The 3rd edition of the ASEAN Procurement Innovation Summit & Awards (APIS25) concluded on a high note, affirming its role as the region’s most influential platform for procurement, supply chain, and sourcing professionals. Over two packed days, more than 250 delegates came together to explore transformative strategies, disruptive technologies, and leadership approaches shaping the next generation of procurement.
A Strategic Platform for Innovation and Insight
Under the theme “The Next Frontier in Procurement Excellence: Elevating Standards, Driving Results, Shaping the Future”, APIS25 featured a forward-looking agenda built around five strategic pillars: AI adoption, ESG integration, digital procurement, supply chain resilience, and talent development.
The summit hosted high-level keynotes, Oxford-style debates, real-world case studies, fireside chats, and panel discussions—offering attendees deep insights into the evolving role of procurement in driving organizational value and societal impact.
Session Highlights
AI in Procurement & Resilient Contracting
Norlela Tukiban (Telekom Malaysia) shared how AI-powered contract intelligence is redefining supplier risk, spend agility, and compliance.
Oxford Debate: Long-Term Value vs. Cost Savings
Moderated by Jan Piskadlo (Ben Line Group) and featuring Luke Kenny, Dr. Sanjay Kumar Gupta, and Alwaleed Alabdulwahed, this lively session dissected the trade-offs between short-term gains and long-term strategic value.
Oxford Debate Stage: Is Generative AI Truly Transforming Procurement?
An engaging session moderated by Zyad Khan (Dubai World Trade Centre) brought together top thinkers including Rym Khelil (SLB), Carl Kimball (Zycus), Jan Piskadlo (Ben Line Group), and Nisa Camalia (CBRE Asia Pacific) to evaluate the real-world potential of generative AI in procurement.
Supply Chain Evolution: Nearshoring & Resilience
A dynamic panel explored regional strategies to navigate disruption, enhance transparency, and foster local sourcing.
Digital Procurement Transformation
In partnership with Gold Sponsor Zycus, this session demonstrated how next-gen automation and predictive analytics are revolutionizing sourcing operations.
The highly anticipated ASEAN Procurement Awards recognized organizations and professionals driving impactful change across leadership, ESG, innovation, and transformation.
Award Winners:
EDOTCO Group – Leaders in Procurement Transformation for Resilient Supply Chains
BIOCON – Visionaries in Sustainable Supply Chain Excellence
Shell Malaysia – Future Leader of the Year & Supply Chain Initiative of the Year (Derrick Lopez)
PERKESO – Women in Procurement Award (Fadhilah Binti Hamil)
Tahakom – Procurement Innovation Award (Alwaleed Alabdulwahed)
Dubai World Trade Centre – Highly Recommended: Leaders in Procurement Transformation for Resilient Supply Chains
Award Spotlight
Jayaprakash Krishnan, Head of Group SCM Shared Services at EDOTCO Group, delivered a high-impact presentation showcasing how EDOTCO’s strategic transformation elevated procurement from a transactional role to a future-ready value driver.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Advisory Panel
The success of APIS25 was anchored by the guidance of our respected Advisory Board:
Dr. Christina SS Ooi, Luke Kenny, Jonathan Cheung, and Yang Chor Leong. Their behind-the-scenes leadership ensured the integrity, relevance, and rigor of the summit and awards.
Voices that Moved the Room
We thank our inspiring speakers including Tom Bollen, Dr. Christina SS Ooi, Rachael Bah, Jonathan Cheung, and Luke Kenny, whose insights and authenticity elevated conversations and ignited new thinking.
Lucky Draw & Community Moments
The summit closed with an energizing Lucky Draw hosted by Chairperson Tom Bollen, leaving attendees with unforgettable memories and generous giveaways.
Thank You to Our Sponsors, Exhibitors & Partners
A heartfelt thank you to the sponsors and partners who helped bring this vision to life:
Platinum Sponsor: GEP
Gold Sponsors: Zycus, iCertis, Bahwan CyberTek, Green Tape
Silver Sponsor: SPEED
Exhibitors: SAIBA International, Esker, Lapasar, Olive Technologies, JSOFT Solution
Your unwavering commitment to innovation and collaboration was key to APIS25’s impact and reach.
To our Supporting Associations and Media Partners, thank you for amplifying our mission, championing innovation, and connecting us to wider communities across the region. Your collaboration helped us reach new heights.
Together, we’ve sparked conversations, celebrated excellence, and shaped the future of procurement in ASEAN.
Looking Forward
APIS25 wasn’t just an event, it was a movement toward procurement excellence across ASEAN. As we continue to shape the future of procurement, we remain committed to collaboration, capability-building, and community impact.
– July’s Spotlight Event in Hong Kong runs together with Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks
– Book Fair runs alongside the HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and HKTDC World of Snacks from 16 to 22 July at the HKCEC – With a single ticket, visitors can immerse themselves in the worlds of literature, sports and leisure activities and global snacks. To celebrate the Book Fair’s 35th edition, three special offers will be launched to welcome both Hong Kong citizens and tourists, encouraging attendees to visit the fairs with their companions – The theme of this year’s Book Fair is “Food Cultureï½¥Future Living”, featuring more than 620 cultural activities. The World of Art & Culture will feature an interactive exhibition, “Book a Table ï½¥ Food for Thought” – The FIBA 3×3 World Tour Hong Kong 2025 international event will take place at the Sports and Leisure Expo, while the World of Snacks will offer more than 1,300 tasty treats
The 35th HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held from 16 to 22 July (Wednesday to Tuesday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The popular annual event will run concurrently with the HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and the HKTDC World of Snacks, bringing together more than 770 exhibitors across the three fairs. With the theme of the year “Food Cultureï½¥Future Living”, the Book Fair will feature more than 620 cultural activities both onsite and offsite, including acclaimed writers’ seminars, book launches and multicultural activities, creating a literary feast and promoting a culture of reading.
Sophia Chong, HKTDCDeputy Executive Director, said: “The Hong Kong Book Fair Cultural Events Advisory Panel selecting ‘Food Cultureï½¥Future Living’ as the theme of the year is truly meaningful. Both food and reading serve as carriers of culture. Food literature works not only document local culinary traditions but also narrate stories through recipes, making them more intriguing. As a renowned food paradise where east meets west, Hong Kong offers a unique platform for promoting international cultural exchange through food literature. We hope the theme of the year will encourage people to explore diverse aspects of food culture through reading, savouring the cultural nuances and lifestyle attitudes behind the texts and delving into new food cultures shaped by future technologies. We invite everyone to relish the joy and flavour of reading.”
