Tag: hktdc

Chill 11 opens today, offering an entertaining, cultural Christmas shopping experience

  • Wan Kwong performs at finale and prizes for grand lucky draw includes concert tickets

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and with Create Hong Kong* of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as lead sponsor, Chill 11 had a grand opening today and runs until 26 December at AsiaWorld-Expo. Featuring about 170 exhibitors and brands offering artistic, cultural and culinary delights as well as entertainment experiences, Chill 11 promotes Hong Kong brands and designs, creating an extraordinary retail-entertainment experience for Hong Kong and Macao residents, as well as visitors from across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, gathering celebrities, renowned chefs, cultural and creative talents.

Sophia Chong, HKTDC Acting Executive Director, said: “Alongside with the various celebrations driven by different sectors in Hong Kong to encourage both tourist and local consumption, the HKTDC hopes to contribute by offering an alternative Christmas experience for the people in the GBA including Hong Kong. Chill 11 combines arts and culture, culinary delights, shopping and entertainment with Hong Kong’s distinct cultural elements to create a unique Christmas experience for the general public.”

Chill 11 features three main themes: Entertainment, Art and Culture, and Shopping. Popular music group After Class (Gigi Yim, Chantel Yiu, Yumi Chung and Windy Zhan) unveiled Chill 11 with pop dance and singing, attracting many fans. Albert Chau and Ramon Lo of Midlife, Sing & Shine will also be on stage on Christmas Eve and Christmas respectively. New-generation rapper Taco Wong and veteran singer Jackson Wan Kwong will perform on Boxing Day (26 December). Taco composed the Chill 11 theme song and will sing out its highlights.

GD Show & Co presents a massive 32-metre-long inflatable Chill Castle. The first 50 children who enter each day dressed as cartoon characters can enjoy a free 10-minute session at the Castle. Chill 11 will offer about 30 workshops including Merry Face-Painting, KamCha Hong Kong Style milk tea workshop, stone painting, Christmas Deer Fluid Painting Key Chain, Christmas paper light box, Hong Kong minibus signage and Crocheted Christmas wreath making workshops. Star make-up artist Will Or will also stage a Christmas trendy make-up class to share make-up tips for Christmas holiday.

Chill 11 also presents culinary specialities from Hong Kong. The trendy craft beer brand Hong Kong Whistle teamed up with Great Gourmets to brew a big-hit sauce-flavoured mocha craft beer for Chill 11, using maotai, beer ingredients, chocolate and coffee. The brew is on sale at the event. The Art Café offers a menu comprising sweet, sour, bitter, spicy and salty dishes under the theme Tastes of Life, and fuses a number of traditional Chinese and Western food brands, serving culinary highlights with captivating paintings.

Chill 11 also features participants from Mainland China. The Luohu District Government brings trendy shopping guides, lucky bags and performances like street dance, rapping, rock music and DJ shows with Luohu singers, bands, artists and highlighting characteristics of the city in Shenzhen.

For Art and Culture, the Sino-Western Cultural Corridor features award-winning works from the 2022 Sino-French Young Artists Competition Award (organised by the Chinese Western Culture Arts Association) through integration of art and technology, including Tang Sanjue – Bring in the Wine by 16-year-old Qin Chi-ho and Dear cat I miss you by Ng Chun-hei. The two artists visited Chill 11 today. Qin Chi-ho’s Tang Sanjue – Bring in the Wine will be sent to Hôtel de Ville in Paris, France after Chill 11 as a permanent collection. Monet’s The Japanese Footbridge and Van Gogh’s Wheat Field with Cypresses will also feature as animated paintings at the immersive experience to illustrate the impressionist style of Western art and its interpretation of natural landscapes.

Chill 11 will also showcase a 1.8 metre high, 24 metre long mural In Homage: The Victoria Harbour Sunrise · Impression. This artwork is a collaboration between 11 artists from the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong’s social enterprise ADAM and nine local young artists. The work pays tribute to Monet.

International Landscape Photographer of the Year Kelvin Yuen, whose works were used for Hongkong Post Hong Kong Landscape – Mountains Special Stamps, showcases his works featuring Hong Kong’s stunning landscapes at Chill 11, including a backdrop of the famous Miscanthus (silver-grass) hotspot on Sunset Peak, offering visitors a chance to capture the moment. He will also share some photography tips at the event.

Chill 11 features century-old Yuet Tung China Works, renowned for its colourful porcelain. The exhibit demonstrates the evolution of Canton enamel craftsmanship, from producing traditional culinary utensils to modern products such as phone cases and beer mugs.

For shopping, the first 1,000 attendees today received a complimentary lucky bag valued at more than HK$150, with limited distribution continuing over the next three days. There will also be a grand lucky draw for every HK$200 spent at the venue, capped at 10 draws for each receipt. Prizes include two tickets to a popular singing group’s concert held in mid-January at the AsiaWorld-Expo, round-trip air-tickets to Bangkok, five-star hotel stays, theme park tickets, shopping vouchers, luxury watches and travel bags.

Chill 11 tickets are HK$30 each, with a HK$3 discount if purchased through ticketing partner AlipayHK and Alipay App. Children, full-time students and senior citizens aged 65 or above enjoy free admission. Discount package tickets are also available. Two adults can enjoy a one-plus-one promotion (HK$30 in total); three adults can enjoy Chill-in-Three promotion (HK$40 in total); and four adults can enjoy a Chill Combo promotion (HK$50 in total). To generate festive cheer, entry is free before noon on 25 and 26 December.

The event is also supported by various travel partners with affordable and convenient transport options. Airport Express offers a special promotion – adults who present valid event tickets or proof at the designated redemption counters in Hong Kong or Kowloon Station can enjoy an AsiaWorld-Expo Same Day Return Ticket at a discounted price of HK$47. Additionally, children aged 3-11, using a valid Child Octopus card, can enjoy free rides on the Airport Express when traveling from Hong Kong, Kowloon or Tsing Yi Station to AsiaWorld-Expo Station. There are five free shuttle buses by Citybus running from Tin Shui Wai, Tuen Mun, Tsuen Wan, Tung

Chung and Tai Wai to the venue; while visitors commuting by car will have the third hour free of charge when using the nearby 11 SKIES parking lot.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/48l6AI2

Early arrivals received a complimentary lucky bag valued at more than HK$150
After Class’s performance attracted many fans
Photographer Kelvin Yuen brought the backdrop featuring famous Miscanthus hotspot on Tai Tung Shan to Chill 11
Tang Sanjue – Bring in the Wine by 16-year-old Qin Chi-ho is presented at the immersive art experience area at the East meets West corridor. Qin Chi-ho also brought along his works to Chill 11. Tang Sanjue – Bring in the Wine will be sent to Hôtel de Ville as a permanent collection after Chill 11
Yuet Tung China Works demonstrates a variety of crossover products, hoping to sustain Canton enamel craftsmanship
The 32-metre-long inflatable entertainment facility Chill Castle is popular with both adults and kids
Luohu District Government distributed trendy shopping guides and gift bags

Opening dates and times of Chill 11:

Date23 to 26 December (Saturday to Tuesday)
Opening Hours23 to 25 December (Saturday to Monday)10:30am to 7pm26 December (Tuesday)10:30am to 6pm
VenueAsiaWorld-Expo
Admission FeeAdult ticket: HK$30[Ticket offers]Free admission for children (1.2 metres or below), full-time students and senior citizens aged 65 or above (presenting a valid age proof)Free Entry before 12nn on 25 December and 26 DecemberOne-plus-One: HK$30 (Two adults can enjoy a special buy 1 get 1 free offer when admitted together)Chill-in-Three: HK$40 (Three adults can enjoy a special offer of $40 for three when admitted together)Chill Combo: HK$50 (Four adults can enjoy a special offer of $50 for four when admitted together)
TicketsE-tickets are available for sale at AlipayHK, Alipay (HKTDC’s ticketing partner), the 01 Space e-ticketing platform, the Octopus App and CTS Home WeChat app. Get $3 off on tickets purchased through AlipayHK and Alipay
Websitehttps://chill11.hktdc.com/en
Details of workshopshttps://chill11.hktdc.com/en/s/Workshop
Details of performanceshttps://chill11.hktdc.com/en/s/Performance
Details of free shuttle bushttps://chill11.hktdc.com/en/s/Shuttle-Bus

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications and Public Affairs Department:
Clayton Lauw, Tel: (852) 2584 4472, Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org
Phyllis Tsang, Tel: (852) 2584 4288, Email: phyllis.km.tsang@hktdc.org

To view press releases in Chinese, please visit http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tc

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 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 Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

About Create Hong Kong 
Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in June 2009 to spearhead the development of creative industries in Hong Kong. From 1 July 2022 onwards, it is under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and cross-genre collaboration, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community.

