Tag: hktdc

Global awards honour hktdc.com Sourcing

Business connections boosted with upgraded platform

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s (HKTDC) hktdc.com Sourcing online trading platform has demonstrated solid performance since being upgraded in October last year to more efficiently connect global buyers and suppliers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The upgraded platform uses machine-learning and image-recognition technologies to enhance business-matching efficiency and provide a more personalised smart-sourcing experience. The enhancement helped boost platform traffic and enquiries, which grew 15% and 26% respectively in the 2020/21 financial year ending March. The platform has also garnered multiple internationally acclaimed awards.

Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau (centre) said the HKTDC will continue to upgrade digital services to help local companies tap online marketing opportunities in the pandemic-induced new normal.
The upgraded hktdc.com Sourcing platform is honoured by 13 international awards.

Commenting on these achievements, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau said COVID-19 had prompted companies around the world to accelerate digitalisation and online sourcing is becoming more popular. “The platform upgrading could not have been better timed. It enabled us to better connect buyers and suppliers just when online trading became all the more important amid pandemic-induced travel restrictions and distancing measures,” he added. “The platform enjoys strong recognition among users and website professionals, and we are pleased to have received 13 prestigious awards in the past few months.”

The accolades include Best International Business Website, Best Marketing Website, Best Directory or Search Engine Website and Best Small Business Website from the Internet Advertising Competition; Best International Business Website and Best Small Business Website from MobileWebAwards; as well as Redesign/Relaunch Website and Video awards from Astrid Awards and Mercury Excellence Awards. It is the 10th consecutive year the platform has received MobileWebAwards.

The International Advertising Competition and MobileWebAwards are annual competitions organised by the Web Marketing Association of the United States to honour excellence in relation to websites and mobile apps. The annual Astrid Awards and Mercury Awards are organised by US-based MerComm, Inc., which aims to define the standards of excellence in the communications fields.

Flexi plan, maxi flan
With 130,000 suppliers and 2 million buyers in its database, hktdc.com Sourcing creates 24 million business connections a year. An authentication system puts the suppliers in Gold, Silver and Bronze categories based on reputation and activity. Records of their participation at HKTDC events and most recent data update time are also provided, giving buyers useful reference as they seek out the most suitable suppliers. The Third-party Authentication Service, meanwhile, allows suppliers to highlight credibility and product quality, strengthening buyer confidence.

Mr Chau said suppliers can purchase “boosters”, based on their business needs and promotion strategies, to increase exposure on the hktdc.com Sourcing platform, enhancing their reach to potential business partners. “For users, this service has on average driven a 2.4- fold rise in business enquiries and 29-fold increase in exposure to buyers,” said Mr Chau.

New buyers, new markets
Buyers from economies with free trade agreements with Hong Kong, such as Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members, are more active on hktdc.com Sourcing, according to Mr Chau. “Suppliers receive business enquiries mostly from ASEAN and other Asian countries [25%], followed by Europe [18%] and the Americas [17%],” said Mr Chau, adding that the top five enquired categories are gifts, toys & sports supplies; electronics; home products, lights & construction; health, beauty & baby care; and food & beverage.

Local governments and municipal trade promotion bodies in Mainland China, Italy, Japan and Korea have set up cluster zones on the platform to promote advantageous industries and special products in their respective countries and regions. The Federation of Hong Kong Industries and Hong Kong Exporters Association has also joined the platform to showcase members’ brands and designs.

Creating opportunities
Mr Chau said the HKTDC will further enhance its digital marketing services and develop virtual platforms in order to improve the effectiveness of its hybrid physical-online events, create seamless event experiences and enhance its 24/7 online business-matching services. Mr Chau said local companies can leverage the SME Export Marketing Fund – which has expanded its scope to cover such promotion-related work as video/product shooting and editing services – and free online training at the HKTDC’s Digital Academy to accelerate digital transformation and enhance online marketing competitiveness. “We have invited specialists to share secrets of success in a series of Digital Academy online videos and webinars, with topics ranging from digital marketing, e-commerce, content development and surviving in the new normal, helping local SMEs master the basic knowledge and skills needed to start online business,” said Mr Chau.

He said the HKTDC will continue to organise quarterly online thematic promotions to create opportunities for various sectors. “We received encouraging feedback on the first two promotions of this year, namely ‘Everything for Home’ and ‘Outdoor Living. We will focus on lifestyle and festive products in the second half of 2021.”

Photo download: https://bit.ly/3bl3xVi

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.

Media enquiries
HKTDC Communications and Public Affairs Department
Beatrice Lam, Tel: +852 2584 4049 / +852 9036 0212, Email: beatrice.hy.lam@hktdc.org

HKTDC’s Start-up Fiesta kick-starts today

Series of start-up programmes helps nurture local entrepreneurs

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) today announced the launch of the inaugural Hong Kong Start-up Fiesta campaign that will run in May and June.

Comprising a full range of activities organised by the HKTDC and other organisations, the aim of the campaign is to support and foster the local start-up eco-system and help innovative new companies capture business opportunities amid the challenges of the pandemic.

Speaking at today’s ceremony to mark the launch of the Hong Kong Start-up Fiesta campaign, HKTDC Assistant Executive Director Stephen Liang said the HKTDC will work with different organisations to co-create a series of start-up-focused activities in May and June.
Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director, HKTDC (front row, second from right), Jason Chiu, Chairman, Hong Kong Start-up Council (front row, from right) and Mark Lo, CEO, AMTD (front row, from left) took a group photo with the 10 selected scale-ups for the Start-up Express Master League, including Contact Beverage, CYC Motor, Film Players, Gense Technologies, Incus, Koofy Development Limited, MAD Gaze, Return Helper, MedEXO Robotics and Miscato.
MAD Gaze employs mixed reality (MR), virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to produce the next generation of smart eyewear.

The number of start-ups in Hong Kong has more than doubled over the past six years, surging from 1,558 in 2015 to 3,360 in 2020. In order to empower local start-ups, the HKTDC will work with different organisations for Start-up Fiesta, including Cyberport, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks, InvestHK, universities and the start-up community, to co-create about 20 different start-up-focused activities. Anchored by the Start-up Express Master League and annual Start-up Express Pitching Final, the campaign also features a series of booster workshops, mentorship programmes and networking events.

Speaking at today’s opening ceremony, HKTDC Assistant Executive Director Stephen Liang said the HKTDC would continue its commitment to supporting entrepreneurs in expanding their businesses, in addition to promoting the city’s capabilities in innovation and technology. “The COVID-19 pandemic has had a big impact on the global economy, which means start-ups need our help more than ever. Giving start-ups the chance to use their creativity to explore business opportunities will help them continue to grow during this challenging time. The debut Start-up Fiesta campaign enlists the support of different organisations in the ecosystem, co-creating an array of activities to promote local entrepreneurship.”

Start-up Express Master League promotes local scale-ups
The Start-up Fiesta kicked off with the Start-up Express Master League, which aims to encourage and support local entrepreneurs, selecting programme alumni that have demonstrated the most vigorous business growth since joining the cohort. The selected scale-ups will be granted an extra year of marketing support from the programme to help them build their brands.

The 10 scale-ups joining the Start-up Express Master League were selected based on their business resilience, growth and expansion strategy. They include Contact Beverage, CYC Motor, Film Players, Gense Technologies, Incus, Koofy Development Limited, MAD Gaze, Return Helper, MedEXO Robotics and Miscato.

At today’s opening ceremony, the companies shared their experiences in overcoming obstacles and working to achieve breakthroughs during the pandemic. Among them, Contact Beverage has combined technology with traditional wisdom to produce the Lify smart beverage device. Using the Internet of Things, big data and smart mobile technologies, Lify aims to provide natural remedies and beverages in the simplest and most effective way. The company is also looking to launch its innovation in overseas markets with the help of networking and promotional activities organised by the HKTDC.

