momentum driven by Hong Kong’s pivotal role as a global hub for the toy industry.” The fair also attracted buyers from outside the toy industry. Media Prima Berhad, a multi-platform media group from Malaysia, attended the Toys & Games Fair to procure corporate promotional toys. The company’s business lead, Hafiz Nazer, stated that the total value of the orders exceeds US$100,000.
With more than 660 exhibitors, this year’s Hong Kong Baby Products Fair boasted the most exhibitors ever with an increase of 7% more than last year. The popular ODM Strollers and Gear zone continued for the second consecutive year with over 80 exhibitors, made it easier than ever for buyers to source products from original design manufacturers.
Korean exhibitor i-angel Co., Ltd.,has participated in the Hong Kong Baby Products Fair since 2008, and it’s CEO, Jinseop Lee said: “Hong Kong is an international trading hub, and a perfect place for us to look for new distributors and explore new business opportunities. In fact, the fair has helped us connect with our current distributors. We launched our new collection of hipseat baby carriers at the fair this year and have received positive feedback from international buyers. We have been in touch with a potential distributor from Canada and a potential buyer from a large department store chain in Thailand. We expect to generate at least US$1 million in new orders from the fair.”
The Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair showcased the latest in creative art supplies, gift stationery, school and office supplies. Türkish exhibitor, Mercanlar Mutfak Esyalari San. Tic. A.S., presented their water bottles and back-to-school sets at the fair. The exhibitor has connected with buyers from Belarus, Germany, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the UK and US. The company’s export manager, Özlem Durmaz said: We are in proactive discussion with serval new customers with potential orders estimated at a total of US$100,000. Two US retailers were also looking to source our products, with each order amounting to more than US$100,000.”
Asian Toys & Games Forum explore social responsibility of toy makers The flagship event Asian Toys & Games Forum was held during the Toys & Games fair. Themed Beyond Fun and Play: Fostering Social Responsibility in the Toy Industry, international toy and game industry experts discussed the role of toys and games in daily life. Terrence Hui, Executive Committee Member of Hong Kong Toys Council hosted the discussion with a panel of expert speakers and covered the opportunities for the toys industry in the health sector and the ageing market.
For more comments from exhibitors and buyers, please visit the following websites:
About the 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 bumediaroom.hktdc.comsiness 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.
– Featuring free ‘CV Clinic’ with resume consultation and AI job matching services, offering over 4,000 job opportunities
The Expo gathers over 820 institutions from 22 countries and regions, providing the latest education and employment information
The four themed days include “Arts & Sports,” “Tourism & Hospitality,” “Innovation & Technology,” and “Greater Bay Area Opportunities”
The event offers free “CV Clinic” services including AI CV enhancement, AI job matching, one-on-one resume consultation, and resume photo-taking
23 government departments and public institutions will run booths, with a designated “Aviation Corner” featuring organisations providing training and employment information, including the Airport Authority Hong Kong
Over 100 seminars and activities will be held, featuring renowned figures like film artist Gordon Lam and former Hong Kong athletes Vivian Ma, and Yip Pui Yin
Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council(HKTDC), the 34thEducation & Careers Expo will be held from 16 to 19 January (Thursday to Sunday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Expo is divided into “Education” and “Careers” sections, bringing together over 820 institutions from 22 countries and regions, offering more than 4,000 job opportunities as well as comprehensive education, training, and employment information for students and job seekers. This year’s Expo also introduces a free “CV Clinic,” including AI resume enhancement, AI job matching, one-on-one resume consultations and resume photo-taking services, and is free to all members of the public. Pre-registered visitors will receive a complimentary gift, limited availability on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is encouraged.
Jenny Koo, HKTDC Assistant Executive Director, said: “This year’s Expo, titled ‘Go with Your Passion, Go Beyond Limits,’ features four themed days covering arts and sports, tourism and hospitality, innovation and technology, and opportunities in the Greater Bay Area, providing a comprehensive forum to develop social needs and address market demands. In the ‘Education’ section, students have the opportunity to interact directly with educational institutions and training organisations and explore programmes and admission guidelines worldwide; on the ‘Careers’ front, various government departments, public bodies, and private enterprises are actively recruiting. The Expo supports students and working professionals in pursuing their dreams and career development, aligning with the government’s policies of finding high calibre talents and developing Hong Kong into an international hub for post-secondary education.
Applied Gerontology degree programme offered by the Tung Wah College steers the development of the silver economy The “Education” section of this year’s Expo features four zones: “Local Studies,” “Non-Hong Kong Education,” “Lifelong Learning,” and “Youth Zone.” The “Local Studies” zone showcases numerous universities and tertiary institutions; the Tung Wah College offers a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Gerontology degree to train experts to serve the elderly and promote the silver economy and covers topics like end-of-life education related to issues raised in the film The Last Dance. The Vocational Training Council offers programmes like a Higher Diploma in Tourism and Mega Event Management to cultivate talent in the mega event industry. The government previously launched the “Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development,” creating more opportunities for the industry. The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the Hong Kong Art School will introduce programmes designed to foster talent in these fields at the Expo.
Gathering education insights from across 22 countries and regions The Expo offers education insights from across 22 countries and regions in total. In particular, the “Non-Hong Kong Education” zone features exhibitors such as consulates, institutions, universities, and education centres from outside Hong Kong. They will offer consultation services and insights on pursuing education in various countries and regions including Mainland China, Europe, America, Asia and more. The “Lifelong Learning” zone caters to individuals of all ages, with exhibitors like the Table for Choices Limited using theatrical games to create a new educational model from a traditional setting. The “Youth Zone” offers career planning, continuous learning information, as well as various job opportunities like summer jobs, internships, and full-time positions for young people. For the first time, the Prince Philip Dental Hospital will participate in the Expo, bringing programmes for training dental assistants.
The Expo’sCareers section offers free “CV Clinic” services The “Careers” section of the Expo presents over 4,000 job opportunities, with a number of government departments and public institutions present, including the Fire Services Department, Civil Service Bureau, and the Immigration Department, along with social welfare organisations, banks, and insurance companies, all looking to recruit at the Expo. This year sees the introduction of the “Aviation Corner,” where aviation-related organisations like the Airport Authority Hong Kong will provide information for those aspiring to enter the aviation industry.
The “Recruitment Square”, comprised of various recruitment platforms, will be accepting job applications on-site, with some offering on-the-spot interviews. Job seekers are encouraged to bring their resumes.
This year the fair has introduced a new “CV Clinic” service in collaboration with recruitment platform TechJobAsia. The service helps job seekers review and enhance their resumes through an AI-powered system. They can also match their resumes with over 4,000 job vacancies from employers at the Expo and interact with potential employers on-site. Additionally, TechJobAsia will provide one-on-one resume consultation services on the second and fourth days (17 and 19 January) of the Expo. Employment consultants from recruitment platform Jobsdb will also offer one-on-one resume consultation services and free resume photos throughout the four-day exhibition. Job seekers can access the CV Clinic and make appointments for counselling through the Education & Careers Expo website. On-site services have limited places and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis so visitors are advised to register online in advance.
Four themed days introduce career trends and industry prospects During the Expo, over 100 exciting activities will be held, with four themed days offering job seekers strategies for entering different industries and inviting celebrities and industry professionals to share their experiences. Renowned actor, scriptwriter, and producer Gordon Lam will share his own experiences on 17 January, inspiring students to forge ahead in their learning and creative journeys.
Visitors can pre-register on the fair website to participate in the above events, as well as other seminars in the themed day series and star-sharing sessions. Seats are limited, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who pre-register and attend the event will receive a dedicated gift.
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.
Marie Jones