*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, Create Hong Kong, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

Global leaders and Nobel laureate attend AFF 2024

Policymakers and business leaders will address panel discussions at the Forum, highlighting the advantages of Hong Kong as an international financial centre

  • The 17th AFF, the first large-scale international financial and business event of 2024 in the region, themed Multilateral Cooperation for a Shared Tomorrow, will run on 24 and 25 January
  • The Forum will gather more than a hundred global policymakers and business leaders, providing forward-looking analysis and fostering sustainable multilateral cooperation while capitalising on Hong Kong’s strengths as an international financial centre
  • Celebrated sustainability expert Prof Jeffrey D Sachs and Nobel laureate in Economics Prof Douglas W Diamond will share insights at keynote luncheons
  • This year adds new panel sessions on Stewarding China’s New Chapter and CIO Insights

Asian Financial Forum 2024 (AFF), co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will shed light on the importance of fostering sustainable multilateral cooperation while capitalising on Hong Kong’s strengths as an international financial centre under the current global economic landscape.

Themed Multilateral Cooperation for a Shared Tomorrow, the 17th AFF is scheduled to take place on 24 and 25 January 2024 (Wednesday and Thursday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The first large-scale international financial and business event of 2024 in the region, the forum brings together over a hundred financial heavyweights, global policymakers and business leaders to discuss such topics as the global economic outlook, opportunities in Mainland China, investment prospects, green finance, financial technology and multilateral cooperation opportunities.

Luanne Lim, Chairperson of the AFF Steering Committee and Chief Executive, Hong Kong, of HSBC, said: “The theme of the upcoming AFF is Multilateral Cooperation for a Shared Tomorrow. The importance of fostering multilateral cooperation cannot be overstated, as it paves the way for sustainable and inclusive growth in our interconnected world. AFF aims to bring together influential speakers and thought leaders from across the globe to facilitate exchanges between nations and regions. Together, we will explore the challenges and opportunities faced by the financial industry in supporting economic development.”

Economist analyses global cooperation and sustainable economic development
AFF’s keynote luncheons have always been a highlight and this year Prof Jeffrey D Sachs, President of United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Solutions Network, will share his insights. A polymath who focuses on sustainable development, Prof Sachs is a reservoir of knowledge on international debt and financial crises, national economic reforms, extreme poverty, global climate change, pandemic prevention and control and many other socioeconomic matters.

From 2001 to 2018, he served as a special adviser to three UN secretaries-general. Prof Sachs was awarded the 2022 Tang Prize in Sustainable Development and the 2015 Blue Planet Prize. During the first keynote luncheon on 24 January, he will explore the post-pandemic global economic environment, analyse the latest recovery trends and emphasise the crucial role of global cooperation in sustainable development.

Nobel laureate addresses recession risks
The second keynote luncheon on 25 January will hear from Prof Douglas W Diamond, Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences in 2022 and Merton H Miller Distinguished Service Professor of Finance at University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business. Recipient of the Onassis Prize in Finance in 2018, Prof Diamond is a leading authority on bank runs and liquidity crises, earning him the title “father of modern banking theory”. He also served as the president of the American Finance Association and has taught as a visiting professor at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

Given the uncertain economic outlook and increasing geopolitical risks in several regions, Prof Diamond will discuss likely interest rate moves by the United States Federal Reserve as well as risks of future economic recessions and measures to address structural financial crises.

Introducing Stewarding China’s New Chapter and CIO Insights
In response to ever-changing dynamics in the global economy and investment appetite, this year’s AFF will introduce discussion sessions in accordance with market opportunities and industry trends. These sessions aimed at analysing the business opportunities presented to enterprises in emerging markets such as ASEAN and the Middle East. Stewarding China’s New Chapter and CIO Insights will be newly introduced in this year’s AFF. As China is one of the largest engines of global growth, the newly introduced session, Stewarding China’s New Chapter will analyse links with other regions and discuss the role and advantages of Hong Kong. Another new addition is CIO Insights, which will bring together renowned international institutions’ investment leaders to share unique perspectives in the investment field. The sessions will also discuss asset allocation when the investment outlook is uncertain and examine current investment trends in the macroeconomic landscape. The popular Global Economic Outlook, Dialogues for Tomorrow and Fireside Chat, will also be back, covering topics including asset and wealth management, insurance and risk management, RMB Internationalisation, multilateral capital market cooperation, food technology and supply chain security, financial technology, influential investment and financial cooperation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and various financial, economic, social trends, and global issues.

AFF Deal-making connects funds and investment projects
Over the years, the AFF Deal-Flow co-organised by the HKTDC and the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association has arranged more than 9,000 meetings for over 6,300 enterprises, including project owners and investors. The highly successful event has allowed participants to connect with funds and investment projects from around the world in such key industries as fintech, environment, energy and environmental technology, medical technology, deep technology and consumer goods. The coming AFF Deal-making will be held in physical form during the Forum, then online until 30 January (Tuesday), providing investors and project owners with more time to connect and explore collaboration opportunities.

The featured exhibition zones – Fintech Showcase, Fintech HK Startup Salon, the InnoVenture Salon and Global Investment Zone – will display next-generation financial concepts, start-up development and global investment opportunities, respectively. The exhibition segment is expected to bring together over a hundred local and global exhibitors, international financial institutions, technology companies, start-ups, investment promotion agencies and sponsors, including Knowledge Partner PwC, HSBC, Bank of China, Standard Chartered Bank, UBS, China International Capital Corporation (CICC), Huatai International, Cyberport and more.

Stellar lineup of themed discussions focus on Middle East and ASEAN
At AFF, engaging discussion sessions and workshops over the two days will include plenary sessions, policy dialogues, keynote luncheon and breakfast panels and thematic workshops. Esteemed financial officials, international financial and multilateral organisations, financial institutions and corporate decision-makers from a diverse range of countries will grace the Forum to identify valuable opportunities while addressing pressing global issues. The forum will feature a stellar lineup of themed discussions and policy dialogues, attracting finance ministers from the Middle East, ASEAN and around the world as well as senior executives from multilateral organisations and international financial institutions.

Launch 2024 with AFF
As the premier financial and business event in the region in 2024, AFF aims to help industry professionals seize opportunities and create more room for cooperation while promoting Hong Kong.

Early bird registration is now open for participants.

AFF has also collaborated with a number of organisations to provide special travel, dining and shopping discounts and privileges for overseas participants, encouraging them to make the most of their stay and experience the vitality of Hong Kong. Further details on event content, complete speaker lineup and media registration arrangements will be announced at a press conference in mid-January.

Websites
Asian Financial Forum: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/aff/
Programme: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/programme
Speaker List: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/speakers

Members of the media interested in interviewing speakers at the Asian Financial Forum can email awong@yuantung.com.hk or tleung@yuantung.com.hk by 16 January 2023.

Photos Download: https://bit.ly/3GN43dR

Asian Financial Forum 2024, organised by the HKSAR Government and the HKTDC, will be held on 24 and 25 January 2024 (Wednesday and Thursday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, under the theme Multilateral Cooperation for a Shared Tomorrow. The picture shows scenes from the Forum in 2023.
During the keynote luncheon on the first day of the Forum (24 January), Prof Jeffrey D Sachs, President of United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, will explore the post-pandemic global economic environment, analyse the latest recovery trends, and emphasise the crucial role of global cooperation in sustainable development.
The keynote luncheon on the second day of the Forum (25 January) will feature a keynote speech by Prof Douglas W Diamond, Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences in 2022 and Merton H Miller Distinguished Service Professor of Finance at University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, discussing prospects for interest-rate moves by the United States Federal Reserve and economic recession risks, and delve into measures to address structural financial crises.
After the forum, AFF Deal-making participants can continue with online matchmaking and meetings that will last three days until 30 January (Tuesday). This will allow investors and project owners more time to connect and negotiate investment deals and collaborations. The picture shows scenes from the Forum in 2023.
Luanne Lim (left), Chairwoman of the AFF Steering Committee and Chief Executive, Hong Kong, of HSBC and Patrick Lau (right), Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC

Media enquires
HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Katy Wong, Tel: (852) 2584 4524, Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org
Snowy Chan, Tel: (852) 2584 4525, Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org

Yuan Tung Financial Relations:
Anson Wong, Tel: (852) 3428 3413, Email: awong@yuantung.com.hk
Tiffany Leung, Tel: (852) 3428 2361, Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hk
Hing-fung Wong, Tel: (852) 3428 3122, Email: hfwong@yuantung.com.hk

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

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 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 Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

HKTDC Export Index 4Q23: 4-6% expected growth for Hong Kong exports in 2024

  • Demand for AI-enabled electronics components fuels market surge

Hong Kong exports are expected to grow by 4% to 6% next year – a sharp contrast to the 11% decline in the city’s export levels recorded for the period between January and October this year.