Another start-up, Incus, has developed disruptive source separation technology that can separate different human voices in complex environments with real-time processing. MAD Gaze is smart glasses company employing mixed reality (MR), virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies to create the next generation of eyewear. The company recently launched its latest smart glasses model, which allows users to experience the benefits of AR, and has successfully expanded its global footprint with the HKTDC’s support.

The winning scale-ups in the Start-up Express Master League will be able to join a range of local and international activities and events, exploring networking opportunities with potential investors, buyers and business partners. They can also participate in exhibitions and conferences organised by the HKTDC in Hong Kong that have a dedicated start-up zone, such as the Asian Financial Forum, the Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring & Autumn Editions) and the Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair. Moreover, they will also have the opportunity to join the Hong Kong Pavilion at international exhibitions such as the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in the United States and the Mobile World Congress (MWC) event in Barcelona, Spain, to broaden their connections and experience.

Fourth Start-up Express helps start-ups to grow
Start-up Express, a start-up development programme launched by the HKTDC, is returning for its fourth edition to assist local start-ups in building connections, exploring markets, seeking partners and developing brand awareness. Applications are invited until 12 May and the programme will culminate in the Pitching Final on 29 June, with the winners given the opportunity to join local and overseas trade promotions and activities organised by the HKTDC, as well as exhibit at international start-up events to expand their business networks.

“Start-up Express has been giving tremendous support to local start-ups over the past three years, helping them explore global markets, seal major orders and win international awards, assisting them in growing their businesses to the next level. With the global economy severely impacted by the pandemic, it is harder than ever for start-ups to find funding and business partners, making it all the more important to assist them in promoting their innovative technologies to corporations,” Mr Liang said.

The shortlisted start-ups in last year’s Start-up Express mainly focused on areas such as artificial intelligence, big data, biotech, the Internet of Things, fintech and robotics. In 2021, more new technologies are explored, including augmented reality, virtual reality, green tech, health tech and retail tech. In recent years, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria have become increasingly important among venture capitalists and corporations, so the Social Impact Award has been established to recognised innovative and ground-breaking start-up ideas that create real social impact.

Holistic support for start-ups
Co-organised with the Hong Kong Startup Council, Enterprise Connect: Solution Day will be held in mid-June and invites start-ups in medtech, food tech and wellness tech to present their ideas under the theme “Well Being Tech”, pitching to business users and fostering collaboration between start-ups and user enterprises. Co-organised with The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, the Young Founders’ Camp equips young entrepreneurs via brainstorming workshops and mentorship sessions, offering a testing ground for them to implement their start-up ideas through HKTDC-organised events such as SmartBiz Expo and Entrepreneur Day. Meanwhile, the success stories of various Start-up Express alumni will be brought together in the Start-up Express Digital Book: A Journey to Success.

Partner organisations of the Start-up Fiesta, including W-Hub, Entrelink, Advantage Austria, Junior Achievement Hong Kong and more, will organise various seminars and workshops to provide networking opportunities to support local start-ups.

Attracting investors
The AMTD Group is the Sole Strategic Partner of Start-up Express for the third consecutive year. Calvin Choi, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of AMTD Group, Founding Chairman of the Greater Bay Young Entrepreneurs Association (“GBYEA”), Vice Chairman of Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation and the Vice President of China Young Entrepreneurs Association believes that core values and fundamental business models for start-ups must be solid, sustainable and resilient. Accordingly, there will be opportunities available for the more ready start-ups no matter during good times or bad times, and even during extreme situations such as the COVID pandemic, as long as the entrepreneurs have clear vision and strategy to navigate beyond status quo to rise up as a winner in due course.

“The global economy has been severely affected by the pandemic, and inevitably this has also impacted the investment sentiment. This makes it even more crucial for founders of start-ups to embrace developments and visions beyond the current points in time but into a sustainable long term future,” Mr Choi shared his perspectives, given that the AMTD Group has invested in many start-ups around the world, paying close attention to factors such as the comprehensiveness of business solutions, cross-region and cross-platform features, growth trajectory, sustainability, scalability and the team’s vision and resilience.

Websites
– Hong Kong Start-up Fiesta: https://hkstartupfiesta.hktdc.com
– Start-up Express: http://info.hktdc.com/startupexpress/en/index.html
– HKTDC’s media room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/3b3DP7s

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Christine Kam, Tel: +852 2584 4514, Email: christine.kam@hktdc.org

HKTDC Lifestyle ShoppingFest draws to successful close

  • 75% of exhibitors agree physical show helps promote business
  • Gourmet products prove most popular with public

The HKTDC Lifestyle ShoppingFest, a brand-new public fair organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), came to a successful close yesterday (2 May).

The fair kicked off on 28 April (Wednesday) and ran over five days at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), featuring 430 exhibitors and attracting more than 55,000 public visitors.

The Lifestyle ShoppingFest concluded successfully yesterday (2 May). Happy shoppers are pictured visiting the last day of the fair to buy their favourite products.
“Food Street” introduced local and global delicacies.
Fun-filled events were held during the fair including cooking demonstrations by master chefs, rope-skipping and smart bidding auctions.

HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau said: “The Lifestyle ShoppingFest is the first physical show organised by the HKTDC since the pandemic began early last year. We implemented a series of anti-pandemic measures to safeguard the health and safety of participants. We were pleased to see a positive response from exhibitors and the public, reflecting the fact that physical shows are irreplaceable. The HKTDC responded to the needs of Hong Kong enterprises, bringing them additional selling opportunities during a challenging period, while the public were provided with an enjoyable shopping experience.”

Apart from the Hong Kong Book Fair and concurrent fairs running in mid-July, the HKTDC will also host several trade fairs including the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show from 25 to 29 July, and the International Sourcing Show from 26 to 29 July. The three fairs will be the first concurrent physical trade fairs to be staged by the HKTDC since the pandemic. It is expected that the three fairs can create synergies across industries, enhancing sourcing efficiency and creating more opportunities for cross-industry exhibitors.

Physical fair provides boost for business
This five-day Lifestyle ShoppingFest provided a valuable opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to understand more about consumers’ preferences. The HKTDC conducted a survey to gauge the views of exhibitors, finding that 75% of exhibitors agreed that physical shows can help to boost their businesses.

Richard Leung, Director of the Ballerina Watch Company Limited, said: “The pandemic has inevitably decelerated the economy and had an impact on exports and local retail. The Lifestyle ShoppingFest is a timely opportunity to provide a solid selling platform for various industries as the pandemic subsides. Consumers of high-end products such as jewellery and watches prefer examining tangible products, which explains the importance of physical fairs.” He added that as the pandemic comes under control, sales of food and hygiene products will see a brisk recovery, followed by a progressive resumption of sales for high-end consumer products.

It was the first time for optical agent Opticon Ltd to join a local public fair. Christopher Chan, Director of the company, said, “We focused on commercial clients in the past, but we are now looking to explore the retail market. The people flow and atmosphere at the Lifestyle ShoppingFest was good, helping us to get to know more about consumers’ preferences which in turn will give us more confidence to build up our retail business.”

OMG Design, the sole agent of Israel suitcase brand Rollink in Asia, promoted its feature products at the fair having seen strong growth in consumer demand for household products amid the pandemic. Andy Cheung, the company’s Business Development Manager, said: “The Lifestyle ShoppingFest showcased a wide range of products that attracted local consumers from different age groups. We adjusted our marketing strategy, offering special prices to attract visitors at the fair. We successfully sold more than 100 Rollink suitcase at a discount of 45%, earning revenue of approximately HK$80,000.” Mr Cheung also met a jewellery industry buyer and wine supplier interested in using the company’s suitcases for product packaging and corporate gifts. He hopes to close more business deals after the fair.