Ms Chong added that Hong Kong Book Fair, as a Hong Kong spotlight event and a feature of the Hong Kong Summer Viva in July, will present a wide array of engaging experiences for locals and tourists alike. To celebrate the 35th edition of the Book Fair, three special offers will be rolled out to allow citizens and tourists to fully immerse themselves in the three major cultural and leisure events of reading, sports and leisure, and snacks. First, visitors born in 1990, when the Book Fair was first held, can enjoy free entry by presenting valid identification. Second, a limited edition of 500 35th-edition special packages will be available, allowing five visitors to enter for the price of three tickets. Third, visitors who spend over HK$500 at the Book Fair will have the opportunity to receive a limited-edition commemorative tote bag and a special gift.
World of Art & Culture presents a cross-cultural feast The Book Fair continues to be supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to stage the World of Art & Culture and industry-focused activities such as the International Publishing Forum and the IP Roundtable.
To further promote Hong Kong as an east-meets-west centre for international cultural exchange, the World of Art & Culture echoes the theme of the year with an exhibition titled “Book a Table ï½¥ Food for Thought” that uses food as a bridge to connect cultures and offers visitors a chance to savour life and explore the world through the dining table. The exhibition is a collaboration between eight artists and the consulates general of various countries in Hong Kong. It features eight tables curated by eight artists, each exploring themes related to food and healthy living, surplus and future, table etiquette, lifestyle and culture, process, experience, music, art, and more. The consulates general will showcase related books and exhibits from around the world while an interactive artificial intelligence (AI) device onsite will recommend books to visitors. In addition, more than 30 events, including talks and workshops, will be held to provide a multifaceted exploration of food culture. Ray Lok, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Hong Kong agritech company Full Nature Farms, will share insights on the latest sustainable diets and future farming.
This year’s Book Fair features the Cultural and Creative Products Zone for the first time, offering interactive experiences related to Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage and showcasing a curated selection of cultural and creative products from Macao and the Palace Museum in Beijing. This year’s Mainland China Pavilion will spotlight Sichuan, the home of pandas, as the thematic province.
Under the theme “Sichuan and Hong Kong: Weaving Culture, Crafting Tomorrow”, the pavilion will showcase Sichuan’s lifestyle through iconic elements such as food, wine, tea, opera and embroidery, all rooted in the province’s rich heritage. There will be a display of award-winning Sichuan publications, foreign publishing achievements, and a variety of panda-themed books and cultural and creative products. There will also be a series of industry exchange activities such as the International Publishing Forum, the Hong Kong Publishing Biennial Awards and the Launch Ceremony of Publishing 3.0. The IP Roundtable will include a business matching session to help industry players explore business opportunities. (to be confirmed by branch office)
The 2025-26 Budget from the HKSAR Government mentioned plans to provide local technology companies with more physical displays for their products. In support of this initiative, the Book Fair will introduce the Hong Kong Tech Showcase area that will showcase innovative technology products in various areas including edtech, healthtech, sportstech, foodtech and more.
Eight Seminar Series explores the inspiration and wisdom of life The Book Fair will continue to feature the Eight Seminar Series, inviting authors from around the world to share and exchange ideas with readers on topics including Theme of the Year, Renowned Writers, English and International Reading, World of Knowledge, Children and Youth Reading, Personal Development and Spiritual Growth and Hong Kong Cultural and Historical and Lifestyle. The Theme of the YearSeminar Series will invite notable writers related to food literature, including Andrew Chui, the fifth-generation heir of Tai Ping Koon Restaurant; Benny Li, a food review author; Yim Ho, a renowned director and dietary therapy expert; and Sian “Leo” Proctor, the first American woman to become a commercial spaceship pilot. Together, they will explore food culture, lifestyle and future technology, offering the audience fresh insights on life through the world of cuisine.
The Renowned Writers Seminar Series, co-organised by the HKTDC along with Ming Pao and Yazhou Zhoukan, will feature a lineup of highly influential Chinese-language writers who will share and interact with readers onsite. The heavyweight speakers include Lung Ying-tai, making a return to the Hong Kong Book Fair; Xu Ze-chen, Mao Dun Literature Prize winner for his novel Northward; Xu Zi-dong, former Chair of the Department of Chinese at Lingnan University; business management expert Feng Tang; and Zhu Jia-ming, one of the “four gentlemen of China’s market reform” and an expert on AI.
The English and International Reading Seminar Series brings international authors to Hong Kong every year, highlighting the city’s position as an international metropolis. The star-studded authors in 2025 include Japanese author Rie Qudan, who won the Akutagawa Prize in 2024 for her AI-themed novel; Cheon Seon-ran, selected as the “Young Writer Who Will Become the Future of Korean Literature”; Kim Bo-young, one of Korea’s leading science fiction authors; Nguyen Hanh Phuong (aka Rosy Black), a 16-year-old Vietnamese writer of English fiction stories; and Osamu Okamura, a Czech architect focusing on human-centred urban design. Speakers at other seminars include Jack So, former Chairman of the HKTDC; Ronnie Chan, Honorary Chair of the Hang Lung Properties Limited; Yuen Kwok-yung, Chair Professor of the Department of Microbiology of the University of Hong Kong; and polar researcher Rebecca Lee. The Story Sharing by Celebrities session, meanwhile, will feature Vivian Kong, Olympic fencing gold medallist, Vicky Lau, the first female Michelin star chef in Hong Kong, and artists Carlos Chan and Grace Chan. For more details on the seminars and the lineup of speakers, please visit: https://shorturl.at/TRdAw )
Sports and Leisure Expo runs concurrently with the FIBA 3×3 World Tour The 15th National Games will be held this year with several events set to take place in Hong Kong. The Sports and Leisure Expo will feature an exhibition area where visitors can take photos with the mascots, Xiyangyang and Lerongrong, and learn more about the competitive events and mass participation events that are being hosted in Hong Kong. To tie in with the current basketball craze, the HKTDC is collaborating with M1 Group Limited to bring the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Hong Kong 2025 international event to the HKCEC, where it will be held indoors for the first time on 19 and 20 July during the Sports and Leisure Expo. Ticket holders for the Book Fair can access the carnival-style 3×3 Village from 16 to 22 July, where they can enjoy various sports booth games and visit sports product showcases.
The Hong Kong Sports Institute (Booth 5C-B02) will once again set up a cheering zone and an exhibition area showcasing some of the precious items belonging to elite athletes, with visitors able to show their support for the Hong Kong stars as they prepare for the National Games. The popular Hong Kong Playground Association (Booth 5C-D02 &5C-E02) will also participate in the expo again. In addition to its signature mobile rope nets, the Association will introduce a new multi-sports experience zone, offering various sports experiences over the course of the seven-day exhibition period. Sports experiences include pickleball, rope skipping and running will feature on 16 and 17 July; street workouts will feature on 18 and 19 July; HADO AR dodgeball will be showcased on 20 and 21 July; and drone soccer features on 22 July. Making its debut at the event, Gymetaverse Company Limited (Booth 5C-C02) will promote the sport-finance concept through the LIVE4WELL sports rewards platform, encouraging the public to exercise more.
