HONG KONG, July 20, 2025 – (ACN Newswire) – As the Hong Kong Observatory will consider issuing Strong Wind Signal No. 3 between 7 and 9 pm, the Hong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks will reopen earlier to the public at 9am tomorrow (21 July), with extended evening hours, allowing residents and tourists to immerse themselves in the worlds of literature, sports and leisure activities and snacks with a single ticket.
The opening hours for the remaining two days of the fairs are as follows:
21 July – The Hong Kong Book Fair will open earlier at 9am and will be extended and close at 11pm. – The Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks will open earlier at 9am and will be extended and close at 10pm.
22 July – The three fairs will open from 9am to 5pm.
Admission tickets purchased on 20 July can be used within the remaining fair days. Alternatively, ticket holders may request a refund upon presentation of unused valid tickets. VIP tickets and complimentary tickets are not eligible for refunds. Refund arrangements will be announced on the Book Fair website (www.hkbookfair.com).
Media enquiries
Hong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks Yuan Tung Financial Relations: Agnes Yiu Tel: (852) 3428 5690 Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk Salina Cheng Tel: (852) 3428 2362 Email: salcheng@yuantung.com.hk
Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo, World of Snacks HKTDC Communications & Public Affairs Department: Stanley So Tel: (852)2584 4049 Email: stanley.hp.so@hktdc.org Jane Cheung Tel: (852) 2584 4137 Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org
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, conferencesand 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.
HONG KONG, July 19, 2025 – (ACN Newswire) – As the Hong Kong Observatory has announced that the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 will be issued at 12:20am on 20 July, the Hong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks will close temporarily tomorrow (20 July).
After consulting with exhibitors and considering the prevailing circumstances, the following adjustments will be made by the HKTDC for the benefit of visitors and exhibitors:
If the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 is cancelled at or before 4:30pm on 20 July, the fairs will re-open to the public two hours after the signal is cancelled. The opening hours of the fairs will be adjusted as below:
20 July
– The Hong Kong Book Fair will be extended and close at 11pm.- The Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks will be extended by one hour and close at 10pm.
21 July
– The Hong Kong Book Fair will open earlier at 9am and will be extended and close at 11pm.- The Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks will open earlier at 9am and will be extended and close at 10pm.
The fairs, however, will remain closed for the day if the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 is cancelled after 4:30pm on 20 July. The opening hours of the fairs on 21 July will be adjusted as below:
– The Hong Kong Book Fair will open earlier at 9am and will be extended and close at 11pm.- The Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks will open earlier at 9am and will be extended and close at 10pm.
The opening hours on 22 July will remain as normal, with all three fairs open from 9am to 5pm.
Media enquiries
Hong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks Yuan Tung Financial Relations: Agnes Yiu Tel: (852) 3428 5690 Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk Salina Cheng Tel: (852) 3428 2362 Email: salcheng@yuantung.com.hk
Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo, World of Snacks HKTDC Communications & Public Affairs Department: Stanley So Tel: (852)2584 4049 Email: stanley.hp.so@hktdc.org Jane Cheung Tel: (852) 2584 4137 Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org
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.
Strengthening Hong Kong’s role as a regional IP trading centre
The 35th HKTDCHong Kong Book Fair opened yesterday alongside the 8th HKTDCSports and Leisure Expo and the 5th HKTDCWorld of Snacks. The three events, which have attracted more than 770 exhibitors, are running until 22 July at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).
To reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a regional intellectual property (IP) trading centre, the HKTDC is hosting a series of onsite sales and cultural activities during the fairs. Notably, today’s IP Roundtable and International Publishing Forum provide a platform for industry professionals from 12 countries and regions to explore market trends and exchange insights. Both events are sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), attracting an audience of over 220 publishing professionals and enthusiasts and further strengthening Hong Kong’s role as a regional IP trading centre.
Organised by the HKTDC and co-organised by the Hong Kong Reprographic Rights Licensing Society (HKRRLS), the IP Roundtable ran under the theme “A Forward-Looking Copyright Framework – How to Balance Interests Between Innovation and IP Protection”, focusing on how different regions are developing forward-looking copyright frameworks in response to the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). This year’s event introduced a new business matching session that facilitated over 70 meetings to promote copyright trading and generate commercial opportunities for participants. The event opened with welcome remarks from Jenny Koo, Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC, followed by opening remarks from Dr Sharon Wong, Executive Director, HKRRLS, who also moderated the discussion session.
The panel discussion featured five distinguished speakers from the UAE, Belgium, Singapore, Japan and the United Kingdom, including Majd Hassan Al Shehhi, Director of The Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association (ERRA); Sarah Tran, Head of Regional Policy and Public Affairs of the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations (IFRRO); Andrew Fong, CEO of the Copyright Licensing and Administration Society of Singapore (CLASS); Toshimichi Ishijima, Secretary General of the Japan Academic Association for Copyright Clearance (JAC); and James Bennett, Head of Rightsholder Relations of The Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA).
Majd Hassan Al Shehhi, Director of ERRA, said: “The Hong Kong Book Fair brings together publishers from different places. Unlike other international book fairs that focus on B2B [business-to-business], the Hong Kong Book Fair serves as a B2C [business-to-consumer] platform. I am very happy to participate in the IP Roundtable as it provides an invaluable platform for industry professionals to gain insights into the publishing and IP sectors and explore new business opportunities.” She added that Hong Kong’s robust IP protection system and world-class professional services make the city well positioned to act as a regional IP trading centre, viewing it as a great example.