To help exhibitors grasp online business opportunities, the KOL Live Station was set up at the fair. The HKTDC partnered with the team from Bonjour Hong Kong to introduce a range of highlighted products, and individual exhibitors also got the chance to present their own products at the Live Station. A series of live-broadcast sessions featured products from nearly 60 exhibitors, with some of the products made available for online sale at the Bonjour HK Mall. The HKTDC is also collaborating with e-commerce platform Boutir to offer exhibitors the chance to open an online shop with a three-month free service to help them get established as an online retailer.

Gourmet products remain popular with public
A survey of visitors to the fair showed the four most popular product categories to be food and drink (75%), healthcare and sanitary products (20%), houseware (20%), as well as luxury products such as jewellery and watches (18%). The reasons visitors found the show attractive included special prices and discount offers (65%), product quality (61%), and the variety of products offered (57%).

Of those surveyed, 82% of visitors expressed satisfaction with the health and safety measures put in place at the show, including reminders on social distancing, the cleanliness of public areas, and minimising the exchange of cash at the event.

Websites
– Lifestyle ShoppingFest: https://lsf.hktdc.com/en
– HKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/2PFdk0L

About the HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 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 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 enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Janet Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org

HKTDC’s debut Lifestyle ShoppingFest opens today

Boosting local spending, helping SMEs explore retail opportunities

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is launching a brand-new public fair, the Lifestyle ShoppingFest, which opens today (28 April) and runs for five days until 2 May at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

The fair features 430 exhibitors presenting a broad selection of premium products and good deals, providing local citizens with a unique one-stop shopping experience. The event will also help local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) tap into the retail market and capture new business opportunities during the pandemic.

The Lifestyle ShoppingFest opens today featuring 430 exhibitors, giving local people the chance to buy a wide range of products.
Numerous discounts are offered at the fair with many selected products on sale at low prices.
Master Chief Yvonne demonstrated some easy-to-cook dishes in the “Gourmet at Home by Y’s Kitchen” programme and shared some cooking tips. Pictured on the left is Harry Yip, Chairman of the Hong Kong & Kowloon Provisions and Wine & Spirit Dealers’ Association Limited.

HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau introduced the fair, which features eight themed zones: Glamour & Style, Tasting Journey, Healthy Living, Home Inspiration, Play & Learn, Digital Life, Baby Essentials and Pet Care. “With COVID-19 having brought significant changes to people’s daily lives, local companies have the opportunity to adapt to changing market trends by introducing new and innovative products at the fair. The event will help companies tap into the local retail market and win new business opportunities, while the public is provided with an enjoyable shopping experience.”

Surprise offerings, discounted products available at “flash sales”
To help encourage people to spend, a range of discounts and promotions are available at the fair. Various new products are sold at special prices throughout the event, including the KORE wobble chair with a discount of 70%, the Rollink foldable suitcase at 45% off, half price watches and more. The Hong Kong and Kowloon Provisions, Wine & Spirits Dealers’ Association Limited and Nam Pak Hong Association present 46 food exhibitors, such as Hai Sang Hong, Hiang Kie Coffee, Hong Kong Top Kitchen, Sun Wah Wine & Spirit, Trillion Food, Tung Tai Hong, Yuen Tai and many others. Numerous exhibitors have offers ranging from HK$1 promotions to buy-one-get-one-free flash sales. Visitors can also join smart bidding auctions for popular items such as the GIA pink diamond ring, Cognac, OBAKU premium watch, STICKU smart cane, Primada low sugar rice cooker, and the O2U air station – all at very low prices.

Lucky draws will be held every day during the fair. Customers can redeem one lucky draw coupon for every HK$200 spent on the same day. Prizes on offer include staycation packages from Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel, and F&B coupons from Hotel Alexandra, Novotel Hong Kong Century, Outback Steakhouse, SOHO East and The St. Regis Hong Kong. Other prizes include a Fouette x Le Petit Prince necklace, a gourmet gift set from Cheung Ying Hong, Italian Independent eyewear and more. The public can also download e-coupons, including discounts up to HK$2,000.

40+ fascinating activities include demonstrations from star chefs
A series of interesting activities at the fair include several cooking demonstrations by Chef Yvonne Chu, Chef Siu Sau-heung Kitty, Michelin-starred Chef Chan Kwok-keung, Chef Wong Man-chung from Full House Seafood Chinese Restaurant and Chocolate Tasting Expert Christy Chan, all of whom will share tips on how to be a better home cook. And Ivan Sean, Chairman of the Sake Industry Committee of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Wine & Spirits, will share insights on how to select Japanese sake.

Other attractions include the “Fly High Hong Kong” Korean classical and K-Pop music performance by the Korean Chamber [GAON] Orchestra and tips from international online store BuyDong on how to develop a start-up business. Experts from different industries will offer insights into how to buy natural gems, the secrets of the salt lamp, redesigning T-shirts, enjoying a healthy diet, and more. Details of all the various activities are available at the fair website.

Mother’s Day sales opportunities, spotlight on innovative health products
Mother’s Day is just around the corner and there are a number of suitable gift choices on sale at the fair, including luxurious jade jewellery from “Jade Street”, South Sea pearl jewellery and a range of diamond and gems. Korea’s Haenam organic GABA rice, Japan TAMBA Black Soybean Tea, coconut, fish maw and chicken soup, Xen Xen durian juice from Thailand, and spring water sourced from Mt Fuji, to name just a few. The Hong Kong Children, Babies, Maternity Industries Association gathers several children and baby products exhibitors at the Baby Essentials zone, offering a wide range of products including a baby playmat, folded storage box set, parent-kid backpacks and baby skincare products.

The pandemic has resulted in various lifestyle changes for people in Hong Kong. Wearing masks, increased household hygiene and hiking have all become part of the “new normal”, creating a demand for related products. The fair features innovative items such as a portable oxygen generator from Japan, an ultra-small window-cleaning robot, a portable ionic air disinfector and the World Vision Window Mask. A wide range of household products will also be on sale at the fair, including the soil-free growing material Pafcal, the UpRight Seat, a USB rechargeable mini blender and much more.

The Hong Kong People and Brands Pavilion brings together 26 quality local brands, including Dynasty Food, specialising in “Made in Hong Kong” sauces, Wing Sang Tong herbal tea, BDH Rice Merchant and Abalone King. Nearly 20 Hong Kong fashion brands are participating in the fair including winning designers from various editions of the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC), such as Arto Wong, Charlotte Ng, Jason Lee and Wilson Choi. Selected brands are presenting their newly launched 2021 fall/winter collections for pre-order.

To help SMEs grasp new business opportunities, the fair has strengthened its online-to-offline promotions. The HKTDC is partnering with Bonjour Hong Kong to introduce a range of products. All the livestreaming shows will be broadcast on the Bonjour page and the HKTDC Exhibition Channel on Facebook. In addition, the HKTDC is collaborating with e-commerce platform Boutir to offer exhibitors the chance to open an online shop with a three-month free service to help them get established as an online retailer.

Ensuring your safety for an enjoyable visit
The HKTDC has always put the safety of exhibitors and public as a top priority. The HKTDC will be working closely with the HKCEC to implement a series of anti-pandemic measures to safeguard the health and safety of everyone joining the fair, including:

– Onsite staff and exhibitors are required to take the COVID-19 nucleic acid test and present the SMS notification containing a negative result in order to perform duties at the fair.
– All visitors are requested to scan the QR code via the “LeaveHomeSafe” Mobile App at the fair entrance or complete the registration form provided (guest’s name, contact number, date and time of visit will be collected) which will be kept by the organiser for 31 days, to facilitate contact-tracing by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) if necessary.
– There will be no paper tickets or ticketing offices at the fairground. Visitors can pay directly by Octopus card at major hall entrances to gain admission.
– Eating or drinking, including sample tasting, are not allowed at the fairground (including booth areas). Visitors cannot bring in and consume any food or drinks at the venue. Catering services will be provided at designated sites within the HKCEC.