A new Travel Zone will debut this year, featuring the ever-popular Japan Pavilion along with the newly added Taiwan Pavilion and Thailand Pavilion. The Consulate General of Japan in Hong Kong will team up with 17 Japanese prefectures including Kagoshima, Okinawa, Shizuoka and Iwate, to participate in the Japan Pavilion, with a special focus on the Tohoku region’s popular local snacks beloved by tourists (Booth 5B-E23). Moreover, this zone highlights the Hong Kong attractions include GO PARK Sports (Booth 5B-E02) and the Sai Yuen Camping Adventure Park in Cheung Chau (Booth 5C-A05), offering visitors information on water and land sports, adventure activities and camping.
Discover Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand treats at the World of Snacks This year’s World of Snacks will bring together more than 1,300 different treats featuring a variety of classic flavours, healthy options and handcrafted snacks from around the world. They include the stone-ground black sesame snacks that were selected for the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand 2025 (Heartwarming: Booth 5B-A21) as well as handcrafted sodas in special flavours such as ginger lemon honey and salted plum lemon honey (City Carbonation: Booth 5B-A10).
Cultural July brings the community together to promote the love of reading In addition to the Book Fair, the HKTDC is once again organising Cultural July in collaboration with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the HKSAR Government, publishers, and various educational, cultural and arts institutions. From 24 June to 31 July Cultural July will feature nearly 400 cultural activities including a food and culture tour, author sharing sessions, parent-child reading workshops, storytelling theatre, art exhibitions and handicraft workshops, all designed to promote a city-wide love of reading across each of Hong Kong’s 18 districts.
The Hong Kong Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks will continue to offer a single ticket for entry to all three events. This year, the adult ticket price remains at HK$30, while special discounts such as Morning Admission Tickets, Special re-entry, and Tourist Tickets will continue to be available. More details can be found below.
Disclaimer: Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.
Media enquiries Hong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks Yuan Tung Financial Relations: Agnes Yiu Tel: (852) 3428 5690 Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk Salina Cheng Tel: (852) 3428 2362 Email: salcheng@yuantung.com.hk
Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo, World of Snacks HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department: Stanley So Tel: (852)2584 4049 Email: stanley.hp.so@hktdc.org Jane Cheung Tel: (852) 2584 4137 Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org
Hong Kong is still on course for export growth of 3% this year, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) confirmed today. This timely assessment came as the HKTDC announced the findings of two of its key metrics namely the 2025 Mid-Year Export Review and Outlook and the HKTDC Export Confidence Index 2Q25.
Strong frontloading amid tariff uncertainties The city’s 2025 export performance is navigating a period of almost unprecedented turbulence in the global trade arena. Much of this uncertainty has stemmed from the radical shift in US trade policy – particularly the heavy reliance on substantial import tariffs – adopted by President Trump’s administration.
In anticipation of a hefty tariff regime, many of Hong Kong’s exporters opted to “frontload” their orders in the early months of 2025 before the new tariffs were implemented. This helped bolster the city’s export figures in the early months of the year and resulted in a number of other positive factors.
Low exposure to US market First, Hong Kong has low exposure to the US market when compared with other economies. For instance, US-bound exports in 2024 accounted for just 6.5% of Hong Kong’s total exports.
By learning the lessons of previous tariff regimes, notably during the first term of President Trump (2017 to 2021), Hong Kong successfully reconfigured its trading base to reduce its exposure to uncertainties in the US market. Since 2017, Hong Kong has bolstered its trade ties with other economies, with exports to the ASEAN bloc up 38.5% and to the Middle East increasing by 58.1%. The upshot of this is that, despite a 10.5% drop in Hong Kong’s exports to the US over the last eight years, Hong Kong’s total exports for the period recorded a 17.2% increase.
This vulnerability has been further reduced by many Hong Kong exporters prioritizing the diversification of their sourcing locations in line with China+1 or China+N strategies. As a consequence, many of Hong Kong’s US-bound exports are now sourced from different locations than they were in 2017. In fact, in 2024, nearly half of Hong Kong’s US-bound exports originated from a variety of international sources, notably up from the comparable figure of 15% eight years ago.
Taken together, should a high level of US tariffs be reinstated, only about 3.4% of Hong Kong’s total exports would be affected. Any impact would then be further diminished once the products eligible for tariff exemptions were also taken into account. Collectively, these factors underpin HKTDC Research’s expectation that, even in such adverse trading conditions, Hong Kong’s exports will still expand by 3% as predicted earlier in the year.
Commenting on the HKTDC’s decision to confirm its earlier forecast, Director of Research, Irina Fan, said: “Whatever the outcome of the ongoing trade negotiations, our low exposure to the US market, robust trade ties with other markets and diversified sourcing networks are the key underlying factors that should allow Hong Kong exporters to weather the US tariffs relatively unscathed.”
Weaker export performance expected in 2H In line with the overall expectation that export performance would weaken as 2025 progresses, the overall reading for the HKTDC Export Confidence Index in the second quarter fell below 50 for the first time in a year. This moderate decline in Hong Kong exporter confidence can be taken as aligning with the escalation in global trade uncertainty.
With the survey conducted at the height of the China-US tariff trade war (28 April-15 May), this downbeat outcome was widely anticipated. In specific terms, this saw the Current Performance Index fall to 49.6 (down from 52.1), while the Expectation Index stood at 49.0 (down from 51.0). Subsequent to the completion of the survey, new trade negotiations have emerged between Mainland China (including Hong Kong) and the US; an outcome expected to be reflected in the findings of the 3Q25 Index.
In other findings, Hong Kong exporter confidence remained high regarding prospects in both the ASEAN bloc (59.9) and Mainland China (52.6), while the corresponding reading for the US plummeted to 31.6 (down from 46.7)
The Current Performance of three of the six key Hong Kong industry sectors tracked by the Index remained positive with Jewellery at 51.6, Timepieces at 52.1 and Equipment/Materials at 50.4. In the case of the other three sectors, Electronics and Clothing (both 48.9) were marginally below the watershed level while Toys (43.1) continued its recent decline.
Putting the findings into context, Kenneth Lee, Special Project and Business Advisory Section Head, HKTDC Research, said: “Overall, the findings for the second quarter align with earlier expectations of weaker exporter confidence amid US tariff uncertainties. It is, however, heartening to see Hong Kong exporters maintain a largely positive outlook with regard to all of the city’s major markets, except for the US.”
