Asia and Pasific countries make Jakarta Declaration agreement

JAKARTA, Oct 23, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – The High-level Intergovermental Meeting on The Final Review of The Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities (HLIGM APDPD) was closed with the Jakarta Declaration agreement, which marked the start of the fourth decade of Asia and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities.

Participants of the meeting on the final Review of the Asian and Pasific Decade of Persons with Disabilities 2013-2023 in Jakarta, Friday (October 21, 2022).(ANTARA/Ministry of Social Affairs)

"Today is the last day and the high-level meeting between governments in the Asia Pacific was closed and we are making the Jakarta Declaration 2023-2032 which will be followed up by members, accelerated and implemented," said Indonesian Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini in Jakarta.

The Jakarta Declaration is expected to be able to reaffirm the commitment of the governments of Asia Pacific countries in realizing the Incheon Strategy, which was initiated ten years ago.

The Jakarta Declaration has six resolutions. One of the priority issues is the alignment of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) at the level of legislation.

According to Risma, harmonization of legislation is the toughest challenge for the Indonesian government because it has three levels of government, namely, the central government, provincial government and regency/city government.

Meanwhile, Under-Secretary-General United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, said although the implementation of the CRPD making progress, people with disabilities in the Asia Pacific region face obstacles in education, work, decision making, and many other aspects.

Therefore he invites UNESCAP members to strengthen new partnerships with disability organizations, the private sector, United Nations entities and the others to create a comprehensive community approach.

Armida hopes that people with disabilities can participate in all policies and programs related to disability actively and significantly, in line with the spirit of 'nothing without us about us'.

HLIGM APDPD was held on a hybrid basis during 19 – 21 October 2022 and was attended by delegates from 53 member states, 9 association member, observer countries, UN agencies, and civil society organizations.

See the original article: https://en.antaranews.com/news/256377/
Written by: PR Wire, Editor: PR Wire (c) ANTARA 2022

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Jonathan Di Bella Wins Vacant ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Title With Unanimous Decision Over Zhang Peimian

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – ONE Championship(TM) (ONE) returned to the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with ONE 162: Zhang vs. Di Bella. The card featured a series of all-striking and MMA matchups along with a battle for the ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Title.

Zhang Peimian and Jonathan Di Bella [L-R]

ONE Championship, in partnership with leading premium lifestyle and luxury performance brand TUMI, presented the prestigious ONE World Title belt to the World Champion.

ONE 162: Zhang vs. Di Bella Photo Gallery https://tinyurl.com/4nspeasm
Jonathan Di Bella ONE 162 Post-Fight Interview https://tinyurl.com/mr3sps5v

In the main event, ONE Championship newcomer Jonathan Di Bella scored an impressive unanimous decision victory over Chinese teen phenom Zhang Peimian to capture the vacant ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Title.

Di Bella came out of the gates firing, putting the pressure on Zhang who retreated toward the Circle Wall. As the undefeated Italian-Canadian star pressed on, "Fighting Rooster" opted to lay back and counter, attacking with a myriad of leg kicks. However, Di Bella blitzed Zhang with quick and powerful punching combinations to keep the Chinese fighter honest.

The bout was close leading up to the fifth and final round, but Di Bella pulled away when he connected with a dramatic left head kick that sent Zhang crashing to the canvas. With the 19-year-old on unsteady footing, Di Bella tried to close the show, but both men reached the final bell.

In the co-main event, fifth-ranked flyweight contender and BJJ black belt Reece McLaren put on a striking clinic against Windson Ramos, showcasing a facet of his game that's been continually improving since be began training under Muay Thai legend John Wayne Parr. The 31-year-old from Australia found a home for his straight right hand on Ramos' chin, hurting the Brazilian repeatedly with the same shot. McLaren dominated the striking exchanges throughout, and with Ramos unable to answer the bell for the third round, "Lightning" secured the technical knockout victory.

Constantin Rusu scored his second straight win in the Circle, besting former ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Title challenger Islam Murtazaev. Rusu was persistent with his offense, pushing the pace against a more timid Murtazaev, who just couldn't find his rhythm. The Moldovian-Russian's unending pressure and activity was enough to earn him the nod from all three judges, as he outworked Murtazaev across three rounds.