This optimistic outlook is driven by the significant increase in demand for electronic components, partly on account of growing demand for AI-enabled devices and other finished products, which play a crucial role in boosting the city’s prospects.

Commenting on the likely upturn in Hong Kong’s export performance, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Director of Research Ms Irina Fan said: “The unique properties of Hong Kong’s electronics-orientated export economy make it almost ideally positioned to take full advantage of the imminent rebound in demand for high-tech components.”

The Hong Kong Export Outlook forms part of the review of the city’s export prospects conducted annually by HKTDC Research. This wide-ranging review takes into account a wide array of factors, including many key global, regional and local economic indicators.

Light at the end of the tunnelDespite many of the factors restraining Hong Kong’s 2023 export growth likely to remain in place next year, HKTDC Research’s confidence is based on the widespread acknowledgment that the electronics sector – which accounts for 70% of all of Hong Kong’s exports – is expected to enjoy rapid growth in 2024, partly on account of growing consumer and business demand for AI-enabled PCs.

“Demand in this sector is certain to bolster the local economy overall, ensuring that Hong Kong’s wide exporter base will be fully ready and adequately resourced to take advantage of wider global economic recovery, which is expected to come to fruition over the course of 2025,” she added.

Continuously softened sentiment in the near-termExport growth is set to come after continuously softened export sentiment this year. The HKTDC Export Index contracted 5.5 points to 35 in the fourth quarter of 2023, indicating Hong Kong exporters have become more cautious amid rising geopolitical tensions, in particular the Israel-Gaza conflict, and sluggish external demand.

Exporter sentiment has declined across four of the six major industry sectors. Machinery at 40.3 (up 0.9 points) was one of the better-performing sectors, followed by electronics at 34.8 (down 6.0 points). Less optimistically, toys suffered the most substantial decline, falling 12.8 points to 29.4.

Based on a quarterly HKTDC survey of 500 exporters from six major industries – clothing, electronics, jewellery, machinery, timepieces and toys – the index above 50 indicates an optimistic outlook and below 50 pessimistic.

India, Taiwan and Mainland China markets promisingSentiment in all key export markets remains below 50. However, sentiment towards India (42.7, up 10.1 points) is the most positive, followed by Taiwan (42.5, up 4.8 points) and Mainland China (39.5, up 0.9 points). Meanwhile, exporters were less confident, when it came to their export prospects to the EU (34.6, down 2.6 points) and the US (33.6, down 2.8 points).

Economic risks and geopolitical tensions concernsLooking ahead, economic risks remain the top concern for 2024. The majority (84.7%) of respondents saw economic slowdowns or recession risks in overseas markets as the major challenge, followed by ongoing geopolitical tensions (62.5%) and rising transport costs / disruption to logistics and distribution obstructions (41.8%).

Ensuring sufficient cash flow clearly stands out as the focus for next year, with over half of the exporters intending to adopt cash flow management, significantly more than in the last survey in the third quarter this year (32%). More exporters also aim to maintain competitiveness by providing a wider range of value-added services (44.5%) and increasing marketing and promotional activities (41.2%).

HKTDC Research Principal Economist Mr Wing Chu said in addition to the common strategy of cash flow management, different industries favour various approaches. “For example, businesses in the electronics, timepieces and machinery sectors are keen to increase marketing, promotion or business matching in the coming year. Those in jewellery and clothing sectors, meanwhile, are more inclined to prioritise the use of e-commerce to drive sales growth,” he added.

References

Photo download: https://bit.ly/41jZQb5

HKTDC Director of Research Ms Irina Fan (left) and Principal Economist Mr Wing Chu (right) announced the Hong Kong’s Export Outlook 2024 and the HKTDC Export Index for the fourth quarter of 2023 at a press conference today

HKTDC Director of Research Ms Irina Fan

HKTDC Principal Economist Mr Wing Chu

 

Media enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC’s Communication and Public Affairs Department:Jane Cheung                       Tel: (852) 2584 4137                  Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org

About HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 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 Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

BIP Asia Forum and Entrepreneur Day shed light on innovation and tech trends

  • Helping businesses understand how IP and boost start-up collaboration

The Business of IP Asia Forum (BIP Asia Forum), jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), along with Entrepreneur Day (E-Day) hosted by the HKTDC, attracted more than 140 international intellectual property (IP) experts and business leaders who explored how IP and innovation enhance business growth and boost start-up collaboration.

The events, held on 7-8 December, offered a plethora of engaging activities, including forums, exhibitions, competitions, workshops and business matching, with more than 350 exhibitors from IP, innovation and technology (I&T), start-ups and sustainability taking part to network, exchange insights on the latest in IP and innovation and seize business opportunities .

More than 200 business matching meetings were held at Entrepreneur Day. The BIP Asia Forum welcomed over 2,500 participants, while E-Day attracted more than 10,000 visitors.

With IP and innovation being inextricably linked, this year’s BIP Asia Forum was organised under the theme IP & Innovation: Steering New Economic Growth. The event kicked off with a Policy Dialogue – Powering Economic Growth through a Future-ready IP Policy, where international IP experts and government representatives discussed the latest trends in IP commercialisation, the economic value it generates, related legal issues and future policy direction.

Rowel S. Barba, Chair of the Intellectual Property Rights Experts Group of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), said: “APAC economies need responsive, adaptable and future-proof IP policies to drive innovation that address environmental challenges, promote inclusivity and facilitate adaptable business practices. Collaboration between stakeholders is critical in order to create a balanced approach to IP protection. Benchmarking and identifying best practices can also ensure consistent IP protection across economies.”

Tech Firms and Experts Discuss IP UpdatesThe meteoric surge in the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has given rise to many legal issues, including copyright infringement over creative works generated by AI.

At the Forum’s Inspo Talk, legal experts discussed these legal issues and potential IP issues when engaging with the online marketplace. The conference also provided training courses for IP owners and users, covering topics such as the fundamentals of IP, IP disputes in e-commerce, copyright and design in the digital age, and trademark management.

Alongside the conference, IPHatch Asia gathered global tech pioneers to discuss their IP best practices. Previous IPHatch competition winners also shared their entrepreneurship journey.

In addition, the IP & Innovation Market gathered around 50 exhibitors showcasing over 30 innovations to further strengthen IP commercialisation and facilitate collaboration. Mr. Peng Maoxiang, Vice President of Intellectual Property Publishing House, one of the exhibitors, remarked: “The IP services industry in the Greater Bay Area is developing steadily, driven by strong demand for the industry, which is essential for business growth. Hong Kong’s IP services industry ought to be strategically positioned to draw innovators from both global and Asian markets. The city’s IP development should leverage its political, economic and industrial strengths. Events like BIP Asia, can foster an innovative environment, which is vital to promote IP development.” 

Entrepreneur Day boosts collaborationAs HKTDC’s anchor start-up event, E-Day featured over 50 industry leaders from around the world sharing their insights and experiences. Over 200 business matching sessions and networking activities were organised alongside insightful seminars. The exhibition also featured over 300 start-ups, innovation projects and start-up support services from 11 countries and regions to facilitate collaboration opportunities.

In addition, Investment NSW from Australia took part in the event for the first time and brought along nine start-ups to demonstrate healthtech, green tech and smart city tech. Furthermore, start-ups heard from GBA incubators all there is to know about establishing a business in the region.

To encourage entrepreneurship among the youth, 50 local start-ups, supported by the HKSAR Government’s Home and Youth Affairs Bureau’s Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the GBA, participated at E-Day.

Moongate, a Hong Kong start up offering NFT ticketing and membership solutions, joined E-Day for the first time as a Start-up Express 2023 winner. Co-Founder Peter Hui said: “As a company that started two years ago, we are happy to participate in E-Day gives us the opportunity to meet face-to-face with business partners, attract potential investors as well as showcase our services. We connected with a venture capitalist who is interested in our market potential as one of the world’s top three NFT ticketing platforms. We are hopeful that it would be the first step towards securing potential investment.”