About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
– Impressive Results Showcase Hong Kong’s Innovation and Technology Strength
Viva Technology 2025 concluded successfully last Saturday with the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, effectively supporting local start-ups in entering the European market.
A series of events, including seminars, start-up pitching sessions, workshop and networking reception and business matching, provided a robust platform for start-ups to demonstrate Hong Kong’s innovation and technology capabilities.
The participating start-ups achieved successful outcomes, including Point Fit Technology, a Hong Kong healthtech start-up, signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Kinomap, a French indoor training platform.
Viva Technology (VivaTech) 2025 in Paris, Europe’s biggest start-up and tech event, concluded last Saturday. TheHong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), in collaboration with Strategic Partner, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels, and Supporting Organisations including Invest Hong Kong, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), and Hong Kong Cyberport, set up the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion. The Pavilion promoted 20 Hong Kong start-ups to investors and buyers, and hosted seminars, start-up pitching sessions, workshop and networking reception, inviting representatives from various enterprises and organisations to analyse trends in Hong Kong’s start-up ecosystem. Business matching meetings were also arranged to help start-ups explore opportunities in the European market.
Hong Kong tech ventures were the recipients of VivaTech awards including Ailytics Limited, which developed AI-Powered Video Surveillance Systems (AI-VSS) for operations, was awarded among the Top 30 of VivaTech Innovations of the Year Award and was also selected as one of the Top 5 winners of the Startup Challenge organised by Électricité de France (EDF). Imsight Technology, OKOsix, and Vismed Training were nominated as finalists in the VivaTech Tech for Change Award, recognising their positive impact respectively in cancer diagnostics, biomaterial composition, and medical training and care. Braillic Limited, specialising in Augmented Reality (AR) guided surgical navigation systems, was nominated in the Top 12 AI Tech Trail. AQUMON and Midas Analytics, which developed AI-driven wealth management and data analysis solutions, were nominated as the Top 12 FinTech Trail.
The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion also achieved notable success. Point Fit Technology, a healthtech start-up signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kinomap, a French indoor training platform. Point Fit’s sweat sensor continuously monitors muscle fatigue without invasive blood tests, will integrate their sweat biomarker data into Kinomap’s platform. This will enhance indoor training experiences and expand Point Fit’s sales channels through Kinomap’s global partner network. During VivaTech, Point Fit Technology’s research attracted international interest. Kenny Oktavius, Co-founder & CEO of Point Fit Technology Limited, said: “Apart from signing an MoU with Kinomap, we also linked up with a top European football club, and secured key partners that will help us to further penetrate the European market.”
Founded in Singapore with an international office in Hong Kong, Ailytics’ AI-VSS products are used to enhance safety and maximise productivity by leveraging existing cameras. The company is in discussion with EDF and will conduct a trial run at EDF’s new power plants in France. Wei Zhuang Tan, CEO, Ailytics said: “We received enormous resources and support in Hong Kong, especially from HKTDC and HKSTP to expand into the international market. Through joining the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at VivaTech, we have met customers and partners and have a deeper understanding about the requirements of French companies.”
Midas Analytics, which introduced its newly launched Asia Market Intelligence platform and AI Agent at VivaTech, drew strong interest from investors, analysts, and strategic partners. Founder Michele De Flippo said: “We have connected with a high-caliber audience that included institutional investors, corporate venture leaders, innovation executives from major banks and consulting firms, and decision-makers from government ecosystems. Through curated business matching sessions organised by the HKTDC and meeting with high-calibre audience, we identified multiple potential partners and expansion opportunities. The interest reinforced both the commercial potential of Midas Analytics and the clear demand in Europe for better visibility into fast-changing Asian markets.”
Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, attended the workshop and networking reception themed under “From Hong Kong to the World: Embarking on the New Journey of Innovation” last Friday. Highlighting that Hong Kong being an ideal gateway for global enterprises to enter the Mainland market, Professor Sun said the HKSAR Government has been actively attracting overseas and the Mainland I&T enterprises to set up or expand their businesses in Hong Kong. Companies choosing HK for the international headquarters exemplify Hong Kong’s important role as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder” between Mainland China and the rest of the world, serving as a two-way springboard for attracting overseas enterprises and helping Mainland enterprises to “go global”.
The subsequent discussions explored the strengths of Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem, and how to leverage Hong Kong’s advantages to seize new opportunities. Cindy Chow, Executive Director & CEO of Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, together viAct, Sandbox VR, and Orcauboat founders, shared their success stories leveraging Hong Kong as the platform for global expansion. Chapman Lee, Director of Imsight Technology Co., Limited, highlighted the strengths of Hong Kong’s R&D capabilities and access to international investment.
According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2025 by Startup Genome, a research institute, during VivaTech 2025, Hong Kong entered the Top 40 ranking for the first time. The ecosystem jumped 20 positions to 27th in the 2025 ranking.
The HKTDC continues to lead Hong Kong businesses in participating in major international tech exhibitions, helping local start-ups expand overseas and reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a global innovation and technology hub. Following the Consumer Electronic Show 2025 in Las Vegas and Mobile World Congress in Barcelona earlier this year, HKTDC once again organised the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at VivaTech in Paris, providing an effective platform for start-ups to showcase innovations, attract investment, and explore the European market.
The 9th edition of VivaTech attracted more than 14,000 start-ups, 180,000 visitors, and 3,600 investors from 171 countries and regions. Industry leaders from around the world shared unique insights, further making the event a key highlight of the global tech ecosystem.
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.
– Multiple winners incorporated AI, highlighting the innovation within Hong Kong’s start-up ecosystem
– On the Final Pitching Day of Start-up Express, 10 winners were selected, with xxx and AniTech Limited receiving the ESG Award and the My Favourite Start-up Award respectively – More than 200 industry players attended, helping start-ups to establish connections and increase exposure, and continue to promote Hong Kong’s entrepreneurial ecosystem – Majority of the 10 winners are health tech start-ups, while others represented sectors such as green tech, smart city and AI Solutions
10 start-ups were selected as winners at the eighth edition of Start-up Express, an entrepreneurship development programme organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) which came to a successful conclusion. The ESG Award was presented to Green Vigor Limited in recognition of the best sustainable and socially impactful business solution, and AniTech Limited won the My Favourite Start-up Award as determined through audience live polling. The 10 start-ups will participate in a series of local and overseas business events organised by HKTDC to develop their profiles through building connections, exploring markets, seeking partners and enhancing brand awareness.
HKTDC is fully committed to supporting and promoting the development of start-ups, helping them to expand into Mainland and international markets to showcase Hong Kong’s strengths in innovation and technology.