The HKTDC joined with the Hong Kong Publishing Federation Limited to organise the International Publishing Forum today, running under the theme “AI and Publishing”. The event opened with remarks by Anita Wan, Convenor of the Book Fair Committee of the Hong Kong Publishing Federation Limited. Featured speakers included Xin Guangwei, former Editor-in-Chief of People’s Publishing House; Qu Hongbin, Director and President of Guomai Culture Media Co., Ltd; and Wayne Press, Global Product Director of Oxford University Press. The Q&A session that followed, moderated by Chan Ka-yeung, Director of City University of Hong Kong Press, was lively and in-depth, exploring how the publishing industry can respond to the opportunities and challenges posed by AI.
Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.
Media enquiries Hong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks Yuan Tung Financial Relations: Agnes Yiu Tel: (852) 3428 5690 Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk Salina Cheng Tel: (852) 3428 2362 Email: salcheng@yuantung.com.hk
Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo, World of Snacks HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department: Stanley So Tel: (852)2584 4049 Email: stanley.hp.so@hktdc.org Jane Cheung Tel: (852) 2584 4137 Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org
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.
– Three special offers invite residents and tourists to enjoy city’s cultural and leisure showcase
– A Hong Kong spotlight event in July and a feature of Hong Kong Summer Viva, the Hong Kong Book Fair opened today alongside the Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks. More than 770 exhibitors are participating in the three events – With “Food Culture-Future Living” as the theme of the year, the Book Fair celebrates its 35th edition in 2025. To mark the occasion, three special offers have been introduced, including free entry for visitors born in 1990 to allow them to celebrate this milestone together – The Book Fair continues to feature the Eight Seminar Series, including a session where the assistant and close friends of the late Hong Kong food critic and writer Chua Lam will share anecdotes about his life – To echo the theme of the year, the World of Art & Culture presents “Book a Table ï½¥ Food for Thought”, an immersive exhibition where eight local and overseas artists collaborate with various consulates general in Hong Kong to explore global food culture through art – The FIBA 3×3 World Tour Hong Kong 2025 is held concurrently with the Sports and Leisure Expo on 19-20 July, while visitors can enjoy more than 1,300 treats at the World of Snacks
The 35th HKTDCHong Kong Book Fair, 8th HKTDCSports and Leisure Expo and 5th HKTDCWorld of Snacks opened today, running concurrently at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) for seven days (16 to 22 July). Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the three events offer a one-stop experience encompassing literature, shopping, leisure and sports for residents and tourists alike. Cheuk Wing-hing, Acting Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), gave a speech and proposed a toast at today’s opening reception, accompanied by Professor Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC.
The Hong Kong Book Fair marks Professor Ma’s first major HKTDC event since he assumed Chairmanship. “Since its inception in 1990, the Hong Kong Book Fair has, with the unwavering support of the industry and the public, evolved into one of Asia’s premier cultural events,” Prof Ma said. “It fosters a passion for reading and serves as a vital platform for cultural exchange between East and West,” he added. He further noted that this year’s Book Fair, held in conjunction with the Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks, has garnered an enthusiastic response. Featuring over 770 exhibitors, the events collectively offer a vibrant, family-friendly summer experience that seamlessly blends literature, sports, lifestyle and gastronomy.
Three special offers celebrate Book Fair’s 35th edition To mark its 35th edition, the Book Fair has launched three special promotions. Visitors born in 1990, the year the Book Fair was first held, can enjoy free entry by presenting valid identification, while a limited-edition 35th-edition special package will be available, allowing five visitors to enter for the price of three tickets. In addition, visitors spending more than HK$500 at the Book Fair will have the opportunity to receive a limited-edition commemorative tote bag and a special gift.
As a Hong Kong spotlight event and a feature of the Hong Kong Summer Viva promotion in July, this year’s Book Fair has “Food Cultureï½¥Future Living” as its theme of the year. The event features more than 620 cultural activities, both inside and outside the venue, inviting prominent authors from the culinary literature realm to explore themes of cultural identity, lifestyle philosophy and food innovation through writing.
Seminar Series gathers writers from around the world to foster cultural exchange The Book Fair continues to feature the Eight Seminar Series, covering a diverse range of topics, including Personal Development andSpiritual Growth, World of Knowledge, Theme of the Year, English and International Reading, Children and Youth Reading, Hong Kong Cultural and Historical, Lifestyle, and Renowned Writers, co-organised with Ming Pao and Yazhou Zhoukan.
The Personal Development and Spiritual Growth series features a seminar celebrating the memory of renowned Hong Kong food critic and writer Chua Lam, with his assistant Yeung Ngo and close friend, well-known stylist Tina Liu, sharing stories about his life. Other distinguished speakers include former HKTDC Chairman Jack So, who will share his new book with the Chinese title As part of the World of Knowledge seminar series, Ronnie C. Chan, Honorary Chair of Hang Lung Properties and Chairman of the China Heritage Fund, will share the journey of restoring the Jianfu Palace Garden in the Forbidden City, drawing insights from the newly published book in Traditional Chinese, The Palace of Established Happiness: Restoring a Garden in the Forbidden City.