A venture capitalist from India, who serves clients from Saudi Arabia and Dubai, visited E-Day to source innovative tech solutions. He was particularly interested in a couple of start-ups offering sustainable solutions using robotics and innovative building materials that have market potential. He remarked that he was pleased that E-day provided the opportunity for him to connect with these start-ups and he would explore possible collaboration with them.

The venture capitalist also visited the booth of GreenCoat, an Australian company offering plasma-coating for windows that helps increase a building’s energy efficiency, to explore the possibility of piloting its products in other markets.

Embracing tech for a sustainable futureVarious seminars and exhibitions were held across four major series, Emerging Trends for Tech and Innovation, Fuelling the Future, Market Exploration and Inspirational Masterclass. The series focused on the latest trends in I&T to equip start-ups and SMEs to help them seize market opportunities.

With the increasing importance of ESG globally, a seminar was held at E-Day on this theme. The seminar explored ESG best practices, sustainable development and brand building.

Additionally, international brand experts discussed ways to leverage the latest AI chatbot technology as a tool for brand marketing.

This year, the HKTDC once again organised Start-up Express International, the international edition of its long-standing start-up development programme, to attract overseas start-ups to expand their business in Hong Kong. Eight of the ten award-winning global start-ups shared their entrepreneurial journey at E-Day.

All BIP events are available on-demand now until 8 January 2024. Replay of E-Day events will be available from 9 January 2024.

Business of IP Asia Forum website: https://bipasia.hktdc.com/en/HKTDC Entrepreneur Day: https://portal.hktdc.com/eday/enStart-up Express International: https://portal.hktdc.com/startupexpress/en/s/start-up-express-internationalPhoto Download: https://bit.ly/3TaL8Ba

IPHatch Asia gathered global tech pioneers to discuss their IP best practices. Previous IPHatch competition winners shared their entrepreneurship journey

The conference also provided a series of training courses for IP owners and users, covering topics such as fundamentals of IP and more

IP & Innovation Market showcased over 30 innovation projects to further strengthen IP commercialisation and facilitate collaboration

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Over 10,000 visitors attended Entrepreneur Day, which was held under the theme of Building Resilience, Boosting Collaboration this year.

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The seminar titled “When Technology and ESG Collide – Brand Strategies for Sustainability” explored ESG best practices and sustainable development

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(From left to right) Alistair McEachern, Australian Deputy Consulate General to Hong Kong and Macau; Helen Sawczak, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner for Greater China of Investment NSW; Gareth Williams, Australian Consulate General to Hong Kong and Macau; Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director, Industry Promotion of HKTDC; Ji Zhihong, Deputy Director of Futian District Investment Promotion and Enterprise Services Center of Shenzhen Municipality; and Smilely Lam, Director, Merchandise Trade and Innovation of HKTDC

 

Media enquires Please contact Hill & Knowlton: Grace Chiu, Tel: (852) 6432 3549, Email: grace.chiu@hillandknowlton.comRachel Zhu, Tel: (852) 6816 5846, Email: rachel.zhu@hillandknowlton.com

HKTDC’s Communication & Public Affairs Department:Jane Cheung, Tel: (852) 2584 4137, Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.orgJanet Chan, Tel: (852) 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org

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

To view press releases in Chinese, please visit http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tc

About HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 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 Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

BIP Asia Forum and Entrepreneur Day open today

Exploring new opportunities in IP and innovative technology

  • BIP Asia Forum explores IP applications and brand strategies to help businesses seize growth opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and international markets
  • Entrepreneur Day brings together start-ups and SMEs to network and showcase their latest technologies
  • Global award-winning start-ups selected for Start-up Express International share their industry perspectives and entrepreneurial experiences
  • InnoClub, co-developed by the HKTDC and Hang Seng Bank, recognises innovative winners

The 13th Business of IP Asia Forum (BIP Asia Forum), jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), along with the 15th Entrepreneur Day (E-Day) hosted by HKTDC, open today.

This is the first time both events are being held concurrently for two consecutive days at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, offering a mix of forums, exhibitions, competitions, workshops, and business matching sessions.

The two events bring together more than 140 industry leaders specialising in intellectual property (IP), innovation and technology (I&T) and sustainability, along with international IP experts. They will exchange insights on start-up trends, IP applications and brand strategy as well as explore business opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and international markets. The events will showcase an array of products and technologies from over 350 start-ups and innovative projects.

Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the HKTDC; Michael Wong, Deputy Financial Secretary of the HKSAR; Dr Lu Pengqi, Deputy Commissioner of the China National Intellectual Property Organization; and Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), delivered remarks at the opening session this morning.

Ms Fong said: “A robust IP infrastructure needs to serve as the backbone for innovations, giving enterprises the confidence and capital to create. Hong Kong is a centre for innovation. It has world-class R&D and IP infrastructure, coupled with top-notch academic research and strong government support. The development of the GBA strengthens interconnectivity and cooperation among its cities across industries, including IP and innovation. This offers arising opportunities for businesses and fosters economic growth in the region and beyond.”

IP & Innovation steering new economic growthThe BIP Asia Forum, themed IP & Innovation: Steering New Economic Growth, gathers over 90 industry leaders to share their valuable insights.

At the Policy Dialogue – Powering Economic Growth through a Future-Ready IP Policy, Mr Tang said: “With COVID behind us, the world now needs to look forward and build new engines of growth for the future. This is why WIPO is focusing on IP’s role as a powerful catalyst for creating jobs, supporting business growth, giving hope to entrepreneurs, catalysing the creative economy and driving economic growth and development everywhere. Hong Kong, and the Greater Bay Area as a whole, is extremely well positioned to be a key global leader in this conversation. It is a centre of IP trade and innovation as well as a global platform for sharing ideas and perspectives for growth, not just in the region but also across the world.”

One of the first day’s highlights is the plenary session Underpinning Brand Success: IP Strategies in the Digital Era. It features Mayeul Dastugue, Legal Director of Global IP Enforcement of Christian Louboutin; Laurence Morel-Chevillet, IP and Brand Protection Director of Bulgari; and Mayank Vaid, Intellectual Property Director of Asia Pacific & China (Civil) of Louis Vuitton Pacific Limited. They will share their brands’ IP strategies for the digital economy and how they are utilising technology to reinvent their brands.

There are more in-depth sessions in the afternoon, including “IPHatch Asia – Empowering Innovation and Entrepreneurship with IP”, “Constructing a Renowned Greater Bay Area with IP”, “IP Collaboration and Competition in the Biomedical Industry in the Greater Bay Area”, and “Leading the Global Exchange of Digital Content and Intellectual Property Protection Development”. Speakers will delve into and exchange ideas on the latest trends and future development of intellectual property in various fields.

Global Tech Summit gathers renowned tech firmsAt the Global Tech Summit on the Forum’s second day, Olivier Klein, Chief Technologist of Amazon Web Services Asia Pacific; Shing Lee, Cloud Solution Strategist (Data & AI) of Microsoft Hong Kong; and Dr Ginny Wong, Data Scientist of NVIDIA AI Technology Center Hong Kong, discuss the generative artificial intelligence (AI) trend and its impact on IP rights.

At another panel discussion tomorrow, legal experts share their insights on legal issues related to AI-generated content and third-party IP rights, and provide practical advice on how to manage such IP issues.

The Forum’s Innovation & IP Market brings together some 50 exhibitors and showcases more than 30 innovative projects from tertiary institutions, R&D centres and start-ups.

Furthermore, the ASEAN Secretariat and the HKSAR Government’s Intellectual Property Department have co-organised an ASEAN Session in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization, which features experts from the ASEAN and Hong Kong IP industries.

Several authorised agents and international brand holders are also featured, including fashion brand MCM Group; S2O Factory, the organiser of the S2O Songkran Music Festival; B.Duck Semk Holdings International Limited and others. They discuss how to apply effective strategies to maximise the value of trademarks in today’s rapidly changing global business environment.

Entrepreneur Day: Innovation trends and opportunities in focusThemed Building Resilience, Boosting Collaboration, E-Day showcases over 300 start-ups, invention projects and support services from 11 countries and regions.

The exhibition also provides opportunities for networking and business matching, while also offering I&T insights that enable start-ups and SMEs to seize new opportunities. It features cutting-edge projects, such as Hong Kong company IG INNO Limited’s painting robot, which applies 3D point or line laser technology to ensure painting precision. In addition, Zhejiang Flectothink Technology from Mainland China showcases its wearable EEG sleep monitoring device, with precision levels comparable to sleep monitor devices used in the medical field.