Iris Wong, Director of Merchandise Trade and Innovation & External Relations of HKTDC said: “Start-up Express serves as the launchpad for Hong Kong’s brightest tech innovators. As HKTDC’s flagship start-up development programme, our mission is to help local tech start-ups build capability and connections, explore new markets, seek business and funding partners, and enhance their brand awareness. I am proud to share that we have already assisted 70 Hong Kong start-ups to scale-up in Hong Kong and expand into overseas markets since we first held Start-up Express in 2018. Many of these start-ups have achieved remarkable success, earning global awards, securing significant investments, and forming key business partnerships. This demonstrates how the HKTDC platform helps bring Hong Kong start-ups into the limelight and accelerate their success.”
This year’s Start-up Express attracted more than 200 applications. The majority of the 10 winners are health tech start-ups while the rest represent green tech, smart city and AI solutions. Booths were also set up during the event enabling the Start-up Express finalists to showcase their businesses to all attendees and participants.
Comprehensive range of networking and matching initiatives provided to winning start-ups The 10 winners were chosen from 20 contestants during the final pitching round with each presenting their innovative business ideas and answering questions raised by the distinguished judging panel. The 10 winning start-ups are: ACTuWISE Limited, Decennium Platforms Limited, AniTech Limited, Digitoe Limited, CELLmeric Limited, RT Healthtech Co. Limited, Firefilm Group Limited, Albacastor Technology Limited, Entoptica Limited and Green Vigor Limited.
Click here to download the list of winners and their company profiles.
The HKTDC will arrange a series of exposure opportunities for the winning teams to interact with potential investors, buyers and partners.
Judges praised the winners for their performance and awareness of market trends One of the judges, Herbert Chia, Senior Advisor of Alibaba Cloud (North APAC Region), said: “We are always surprised by the new start-ups in each year’s awards. In the face of rapid AI development, many local start-ups have quickly incorporated AI into their business operations, showing that they are innovative, capable and also closely following the market trend.”
Another judge, Jimmy Tao, Chairman of Hong Kong Startup Council, said: “The quality of this year’s competition is high, with products and services covering different technologies, especially artificial intelligence, green tech and medical innovation. We are pleased to see the new generation of start-ups continue to break new grounds in innovation and technology, demonstrating their unlimited potential and creativity, thereby contributing to society’s advancement. Hong Kong’s start-up scene continues to grow vigorously, with a record number of 4,694 start-ups last year, demonstrating Hong Kong’s promising outlook and increasing attractiveness to do business and as an ideal to set up a start-up. We believe that this year’s winning start-ups will gain valuable opportunities to expand their markets and build networks through Start-up Express.”
Start-up Express helps start-ups secure investment and partnership opportunitiesStart-up Express provides extensive promotional opportunities for start-ups with winners able to take part in exhibitions in Mainland China and internationally, attend meetings with investors to learn more about the industry, market trends and investors’ preference.
Libpet Tech, a Start-up Express winner in 2024, has recently completed a US$3 million seed funding, and the investment will be utilized for technology upgrades and international market expansion. Jojo Xu, CEO of Libpet Tech, said: “Participating in Start-up Express has given us more exposure and enhanced our brand awareness, as seen from the increased attention from potential customers and investors. We are grateful for the investors’ confidence in our company. We will join hands with our public and private partners to integrate robotics into daily life and promote human-centric smart mobility.”
The 4th Start-up Express International returns in December with global start-ups The HKTDC has always given its full support to Hong Kong’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, helping to maintain the city’s status as a competitive business centre and hub for innovation. Start-up Express International was launched in 2022 for overseas early-stage start-ups to share the stage with local Start-up Express winners. The past three editions have attracted participants from around the world, including Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Turkey, Singapore, United Arab Emirates and the United States. The 4th Start-up Express International will return during Entrepreneur Day in December and the HKTDC will support the winners in setting up their businesses in Hong Kong and to explore the mainland and Greater Bay Area markets.
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.
– Reviving the charm of old Hong Kong by bringing traditional dragon and phoenix grand hall to life
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council(HKTDC) Design Gallery continues to champion original Hong Kong designs. The annual “Love HK” exhibition returns from 11 June to 6 July, in partnership with STICKYLINE, a prominent creative team in Hong Kong, and will debut their latest artwork, “The Carved Duo”, at the Design Gallery Wan Chai shop, featuring large-scale artistic paper sculptures that capture the essence of a traditional dragon and phoenix grand hall.
Carved dragon and phoenix statues were iconic decorations in Hong Kong’s banquet halls during the 1970s. STICKYLINE reimagines these symbols through contemporary geometric paper sculptures, incorporating pixel-like grid patterns into the Design Gallery’s window. This artwork retains the auspicious meanings of the dragon and phoenix while refining their forms, exploring how cultural heritage can evolve within modern contexts.
STICKYLINE’s co-founder Mic Leong said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with the HKTDC Design Gallery on the ‘Love HK’ exhibition. In line with the theme, we have created paper sculptures inspired by the traditional dragon and phoenix grand halls found in old restaurants which were used to symbolise the city’s economic boom and opulence. Although modern restaurants have phased out such designs, these motifs are resurfacing in unexpected ways, such as tattoo art, wedding backdrops, and avant-garde photography, reflecting younger generations’ reinterpretation of tradition. Through this piece, we aim to revive the collective memories of old-school restaurants and showcase Hong Kong’s unique charm.”
In addition to the dragon and phoenix installation, the main entrance of the Design Gallery features a playful paper sculpture of the word “HEY”. Soilworm Lai, Co-Founder, STICKYLINE, explained, “‘HEY’ is a phonetic nod to the word ‘ (double happiness)’. We aspire to merge modern elements with the traditional dragon and phoenix theme, offering a friendly greeting to visitors.”
Curated selection of Hong Kong-themed products During the exhibition, the Design Gallery will feature a curated selection of Hong Kong-themed products, including AMAZING STUDIO Neon Light Hong Kong Metal Badge Pin, CAMEL Modern Hong Kong Culture Glass Vacuum Flask, IRON WORKSHOP Hong Kong Silk Scarf Map, and PLAYFUL SOCKS Dragon Phoenix Happiness Socks.
Share on social media for shopping discount Visitors can enjoy an additional 10% discount on purchases during the exhibition by taking photos of the exhibits and sharing these on social media, tagging @HKTDC Design Gallery.
About STICKYLINE STICKYLINE, founded in Hong Kong in 2011 by creative designers Mic Leong and Soilworm Lai, creates unique, large-scale polyhedral sculptures that showcase the complexity of creative engineering, mathematics and geometric structures. They transform two-dimensional planes into three-dimensional forms through a process of deconstruction and reconstruction. They have collaborated with international brands including Hermès, Ralph Lauren, and Mercedes-Benz.