Fourth-ranked strawweight contender Gustavo Balart took out former ONE Strawweight World Champion Alex Silva in a closely contested three-round catchweight contest. Silva, a multiple-time BJJ World Champion, took matters to the canvas early, where he had the advantage in the grappling department. The 40-year-old veteran was constantly on the attack with a variety of submissions, but Balart showcased excellent defense on the mat. On the feet, the Cuban connected with a series of clean strikes, highlighted by an overhand left that often hit the mark throughout the contest. In the end, judges saw the bout in favor of Balart to win by split decision. It is his second straight victory over a former ONE Strawweight World Champion after beating Yosuke Saruta last time out.

Former ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Title challenger Jimmy Vienot took care of business against Niclas Larsen in a heated all-striking battle. Third-ranked contender Vienot was sharp to start the fight, forcing #5-ranked Larsen on the back foot with pinpoint combinations. A cut opened up above Vienot's left eye in the second round, and Larsen turned up the pressure. But as the Danish fighter went on the attack, Vienot regained control in the third and came away with a unanimous decision for his efforts.

Eko Roni Saputra continued his stunning run in the flyweight MMA division, dominating Yodkaikaew Fairtex and then submitting the Thai with a heel hook in the first round. Saputra closed the distance immediately at the sound of the opening bell and successfully took Yodkaikaew to the mat. On the ground, Saputra went to work, locking in the submission just past the two-minute mark to force the tap. It was the Indonesian phenom's seventh straight victory, all coming via first-round finish. Saputra earned a US$50,000 bonus for his performance.

READ: Saputra And McLaren Dominate, Balart Topples Silva In MMA Action At ONE 162 https://tinyurl.com/yc8mu7v7
READ: Rusu, Vienot, Puric Emerge Victorious In All-Striking Action At ONE 162 https://tinyurl.com/35kvapb9

Performance bonus winner: Eko Roni Saputra (US$50,000)

MAIN CARD
Kickboxing – Strawweight: Jonathan Di Bella def. Zhang Peimian via Unanimous Decision
MMA – Flyweight: Reece McLaren def. Windson Ramos via TKO at 5:00 of R2
Kickboxing – Catchweight (173.25 lbs): Constantin Rusu def. Islam Murtazaev via Unanimous Decision
MMA – Catchweight (130.75 lbs): Gustavo Balart def. Alex Silva via Split Decision
Muay Thai – Featherweight: Jimmy Vienot def. Niclas Larsen via Unanimous Decision
MMA – Flyweight: Eko Roni Saputra def. Yodkaikaew Fairtex via Submission (Heel Hook) at 2:16 of R1

LEAD CARD
MMA – Bantamweight: Artem Belakh def. Leandro Issa via Unanimous Decision
Muay Thai – Catchweight (137.5 lbs): Denis Puric def. Tagir Khalilov via Unanimous Decision
MMA – Welterweight: Ruslan Emilbek Uulu def. Ben Wilhelm via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) at 4:58 of R1

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About ONE Championship(TM)

ONE is the world's largest martial arts organization, ranking among the world's top five sports properties for viewership and engagement with a cumulative reach of over 400 million fans, according to Nielsen. ONE produces and distributes world-class events across more than 150 countries, featuring martial artists and World Champions from over 80 nations and all styles of martial arts including MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and more. ONE can be viewed on many of the largest global free-to-air and digital broadcasters, including Prime Video Sports, ELEVEN Sports, Star Sports, Beijing TV, iQIYI, One Sports, Abema, IB, NET TV, Vidio, Startimes, Mediapro, Thairath TV, VieOn, Skynet, Mediacorp, Spark Sport, Match TV, Dubai Sports, RedeTV and more.

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ONERHT launches accelerator programme Rebel Labs at the 8th RHT CABA ASEAN Summit

SINGAPORE, Oct 20, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – ONERHT has launched Rebel Labs at the 8th RHT CABA ASEAN Summit becoming one of the first homegrown professional services organisation to launch an accelerator programme to incubate creative ideas, business models, and solutions to current industry challenges.

Rebel Labs entered into a MoU with its global partners to offer an integrated offering throughout the start-up lifecycle during its launch at the 8th RHT CABA ASEAN Summit

Rebel Labs will leverage ONERHT's integrated multidisciplinary platform of professional services, comprising experts from across RHTLaw Asia and the RHT Group of Companies, to help aspiring founders and early-stage entrepreneurs scale their vision into thriving businesses.