Highlights of the Theme of the Year seminars include renowned director and dietary therapy expert Yim Ho discussing anti-cancer nutrition (18 July); American commercial spaceship pilot Sian “Leo” Proctor on “Nourishing the Future – in Space and on Earth” (19 July); and a conversation between Andrew Chui, the fifth-generation heir of Tai Ping Koon Restaurant, and food reviewer and author Benny Li (20 July).
The English and International Reading series features Akutagawa Prize winner Rie Kudan from Japan. With 5% of her book Tokyo Sympathy Tower generated by ChatGPT, she will discuss writing in the age of artificial intelligence (17 July). Emerging Korean novelist Cheon Seon-ran will share her creative journey (18 July); and 16-year-old Vietnamese English-language author Nguyen Hanh Phuong (aka Rosy Black) will share her story of writing during her school years, with parents invited to bring their children to participate (20 July). For more details on the seminars and the speaker lineup, visit https://hkbookfair.hktdc.com/en/Events/Event-Schedule.html.
Sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Government of the HKSAR, the World of Art & Culture echoes the theme of the year by holding the exhibition titled “Book a Table ï½¥ Food for Thought”, a collaboration between eight local and overseas artists and the consulates general of various countries in Hong Kong that uses food as a bridge to connect cultures and offers visitors a chance to explore the world through the dining table. The exhibition presents eight themed tables guiding visitors through stories of life and culture told through the dining table and covering topics such as food and healthy living, surplus and future, table etiquette, lifestyle and culture, process, experience, music and art. Additionally, interactive installations on site recommend curated books and exhibits to visitors.
New zones break cultural boundaries Two new zones are introduced at the Book Fair this year. The Cultural and Creative Products Zone showcases cultural and creative products from the museums of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department along with interactive experiences related to Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage. The Cultural Affairs Bureau of Macao also joins the zone with its signature “Craft Market” while Hong Kong exhibitor Tsi Ku Chai showcases creative pieces inspired by the Palace Museum in Beijing. The Hong Kong Tech Showcase area, meanwhile, presents innovative technology products in various fields including edtech, healthtech, sportstech, foodtech and more.
Sports and Leisure Expo encourages wider participation as National Games arrive This year sees the staging of the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games, with several events taking place in Hong Kong. In response to the National Games and to promote wider sports participation, the Sports and Leisure Expo has set up an exhibition area where participants can take photos with games mascots Xiyangyang and Lerongrong. They can also learn more about the competitive events hosted in Hong Kong as well as the mass participation events, immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the games. The Hong Kong Sports Institute (Booth: 5C-B02) has set up a “Giant Cheering Net” where people can leave encouraging messages for all Hong Kong athletes, including those competing in the National Games. In addition, cyclist Leung Ka-yu, who has represented Hong Kong in the Asian Games and National Games, and freestyle rope skipper Ho Chu-ting, who was crowned men’s champion at the World Rope Skipping Championships, will share their journeys and experiences during the Star Athlete Sharing Session.
In collaboration with organiser M1 Group Limited, the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Hong Kong 2025 basketball tournament will be hosted indoors at the HKCEC for the first time. Matches will take place on Saturday and Sunday (19-20 July) in Hall 5E, featuring 16 of the world’s top teams, including four elite squads competing for the championship. Visitors can not only enjoy access to the Hong Kong Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks with a single ticket, but they can also visit the 3×3 Village to experience the atmosphere of a world-class event. Additionally, they can engage in various sports games and explore the Sports Industry Showcase Area. This initiative aims to create a multifaceted experience that promotes cultural, sports and tourism development while providing a one-stop shopping, leisure and sports experience for locals and tourists alike.
The Hong Kong Playground Association (Booth: 5C-D02 & 5C-E02) is once again participating at the Sports and Leisure Expo, introducing a new sports experience area that offers participants the chance to engage in both traditional and emerging sports. Activities will include pickleball, freestyle rope skipping and running on 16-17 July; street fitness on 18-19 July; HADO AR dodgeball on 20-21 July; and drone soccer on 22 July. The latter is one of the mass participation events at the National Games. This year’s Sports and Leisure Expo also features a brand-new Travel Zone, showcasing the ever-popular Japan Pavilion, co-organised by the Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong and 17 participating Japanese prefectures and cities. The zone also includes pavilions from Taiwan and Thailand as well as a variety of uniquely Hong Kong attractions.
World of Snacks features international delicacies and more! The World of Snacks is divided into six zones – Travel Delights, Chocolate and Sweet Factory, Oldie Snacks, Yummy & Healthy, Party Time and Snack Bar – and brings together over 1,300 creative and international snacks that offer everything from nostalgic flavours to festive party treats to satisfy every craving. A highlight this year is Heartwarming (Booth: 5B-A21), whose stone-ground black sesame products were endorsed with the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand 2025. Signature offerings include black sesame ice cream, black sesame paste and sesame balls. Meanwhile, Krisca, in collaboration with Kwan Hong Bakery and LY Bakery, has launched a new range of pistachio snacks (Booth: 5B-A11). World of Snacks is also hosting a series of snack-related activities for visitors, including a Junior Mixologist Workshop (non-alcoholic version), to cater to the diverse interests of visitors.