Separately, Investment NSW takes part in the event for the first time and brings along nine start-ups from Australia to demonstrate health tech, green tech and smart city tech.

This year’s E-Day sees participation from incubators from the GBA, who share all that start-ups need to know about establishing businesses in the area.

50 local start-ups under the Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the GBA, supported by the HKSAR Government’s Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, also join the event.

The first seminar of E-Day was T-Chat – Cooling the Cloud: Igniting Sustainable Innovation for a Resilient Future featuring Serge Conesa, Founder and CEO of Swiss start-up Immersion4. He received the Most Innovative Use of ICT Award from the UN International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in 2019.

He said: “Innovation means nothing without effective implementation. Even the smallest steps could make a difference in creating a sustainable data centre management system. Save energy as much as we can. It’s important that we at least try.”

The HKTDC is co-organising the Global Dialogue on Women Entrepreneurship session with The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, which brings together three outstanding female entrepreneurs from Hong Kong and the United States, including Tonya McNeal-Weary, Founder and Managing Director of IBS Global Consulting, Inc.; Jenny Shen, Co-founder and CEO of Foodplus; and Chan Ming Wai, Co-Founder and Chief Clinical Audiologist of Tandle Limited.

Mrs McNeal-Weary said: “Women entrepreneurs face the same challenges no matter how physically far apart we are. E-Day is a great platform that allows us to connect with the world. To all the men, if you have a company, hire women. Don’t be afraid to let women aboard. We can bring a lot of different creations and more insights to the table, as we are different.”

10 global start-ups selected for Start-up Express InternationalFollowing the success of last year’s event, the second edition of Start-up Express International is being held again during this year’s E-Day. Eight out of the ten award-winning global start-ups have gathered at the Start-up Express International – Meet the Global Winners event to share their industry perspectives and entrepreneurial experiences.

InnoClub holds inaugural InnoClub Award Presentation CeremonyInnoClub, co-developed by the HKTDC and Hang Seng Bank, features the inaugural InnoClub Award Presentation Ceremony at E-Day to recognise outstanding achievements of the awardees in I&T.

WebsitesBusiness of IP Asia Forum website: https://bipasia.hktdc.com/en/HKTDC Entrepreneur Day: https://portal.hktdc.com/eday/enStart-up Express International: https://portal.hktdc.com/startupexpress/en/s/start-up-express-internationalPhoto Download: https://bit.ly/3Raa0pV

The 13th BIP Asia Forum, jointly organised by the HKTDC and the HKSAR Government, opens today

(From left to right) Mr David Wong, Director of Intellectual Property, HKSAR; Ms Margaret Fong, Executive Director of HKTDC; Mr Michael Wong, Deputy Financial Secretary, HKSAR; and Mr Simon Cheung, Managing Director of Nestle Hong Kong Co., Ltd took picture at the Nestle Eagle Brand photo booth. Since becoming the first registered trademark in Hong Kong in 1874, the Nestle Eagle Brand has secured the company’s growth for over 140 years.

Michael Wong, Deputy Financial Secretary, HKSAR

Dr Lu Pengqi, Deputy Commissioner, China National Intellectual Property Organization

Daren Tang, Director General, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

The first seminar of E-Day was T-Chat – Cooling the Cloud: Igniting Sustainable Innovation for a Resilient Future featuring Serge Conesa, Founder and CEO of Swiss start-up Immersion4. He is also the recipient of the Most Innovative Use of ICT Award from the UN International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in 2019.

The Global Dialogue on Women Entrepreneurship brings together three outstanding female entrepreneurs from Hong Kong and the United States, including (far left) Tonya McNeal-Weary, Founder and Managing Director of IBS Global Consulting, Inc.; (second left) Jenny Shen, Co-founder and CEO of Foodplus; and (second right) Chan Ming Wai, Co-Founder and Chief Clinical Audiologist of Tandle Limited

Following last year’s success, the second edition of Start-up Express International is being held again during this year’s E-Day

 

About HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 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 Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Media enquiresPlease contact Hill & Knowlton:Rachel Zhu, Tel: (852) 6816 5846, Email: rachel.zhu@hillandknowlton.com Grace Chiu, Tel: (852) 6432 3549, Email: grace.chiu@hillandknowlton.com 

HKTDC’s Communication & Public Affairs Department:Jane Cheung, Tel: (852) 2584 4137, Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.orgJanet Chan, Tel: (852) 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org

The 24th Hong Kong Forum concludes successfully

  • Annual gathering of global business leaders attracts nearly 260 delegates to explore the latest business opportunities

The 24th Hong Kong Forum, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide (FHKBAW), concluded today. The two-day event attracted nearly 260 business leaders from 26 countries and regions. This year’s forum focused on hot topics such as the global business outlook, innovation development, healthcare, sustainable development and youth entrepreneurship, providing participants with in-depth industry insights, successfully promoting exchanges and creating more cooperation opportunities among businesses from different regions.

Innovation, sustainable development, and healthcare as focal points of developmentMargaret Fong, Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “Although the pandemic is now a thing of the past, this year has seen its fair share of challenges. I am glad to see that, in spite of them, our network continues to grow. In this regard, I welcome our newest member association representing Kazakhstan. This is a testament to the growing importance of Central Asia to Hong Kong businesses and the strong interest of Central Asia in connecting with us.”

She also mentioned: “Looking ahead, innovation, sustainability and wellness will remain our key focus areas. And these are the themes we will discuss at the Forum over the next two days. We believe these three areas serve as critical sources of opportunity for businesses in Hong Kong, Mainland China and the rest of the world.”

Hans Poulis, Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide,  delivered opening speeches on the Forum’s first day and said: “In the post-pandemic world, Hong Kong, like the rest of the world, has undergone significant changes. We are privileged to have distinguished business leaders who will address a range of topics that reflect these transformations. They will provide insights on the current state of Hong Kong’s business environment, future trends, growth opportunities, industry-specific challenges and opportunities, sustainability and innovation integration, talent retention and attraction, leadership strategies, and invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.”

In his keynote luncheon address on the second day, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government Paul Chan said: “Over these two days, I am confident that you all have gained valuable insights into the evolving business landscape of Hong Kong and the boundless array of opportunities that lie ahead. I am sure the enlightening exchange of ideas will also inspire fresh perspectives for collaboration and more businesses.” Mr Chan also discussed Hong Kong’s economic landscape. “It is clear that in the short term, Hong Kong will face some headwinds in light of the global geo-economic fragmentation. But just as the saying goes, ‘Wherever there is danger, there lies opportunity’. We see the remarkable strengths Hong Kong possesses and are determined to build on them to capture the immense opportunities ahead.”

Analysing the prospects of Hong Kong’s cultural and creative industriesThe latest policy address stated that the Government will fully promote the development of Hong Kong’s cultural and creative industries to create more business opportunities. The Hon Bernard Chan, GBM, GBS, JP, Vice Chairman of the Board, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority served as a guest speaker on the first day, sharing how to leverage the East-meets-West feature of Hong Kong to enhance Hong Kong’s status as a leading arts and cultural hub in Asia and internationally. In addition, at thematic forums, business leaders such as Hing Chao, Executive Chairman of Wah Kwong Maritime Transport Holdings Limited, Winnie Chiu, President of Dorsett Hospitality International, and Bosco Law, Deputy Chairman and CEO, LAWSGROUP, described the challenges and opportunities they faced and how they adapted to the ever-changing business environment and landscape in Hong Kong.

In-depth discussions were also conducted on in-focus topics such as healthcare and youth entrepreneurship. Rachel Fan, Chief Executive Officer of G-NiiB GenieBiome, Dr Charles Hu, Founder & CEO of Ryoden Medical Holdings Ltd, and Dr Kenneth Tsang, Chief Executive Officer Gleneagles Hong Kong Hospital, explored prospects for healthcare and biotechnology in Hong Kong. On the morning of the next day (6 December), young entrepreneurs including Edmund Chan, COO & Co-founder, Meat the Next Company Limited, Arthur Lam, Co-founder and CEO of Negawatt Technology Limited and Jerry Tam, Advisor of OnePile Tech Ltd, discussed challenges and opportunities encountered in their entrepreneurial journey and their views on the business environment in Hong Kong.

Global business representatives visit key development projects in Hong KongIn addition to the Forum, FHKBAW’s overseas member associates visited key development projects in Hong Kong, including the Kai Tak Sports Park, Construction Innovation and Technology Application Centre and The Hong Kong Palace Museum to understand the latest developments in Hong Kong and experience its unique role as a hub for cultural and artistic exchanges and innovation and technology.