To understand more about the hygiene measures and health tips being put in place for the fair, please visit: https://isf.hktdc.com/healthmeasure/en

The Lifestyle ShoppingFest runs from 28 April to 2 May. Adult tickets are priced at HK$10 per person; child tickets are priced at HK$5 per person (for children under 1.22m tall or primary school students). Visitors aged three and under or 65 or over will be admitted free of charge.

Websites
– Lifestyle ShoppingFest: https://lsf.hktdc.com/en
– Scan Me, JETSO D!: https://ecoupon.hktdc.com/lsf/eng
– Highlighted products: https://lsf.hktdc.com/pdf/2021/HighlightedProducts/Product_List.pdf
– HKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/32WOgVO

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.

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Janet Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org

HKTDC’s debut Lifestyle ShoppingFest opens 28 April

– Boosting local spending through wide variety of global goods
– Supporting Hong Kong companies across 8 themed zones

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is launching a brand-new public fair, the Lifestyle ShoppingFest, which will run from 28 April to 2 May at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

The fair features more than 400 exhibitors presenting a broad selection of products and providing local citizens with a unique one-stop shopping experience. The event will also help local companies tap into the retail market and capture new business opportunities during the pandemic.

HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau, speaking at today’s press conference, said the brand-new Lifestyle ShoppingFest caters to a post-pandemic new way of life for local people. The event encourages local spending and provides small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the chance to explore new opportunities and build new revenue streams during this challenging time.
Hong Kong General Chamber of Wine & Spirits President JoJo So; Michael Li from Nam Pak Hong Association; the Hong Kong & Kowloon Provisions and Wine & Spirit Dealers’ Association Limited Chairman Harry Yip; HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau; and Korean Chamber of Commerce Chairman J. J. Na and Director Kim Tae Hyung; Hong Kong Children, Babies, Maternity Industries Association President Eddie Lam [L-R]
The fair presents global delicacies including Japanese NihonshuOendan

With COVID-19 having brought significant changes to people’s daily lives, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau, speaking at today’s press conference, said that local citizens have seen a change in their lifestyles, with more emphasis on personal and household hygiene, cooking at home, more stay-at-home time with kids, watching livestreaming videos and shopping online. “Our brand-new Lifestyle ShoppingFest caters to this new way of life for local people. It brings together global delicacies, fine jewellery, trendy accessories, branded fashion, cosmetics and healthcare items, household products and baby products, encouraging local spending and providing an enjoyable shopping experience.”

The fair features eight themed zones, including Glamour & Style, Tasting Journey, Healthy Living, Home Inspiration, Play & Learn, Digital Life, Baby Essentials and Pet Care.

Tapping into the stay-at-home economy, travelling the world from home
To help make homes germ-free, the fair features an air steriliser with a three-stage filtration system and a “magic water mop” set featuring technology that separates clean and dirty water. And with cooking at home becoming part of the “new normal”, visitors are offered a wide variety of quality food ingredients, including Italian pastas, cheese and truffle sauce, along with highly practical quality cookware such as titanium pots.

While overseas leisure travel continues to remain off limits, the fair features onsite photo spots of popular travel destinations, including a life-size Le Little Prince model from France. “Korean Street” highlights popular cosmetics, along with snacks, anti-epidemic supplies and Korean music performances. Global delicacies are another big focus at the fair, including Korea’s Haenam organic GABA rice, instant abalone porridge from Japan, and NihonshuOendan “KAKEYA” Sake – with only limited stocks. European gourmet choices include Extra Brut Champagne from France, XO cognac in an Eiffel Tower-shaped bottle, Italian sparkling wine, Spanish frozen suckling pig, and much more. “Jade Street” offers luxurious jade jewellery, South Sea pearl jewellery and a range of diamond and gems, while popular cosmetic brands such as Dior, Estee Lauder, LA MER, SK-II, Sulwhasoo and TOM FORD BEAUTY will also be on sale.

Supporting local brands
The Hong Kong People and Brands Pavilion showcases products from leading local brands such as Abalone King, Luk Yu Chinese tea bags and Nutzen, along with items as diverse as tea leaves, rice, home appliances and bedroom supplies. The Hong Kong and Kowloon Provisions, Wine & Spirits Dealers’ Association Limited and Nam Pak Hong Association together present 45 food exhibitors, with four “flash sale” promotional campaigns being held each day during the fair period.

In addition, about 20 Hong Kong fashion brands are participating in the fair including winning designers from various editions of the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC), such as Arto Wong, Charlotte Ng, Jason Lee and Wilson Choi, who will present locally designed fashion items and accessories. Chill Market will also feature local original designs and let the public know more about Hong Kong brands.

Fun-filled activities and shopping privileges
The HKTDC will stage a number of fun-filled activities during the fair including a demonstration of Chinese cooking by Chef Wong Man-chung from the Full House Seafood Chinese Restaurant. Representatives from the Centre for Food Safety will share tips on how to enjoy a healthier diet with less salt and sugar, while experts from the Hong Kong Jewellery and Jade Manufacturers’ Association and the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong will give tips on how to buy and appreciate jade and natural gems. Rope-skipping demonstrations and making STEM educational toys will be among the fun activities offered for parents and kids.

Various products will be sold at special prices at the fair. Lucky draws will be held to encourage shoppers to buy more and win more. Customers may redeem one lucky draw coupon for every HK$200 spent. Prizes on offer include staycation packages from Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel, and F&B coupons from Hotel Alexandra, Novotel Hong Kong Century, Outback Steakhouse, SOHO East and The St. Regis Hong Kong. Other prizes range from gourmet items to lifestyle fashion accessories and healthcare products. Visitors can also bid for products including fashion jewellery and watches, home appliances and household products at low prices.

To help SMEs grasp new business opportunities and overcome the impact of the pandemic, the fair will strengthen its online-to-offline promotions. The HKTDC is partnering with Bonjour Hong Kong to introduce a range of products. All the livestreaming shows will be broadcasted at Bonjour and the HKTDC Exhibition Channel on Facebook. In addition, the HKTDC is collaborating with e-commerce platform Boutir to offer exhibitors the chance to open an online shop with a three-month free service to help them get established as an online operator. Furthermore, representative from Carousell, a large-scale e-commerce platform, will share online shopping tips for visitors to the event.

Ensuring your safety for an enjoyable visit
The HKTDC has always put the safety of exhibitors and public as a top priority. The HKTDC will be working closely with the HKCEC to implement a series of anti-pandemic measures to safeguard the health and safety of everyone joining the fair, including:

– Onsite staff and exhibitors are required to take the COVID-19 nucleic acid test and present the SMS notification containing a negative result in order to perform duties at the fair.

– All visitors are requested to scan the QR code via the “LeaveHomeSafe” Mobile App at the fair entrance or complete the registration form provided (guest’s name, contact number, date and time of visit will be collected) which will be kept by the organiser for 31 days, to facilitate contact-tracing by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) if necessary.

– There will be no paper tickets or ticketing offices at the fairground. Visitors can pay directly by Octopus card at major hall entrances to gain admission.

– Eating or drinking, including sample tasting, are not allowed at the fairground (including booth areas). Visitors cannot bring in and consume any food or drinks at the venue. Catering service will be provided at designated places in HKCEC.