This year’s Hong Kong Book Fair again offers a morning admission tickets promotion. Visitors entering before noon can enjoy a discounted ticket price of HK$10. In addition, the special re-entry promotion allows eligible ticket holders to re-enter the venue during two designated time slots. All ticketing can be found below.
Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.
Media enquiries Hong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks Yuan Tung Financial Relations: Agnes Yiu Tel: (852) 3428 5690 Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk Salina Cheng Tel: (852) 3428 2362 Email: salcheng@yuantung.com.hk
Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo, World of Snacks HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department: Stanley So Tel: (852)2584 4049 Email: stanley.hp.so@hktdc.org Jane Cheung Tel: (852) 2584 4137 Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org
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. Follow us on @hktdc and LinkedIn
For Singaporeans envisioning buying a residential property abroad, the Global Property Expo organised by JLL (NYSE: JLL) offers an unparalleled opportunity to embark on that journey. This premier exhibition, dedicated to international real estate investment, will open its doors from Friday, July 18, to Sunday, July 20, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily at B2, Sands Expo & Convention Centre. Attendance at the Expo is free of charge. Filled with talks and over 30 exhibitors, numerous expert and specialist advisors, the Global Property Expo is an indispensable platform for anyone considering a residential property purchase beyond Singapore’s shores.
Why Attend? Your Global Residential Property Search Starts Here.
The Global Property Expo is meticulously curated to provide Singaporean buyers with all the tools and insights needed to navigate the complexities of overseas residential property ownership.
See Properties from Across the World on the Exhibition Floor (30+ Exhibitors)
As the most expansive international residential property show ever held in Singapore, potential buyers can discover a wide array of international residential properties and related services, representing a truly global showcase with offerings from more than 20 countries.
Properties on exhibit span Bali to Bangkok, Lisbon to London, Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Perth to Auckland, Tokyo to Boston, and far beyond.
Among the highlights, DAMAC Properties will showcase a curated selection of its signature waterfront developments, including Canal Crown, Altitude, Canal Heights, Canal Heights II, Couture by Cavalli, DAMAC Bay, DAMAC Bay 2, and DAMAC Casa.
ThirdHome will officially launch its presence in Asia at the Global Property Expo, bringing to the fore property ownership possibilities all over the world with a new investment model.
3 Days of Learning Opportunities
The Global Property Expo features talks on stage in the centre of the Exhibition from 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM daily. The Opening Ceremony at 11:00 AM on Friday, 18 July 2025 features a keynote address delivered by Adam Challis, who leads UK Research & Strategy at JLL, offering invaluable market foresight.
Learn how technology is democratising property ownership with tokenised buying, membership models, and more. And, don’t miss the Live-Streamed Closing Panel: “Buyers’ Toolkit: Your Next Steps to Owning Property Abroad” on Sunday at 6:00 PM. This live-streamed panel will distil the most actionable advice from across the conference into a practical checklist for prospective buyers, from due diligence and financing to legal considerations and post-purchase management.
Specialist Expertise On-Site
Attendees can engage directly with a comprehensive array of professionals. Developers will showcase their projects, while legal advisors will clarify international property laws, and mortgage advisors will guide you through financing options.
Furthermore, property ownership can be a passport to residency. Immigration specialists will be on hand to discuss residency considerations linked to property purchase. This unparalleled access to experts ensures all your questions are answered under one roof.
The Global Property Expo is an essential event for any Singaporean contemplating a residential property investment overseas, providing a comprehensive platform for education, expert advice, and direct access to a world of real estate opportunities.
For over 200 years, JLL (NYSE: JLL), a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company, has helped clients buy, build, occupy, manage and invest in a variety of commercial, industrial, hotel, residential and retail properties. A Fortune 500 company with annual revenue of $23.4 billion and operations in over 80 countries around the world, our more than 112,000 employees bring the power of a global platform combined with local expertise. Driven by our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world, we help our clients, people and communities SEE A BRIGHTER WAYSM. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com.
Strategic Partner: About Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®
Chicago-based Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE.com) is a global network of top independent real estate firms, with 550 companies and 134,000 sales associates in over 70 countries. LeadingRE supports its members with powerful connections to other market leaders and access to innovative, performance-driven programs. Its online learning platform, LeadingRE Institute, was named to Training magazine’s Top 10 Hall of Fame. LeadingRE also operates RELO Direct®, Inc. (RELODirect.com), its full-service relocation management company providing mobility services for corporate and government clients; and Luxury Portfolio International® (LuxuryPortfolio.com), its luxury marketing division, which markets approximately 50,000 luxury homes annually. LeadingRE is also active in commercial real estate, with 200 firms in over 20 countries specializing in the commercial arena. The firm also has a strategic international project marketing program, Destinations by LeadingRE (DestinationsByLeadingRE.com).
Notes to editors:
Pre-event interviews with organisers and key stakeholders are available. Please contact Theodore below.
The 3-day program is designed to demystify the process of buying abroad. Key topics include:
Residential Investment 101: A Beginner’s Guide. How to choose the right agent and the pros and cons of renting versus owning; Current market trends and hotspots for buyers.