Presented virtually by RHTLaw Asia, RHT Group of Companies and the China-ASEAN Business Alliance, the Summit's theme is "Opportunities and Growth Drivers in ASEAN's Post-Pandemic Landscape amidst Geopolitical Uncertainties."

Panellists including Dr Leo Suryadinata, Visiting Senior Fellow, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, examined macroeconomic growth and risk in the region, new opportunities in the green economy, dispute resolution across China & ASEAN, and the rise of ASEAN's digital economy.

Speaking at the launch of Rebel Labs, Mr Victor Tay, Group Chief Executive Officer of RHT Consulting Asia, said, "Through Rebel Labs, ONERHT will take control of the narratives in the disruptive landscape. Entrepreneurs and startups can realise their aspirations through ONERHT's multidisciplinary platform of professional services to co-create ideas, mould minimal viable products, reconfigure business models, access global markets, raise funds and seek public listing."

Through Rebel Labs' strategic partnerships, incubatees will have access to mentors from 18 markets across the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, Israel, South Africa, China and ASEAN member states.

Mr Azman Jaafar, Managing Partner of RHTLaw Asia, said, "It takes fierce determination for aspiring founders to rebel against the status quo, reimagining the future shaped by their vision. To help start-ups in the region, ONERHT is launching Rebel Labs, an accelerator programme to incubate disruptive technologies including legal technology, environmental technologies, and the metaverse."

RHTLaw Asia's full legal service capabilities, with presence in 16 jurisdictions through its ASEAN Plus Group, will help aspiring founders overcome the hurdles of regulatory challenges while scaling from ideation to maturity across the region.

During the Summit, Rebel Labs entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with its global partners to offer an integrated offering throughout the start-up lifecycle, from mentoring and fundraising to scaling and listing. These partners include MIW (Israel), Fvtura (Italy, Netherlands, UAE), Founders Foundry (US, UK, South Africa), the China-ASEAN Business Alliance, Singapore Digital Chamber of Commerce and Enjinstarter (metaverse) and The Next Level (entrepreneurship programmes).

About ONERHT

The ONERHT Universe is an integrated multidisciplinary platform of professional services. Collaborating as ONE, we seek to be a beacon of growth for our clients, stakeholders and communities, empowering them to achieve purposeful growth in Asia and beyond. RHTLaw Asia LLP is a Singapore law practice registered as a limited liability law partnership in Singapore. A leading full-service firm with industry focus, it has presence in 16 jurisdictions through the ASEAN Plus Group. In delivering innovative legal and commercial solutions, it collaborates with ONERHT through entities which are not affiliates, branches or subsidiaries of RHTLaw Asia LLP. For more information, please visit www.onerht.com and https://www.the-rebel-labs.com/

Issued on behalf of ONERHT
By Waterbrooks Consultants https://www.waterbrooks.com.sg/

For media enquiries, please contact:
Elliot Siow
+65 8375 0417
elliot@waterbrooks.com.sg

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Minister of Social Affairs Conveys Strong Commitment and Real Steps for Indonesia to Fulfill the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

JAKARTA, Oct 20, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – The High-Level Intergovermental Meeting on the Final Review of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities (HLIGM-FRPD), has started this morning at Fairmont Hotel, Jakarta, Wednesday (19/10). The meeting took place hybrid from 19 to 21 October, and attended by 53 member states of the United Nations of Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and 9 associated members.

Representing the President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo, the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy was present to open the meeting officially. In his speech, Muhadjir emphasized the commitment and strong support of Indonesian government in fulfilling and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. "This can be seen in the implementation of policies and programs related to the persons with disabilities," said Muhadjir Effendy.

On her keynote speech, Executive Secretary of UNESCAP and Under Secretary General of the UN, Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana expressed her appreciation to Indonesian government for organizing this event, especially for the Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini.

Armida stated that the aims of this conference were to review, assess the progress of the Incheon strategy implementation, after 10 years. The second, to build on the commitment of ESCAP members to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities, including access to inclusive public transportation and social rehabilitation efforts that have been carried out.

The third aim is to make some recommendations of future plans that mark the 4th decade of 2023 to 2032 which will be formulated as the Jakarta Declaration.