To understand more about the hygiene measures and health tips being put in place for the fair, please visit: https://isf.hktdc.com/healthmeasure/en

The Lifestyle ShoppingFest opens next Wednesday (28 April) at 10:30am and runs until 2 May. Adult tickets are priced at HK$10 per person; child tickets are priced at HK$5 per person (for children under 1.22m tall or primary school students). Visitors aged three and under or 65 or over will be admitted free of charge.

Websites
Lifestyle ShoppingFest: https://lsf.hktdc.com/en
Scan Me, JETSO D!: https://ecoupon.hktdc.com/lsf/eng
More Highlighted Products: https://lsf.hktdc.com/pdf/2021/HighlightedProducts/Product_List.pdf
HKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en
Photo download: https://bit.ly/3uZUpN5

About the HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 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 SMEs, in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via trade publications, 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’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Janet Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org

HKTDC International Sourcing Show | ONLINE attracts 23,000 buyers

Click2Match creates cross-industry opportunities
Online-and-offline sourcing emerges as new trend

The HKTDC International Sourcing Show is the first online-and-offline trade exhibition organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

The online section of the show, the HKTDC International Sourcing Show | ONLINE, which opened on 17 March, featured more than 1,400 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions, attracting some 23,000 buyers from 131 countries and regions. The show drew buyers from Hong Kong and around the world, including India, Indonesia, Japan, Mainland China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.

The HKTDC International Sourcing Show | ONLINE featured more than 1,400 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions and 19 pavilions, attracting some 23,000 buyers from 131 countries and regions to source online.
More than 7,000 video meetings were conducted during the online fair, allowing buyers and exhibitors to make business deals amid the pandemic.
A series of webinars was hosted during the online fair, including “International Sourcing Outlook”, “Survive and Thrive: Leveraging End-to-end E-commerce Solutions” and “Utilising Licensing to Expand Your Business”. The webinars recorded more than 44,000 views in total, equipping companies with up-to-date insights on the latest trends in sourcing and marketing.

To help businesses capture new opportunities, the HKTDC mobilised its network of 50 offices worldwide together with its artificial intelligence-powered online business matching platform, Click2Match, to connect exhibitors with buyers. As of 31 March, more than 7,000 online business matching meetings had been successfully conducted, facilitating buyers and sellers to capture new business opportunities and help them overcome the impact of the pandemic.

Following a successful debut at HKTDC Autumn Sourcing Week | ONLINE last year, the HKTDC once again offered 3D virtual booths at the International Sourcing Show | ONLINE. It also launched a product video production service to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) design and produce promotional videos, facilitating them to showcase their products in a more eye-catching way and get better prepared for the era of digitalised sourcing. Both the 3D booths and the video service were well received by exhibitors.

Exhibitors and buyers positive about hybrid exhibition format
Even though the global pandemic situation is showing signs of improvement in some regions, its impact continues to be profound. Benjamin Chau, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, believes that global sourcing will become increasingly digitalised and that future trade fairs will be more likely to offer a hybrid model of online and offline sourcing to reap the benefits of both formats. “When physical fairs resume, the HKTDC will continue to organise regular online sourcing events that will feature different themes and will align with the sourcing cycles of different industries. Our goal is to generate even more business opportunities for suppliers and buyers globally,” Mr Chau said.

As the trend for combining online and offline sourcing gains traction, the HKTDC conducted an online survey to gauge the views of exhibitors and buyers joining the International Sourcing Show. The survey found that the majority of exhibitors surveyed (80%) considered that trade fairs with online elements will become their major promotional channel in the future, while 96% said they would participate in the HKTDC’s online and physical exhibitions again. According to the survey results, most buyers (82%) indicated an intention to participate in trade fairs offering online and physical elements to develop both online and offline business opportunities.

Regarding business results, more than 80% of exhibitors said they had achieved one of the following objectives through the event, including generating new sales leads, meeting new customers, promoting their company’s brands and products, and launching and promoting new products. Over 90% of buyers agreed that the show helped them seek out new products and new suppliers and get a better understanding of market trends.

Click2Match helps facilitate business discussions and deals
Many companies taking part in the show were successful in finding either buyers or suppliers through the Click2Match platform. Rachel Chan, Business Development Specialist at Avery Dennison (Hong Kong) Ltd, said the online fair offered her company a good opportunity to introduce its total printing solutions and RFID labels to buyers from different industries. “We are very happy to have video meetings with more than 10 new buyers from different places including Mainland China, India, Malaysia and Thailand. The buyers are keen to develop cooperation opportunities with us, and we hope to continue receiving new sales leads or enquiries. The online show also helped to increase our company’s exposure.”

Atitaya Dechboon, a representative of Fashion Hometex Co Ltd in Thailand, said “We have made four new contacts with buyers from Mainland China, Brazil, Poland and Saudi Arabia. We expect potential orders worth US$100,000 from three new buyers. We are very satisfied with the Click2Match service which allowed us to arrange video meetings as frequently as we liked without any time conflicts.”

Artem Mykhailyk, Chief Operational Officer at Micon Trade LLC in Ukraine, was interested in sourcing smart wearable devices and DVR cameras. “Through the International Sourcing Show | ONLINE, we have found three potential suppliers from Mainland China and Taiwan. We plan to place orders worth US$280,000 with these suppliers. The show provided a unique and well-arranged online sourcing platform that offered an alternative to physical exhibitions amid the pandemic. I found it easy and convenient to find suitable products and make appointments with potential suppliers.”

Hanna Touma Bechara, Manager at Modern Electronics Co in Lebanon, found two potential suppliers from Hong Kong and Mainland China through the online fair. “Our budget for buying audio systems is US$30,000. Due to travel restrictions under the global pandemic, online trade shows like this are the only way we can find new suppliers for the time being.”

Intelligence Hub webinars let companies feel the market’s pulse
The Intelligence Hub set up during the online fair hosted 17 webinars which featured more than 60 industry experts sharing the latest industry developments and trends, attracting more than 44,000 views in total. The most popular webinars include “International Sourcing Outlook”, “Survive and Thrive: Leveraging End-to-end E-commerce Solutions”, “Utilising Licensing to Expand Your Business” and “Toys & Children’s Products Safety & Regulations Updates”. In addition, the HKTDC launched the “Let’s Go Phygital: Power Up for the New Normal” seminar series, helping SMEs adapt to the hybrid online and offline sourcing model, with the first round of webinars held during the online show. The videos of the webinars have been uploaded to the Intelligence Hub webpage (https://isshow-online.hktdc.com/en/intelligence-hub), enabling companies to review insights from industry luminaries anytime, anywhere.

The International Sourcing Show is first HKTDC exhibition to adopt an online-and-offline format, integrating the seven HKTDC trade fairs* that were originally scheduled to run in spring 2021. The online part of the show is available from 17 March to 29 July, while the physical exhibition will be staged from 26 to 29 July at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. While the Click2Match business matching service for the online show has concluded, buyers can continue sourcing with exhibitors through the upgraded hktdc.com Sourcing platform (http://sourcing.hktdc.com) until the end of July 2021.

*The seven fairs are: the HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong Houseware Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong International Home Textiles & Furnishing Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong Fashion Week, HKTDC Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, and the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair. The latter event is co-organised by the HKTDC and CIEC Exhibition Co (HK) Ltd.

Websites:
HKTDC International Sourcing Show: https://isshow.hktdc.com/online/en/
Intelligence Hub: https://isshow-online.hktdc.com/en/intelligence-hub
Media Centre: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/
Photo download: https://bit.ly/3msyefr

About the HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 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 SMEs, in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via trade publications, 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’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Janet Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org
Agnes Wat, Tel: +852 2584 4554, Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org

MarketingPulse Online attracts more than 21,000 viewers

Experts share latest marketing insights and trends under new normal

MarketingPulse Online, a two-day virtual conference organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), attracted more than 21,000 viewers from more than 50 countries and regions. Under the theme “Marketing for GOOD”, a total of 27 seminars and workshops were staged during the conference, bringing together more than 40 marketing and advertising experts from around the globe to share their creative strategies, examine the latest marketing trends under the new normal, and share success stories in the area of digital transformation.