Regional spotlights (Southeast Asia, Japan, Middle East, Australia-New Zealand, USA) with developers presenting their latest projects.
Property technology innovations, including insights from Japanese VC MetaProp and local company PropNex.
Alternative wealth-creation strategies: fractional ownership, tokenisation, and membership models. Hear from Samuel Lee of Fraxtor on 20 July at 12:00 PM, followed by a panel with experts from MetaProp and THIRDHOME, exploring how shared ownership and blockchain are reshaping luxury property access.
Seasoned investor insights: Hear firsthand from experienced investors on critical aspects like “My First Property Abroad: What I Wish I Knew” and “How HNWIs Are Building Passive Income Across Borders,” providing practical lessons from those who have successfully diversified their portfolios.
Luxury Real Estate & Branded Properties: What premium means in practice.
Eco, Sustainability, Purpose, and Impact Investment.
Bringing forward a bold vision for Thai businesses to engage with global socio-cultural issues
SappePCL (SAPPE) once again reinforced its image as a globally recognized Thai enterprise as its Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Piyajit Ruckariyapong, was invited to speak at the Global Summit of Women 2025, one of the world’s most influential international gatherings of women leaders. The 35th edition of the summit was held in Berlin, Germany from July 3–5, 2025 under the theme “Women: Restoring Values in the Digital Age” and brought together over 1,000 participants from more than 60 countries.
Ms. Ruckariyapong joined the Summit as a panelist under the theme “Should Companies Take a Position on Socio-Cultural Issues?”, alongside top executives from global corporations such as Commerzbank (Germany), Dow Europe (Switzerland), and McCann Worldgroup Europe (Spain). Moderated by Ms. Irene Natividad, President of the Global Summit of Women, the session highlighted the role of modern women as not just innovators but leaders in restoring values and ethics to business and society in the digital era.
During the panel, Ms. Ruckariyapong shared SAPPE’s inspiring journey from its humble beginnings as a small food business founded by a second-generation Thai-Chinese family to becoming a global innovator in the beverage industry, exporting to over 100 countries. The only daughter among three brothers, she began her career in finance at global institutions such as Deutsche Bank, Barclays Capital, and BNP Paribas. She was later called back to SAPPE during a pivotal moment as the company prepared to go public, where she played a key role as CFO. When her elder brother stepped down, she was appointed CEO and has since driven the company’s international expansion.
On stage, she affirmed that SAPPE believes in being a company that “takes a stand for what it believes in” not just in marketing strategies, but in giving voice to important social and cultural issues. She emphasized the company’s three core values embedded in its DNA: innovation, women empowerment, and diversity and inclusion. SAPPE was the pioneer of the “Snack Drink” category, with its globally successful Mogu Mogu, a fruit juice drink with chewy nata de coco that transformed the global beverage landscape. In addition, SAPPE developed Sappe Beauti Drink, a functional beverage line that reflects its commitment to women’s well-being and self-care. Last year, SAPPE launched the powerful “Self-Love” campaign, encouraging women to embrace their inner beauty and become agents of social change.
SAPPE also strongly upholds the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Women make up 53% of the company’s workforce and 60% of its senior management an outcome that reflects its values in action. Speaking on leadership and internal culture, Ms. Ruckariyapong highlighted SAPPE’s flat organizational structure that enables inclusive decision-making, two-way communication, and a workplace culture built on mutual respect. Communication with stakeholders occurs through multiple channels, such as quarterly meetings with shareholders, social listening platforms for consumer feedback, and open-door policies allow employees at all levels to directly engage with senior management.
“My door is always open. I respectfully encourage everyone to speak up. That’s how we align the organization to move forward as one,” she shared.
As the leader of a global company, she also emphasized the importance of respecting cultural diversity and avoiding one-size-fits-all strategies across countries. She believes that CEOs must “Walk The Talk,” upholding transparency, honesty, and accountability in every action not only to shareholders and consumers, but also to society.
In terms of engaging the new generation, she noted that 20% of SAPPE’s workforce is Gen Z, and that this demographic values purpose deeply. “They want to know what they’re doing, why it matters, and what impact it creates. That’s why we ensure that our mission, values, and goals are communicated clearly. We also support mental well-being, set clear performance benchmarks, and build a culture of belonging,” she explained. This approach helps SAPPE remain agile and innovative in an ever-evolving world.
Her participation in the Global Summit of Women reflects not only SAPPE’s growing international presence but also a broader message that Thai companies can be a force for good on the global stage. With creativity, vision, and a commitment to meaningful values, businesses can lead cultural sustainability not just through numbers, but through the courage to drive positive change.
About the Global Summit of Women The Global Summit of Women is one of the most influential international platforms advancing women’s leadership in business, government, and civil society. Celebrating its 35th edition in 2025, the summit brought together over 1,000 participants from more than 60 countries, including ministers, senior executives, and CEOs from top corporations such as IBM, EY, UNCTAD, Huawei, Adecco, Bayer, Mercedes-AMG, National Bank of Australia, and Commerzbank. The summit featured a diverse agenda, from high-level plenaries on global megatrends and digital transformation, to skill-building workshops and public-private policy dialogues. This platform not only fosters inspiration and cross-border collaboration but also contributes to real policy outcomes from narrowing gender pay gaps to advancing quotas for women in leadership and promoting inclusive economic growth.