About HKTDC Design Gallery Established in 1991, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s Design Gallery (DG) promotes Hong Kong’s creativity innovation in design. With two physical outlets in Hong Kong and Taobao and JD International online stores, DG helps Hong Kong brands connect and collaborate with buyers to grow and expand in Mainland China and beyond. The DG online shop also provides suppliers with local online sales channels. DG’s entry into the ASEAN market enables Hong Kong brands to connect with overseas consumers and buyers.
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.
– Advance connectivity, build multinational supply chain management centre and drive innovation
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)’s new Chairman Prof Frederick Ma met with media today, outlining the HKTDC’s strategic direction to help Hong Kong enterprises navigate global challenges and seize new opportunities.
Prof Ma said: “The international trade landscape is turbulent, and enterprises urgently need to reassess their development strategies. As both a springboard for the country and an international hub, Hong Kong possesses the unique advantages of internal and external connectivity and is poised to play a pivotal role in the new trade landscape.”
He pointed out that HKTDC will help Hong Kong businesses connect globally and turn challenges into opportunities. Through three strategic directions —1) reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a superconnector and super value-adder to highlight its international status and deepen ties with global markets, 2) building a multinational supply chain management centre, and 3) promote trade digitalisation to position Hong Kong as the best partner for global enterprises, helping SMEs to stand out in an ever-changing world.
The HKTDC will leverage its network of 51 offices globally and 49 Hong Kong business associations to support enterprises in exploring new markets and enhancing competitiveness. Prof Ma said: “Hong Kong has always been a city of opportunities. The HKTDC will stand side by side with Hong Kong businesses, seizing opportunities in an ever-changing world, integrating Hong Kong into national development and telling the good stories of Hong Kong and Mainland China.”
Five directions to forge a new chapter for Hong Kong 1.Advancing our strengths in internal and external connectivity and leveraging our global network, enhancing overseas visits and flagship promotions: Reviewing the HKTDC’s global network of 51 offices to reinforce our work in key markets and enhance Hong Kong’s international competitiveness. The HKTDC will continue organising more trade missions to tell the good stories of Hong Kong and Mainland China. A prime example is our flagship campaign Think Business, Think Hong Kong, which will be held in Milan, Italy in November. 2.Optimising existing flagship events: By incorporating industry collaboration elements into the annual Asian Financial Forum (AFF), we will transform it into AFF Plus to facilitate connections between finance and the real economy, driving innovation, regional integration and sustainable development. For trade fairs, we will strengthen content related to global trends, including elements of robotics and higher education. Additionally, we will host new events targeting key markets, like the Middle East, inviting mainland enterprises to participate, to promote trade and investment cooperation between Hong Kong and countries in the Middle East region. 3.Building an international supply chain management centre: In response to the trend of mainland industrial chains extending overseas, the HKTDC will actively position Hong Kong as a supply chain command centre to support mainland firms in going global. 4.Driving the innovation engine and promoting trade digitalisation: The HKTDC will enhance existing support services, focusing on core elements of trade digitalisation to help SMEs leverage technologies – such as IOT, AI, blockchain and big data – to boost efficiency. In the long term, the HKTDC aims to position Hong Kong as a value chain centre, utilising technology, data analytics and collaborative networks to refine value chains for global enterprises, creating added value and addressing market changes and uncertainties. 5.Explore long term demand for the convention and exhibition industry: The HKTDC will support the Hong Kong SAR Government in reviewing the needs of the convention and exhibition sector in the long term.
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.
Asia-Pacific’s Premier Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition Highlights Malaysia’s Role as a Regional Innovation and Defence Hub
The curtain has closed on the 17th edition of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA’25), which concluded on a high note with RM11 billion in transactions signed over five dynamic days. Co-organised by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and Global Exhibitions & Conferences Sdn Bhd (GEC), LIMA’25 lived up to its theme, “Innovate Today, Thrive Tomorrow”, by setting new benchmarks in participation, innovation, and impact.
Hosted at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) and Resorts World Langkawi from 20 to 24 May, this year’s event welcomed more than 860 companies from 24 countries, featured 15 country pavilions, and hosted dignitaries from 64 nations, making it the most internationally represented edition in LIMA’s history. With 43 aircrafts and 31 ships from both local and foreign countries, alongside an expanded programme across four exhibition halls and interactive themed zones, the exhibition drew tens of thousands of trade and public visitors.
The event was officially launched by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who underscored the importance of innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships in shaping the region’s future. It concluded with a grand closing ceremony officiated by the Minister of Defence, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, who reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to regional security and industrial growth.
Reflecting on the exhibition’s success, GEC Managing Director Abd Hafiz bin Abu Bakar stated: “Success is built on strong pillars – hard work, innovation, learning, and unity. By bringing these elements together at LIMA’25, we have created a platform where progress is possible, and opportunities are open to all.”
Kedah State Tourism, Culture, Arts, and Entrepreneurship Committee Chairman, Yang Berhormat Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin, also lauded the event’s socioeconomic impact:
“I wish to congratulate the Ministry of Defence and Global Exhibitions and Conferences, being the organisers of a successful event. LIMA’25 has delivered far-reaching economic and social benefits for Langkawi and the greater Kedah, contributing positively to our goals for Visit Kedah Year 2025. It has brought the world to our doorstep, creating invaluable exposure and business opportunities for our local SMEs. The spillover effects extend across key sectors—tourism, hospitality, logistics and services—enabling us to unlock the full potential of Kedah’s vibrant economy. I am happy to say that restaurants and eateries were always full on a daily basis, and almost all establishments in Langkawi benefitted from LIMA’25, directly or indirectly.”
He added: “I am confident that events of this calibre will continue to position Kedah as a globally competitive destination, while driving sustainable growth and inclusive development for our people. I hope to see the next edition of LIMA continue to catalyse opportunities for growth, innovation, and global engagement for Kedah and beyond.”
Highlights included:
Defence and Commercial Sectors: Naval ships and cutting-edge aircraft highlighted Malaysia’s commitment to regional security and economic resilience, while local SMEs gained global exposure through dedicated showcases and business matching platforms.
Space and Voyage Segments: ASEAN’s growing space ambitions took centre stage, while advanced maritime technologies celebrated Malaysia’s pivotal geographic role in global shipping.
Innovation & Sustainability: The Innovation Pavilion spotlighted electric and hybrid aircraft, while the LIMA Green Initiative reinforced ESG principles with a focus on cleaner technology and a net-zero future.