The Hong Kong Forum is the FHKBAW’s annual flagship event. The Federation, founded in 2000, comprises a network of 48 business associations with about 11,000 business executives and professionals from 37 countries and regions as its members.

Forum website: https://hkforum.hktdc.com/conference/hkforum/enPhoto download: https://bit.ly/3Na5OFK

The 24th Hong Kong Forum, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide (FHKBAW), concluded today. The two-day event attracted nearly 260 business leaders from 26 countries and regions.

In her opening remarks, Margaret Fong, the HKTDC’s executive director, said that looking ahead, innovation, sustainability, and wellness would remain the key focus areas.

Hans Poulis, Chairman of the Alliance of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide delivered opening speeches on the first day of the forum.

Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government Paul Chan addressed the keynote luncheon on the second day.

The two-day event also featured in-depth discussions on hot topics such as healthcare and youth entrepreneurship.

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

About FHKBAWThe Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide is a unique network of 48 Hong Kong Business Associations in 37 countries and regions with about 11,000 individual associates. These Hong Kong Business Associations were started by overseas traders, buyers and professionals, who have strong business links to Hong Kong in their respective countries, for the purpose of networking and exchanging of business information and ideas. Each of these Associations has their own individual members who are top business people and SMEs in their home country. They are Hong Kong’s closest allies and partners in the world market. With the help of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), these Associations formed the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide in November 2000. The Federation aims to achieve synergy among the global network of Hong Kong Business Associations. It provides an effective base for member associations to network and exchange information, thereby generating business opportunities.  www.hkfederation.org.hk/about

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 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 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 Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.

Media enquiries:Please contact the HKTDC Communications and Public Affairs Department,Snowy Chan, tel: +852 2584 4537, email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org

Cultural and creative event Chill 11 debuts

  • Experience Hong Kong’s unique culture, food, shopping and fun at this Christmas festival

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is launching Chill 11 at Asia World-Expo (AWE) from 23 to 26 December. Sponsored by Create Hong Kong* of the HKSAR, the event brings together arts and culture, culinary delights and entertainment experiences, as well as brands and products, creating an extraordinary retail-entertainment experience for Hong Kong and Macao residents, as well as visitors from Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area peer cities to enjoy.

The HKTDC held the Chill 11 Media Day at Central Market today, offering media a first-hand experience of highlights. Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director, HKTDC, said: “Chill 11 is a brand-new attempt by HKTDC to engage friends in the GBA, including Hong Kong, Macao and nine cities in the mainland. We have recognised that both Hong Kong residents and visitors put increased emphasis on cultural experiences, rather than just shopping and having fun. Hong Kong has a lot of unique cultural characteristics, so we have positioned Chill 11 as a festival that combines arts and culture, culinary delights, shopping and entertainment, while incorporating various elements of Hong Kong’s distinct culture. In addition to the 150 exhibitors featured, Chill 11 also offers close to 70 performances, activities and workshops, bringing a spectacular cultural and creative Christmas to the general public.

Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director, HKTDC said the public is increasingly interested in experiencing local culture. Chill 11 combines arts and culture, culinary delights and entertainment experience, adding different Hong Kong cultural nuances to bring a spectacular cultural and creative Christmas to the public.

“We also hope that through the Chill 11, small and medium-sized local brands, cultural and creative products can reach out to the GBA market, showcasing Hong Kong’s creative prowess and cultural influence. We believe it will further facilitate exchanges between Hong Kong and Macao, and other cities in the GBA, and at the same time boost consumption and stimulate economy in the region,” Ms Chong said.

Chill 11 star-studded with performances and activities for all ages
Chill 11 offers a star-studded line-up of performances, featuring up-and-coming Chinese singers such as After Class (Gigi Yim, Chantel Yiu, Yumi Chung and Windy Zhan) from Stars Academy, Albert Chau and Ramon Lo of Midlife, Sing & Shine, the reigning star Jackson Wan Kwong and music band the SAALAU from Jiangmen, Guangdong and more. Gabriel Choy, a star chef working in restaurants in the GBA, will give a cooking demonstration.

About 30 workshops for children, young people and families will be offered, including a workshop making Hong Kong minibus signage with unique writing style of red and blue where participants can learn about the story and use their creativity to hand-make unique signage keychains.

Immersive art experience and photo ops with masterpieces of art and photography
The immersive art experience area features a corridor of East meets West, where award-winning works from the 2022 Sino-French Young Artists Competition Award (organised by the Chinese Western Culture Arts Association Limited) will be presented digitally, including Qin Chi-ho’s Tang Sanjue – Bring in the Wine and Ng Chun-hei’s Dear cat I miss you. The public can enjoy the poetic atmosphere within the virtual realm. Monet’s The Japanese Footbridge and Van Gogh’s Wheat Field with Cypresses will also be featured as animated paintings to illustrate the impressionist style of Western art and its interpretation of natural landscapes.

Walk through the Chill 11 East-West Cultural Corridor and enjoy an immersive art experience that blends new art and technology, including Qin Chi-ho’s ‘Tang Sanjue – Bring in the Wine’

As the first young Chinese photographer to become global champion at the International Landscape Photographer of the Year, who just unveiled a remarkable collection of stamps featuring Hong Kong’s mountains and rivers, Kelvin Yuen will showcase his masterpieces including a huge backdrop of Hong Kong’s famous miscanthus hotspot, Sunset Peak. He will also share photography insights and tips with audiences. Jonas Chan, a famous cat photographer, will give a Street CATography workshop to teach attendees how to capture adorable moments of feline companions. The Photographic Salon Exhibitors Association will organise the Greater Bay Area Photography Exhibition showcasing the beauty of the 11 GBA cities with 60 photos.

Recently emerged star and young award-winning photographer Kelvin Yuen displays his award-winning works and photo albums.

Christmas programmes for both active and tranquil friends
Chill 11 also features a massive 32-metre-long inflatable entertainment facility Chill Castle and an impressive 8-metre tall, nearly four-storey sparkling Christmas tree where adults and children can unwind and enjoy the holiday spirit. Christmas is a time for gifts, decorations and dress-ups, and Chill 11 offers a series of workshops making Christmas lamps, Christmas bear keychains, Christmas wreaths, Christmas Cloisonne stockings and snow light boxes. Star make-up artist Will Orr who was once a Good Night Show judge will also stage a Christmas trendy make-up class to help people look stunning and festive for Christmas holiday.

Flavours of Hong Kong’s cultural and creative products

The trendy craft beer brand Hong Kong Whistle and Great Gourmets teamed up to brew a big-hit sauce-flavoured mocha craft beer for Chill 11, using maotai, beer ingredients, chocolate and coffee, which will be available for sale at the event. Hong Kong’s iconic milk tea has always been a standout, at Chill 11, Kamcha will invite participants to their workshop to learn the art of making the smoothest Hong Kong milk tea. In addition, famous chef Charmaine will curate a menu comprising sweet, sour, bitter, spicy and salty dishes under the theme Tastes of Life, and will join a number of traditional Chinese and Western food brands in serving culinary highlights at the Art Café adorned with captivating paintings.

Leading sunglasses brand Big Horn will bring a collection of sunglasses in collaboration with hero movie Justice League to Chill 11, including the Aquaman style for men and women. The shiny plastic frames resemble fish scales and the metal temples resemble Aquaman’s harpoon, bringing it to life. StephyDesignHK will present Hong Kong-themed hand-painted silky shawls, inspired by Hong Kong’s night scene, fishing villages and theme parks. The Central Market will also feature authentic Hong Kong brands, including TARTAN, Gingko House Eldershop, Good Bad Creative and Seon Hong Kong.

Christmas lucky bags and convenient transportation provided
Chill 11 tickets are priced at HK$30, with a HK$3 discount when purchased through ticketing partner AlipayHK and Alipay App. Children, full-time students and senior citizens aged 65 or above enjoy free admission. Package tickets are also available. Two adults can enjoy one-plus-one promotion (HK$30 in total); three adults can enjoy Chill-in-Three promotion (HK$40 in total); and four adults can enjoy a Chill Combo promotion (HK$50 in total). The first 1,000 attendees on 23 December will receive a complimentary lucky bag, and limited lucky bags will be given out every day thereafter, with gifts valued at more than HK$150. There will also be a grand lucky draw for every HK$200 spent at the venue, prizes include roundtrip flight tickets to Bangkok for two, five-star hotel accommodation, theme park vouchers, shopping mall spending, watches and travel suitcases.