MarketingPulse Online, a two-day virtual conference, attracted more than 21,000 viewers from more than 50 countries and regions, bringing together more than 40 marketing and advertising experts from around the globe to share their creative strategies, examine the latest marketing trends under the new normal, and share success stories in the area of digital transformation.
Jeny Yeung Mei-chun, Commercial Director, MTR Corporation Limited

Exploring impact of digital transformation
Focusing on digital transformation and the impact of new marketing technologies, one of the speakers was Mayur Gupta, who was Global VP for Growth & Marketing at Spotify and has been named on the Forbes list of the world’s most influential chief marketing officers. Now working as Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer at Gannett – USA Today Network, Mr Gupta discussed how marketers can respond to behavioural shifts by leveraging technologies in the era of uncertainty, and by predicting future growth trends amid the digital transformation taking place in marketing. “COVID-19 basically punched all of us in the face, and it has taken us back to the basics of what marketing always had to be, and what it ought to be – the three simple Ps, which are defining your purpose, the promise you make to the consumer that reflects that purpose and, ideally, the product you deliver matching that promise,” he said.

Jeny Yeung Mei-chun, Commercial Director, MTR Corporation Limited, shared her tips on how brands can connect with customers and the community at every digital touch point, with insights on digital acceleration in the future. “The MTR’s mission is to keep the city moving. Like transportation companies in many other cities around the world, the MTR is going through a smart journey to upgrade its capabilities to help the community. So, a lot of the features in our new app revolve around how customers can use our services better, but the other major component is lifestyle information since passengers are now demanding more than the basic core services.”

Positive branding amid challenges
Arjan Dijk, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Booking.com, shared perspectives on how major brands have been responding to shifting consumer behaviour under the new normal, giving his predictions for marketing trends and tourism development as businesses begin to recover. “All marketing activities have to be performance-driven during the pandemic. Going forward, I see huge opportunities for staycations as well as ‘workcations’. I think many of us are thinking about our summer and imagining going on a week’s vacation and staying a week longer to work.”

teamLab shares artistic journey
Navigating the confluence of art, science, technology and the natural world, the globally renowned art collective teamLab unveiled their creative philosophies and immersive experiences to the audience at MarketingPulse Online. A senior member from teamLab said: “[Digital works] can free us from materials and we are no longer stuck in one room. Boundaries are just an illusion that humans make. New ideas both come from and affect old ideas.”

Examining the impact of livestream commerce and short video marketing
Eray Li, General Manager of Southern China, Kuaishou (Magnetic Engine), has also worked at digital giants Tencent, Cheetab Mobile and Alibaba. At the conference he explained Kuaishou’s strategies and tricks of the trade to seize the significant opportunities presented by their platform. “There was a user base of 818 million for short videos at the end of last year, accounting for 87% of netizens. The average daily time people spent on short videos exceeded the time spent on instant messaging, video calls, et cetera. In 2020, Kuaishou’s e-commerce sales were Rmb381.2 billion, and 84% of its users prefer to follow the recommendations of livestreamers.”

Cracking the code for Gen Z
Timothy Armoo, founder of Fanbytes, a leading influencer marketing agency, shared some of the latest strategies to win the hearts of the young generation through video content, influencer engagement and algorithms on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and other social media. “Gen Z have short interest spans, not attention spans,” he said. “In the past, you needed a big budget to advertise on TV, but the world of social has created a more level playing field where anybody can play – small brands as well as large. But this also means Gen Zs have a lot of influence; in fact, so much influence that any brand that does not take them into consideration is playing a losing game.”

Online platform runs until 30 April
The MarketingPulse Online platform will remain open until 30 April. During this period, industry members can continue to make use of the different features of the platform and also review content from previous events.

MarketingPulse Online website: https://marketingpulse.hktdc.com/en/
Photo download: https://bit.ly/2PJXIZA

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 trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Christine Kam, Tel: +852 2584 4514, Email: christine.kam@hktdc.org

MarketingPulse Online opens today

Industry experts share latest marketing trends under new normal

MarketingPulse Online, a two-day virtual conference organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opened today, bringing together more than 40 marketing and advertising experts from around the globe to share their creative strategies. They will also examine the latest marketing trends under the new normal and share success stories in the area of digital transformation.

Margaret Fong, HKTDC Executive Director, said that with the pandemic reshaping global economies and accelerating digital transformation trends, this year’s MarketingPulse will explore creative strategies under the new normal to help businesses overcome the challenges.
MarketingPulse Online has brought together more than 40 marketing and advertising experts from around the globe to share their creative strategies and marketing expertise.
Bryan Meehan, Executive Chair, Blue Bottle Coffee

Under the theme “Marketing for GOOD”, this year’s MarketingPulse Online examines how companies are enhancing their branding strategies to engage consumers as part of the post-pandemic business recovery. The conference also focuses on digital transformation and the impact of new marketing technologies. Speakers come from world-renowned brands including the Alibaba Group, Blue Bottle Coffee, Booking.com, DBS Bank, lululemon, Kuaishou (Magnetic Engine), Mastercard, MTR Corporation Limited, the South China Morning Post, teamLab and Qianxun (Hangzhou) Holding Co.

Margaret Fong, HKTDC Executive Director, welcomed international participants to the virtual conference, saying: “With the pandemic reshaping global economies and accelerating digital transformation trends, a platform such as MarketingPulse becomes more important than ever before. From innovation and technology to shifting consumer behaviour and brand-new business models, the marketing and branding industry is now facing significant transformation. This conference provides a platform for global brands, creative minds and service providers to explore partnerships, innovative marketing solutions and business development opportunities. With the theme ‘Marketing for GOOD’, it also explores how brands can take the lead in contributing to society while communicating creatively to consumers under the new normal.”

Experts speak on “Marketing for GOOD”
In the first session this morning, Bryan Meehan, Executive Chair, Blue Bottle Coffee, shared on how the American coffee roaster and retailer raises consumers’ awareness regarding various topical issues. “Blue Bottle has three core values: deliciousness, hospitality and sustainability. One of the beliefs we have at Blue Bottle is a limitless potential of caring. And that word really matters right now. For people in business who are thinking about reopening and how to reposition their brand going forward, I think constant care is really important,” Mr Meehan said.

Guy Kawasaki, a notable marketer, author and venture capitalist from the United States, who previously worked as Chief Evangelist at Apple and Special Advisor to the CEO of the Motorola division at Google, and now works as Chief Evangelist at graphic design company Canva, shared his advice on preparing for a digital future and mastering the art of communicating with customers in the new era. “As a marketing framework, figure out how you can create a product and then convince the world that you have something that is unique and valuable. That explains all of marketing,” Mr Kawasaki said.

Named as one of the world’s most influential chief marketing officers (CMOs) by Forbes, Chris Tung, Chief Marketing Officer, Alibaba Group, led another session, examining how the e-commerce giant has demonstrated the true value of integrating marketing and philanthropy through digitalisation, innovation and technology.

With the pandemic have a severe impact on the global tourism industry, Arjan Dijk, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Booking.com, shared perspectives on how major brands have been responding to shifting consumer behaviour under the new normal, giving his predictions for marketing trends and tourism development as businesses begin to recover.