On the same occasion, Social Affairs Minister Risma delivered a country statement, emphasizing that Indonesian government has taken concrete steps in fulfilling and protecting disability rights, as evidenced by the issuance of Law No. 8/2016 on Persons with Disabilities.

"With this provision, it marks an important movement in Indonesia from placing persons with disabilities as objects of assistance recipients, to becoming subjects who have rights and are actively involved in making decisions related to their own needs," said the Minister of Social Affairs.

Implementation and Evaluation of Respect, Protection and Fulfillment of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the national and regional levels, the government also prioritizes persons with disabilities in a policy for a period of 25 years or known as the National Master Plan for Persons with Disabilities, followed by the National Action Plan on Human Rights.

Government Regulation 70 of 2019 on planning, implementation and evaluation of respect, protection and fulfillment of the rights of persons with disabilities.

"Recently, Indonesia also passed Law No. 12 of 2022 on the Crime of Sexual Violence as legal protection for women and children from all forms of sexual violence with a 1/3 heavier penalty if the victim is a person with a disability," said Risma.

To further empower and protect persons with disabilities and create an inclusive society, Indonesia launched Indonesia Visualize, Indonesia Hear, and Indonesia Take Steps programs. "Through these programs, accessibility and mobility tools are distributed and cataract surgery and physical therapy are carried out by campaigns to raise awareness in inclusion and capacity building," said Minister Risma.

In 2021, the Ministry of Social Affairs has distributed 6,581 units of assistive devices, consisting of 757 units of electric wheelchairs, 354 units of commercial tricycle motorbikes, 5,420 units of adaptive sticks, and 50 units of blind water sensors. "Meanwhile, in 2022, it is targeted that 10,000 aid tools can be distributed," added the Minister.

The Government of Indonesia is also increasing its commitment through patented innovations and assistive technology technologies such as the Smart Blind Stick, and incorporating the values of gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) into its universal designs.

In her statement, the Minister of Social Affairs also emphasized Indonesia's commitment and concrete steps in overcoming stocks. In response to the high prevalence of stocks for persons with disabilities, several efforts have been made, including enforcing laws that prohibit stocks and educating families and communities.

To protect persons with disabilities from the COVID 19 pandemic, the government launched protection programs such as Family Hope Program (PKH), Conditional Cash Assistance, ATENSI program, food assistance, health insurance, house renovation for the elderly with disabilities and other inclusive social assistance.

Protection against natural disasters, the government formulates regulations on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) that are inclusive at the national and regional levels. "Some of the best practices of disability-inclusive DRR can be seen from Disaster Preparedness Village and Disaster Resilient Village Program, which involves persons with disabilities as disaster volunteers such as Difagana (Disaster Voluntary Workers with Disabilities) and the formulation of technical guidelines for disaster management in sign language for the deaf," said Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini.

To increase economic independence, Indonesia strengthens skills development, entrepreneurship training and provides accessibility/mobility tools needed by persons with disabilities to carry out their entrepreneurial activities.

"In addition, access to employment opportunities is also enhanced through the Inclusive Public-Private Partnership. It is proven that there has been an increase in income from social-inclusive entrepreneurial activities for persons with disabilities," she said.

Indonesia recognizes that there are still a lot of work to do. Next, it will focus on improving the monitoring and evaluation of measurable-based policies and programs, roadmaps to adaptive social protection, more accountable disaggregated data, meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in DRR and economic empowerment, and global partnerships in humanitarian nexuses.

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ARMA International and RIMPA Global Announce Formation of an International Consortium to be Voice of Information Governance Globally

Nashville, TN, Oct 19, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – This past April ARMA International announced a Global Partnership with the Records and Information Management Professionals Australasia (RIMPA Global), the longest serving peak body for industry practitioners in the southern hemisphere to better serve the information management profession worldwide. The global partnership between these two leading worldwide organizations provides many benefits to their collective 7,000 members who now have the opportunity for joint membership in both organizations; access to reciprocal resources including communities and professional development, education, and certifications; and advocacy for the information management and information governance profession. Together the two organizations are working together to provide a unique perspective on global information issues.