Travel partners are offering affordable and convenient transportation options that provide excellent value. As part of this offering, the Airport Express has a special promotion where adults who present valid event tickets or proofs at the designated redemption counters in Hong Kong or Kowloon Station can purchase an AsiaWorld-Expo Same Day Return Ticket for the discounted price of HK$47, allowing them to travel to and from AsiaWorld-Expo Station. Additionally, children aged 3-11, using a valid Child Octopus card, can enjoy free rides on the Airport Express when traveling from Hong Kong, Kowloon, or Tsing Yi Station to AsiaWorld-Expo Station. Citybus has five free shuttle buses running from Tin Shui Wai, Tuen Mun, Tsuen Wan, Tung Chung and Tai Wai to the venue; while visitors travelling by car will have the third hour free of charge when using the nearby 11 Skies parking lot.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/3N2vYtM

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications and Public Affairs Department:
Clayton Lauw, Tel: (852) 2584 4472, Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org
Phyllis Tsang, Tel: (852) 2584 4288, Email: phyllis.km.tsang@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 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 Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Logistics flagship event ALMAC 2023 concludes

  • Industry elites share insights and collaborate for business opportunities

The annual flagship event in the logistics, maritime, aviation and supply chain industry, the Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) 2023, jointly organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded successfully after two fruitful days. This year, near 80 experts and industry leaders in shipping, air transport, logistics and supply chains participated in 20 thematic forums, sharing insights on hot topics in the industry. The conference attracted over 2,000 participants from 36 countries and regions, providing a platform for discussing industry trends and exploring business opportunities.

The Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) 2023, jointly organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded successfully today, attracting over 2,000 physical participants from 36 countries and regions

Digital future: shaping the new landscape of supply chains
This year’s conference theme was Future-proofing Supply Chains: Diversification. Decarbonisation. Digitalisation. Industry giants led discussions on the challenges and potential of global supply chains, as well as how companies could effectively drive business growth and promote sustainable development through supply chain transformation and innovation in the current economic environment. Digital transformation emerged as the optimal strategy to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a logistics hub and to optimise supply chains for enterprises.

Gladis Araujo, Former Global Supply Chain Strategy Vice President of at Mattel Inc and Business Partner & Chief Supply Chain Officer at Prodensa Group noted that the pandemic has brought challenges and opportunities as well as technology progress and visibility. “The only way to move forward is to innovate and to take business to the next level. It is essential to work on creating a resilient and agile supply chain, in which we have a truly competitive advantage in our business, where the foundation is ESG and sustainability. And using technology as an enabler, or as a tool to make this thing happen, in an ecosystem that should be human-centred, in which I see that the new role of the game is collaboration.”

Gladis Araujo, Former Global Supply Chain Strategy Vice President of at Mattel Inc and Business Partner & Chief Supply Chain Officer at Prodensa Group (centre)

The road to zero carbon: building green supply chains
Global corporate development has irreversibly embarked on a decarbonisation path. Industry representatives delved into the impact of impending carbon taxes and other environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) measures, as well as how the 3D approach – decarbonisation, digitalisation and decentralisation – could bring businesses sustained development opportunities.  David Benattar, Sustainability Lead, The Warehouse Group Limited, expressed his view that the first challenge was to create a culture of sustainability. Transformation is probably one of the biggest challenges and the opportunities that could fully transition organisations. “The efficient way to create a culture was to do things that touch you very personal. Think about what type of activities will result again in that mindset of sustainability transformation. It’s a work that you have to do every day, like going to the gym and even building a muscle that you need to build in the organisation.”

David Benattar, Sustainability Lead, The Warehouse Group Limited (left)

Diversified logistics development fosters regional connectivity
With the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) coming into full effect in June, coupled with collaborations such as railway transportation and multimodal connectivity in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), regional interconnectivity has been strengthened, enabling the logistics industry to diversify its development and mitigate risks.

Thomas Kowitzki, Vice President, Global Head of China Rail at DHL Global Forwarding, said the Belt and Road Initiative had transformed logistics chains between Asia and Europe. During the pandemic years, rail freight was the sole viable solution. The Middle Corridor (through Turkey) had potential. It was not a matter of a fast, flexible alternative. “It’s more about connecting as well as the Central Asian countries. You see the push from China towards Central Asia and the Middle Corridor routing is addressing its markets.”

Logtech Salon showcases innovative applications of logistics technology
During ALMAC, close to 100 exhibitors showcased cutting-edge logistics and supply chain solutions from across the world. The inaugural Logtech Salon displayed robots, AI and data systems tailored for the industry, allowing participants to explore developments and applications in the field of innovation and technology.

This year, three workshops debuted, focusing on ESG, E-commerce and Youth Empowerment giving industry professionals from different sectors the latest and most practical information.

Photo Download: https://bit.ly/3uyjjs1

ALMAC: https://www.almac.hk/main/en/

Media Enquiries
Please contact Raconteur Limited:
Molisa Lau, Tel: (852) 6187 7786, Email: molisalau@raconteur.hk
Betsy Tse, Tel: (852) 9742 7338, Email: betsytse@raconteur.hk

HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Clayton Lauw, Tel: (852) 2584 4472, Email: clayton.y.lauw@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 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 Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

13th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference opens

Industry titans gather to seize opportunities and plan green, efficient supply chains

The 13th edition of the Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) 2023, jointly organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), commenced today (21 November) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

In her welcoming remarks, Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), stated, “With collaboration the lynchpin of the success of the logistics, maritime and aviation industries, all sectors of society must come together to address supply chain vulnerabilities”

This annual gathering for the logistics, maritime and aviation sectors attracts industry professionals from around the world. Themed Future-proofing Supply Chains: Diversification – Decarbonisation – Digitalisation, the conference draws nearly 70 speakers to share their insights in 20 forums, fostering exchange and discussion on industry developments. Fu Xuyin, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Transport of the People’s Republic of China delivered the Keynote Address in person, and Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government Paul Chan was the Guest of Honour and delivered Opening Remarks.

Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, delivered the opening address

Welcoming participants, Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “With collaboration the lynchpin of the success of the logistics, maritime and aviation industries, all sectors of society must come together to address supply chain vulnerabilities. Industry players, supply chain management service providers and shippers from all over the world once again gather in Hong Kong for this annual event, underlining the city’s status as a key logistics, maritime and aviation hub. ALMAC highlights the myriad of opportunities arising from increased regional connectivity, with a focus on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as well as the development of railways connecting China to Europe. In light of the importance of greener, more sustainable supply chains today, industry leaders will discuss the opportunities and challenges that come with reducing emissions across supply chains as well as the circular economy. We also have sessions on how you can better integrate sustainability into your business operations.”

The Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) 2023, jointly organised by the HKTDC and the HKSAR Government, commenced today (21 November) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and will run until tomorrow

In his speech, Mr Chan, the Financial Secretary, mentioned: “There will be more business with the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Middle East and indeed the Belt and Road countries. In other words, the demand for logistics, maritime and aviation services with and within this region will rise rapidly. The trade figures published by China and economies in these regions have demonstrated such a clear trend. And Hong Kong will remain committed to our super-connector role and be a platform providing high value-added logistics, maritime, aviation, financial and risk management services. We will continue to be a steadfast supporter of free trade and multilateralism, advocating for the reduction in trade barriers, and the free flow of goods and services, people and capital.”

Reshaping global supply chains: accelerating diversification
Supply chains are essential for trade and business development. In recent years, global geopolitical factors, freight supply imbalances, surging transportation costs and labour shortages have challenged the industry, highlighting the need to establish people-centric, innovation-driven, collaborative and sustainable supply chains executed in real time. RCEP has created the world’s largest free trade area, contributing to the consolidation and strengthening of regional industrial supply chains.

Prominent industry leaders, including Gladis Araujo, Former Global Supply Chain Strategy Vice President of at Mattel Inc and Business Partner & Chief Supply Chain Officer at Prodensa Group, and Phil Showering, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Ghassan Aboud Group and Chief Executive Officer at Gallega Global Logistics, discussed global supply chain challenges and potential under the theme Driving Global Economic Growth through Supply Chain Transformation. During the session, Mr Showering said: “Pandemic has pushed all the industry stakeholders to change and prioritise collaboration for the first time. Work with all kinds of suppliers and ports to develop new trade lines, as well as with government entities, and with countries. We can facilitate collaboration through electronic trade, breaking down new barriers.”