Education Pavilion: Bridging academia and industry, the pavilion prepared the next generation of aerospace and maritime talent through direct industry engagement.
Women, Peace & Security Conference: Promoted inclusive leadership and diversity in the traditionally male-dominated defence and tech sectors.
A.T.M.O.S Sphere: Under LIMA’s expanded Space and Innovation pillar, the dome showcased how space technology is driving progress in climate science, telecommunications, navigation, agriculture, and national security.
Strategic Outcomes and Economic Impact
Over the course of the event:
Numerous strategic collaborations were forged between local and international players through MoUs, LOIs and contracts, contributing to a total transaction value of RM11 billion
1400 B2B and 920 B2G meetings were facilitated.
Nine conferences and two industrial competitions were organised.
These outcomes affirm LIMA’s status as a catalyst for innovation, cross-border collaboration, and inclusive industrial development.
Looking Ahead “I extend my heartfelt thanks to every visitor, partner, exhibitor, and the government for the trust and support in making LIMA 2025 a resounding success. Let us keep this spirit of collaboration and innovation alive as we look forward to the next edition,” added Hafiz.
The 18th edition of LIMA is tentatively scheduled for 2027, with MINDEF and GEC calling on all stakeholders to continue building on the momentum of this landmark event. As LIMA’25 draws to a close, its legacy as a global platform for maritime and aerospace innovation, sustainability, and strategic cooperation is firmly cemented.
About LIMA The Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) is Asia-Pacific’s leading showcase for the maritime and aerospace industries. Since its inception, LIMA has provided a dynamic platform for industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to connect, collaborate, and drive progress in defence, security, and commercial sectors. For updates and participation details, please visit LIMA 2025 | The 17th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition, or follow LIMA’25 on social media.
About Global Exhibitions & Conferences Sdn Bhd (GEC) Global Exhibitions & Conferences Sdn Bhd is a leading event management company specialising in organising and managing high-profile exhibitions, conferences, and trade shows across diverse industries. Established in 2007, the company is renowned for its expertise in creating impactful and innovative events that connect businesses, foster industry growth, and drive global networking opportunities.
Corporate Sponsors of LIMA’25
Telekom Malaysia Berhad – Strategic Technology Partner
Bufori – Official Executive Car Provider for DYMM YDPA
Revelot Sdn Bhd – Official Timekeeper
Mercedes Benz (M) Sdn Bhd – Royalties and Government Fleet Provider
Affin Bank Berhad – Official Bank
PETRONAS – Official Fuel Provider
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAB,Firefly & Aerodarat) – Official Airline & Ground Handler
Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad – Official Airport
Airasia – Supporting Airline
MyCar Asia – E-Hailing Provider
Blueshark Ecosystem Sdn Bhd – ESG Partner
FAMA & FamaCo – Local Partner
Spritzer – Official Mineral Water
Zuspresso – Official Brewer
ISSUED BY MNAIR PR CONSULTANCY SDN BHD ON BEHALF OF GLOBAL EXHIBITIONS & CONFERENCES SDN BHD
Contacts for Media Enquiries: MNAIR PR Consultancy Sdn Bhd Sashikala Nair Director, Public Relations +6012 566 9095 sashi@mnairpr.com
Ameera Hani Associate Director, Public Relations +6014 224 3296 ameera@mnairpr.com
Global Exhibitions & Conferences Sdn Bhd (GEC) Norul Wajidah Mohamad Saffiruddin Executive, Corporate Communication and Sponsorship +6013 3811352 wajidah@lima2025.com
Messe München, organiser of the world-renowned transport logistic exhibition series, and Heavy Lift & Project Forwarding International (HLPFI) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at elevating the visibility and networking potential of the heavy lift, breakbulk and project cargo sector.
At the heart of this partnership is project cargo – a dedicated exhibition area that will debut across international transport logistic trade fairs, beginning in Singapore (October 29-31, 2025), and continuing Miami (November 11-13, 2025), Mumbai (February 25-27, 2026), Shanghai (June 24-26, 2026), Istanbul (November 2026), and Nairobi (February 2027).
The initiative recognises the growing importance of cross-sector collaboration. For project logisticians, exchanging ideas and innovations with experts in road, air, rail and maritime transport is crucial to unlocking new efficiencies and business opportunities. The transport logistic exhibitions, already a magnet for for the wider logistics industry, aim to be the go-to hub for the project logistics industry to showcase solutions, connect with key players and engage in high-level industry dialogue.
HLPFI will support international sales efforts and take the lead in curating a targeted conference programme, bringing top-tier expertise and insights to the stage. transport logistic will ensure that the exhibitions deliver on their promise of global reach, operational excellence, and an outstanding visitor experience.
“This partnership represents a powerful opportunity to put project cargo center stage within the logistics industry’s most important markets,” said Andy Salter, Managing Director of DVV Media International, owners of HLPFI. “We’re excited to help shape a space that speaks directly to the needs of our community, backed by the credibility and scope of transport logistic.”
“With project cargo, we’re extending our portfolio to address a vital segment of the logistics chain,” added Dr. Robert Schönberger, Global Industry Lead transport logistic exhibitions at Messe München. “Together with HLPFI, we are creating a new meeting point that sets a global benchmark for excellence in heavy and project transport.”
Why Southeast Asia Matters
Southeast Asia is rapidly emerging as a key market for project cargo, driven by large-scale infrastructure, energy, and industrial developments. The launch of the project cargo zone at transport logistic Southeast Asia in Singapore (October 29–31, 2025) underscores the region’s rising importance in global logistics networks.
“Southeast Asia is where the future of project logistics is being shaped,” said Michael Wilton, Managing Director of MMI Asia Pte Ltd. “Building on the success of project cargo conference in 2023—and in response to growing industry demand—we’re evolving the initiative into a full-scale exhibition zone within transport logistic Southeast Asia. This next step allows us to better connect global expertise with regional ambition, and support smarter, faster, and more resilient project delivery across the region.”
The first project cargo zones will roll out in 2025 and 2026 across the expanding transport logistic global network, offering unmatched international exposure and connectivity.For More Information: https://transportlogisticsea.com/project-cargo/
About transport logistic
The international network of transport logistic exhibitions spans events across four continents. Alternating with the world’s leading trade fair transport logistic in Munich, transport logistic China takes place every two years in Shanghai. In Turkey, Messe München and EKO Fair Limited organize the logitrans International Transport Logistics Exhibition annually in Istanbul. In the USA, Messe München organizes transport logistic Americas, which runs alongside air cargo Americas in collaboration with the World Trade Center Miami. Since November 2023, transport logistic Southeast Asia has also been held biennially in Singapore.