About SAPPE Sappe Public Company Limited (SAPPE) is a leading Thai beverage innovator and the creator of the “Snack Drink” category through its iconic global brand, Mogu Mogu, now exported to over 100 countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. The company specializes in fruit juice and functional health beverages designed to serve the evolving lifestyle needs of modern consumers around the world.
SAPPE’s diverse portfolio includes globally recognized brands such as Mogu Mogu, the world’s first snackable drink; Sappe Aloe Vera, known for its refreshing taste and natural ingredients; and Sappe Beauti, a functional drink line focused on health, wellness, and women empowerment. Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, SAPPE is listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) under the symbol SAPPE.
Driven by innovation, deep consumer insights, and a strong commitment to sustainability, SAPPE operates with a balanced focus on product innovation, economic performance, social responsibility, and environmental impact. The company believes that building a sustainable future begins with valuing people, embracing diversity, and leading with authenticity, creativity, and the courage to drive positive change. SAPPE’s mission is to inspire lives worldwide one meaningful beverage at a time.
– Front-loading supports current performance; expectations soften but remain positive
Standard Chartered and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) jointly released the latest Standard Chartered Greater Bay Area Business Sentiment Index (GBAI), which showed resilient current business performance after the so-called US ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs shock, supported by front-loading of orders and production. Meanwhile, businesses were cautious on the outlook as expectations softened but remained positive.
The “current performance” index for business activities eased marginally to 53.1 in Q2 from 53.5 in Q1. A breakdown of index components supports the front-loading narrative; “Production/sales” was the strongest performer among the eight main sub-indices, in terms of both absolute score (57.1, the highest in a year) and change (+4.2 pts). Other positive drivers include “Fixed asset investment” (+2.0pts), “Profits” (+1.1pts) and “Raw material inventory” (+0.1pts).
Meanwhile, the “expectations” index for business activity fell to 52.0 in Q2 from 54.3 in Q1. This is the weakest level since Q4-2022, but the fact that expectations stayed above the 50 neutral mark provides some relief. There is a broad-based deterioration across sub-components as seven of the eight expectations sub-indices fell, and the exception was “Capacity utilisation”. “Financing scale” (-5.1pts), “Finished goods/services price” (-4.8pts) and “Production/sales” (-2.6pts) saw the biggest declines in the quarter.
By sector, “Innovation and technology” outperformed (+6.3pts for “current performance” and +5.5pts for “expectations”), while “Manufacturing and trading” showed short-term resilience (-0.4pts and -2.1pts) as rush orders ahead of US tariff implementation have kept manufacturers busy. ‘Retail and wholesale’ disappointed (-1.0pts and -4.1pts), despite the perceived effectiveness of China’s consumer goods trade-in program.
Across GBA cities, there was setback for Hong Kong and Guangzhou. Hong Kong saw the biggest drops among GBA cities (-9.8pts for “current performance” and -10.5pts for “expectations”) in the quarter. This partly reflects its vulnerability to the external environment and domestic consumption struggles. Guangzhou fell 9.3pts for “current performance” and 6.3pts for “expectations”.
Kelvin Lau, Senior Economist, Greater China and North Asia, Standard Chartered, said: “The looming tariff uncertainty has driven the front-loading of orders and production in the second quarter, while also accelerating AI development. Looking ahead, the findings revealed a more cautious view of GBA businesses amid the uncertain business outlook in the second half, especially regarding the outcome of bilateral trade deals after the 90-day pauses. Additionally, Hong Kong’s economy saw steady expansion in the first quarter. Given the significant proportion of external economic activities relative to its GDP, international trade and tariff policies are crucial for Hong Kong.”
For thematic questions, only some 10% of respondents saw a material direct impact from US tariff hikes. Notably, tariff pauses and exemptions provided relief on the impact, this underscores the importance of maintaining the recent US-China trade truce and quickly finalising other bilateral trade deals in Q3.
In terms of the impact of doing business, 41% of the respondents said US tariff hikes would delay the implementation of their business plans. Other major impacts include “difficult to navigate high level of logistical/customs disruption/uncertainty” (35%) and “losing business to other markets with lower tariff impact” (30%). Meanwhile, 32% of the respondents would sell more into the domestic market as the most common way to address the US tariff shocks and associated uncertainties.
Irina Fan, Director of Research, HKTDC, said: “The findings showed that GBA companies are relatively resilient to US tariffs, although our survey was conducted shortly after the US ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs against its trade partners in April and did not capture all of the more recent developments since. Some 75-80% of the GBA companies see negative impacts by US tariffs, mostly due to delay in business plan implementation and logistics disruptions.”
“In response to this new era of US trade policy, GBA companies seek to increase domestic sales and expanding to key markets in the region, in particular ASEAN, reflecting the mainland and HKSAR Governments’ efforts in promoting closer economic ties with these countries and regions.”
About the GBAI The GBAI is the first forward-looking quarterly survey in the market that looks at the business sentiment and synergistic effects in cities and industries across the GBA. It is compiled based on a survey of more than 1,000 companies in the GBA covering the manufacturing and trading, retail and wholesale, financial services, professional services and innovation and technology sectors. The index enables investors and businesses to better understand the current business climate, gauge future performance prospects and formulate their market strategies for the GBA.