As global trade evolves, supply chains continue to diversify, prompting businesses to actively recalibrate and decentralise supply chain networks. Adeline Franger Chouraqui, CEO, CMA CGM Greater China; Thomas Kowitzki, Vice President, Global Head of China Rail, DHL Global Forwarding and Semyon Pak, Managing Director for International Business and Member of the Management Board, Kazpost JSC, shared insights at the Power Dialogue session Spotlight on Asia: Reshaping the Global Supply Chains. They explored cooperation in areas such as RCEP, the GBA, railway transportation and multimodal transportation, emphasising the need to strengthen regional connectivity.

Digital transformation fortifies Hong Kong’s shipping, aviation hub status
The Policy Address by HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee last month presented several recommendations to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as an international shipping centre and aviation hub. These included establishing a smart port to strengthen competitiveness by setting up a port community system to facilitate the flow and sharing of data among operators and other stakeholders in shipping, ports and logistics.

International technology company representatives, including Andrés de León, Chief Executive Officer, HyperloopTT; Rachelle Woodsford, Global Head of Strategic Customers, Dronamics; Kyongsoo Noh, Chief Operating Officer, Seadronix Corp; and Nathan Zeng, CFA, Senior Director of Global Technology Services, Hai Robotics, discussed revolutionary solutions and cutting-edge technologies driving the modernisation of logistics and intelligent supply chains.

Challenges and opportunities of green transformation
As the International Maritime Organization, under the United Nations, set the net-zero target for carbon emissions from international shipping at 2050, green business has become an irreversible trend. Peter Hui, Vice Chairman, Textile Council and Willy Lin, Chairman, Hong Kong Shippers’ Council, will delve into implications of impending carbon taxes and other environmental, social and governance (ESG) measures during tomorrow’s SCM & Logistics Forum.

Shippers – including industries from various sectors in apparel, sports, electronics and e-commerce – join this year to gain insight into innovative logistics solutions. At tomorrow’s Shippers’ Forum – themed E-commerce Logistics and Fulfillment – Lai Tze Siung, Chief Logistics Officer, Pomelo Fashion, Ma Wei, General Manager of JD Logistics Hong Kong Express Business and Mao Lingke, General Manager of Air Freight Department, Cainiao Global Supply Chain, will present best practices on e-commerce logistics and fulfillment, covering such areas as warehouse optimisation, last-mile delivery, supply chain traceability and visibility, to empower businesses to streamline operations and stay competitive in the e-commerce landscape.

Facilitating business networking is a key focus point for the HKTDC and is an important aspect of this event, enabling collaboration and mutual success across various industries. The exhibition segment is also a conference highlight as nearly 100 exhibitors showcase cutting-edge logistics and supply chain solutions from around the world. The inaugural Logtech Salon will display robots, artificial intelligence systems and data systems tailored for the industry, giving insiders valuable insights into developments and applications of innovative technology in the field.

ALMAC: https://www.almac.hk/main/en/
ALMAC programme: https://almac.hktdc.com/conference/almac/en/programme
ALMAC speaker list: https://almac.hktdc.com/conference/almac/en/speaker

Photo download: https://bit.ly/3MUDI0R

Media Enquiries
Please contact Raconteur Limited:
Molisa Lau, Tel: (852) 6187 7786, Email: molisalau@raconteur.hk
Betsy Tse, Tel: (852) 9742 7338, Email: betsytse@raconteur.hk

HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Clayton Lauw, Tel: (852) 2584 4472, Email: clayton.y.lauw@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 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 Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

DesignInspire exhibition promotes Hong Kong’s creativity

  • Creative pieces from the artworks roadshow come home from Tokyo to go on display at Times Square in Hong Kong

Japan had a taste of Hong Kong designers’ work last month through the 10-day DesignInspire exhibition Design Through Heritage, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), with Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)* as the Lead Sponsor, which concluded on 29 October. The exhibition showcased 24 works from 17 design groups, bringing Hong Kong’s creativity to Tokyo and further promoting the development of Hong Kong’s cultural and creative industry. The exhibition has returned to Hong Kong and goes on to display at Times Square in Hong Kong from 16 to 30 November.

DesignInspire – Design Through Heritage exhibition went on to display in October at Omotesando in Tokyo, attracting numerous Japanese art enthusiasts to appreciate and understand Hong Kong’s cultural and creative history

DesignInspire continues to showcase innovative ideas and creativity through online and offline channels this year. DesignInspire – Design Through Heritage is divided into three main themes: Cityscape of Hong Kong, (Re)Industrialisation and Traditional and Future Crafts. The 24 Design Through Heritage artworks were inspired by the urban experiences of Hong Kong. Hong Kong designers portray the past, present and future of Hong Kong through innovative expressions and historical craftsmanship.

Zansyu is an ongoing cultural research and type design project inspired by Hong Kong Beiwei calligraphy

Works showcased at Tokyo’s style hub Omotesando
Hong Kong-based curator Fan Lok Yi introduces the series Rediscovering the Sandpit. The series uses objects, images and text materials related to 20th-century playscapes to form an open research space. Through these research materials, viewers can add their own insights and stories by connecting Hong Kong’s play spaces to the broader context of international design history and expand public imagination about the city’s future.

Hong Kong-based curator Fan Lok Yi introduces the series Rediscovering the Sandpit, viewers can add their own insights and stories by connecting Hong Kong’s play spaces to the broader context of international design history and expand public imagination about the city’s future

A Photographic Essay Hong Kong Reminiscence: Document of Hong Kong’s Old Stores was designed by Chan Hei Shing from Hei Shing Book Design. The book is divided into four chapters: Clothing, Food, Accommodation and Transportation, showcasing the information of 25 old stores in Hong Kong from author Hiuman Lam’s in-person visits. The volume introduces Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage and displays traditional craftsmanship and culture. The book focuses on stirring the public’s memory and connecting it with the beauty of the city’s intangible cultural heritage.

Since 2017, founders of @streetsignhk, Kevin Mak and Ken Fung have explored ways to sustain Hong Kong’s signboard culture, promoting signboard-streetscape as urban cultural heritage by exploring in-depth signboard stories of Hong Kong and the city’s building regulations. In their series, graphic neon-light elements from the recycled signboards that once shone on Hong Kong’s streets are collaged into a new neon art. The display is dedicated to exploring and continuing the possibilities of neon sign craftsmanship, design and urban culture through design in practice.

A Study on Hong Kong Beiwei Calligraphy & Type Design, published by Adonian Chan, documented eight years of his research into Hong Kong Beiwei calligraphy and the Zansyu design type, which are both preservation of culture and a reflection on how heritage can inspire designs today.

Allan Fan and Poe Cheung from Studio Nous, a Hong Kong multidisciplinary design studio, introduce Radiant Eateries: Hong Kong Restaurant Neon Sign Drawings. This book incorporates four additional fluorescent inks to achieve distinctive day and night visual effects, guiding readers to appreciate and re-examine 1950s-to-1970s neon sign artworks from two perspectives – day and night.

Creative artwork showcasing in Times Square
DesignInspire – Design Through Heritage is a creative exhibition where members of the public can slow their pace to enjoy the exhibition amid the bustling city. It provides an opportunity for people to redefine Hong Kong’s traditional culture from different perspectives.

The exhibition is running at Times Square from 16 November, showcasing the artworks of 10 out of the 17 design groups that participated in the Tokyo stop to promote Hong Kong’s culture and creativity. It will also be featured at Chill11, which is sponsored by CreateHK, at AsiaWorld-Expo next month, showcasing the artworks of 13 design groups. We cordially invite the public to join and experience the cultural characteristics and creativity of Hong Kong presented by the designers. The DesignInspire – Design Through Heritage exhibition at Times Square runs until 30 November and is open to the public free of charge.

Event details:
DesignInspire – Design Through Heritage
Date: 16 – 30 November 2023
Time: 10:00am to 10:00pm
Venue: Hong Kong Times Square
Admission: Free of charge

Photo download:  https://bit.ly/3SJrHiG

Websites

DesignInspire: https://designinspire.hktdc.com/en/

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Kelly Shek, Tel: (852) 2584 4537, Email: kelly.yt.shek@hktdc.org
Snowy Chan, Tel: (852) 2584 4525, Email: snowy.sn.chan@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 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 Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

About Create Hong Kong
Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in June 2009 to spearhead the development of creative industries in Hong Kong. From 1 July 2022 onwards, it is under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and cross-genre collaboration, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital.

*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, Create Hong Kong, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.