In addition, Gary Liu, Chief Executive Officer at the South China Morning Post, shared his insights on moving a news organisation towards a digital future, exploiting the potential of digital technologies to accelerate innovation, engage audiences and transform the foundations of the media business. On the second day of the conference, Lim Bee Bee, Head of Marketing & Customer Management, Consumer Banking Group (Singapore), DBS Bank, will address the ground-breaking engagement of the younger generation through the computer gaming arena, sharing experiences and strategies to connect with digitally native, tech-savvy customers through compelling and innovative experiences.

Examining the impact of livestream commerce and short video marketing
Livestreaming e-commerce channels and short-video marketing have both become wildly popular across Mainland China. MarketingPulse Online brought together marketing experts from leading platforms and brands to explain their strategies and tricks of the trade to seize the significant opportunities presented by these platforms. The session featured Eray Li, General Manager of Southern China, Kuaishou (Magnetic Engine), and Alves Huang, CEO, Qianxun (Hangzhou) Holding Co, which has been assessed to be the number-one live broadcaster on Taobao over the years.

Networking for opportunities
MarketingPulse Online is featuring digital marketing workshops hosted by Facebook, iClick, PRIZM Group, Spread-it and Vfluencer that will offer practical marketing strategies in areas ranging from social media marketing to big data and livestreaming e-commerce. The conference also offers a virtual marketing consulting service provided by local marketing firms, offering real-time networking opportunities and intelligence exchange to industry players joining the event.

Find the latest programme and speaker list at https://marketingpulse.hktdc.com/en/. Media representatives wishing to join MarketingPulse can email requests to christine.kam@hktdc.org.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/31JKAq9

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 trade publications, 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’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Christine Kam, Tel: +852 2584 4514, Email: christine.kam@hktdc.org

HKTDC Export Index 1Q21: Export confidence continues to grow

Half of exporters go online to weather COVID-19 challenges

Meanwhile, resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic (46%) and softening global demand (28.4%) remained local exporters’ key concerns, according to the survey.

The HKTDC Export Index rose a further 2.8 points to 39.0 in the first quarter of this year compared with the preceding quarter, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) announced today. “Although the index has risen for four consecutive quarters, it remains in contractionary territory, suggesting a cautiously optimistic export outlook,” said HKTDC Director of Research Nicholas Kwan. “The city’s export performance will be affected by several uncertainties such as whether there is a revival in consumer and business confidence, and whether the economic stimulus packages implemented in major economies are effective.”

“As the impact of COVID-19 begins to diminish and business operations gradually return to normal, the Hong Kong economy is expected to regain the momentum for growth,” said Mr Kwan.

The survey also found the proportion of exporters who were hard hit by the pandemic dropped significantly, from 56.7% in the previous quarter to 33.1% this quarter. “Reduction in order sizes [53.9%] has been the most common adverse impact but more and more local exporters have experienced challenges brought by the disruptions to logistics and distribution [20.7%, up almost 8 percentage points] such as tight container supply and soaring shipping costs,” he added.

Half of exporters go online

To weather COVID-19-related challenges, nearly half of the exporters surveyed planned to develop other product categories (45.7%) or build up online sales channels (45.4%) in 2021. The most popular channels for those going online included proprietary websites/applications/social commerce (77.3%) and third-party e-commerce platforms (64.9%). Some respondents also indicated they used online sourcing platforms (36.1%) or online exhibitions (19.1%).

However, many exporters encountered difficulties when developing online sales, including intense competition in the e-commerce market (56.7%) and ineffective digital market strategies (52.6%), while some were not ready to take small orders (37.6%) or establish long-term relationships with buyers on a virtual basis (32.0%). Other commonly identified issues included potential cybersecurity risks (26.3%) and the need to train e-commerce staff (25.3%).

Mr Kwan said many companies now offer a basket of value-added services as a way to stay competitive in the market. The most common free service offered is product design and development (67.9%), followed by preparing trade documentation (56.6%), logistics arrangement (56.6%), facilitating the attainment of quality-certification or product-testing reports (56.6%), and managing production including outward processing and quality control (52.8%).

All major industries rebound

The HKTDC conducts the Export Index survey every quarter, interviewing 500 local exporters from six major industries including machinery, electronics, jewellery, watches and clocks, toys and clothing, to gauge business confidence in near-term export prospects. The Index indicates an optimistic or pessimistic outlook, with 50 as the dividing line.

HKTDC Economist Samantha Yim said export confidence improved across all major industries. The strongest rebound was in jewellery (42.2) and toys (44.7), which jumped 9.2 and 8.8 points respectively. Among major markets, Hong Kong exporters were relatively more confident in the United States (46.1, up 1.7 points), while Mainland China (48.0) and Japan (47.3) were on par with the last quarter. The outlook for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (45.2) and the European Union (42.9) was less promising, falling 2 and 1.1 points respectively.

“The improving export sentiment is further evident in an upward trend in the subsidiary indexes including the Trade Value Index [46.3, up 9.8 points] and Employment Index [43.2, up 1.7 points], yet the Procurement Index [33.6, down 1 point] remained subdued, suggesting exporters are worrying orders might drop in the near future,” Ms Yim said.

The HKTDC’s Research Department also conducted a series of company interviews to explore how technologies have promoted smart-city development and helped local enterprises ride out the COVID-19 challenges.

Retail industry evolves

HKTDC Economist Melissa Ho said the pandemic has accelerated the transformation of the retail industry. Technological solutions such as data analytics, the Internet of Things and sensors have played a pivotal role in enabling more effective retail management and providing better shopping experiences for consumers. Self-services/self-checkout kiosks, “try-before-you-buy” experiences powered by augmented reality (AR) technology, and the use of sensors for consumption-pattern analysis have become the “new normal” in the retail industry.

“Technology improves operational efficiency and enhances shopping experiences. It is important for retailers to keep up with the fast-paced change in customer needs and expectations by enhancing their capabilities and competitiveness through digital enablers,” she said.

Navigate COVID-19 opportunities

HKTDC Assistant Principal Economist (Global Research) Louis Chan said local companies upgrade and transform in four key areas amid the pandemic: developing new products, expanding sales channels, innovating marketing solutions and optimising work processes. He said medical and healthcare products as well as tech-related (including 5G, artificial intelligence, and AR) products emerged with the rise of “stay-at-home” economy, while the online-to-offline business model continued to grow with cross-border e-commerce becoming a new focus.

“Content marketing on social media as well as more precise and personalised marketing backed by data analysis will become the new normal. Mobile technology-aided game marketing can help companies win support from the new generation of consumers,” said Mr Chan. He noted work optimisation can be achieved by applying various technologies, citing the example that automated systems supported by robots can enhance warehouse efficiency and delivery accuracy. Cloud database, remote and machine learning technology can also help optimise logistics efficiency, improve production management and reduce risks, added Mr Chan.

References
– HKTDC Research website: http://research.hktdc.com/
– HKTDC Export Index 1Q21: Improved Exporter Sentiment in Expectation of Economic Recovery in the Year Ahead https://bit.ly/3qYc853
– Smart City Development: New Retail Experiences https://bit.ly/3eDt1j4
– Smart City Facilitators: Robotising the Food and Beverages Sector https://bit.ly/3eDta66
– Navigating COVID-19 series https://bit.ly/3rTd1NJ
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/314qxSP

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 trade publications, 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’s Communication and Public Affairs Department:
Beatrice Lam, Tel: +852 2584 4049, Email: beatrice.hy.lam@hktdc.org

14th Asian Financial Forum attracts 63,000-plus viewers

Survey shows 80% optimistic or neutral on global economy in 2021

Co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 14th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) concluded on Tuesday (1/19). Running on the theme “Reshaping the World Economic Landscape”, the two-day virtual event also featured an online poll to gauge participants’ views on the global economy and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on various sectors. This year’s AFF attracted more than 63,000 viewers from more than 70 nations and regions. To help facilitate more concrete collaboration between global investors, project owners and start-ups, the online forum included the AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking Session, with more than 700 one-on-one matchmaking meetings arranged.