About Standard Chartered We are a leading international banking group, with a presence in 53 of the world’s most dynamic markets. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, here for good.
Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges.
The history of Standard Chartered in Hong Kong dates back to 1859. It is currently one of the Hong Kong SAR’s three note-issuing banks. Standard Chartered incorporated its Hong Kong business on 1 July 2004, and now operates as a licensed bank in Hong Kong under the name of Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Standard Chartered PLC.
About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit:www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
UOB Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the ASEAN Conference 2025 in Singapore, marking a significant milestone in regional collaboration between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and ASEAN. This strategic agreement positions UOB Hong Kong as the first Singapore-based bank to formalise a partnership with HKTDC, reaffirming a shared commitment to advancing sustainable economic development and deepening regional integration.
The MOU was announced by Adaline Zheng, CEO of UOB Hong Kong, and Vivienne Chee, Director of Singapore, HKTDC, witnessed by Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Singapore, Teo Siong Seng, Chairman of the Singapore Business Federation, Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, UOB, and Kwan Ho Leung, Regional Director – Designate, South East Asia and South Asia, HKTDC.
The agreement outlines a robust framework for cooperation, aimed at strengthening regional ties and promoting sustainable growth. Through strategic initiatives, the partnership will enhance connectivity, promote trade, and foster integrated development of markets across the GBA, including Hong Kong, and ASEAN.
The MOU also aims to create job opportunities and empower communities across both regions by supporting enterprise development and deepening regional collaboration. Companies can leverage UOB’s extensive regional network and financial expertise, alongside HKTDC’s strengths in trade promotion, to access new markets, resources and professional knowledge.
Vivienne Chee, Director of Singapore, HKTDC, said: “We are delighted to partner with UOB Hong Kong to strengthen GBA-ASEAN collaboration. This MOU reflects our shared vision to foster sustainable economic growth through deeper trade and investment ties. By leveraging our respective strengths, we will enable businesses to seize arising opportunities and navigate the evolving global landscape with confidence.”
Adaline Zheng, CEO of UOB Hong Kong, said, “This partnership with HKTDC underscores our strong commitment to driving regional growth and connectivity. By leveraging our extensive ASEAN network, professional financial expertise and well-established foreign direct investment (FDI) advisory capabilities alongside HKTDC’s strengths in trade promotion, we aim to unlock new opportunities for businesses and deliver innovative and sustainable solutions that fuel trade and development. Together, we empower businesses to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic economic landscape.”
The partnership focuses on initiatives that drive cross-border collaboration, facilitate trade flows and foster cultural and business exchange through joint programmes and knowledge-sharing platforms. By matching local value chains with incoming FDI, the partnership creates new avenues for local enterprises and promotes inclusive growth. Enhanced financial connectivity and investment support strengthen the region’s economic resilience, while capacity-building efforts equip businesses to sharpen their competitiveness and succeed in the regional landscape.
About UOB UOB is a leading bank in Asia. Operating through its head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, UOB has a global network of more than 470 branches and offices in 19 markets in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Since its incorporation in 1935, UOB has grown organically and through a series of strategic acquisitions. Today, UOB is rated among the world’s top banks: Aa1 by Moody’s Investors Service and AA- by both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings.
For nine decades, UOB has adopted a customer-centric approach to create long-term value by staying relevant through its enterprising spirit and doing right by its customers. UOB is focused on building the future of ASEAN – for the people and businesses within, and connecting with, ASEAN.
The Bank connects businesses to opportunities in the region with its unparalleled regional footprint and leverages data and insights to innovate and create personalised banking experiences and solutions catering to each customer’s unique needs and evolving preferences. UOB is also committed to helping businesses forge a sustainable future, by fostering social inclusiveness, creating positive environmental impact and pursuing economic progress. UOB believes in being a responsible financial services provider and is steadfast in its support of art, social development of children and education, doing right by its communities and stakeholders.
About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
As digital acceleration reshapes industries across the UK, organisations are taking bold steps to place AI, operational excellence, and customer journey mapping at the core of their customer experience strategies. This was the clear takeaway from the newly released Customer Experience Live UK Intelligence Report 2025, launched at the co-located Customer Experience Live Show UK, AI Experience Show UK, Digital Customer Experience Show UK, and Contact Centre Show UK 2025, held at Hilton Deansgate, Manchester on 1-2 July 2025.The report reveals that 71% of organisations are investing in AI-powered experiences, as AI decisively moves to a central role in delivering personalised, predictive engagement across the region. This shift highlights how UK enterprises are using intelligent technologies not only to automate tasks, but to create service models that are more responsive to individual customer needs.
Alongside this, 82% of organisations are prioritising operational efficiency to deliver consistent, high-quality experiences in complex, fast-moving markets. This operational focus is poised to drive the building of service models that balance speed, cost-effectiveness, and improved customer experience.
Customer satisfaction and loyalty have clearly emerged as top business imperatives, with 78% of organisations prioritising increasing customer satisfaction and retention. Companies are actively aiming to create meaningful, long-term connections that drive competitive advantage. Supporting this, 47% are advancing customer journey mapping initiatives to break down silos and engineer experiences that are seamless, connected, and intuitive across all touchpoints.