The air cargo sector plays a crucial role at all trade fairs. At transport logistic in Munich, air cargo Europe is the world’s largest gathering of air cargo professionals. Meanwhile, air cargo China and air cargo Southeast are integral parts of the corresponding transport logistic events in Asia. Additionally, air cargo India and air cargo Africa are independent trade fairs. Starting in 2025, both will be expanded to incorporate a multimodal approach and evolve into the transport logistic India and transport logistic Africa exhibitions.
About Heavy Lift and Project Forwarding International (HLPFI)
HLPFI is the leading publication dedicated to the heavy lift, breakbulk, and project cargo logistics sector. Since its launch in 2007, HLPFI the magazine has covered key project developments, equipment innovations, regulatory changes, and market trends, offering critical insight for carriers, freight forwarders, EPCs, and shippers. With a global readership and a respected editorial team, HLPFI is a trusted source for those operating in the complex world of oversized and high-value cargo transport, both in print and through its digital platforms and events. HLPFI is a brand within the DVV Media International portfolio, a leading international transport and logistics information business.
About transport logistic Southeast Asia and Air Cargo Southeast Asia
transport logistic Southeast Asia and air cargo Southeast Asia (tlacSEA), is the latest edition of the world’s largest trade show for transportation and logistics industry. It is poised to become the most influential meeting place for the logistics, mobility, IT, supply chain management, and air cargo industries in Southeast Asia. Having been awarded “Debut Event of the Year” at the Singapore MICE Awards in 2024, the event provides a comprehensive overview of the industry, offering valuable insights into the latest trends and challenges.
Media Contact: Cynthia Chew Marketing Manager transport logistic Southeast Asia and air cargo Southeast Asia cynthia.chew@mmiasia.com.sg +65 6236 0988
– Presenting Cutting-Edge Solutions and Innovations and Fostering Global Collaborations through Seminars and Networking Events
– The Hong Kong Trade Development Council will bring together 20 start-ups to participate in Viva Technology 2025 in Paris. – The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion will showcase the cutting-edge solutions and innovations in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, HealthTech, Sustainable and ClimateTech, FinTech, and more. – A series of seminars, start-up pitching sessions, workshop and networking reception will enhance international cooperation and highlight Hong Kong’s vibrant start-up and technology ecosystem.
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), in collaboration with Strategic Partner, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels, and supporting organisations including Invest Hong Kong, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), and Hong Kong Cyberport, will stage the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at Viva Technology (VivaTech) 2025 in Paris, Europe’s biggest start-up and tech event from 11 to 14 June 2025. The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion will feature 20 start-ups, showcasing cutting-edge solutions and innovations in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, HealthTech, Sustainable and ClimateTech, and FinTech, and host a series of seminars, start-up pitching sessions, workshop and networking reception to attract global investors and buyers, fostering international collaboration and showcasing Hong Kong’s dynamic start-up and technology ecosystem.
VivaTech connects start-ups, tech leaders, corporates, and investors to drive innovation and business collaboration. The HKTDC’s Hong Kong Tech Pavilion helps local start-ups and tech firms enter global markets while promoting Hong Kong’s unique advantages and reinforcing its status as a world-class innovation and technology (I&T) hub.
Chris Lo, HKTDC’s Regional Director, Europe, Central Asia & Israel, said: “The HKTDC actively supports start-up development through a wide range of activities and support services to enhance their competitiveness and expand global reach. These include launching Hong Kong Tech Pavilions at major overseas tech events and organising events like the HKTDC Entrepreneur Day (E-Day) and Start-up Express in Hong Kong. This year’s VivaTech focuses on AI, healthtech, climatetech, and sustainability, areas that align closely with the development of Hong Kong’s start-up ecosystem. The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion will provide a valuable platform for showcasing innovation, attracting investment, and expanding into the European market while raising international awareness of Hong Kong start-ups.”
Hong Kong’s start-up ecosystem is one of the most vibrant in Asia, with strengths in R&D capabilities, advanced technological infrastructure, robust legal system, and world-class intellectual property protection regime. As a business hub and international trading centre in Asia, Hong Kong provides a strategic platform for connecting innovation, expertise, and patents with global capital. Its strategic location within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) with access to over 86 million consumers, makes Hong Kong an ideal gateway to the entire GBA and also Asia and the world.
During VivaTech, the HKTDC will host a series of events including seminars, pitching sessions, workshop and networking reception. On 11 June, the seminar Hong Kong: Fast-Growing Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub will feature speakers Josephine Chan, Senior Manager, New Ventures Development of HKSTP, Florian Lang, Founder and CEO APAC of Libertify, and Benny Cheng, Founder & CEO of Insight Capital, who will discuss the advantages and prospects of Hong Kong’s start-up ecosystem.
Hong Kong Start-ups Pitching to Global Investors On 12 June, start-ups at the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion will also pitch their cutting-edge solutions and innovative products to global investors. Start-ups focus on AI, Robotics and FinTech, such as Pantheon Lab, which uses deep-learning technology to create software applications for developing quality and self-generated visual content, Robocore, a leading developer of applications for robotic platforms, and Midas Analytics, a data consulting company based on artificial intelligence and big data technologies, will present their groundbreaking innovations. Start-ups focusing on Health Tech, Sustainable & Climate Tech, such as Braillic, specialising in Augmented Reality (AR) guided surgical navigation system, HairCoSys, which developed a hair and scalp AI health diagnosis platform, and OKOsix, which developed world’s first plastic-free multifunctional bio-based material, will showcase their innovations advancing human well-being and a more sustainable future.
On 13 June, Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, will attend the Workshop and Networking Reception – From Hong Kong to the World: Embarking on the New Journey of Innovation and deliver a keynote speech. Cindy Chow, Executive Director & CEO of Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, together with Sandbox VR, Orcauboat, and viAct, will share how Hong Kong start-ups succeed on an international stage. Yang Ming, CEO of Westwell Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited will share the advantages of choosing Hong Kong as springboard for global expansion. The followed panel discussion will be moderated by Christopher Lai, Director, France, Spain & Portugal of HKTDC. Cindy Chow, Chapman Lee, Director of Imsight Technology Co., Limited, Kenny Oktavius, Co-founder & CEO of Point Fit Technology Limited, and Jean-Baptiste Roy, Founding Partner of Asia Sports Tech, will explore the advantages of Hong Kong start-up ecosystem from both investor and start-up perspective and how to leverage Hong Kong’s advantages to seize new opportunities.
The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion is located at Hall 1 Booth F48, Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. The 9th edition of VivaTech is expected to attract over 165,000 visitors, 3,500 exhibitors, 13,500 start-ups, and 3,200 investors. Industry leaders from around the world will share unique insights, making the event the highlight of the global tech ecosystem.
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.