The keynote speaker on the second day of the Asian Financial Forum was Stephen A Schwarzman, Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Blackstone (R). The session was chaired by Antony Leung, Group Chairman & CEO of the Nan Fung Group (L).
Nobel Laureate economist and policy entrepreneur Paul Romer (R) shared at the keynote session moderated by Raymund Chao, PwC’s Asia Pacific and China Chairman, on the first day of the AFF.


The AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking Session was moved online this year, providing one-on-one matchmaking meetings between project owners and investors, with more than 700 meetings successfully arranged. Fintech and start-up exhibitions also moved online, bringing together more than 140 local and overseas international financial institutions.

Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR, expressed his views on the outlook for Hong Kong on the second morning of the forum. “My optimism for Hong Kong is clear and compelling. It’s built on our distinctive advantages under the ‘one country, two systems’ arrangement. I’m talking about Hong Kong’s world-class financial system and the professional services prowess that supports it. To that, add the free flow of information, talent, capital and goods, in and out of Hong Kong. No less vital is our long-standing rule of law and level playing field tied to our transparent and internationally aligned regulatory system, low and simple tax regime and deep market liquidity. Put it all together, and you know why Hong Kong means business. Whatever business you’re in, whatever investment interests you may have.”

68% of respondents believe Mainland China will offer best investment return in 2021
Real-time polling conducted at various sessions during the AFF enhanced interactivity between speakers and participants and gauged their views on subjects such as global economic prospects, the region that offers the best investment return, and the challenges of sustainable development. When asked about the outlook for the global economy in 2021, 32% of respondents were optimistic, 47% were neutral, while 21% of respondents expressed pessimism, reflecting a generally not-so-pessimistic view on the overall economic outlook.

Meanwhile, 68% of respondents believed that Mainland China would be the region with the best investment return, while ASEAN ranked second (18%) and the USA third (7%). This result echoed the sharing of Nobel Laureate economist and policy entrepreneur Paul Romer in the keynote session on the first day of the AFF. Mr Romer pointed out that Asia will likely lead the way in terms of economic contribution to global GDP. He explained that while there may be changes ahead and business travel may decrease, some economic trends are firmly in place that can continue, including urbanisation. And people will want more living space as wealth increases in Asia, helping to make the region a leader in urban development.

55% expect global economic activities to take one year to return normal
While the pandemic is still hindering world economic activities, the forum responded to the theme “Reshaping the World Economic Landscape” and conducted on-site polling to gauge participants’ view on the impact of the pandemic on the global economy. The survey showed that 55% of respondents believed global economic activities would return to normal after one year, 28% believed it would happen within this year, while 17% of respondents said it would take more than two years to return to normal. When asked about their views on governments’ measures to stimulate economic recovery, 24% agreed that unemployment assistance was the most effective, followed by stimulus payments in the form of vouchers to boost local consumption (21%) and tax relief measures such as deferral of corporate income tax payments (21%). When asked about the biggest challenge faced by the banking industry in 2021, 32% of respondents said credit risk and quality, followed by cyber threats due to increasing digital banking interactions (26%).

Shift from technology to traditional businesses in second half of 2021

The impact of the pandemic and evolving international geopolitical issues have created uncertainties in the global economy. More than 60 dialogues and discussion sessions were organised at this year’s AFF, inviting more than 160 distinguished finance policymakers and business leaders to examine the market situation and share insights on the strategies to address the current financial stalemate. Stephen A Schwarzman, Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Blackstone, who last year predicted that the economy of the United States would see a V-shaped recovery, expressed the view that as demand returns in the second half of 2021 there will be higher interest rates due to inflation. He also said that technology is revolutionising the world and has “had a massive run”, after which it may fare less well this year in terms of investment return. “Conventional investing for value-oriented securities has really lagged because those companies are being disrupted, but I think there will be a rotation to some of the more traditional businesses as they recover.”

Two tech trailblazers share insights on innovation technology and business ideas
Innovation and technology are fundamentally impacting financial development and were a key focus at this year’s AFF. Two technology trailblazers – Alexis Ohanian, Co-founder of Reddit and Seven Seven Six, and Luc Julia, Co-creator of Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant – shared their insights during keynote sessions on the second day of forum. Mr Ohanian said: “There’s an interesting timing opportunity for start-ups in the right place at the right time. Travel is a good example. There is an opportunity right now if you’re building the right kind of travel business to seize a large part of the market quickly, because as the vaccine rollout continues, and as we start to beat COVID, there will be a huge appetite for things that fell to basically zero over the past year.”

700+ meetings arranged through online matchmaking sessions
The AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking Session ran on a virtual platform this year, helping to arrange 718 one-on-one meetings between project owners and investors and bringing together investors, project owners and start-ups, breaking the record for the number of companies involved. Investment projects covered areas including the Internet of Things, digital technology, healthtech, fintech, education, environment and energy, food and agriculture, infrastructure and real estate services.

This year’s AFF continued to present the Fintech Showcase, FintechHK Startup Salon, InnoVenture Salon and Global Investment Zone. More than 140 local and overseas international financial institutions, technology enterprises, start-ups and investment agencies, including Mox Bank, a start-up group from Cyberport, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks, PAO Bank and Airwallex, came together to give online presentations on the latest trends in fintech innovation and next-generation business ideas, helping industries from different parts of the world to explore investment opportunities. The HKTDC, 500 Startups and FWD Group also jointly presented the inaugural “AFF Accelerate”, an open-innovation challenge with eight start-up finalists devising insurance technology solutions to help the insurance industry recruit agents, engage prospects and solve payment problems. “Open innovation” refers to an innovation management model that promotes collaboration with external parties.

Overview of 2021 Asian Financial Forum participants’ polling results
1. With the government measures and COVID-19 vaccine in place, when do you expect global economic activity to return to normal? – Polling result
– 2Q 2021 3%
– 3Q 2021 25%
– Beyond one year 55%
– Beyond two years 15%
– Beyond five years 2%

2. Governments worldwide have rolled out relief packages in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In your view, which of the following measures is the most effective in stimulating economic recovery? – Polling result
– Monetary policy measures such as interest rate reductions 19%
– Tax relief measures such as deferral of corporate income tax payment 21%
– Moratorium on delayed debt repayments for enterprises 15%
– Unemployment assistance 24%
– Stimulus payment in form of vouchers to boost local consumption 21%

3. Which of the following would you consider as the most prominent feature of the post-pandemic economy? – Polling result
– Lower flow of global travellers 12%
– Accelerated adoption of technology in businesses 47%
– Persistently low interest rate 10%
– Deglobalisation 9%
– Rising inequality 22%

4. Global economic outlook in 2021 – Polling result
– Optimistic 32%
– Neutral 47%
– Pessimistic 21%

5. Which of the following economies/regions do you think will offer the best investment return in 2021? – Polling result
– Mainland China 68%
– ASEAN 18%
– USA 7%
– India 4%
– Others 3%

6. The biggest challenge faced by the banking industry in 2021 – Polling result
– Credit risk and quality 32%
– Cyber threats due to increasing digital banking interactions 26%
– Workforce management for a more agile and remote way of working 13%
– Customer relationship and loyalty 4%
– Political risks 25%

Websites
– Asian Financial Forum: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/aff/en/
– AFF programme: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/aff/en/s/programme
– AFF speakers: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/aff/en/speaker/main
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/3iqxHZu

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 trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.

Media enquiries:
HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department
Angel Tang, Tel: +852 2584 4544, Email: angel.hc.tang@hktdc.org
Sam Ho, Tel: +852 2584 4569, Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org
Clayton Lauw, Tel: +852 2584 4472, Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org