The report also reveals how organisations are aligning technology investments to these goals. Companies are upgrading their contact centre and support platforms (48%), implementing AI agents (32%) for more proactive engagement, and investing in workforce engagement management (42%) to enable their teams to deliver greater value.
“This year’s findings confirm that UK organisations are no longer focused on incremental change – they are re-engineering customer experience to be predictive, personalised, and resilient, with AI, data, and operational excellence at the very heart of their strategy,” said Ayusha Tyagi, Managing Director, Customer Experience Live. “What we’re seeing is a turning point where technology and design are coming together to enable enterprises to deliver at scale without losing the human touch.”
Over two dynamic days, the Customer Experience Live Show UK 2025 featured insights from leading brands including Netflix, NatWest, Philip Morris International, Zurich Insurance, and British Gas. Sessions explored topics such as proactive CX models, omnichannel AI excellence, operational efficiency, hyper-personalisation, and trust in digital engagement, providing practical solutions to today’s CX challenges.
The conference was supported by leading sponsors, including eGain, InMoment, Talkdesk, Graia, UJET, Cyara, Precisely, Elephants Don’t Forget, EXL, Sendbird, Future Communications Company UK, Capita, Coveo, Connect, and Resolvable, alongside strategic partners such as the International Customer Experience Institute and BPO Search. Media partners included Call Centre Helper, ACN Newswire, The Customer Data Platform Institute, CrmXchange, StartupNews.fyi, AI Tools Network, CIOReview, Financial Service Review, Applied Technology Review, The European Business Review, CIO Outlook, AIPressRoom.
The event also celebrated excellence by hosting the Customer Experience Live Awards UK 2025, which honoured organisations that have made remarkable strides in CX innovation. Among the distinguished winners were AlTanfeethi, E.ON Next, Tawuniya, Furniturebox, Saudi Ports Authority “Mawani”, Tree Insurance, and Vue International.
To download the Customer Experience Live UK Intelligence Report 2025 or learn more about the event, visit: www.customer-experience.live.
About Customer Experience Live
Customer Experience Live is a leading digital customer experience insights and research powerhouse in the EMEA and APAC regions. Committed to driving growth within organisations through rigorous research and insightful activations, the company plays a pivotal role in facilitating successful business ventures and fostering innovation in customer experience solutions. With a focus on understanding end-user needs and market dynamics, Customer Experience Live empowers top-level executives and solution providers to navigate the ever-changing landscape of customer experience.
For more information, please contact: Riji Raju, Content and Marketing Lead, Customer Experience Live Email: riji.raju@customer-experience.live
The future of cloud and AI is unfolding faster than ever—and the Philippines is right at the heart of this transformation. On July 03, 2025, industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers will gather at Edsa Shangri-La, Manila for The State of the Future AI-Powered Cloud Philippines 2025, a high-impact summit that will explore how AI and cloud technologies are reshaping businesses, government services, and everyday life across the country. As we enter a new era of digital acceleration, this event aims to spark conversation, foster collaboration, and highlight real solutions driving national progress.
The Philippines has made bold moves toward digital modernization, led by initiatives like the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT)’s Cloud-First Strategy, which has empowered government agencies to upgrade outdated systems and deliver more efficient services. Alongside this, the rollout of the National AI Roadmap and the launch of the Center for AI Research (CAIR) reflect the country’s growing ambition to become a leading hub for AI innovation in the ASEAN region. Coupled with evolving regulatory frameworks and new tech policies, these efforts are opening the doors for greater investment, wider adoption, and more inclusive access to cutting-edge technologies.
The summit is expected to welcome over 200 senior-level attendees, including engineers, architects, CIOs, CISOs, and business leaders, all eager to exchange insights and strategies. Through a dynamic program of keynotes, panel discussions, fireside chats, and tech spotlight sessions, participants will explore critical issues such as AI-powered automation, cybersecurity, digital governance, and ethical AI adoption. The event will also feature a showcase of the latest innovations from top tech exhibitors, offering attendees a hands-on look at the tools and platforms transforming how we work, live, and serve communities.
This year’s summit would not be possible without the support of our sponsors: Genesys, FUJIFILM Business Innovation Philippines Corp., Agents Stack, Cloudian, TÜV SÜD, and Maptech. These organizations continue to play a pivotal role in pushing digital transformation forward across industries. As Cjhay Azores, Global Director of Operations at ESCOM, puts it: “This is the best speaker lineup we’ve ever had for a cloud and AI conference in the Philippines. The topics are timely, the trends are relevant, and the conversations will be both insightful and actionable.”
What truly sets this event apart is its focus on impact—not just innovation. From using AI to detect misinformation and deepfakes, to leveraging cloud technologies in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the conversations at this summit will highlight how technology can be a force for good. Whether you’re in healthcare, finance, public service, or tech, this is your chance to engage with thought leaders and help shape the future of the country’s digital landscape.
Join us at The State of the Future AI-Powered Cloud Philippines 2025 as we CTRL + ALT + INNOVATE—and ignite the next digital wave for the nation.
For any inquiries regarding cloud, AI, or healthcare technology conferences, please contact cjhay.azores@escom.com.