"Through this relationship we have begun the formation of an international consortium to be voice of information governance globally. This new body is vital to Advocate for the industry and Build a Global Community for the Information Management Profession. By bolstering thought leadership, supporting the career advancement of information professionals by establishing standards and increased awareness; and establishing this global community bolstered by strong partnerships, we will move the industry forward and achieve together, what we cannot apart," explained Nathan Hughes, Executive Director, ARMA International.

The two organizations have already begun collaborating. Nathan Hughes, Executive Director of ARMA and Wendy McLain, President of ARMA attended the RIMPA Live 2022 Convention, in June in Canberra, Australia, and participate in meetings with the RIMPA Global Board. Anne Cornish, Chief Executive Officer of RIMPA Global and Thomas Kaufhold, Chair of the Board of RIMPA Global attended ARMA's InfoCon 2022, held this week in Nashville, TN, and participated in meetings with the ARMA Board.

ARMA International (www.arma.org), formed in 1955, is the world's leading membership organization serving almost 5,000 professionals who manage and govern information in 52 countries. Members represent the community of records management, information management, and information governance professionals who harness the benefits and reduce the risks of information. ARMA provides information professionals with the resources, tools, and training they need to effectively manage records and information within an established information governance framework. Works that are associated with the framework include the Principles, the Information Governance Maturity Model and the Information Governance Body of Knowledge (IGBOK). ARMA recognizes professionals who have mastered these concepts through the Information Governance Professional (IGP) Certification.

The Records and Information Management Professionals Australasia (RIMPA Global) (www.rimpa.com.au/) established in 1969, represents over 2,000 professionals and organizations in the private sector, Commonwealth, Federal, State and Local Governments. RIMPA Global has active Branches and Chapters operating in all states and territories across Australia and New Zealand. RIMPA Global is the longest serving peak body for industry practitioners in the southern hemisphere and actively promotes best practice, sets industry standards and fosters professional development across all business sectors and educational institutions. Through its international partnerships with other peak bodies, RIMPA Global provides its members with access to an accomplished framework of professional associations. RIMPA Global has strategic alliances with the Information Governance ANZ, Institute of Managers and Leaders (IML), Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), Australian Society of Archivist (ASA) and Leadership Through Data.

For further information, contact:
Amy Riemer, Media Relations Representative
978-475-4441 (office) or 978-502-4895 (cell)
amy@riemercommunications.com

SOURCE: ARMA International

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

HKTDC welcomes ground-breaking measures in 2022 Policy Address

HONG KONG, Oct 19, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) welcomes the Policy Address announced by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu today, and believes the proposed ground-breaking and wide-ranging policies can help drive Hong Kong's long-term development while resolving some of its pressing issues.

Dr Peter KN Lam, Chairman, Hong Kong Trade Development Council said, "The Policy Address clearly sets forth strategic priorities to ensure Hong Kong's growth by defining the city's role in supporting and leveraging the development of the mainland, especially the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) while contributing to global initiatives in innovation and technology, healthcare and environmental protection. The new structures and resources in coordinating infrastructure, economic, social and youth development as well as sector synergy will also create sustained momentum for Hong Kong. At the same time, policies to support SMEs, attract talent, encourage investment and tackle social issues will help resolve some of the immediate problems we are facing.

"I am particularly pleased that the Chief Executive has taken into account the suggestions of the business community on supporting SMEs and revitalising Hong Kong's position as an international trade fair and convention capital." Dr Lam added. These include the expansion of exhibition space and the extension of the "Convention and Exhibition Industry Subsidy Scheme to the end of June 2023. Hong Kong companies will also benefit from the higher level of government funding support in the "Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund)" and the "SME Export Marketing Fund," the latter also includes an extension of special measures covering virtual fairs and local consumer fairs and expansion of eligibility to cover non-SMEs. Dr Lam also welcomes the new support scheme to attract other exhibitions to be staged in Hong Kong over three years.

Dr Lam also welcomed policies to boost the growth of specific sectors such as technology and innovation, art and culture and intellectual property (IP) to help diversify Hong Kong's economy while opening up opportunities, especially in the GBA and mainland market and Belt and Road countries.

"Our full range of fairs, conferences and programmes are ready to support Hong Kong's economic sectors, from finance, aviation and logistics, legal services to technology and innovation, art and culture and IP, for which our Business of Intellectual Property Asia Forum (BIP Asia) and Asia IP Exchange portal will support Hong Kong's development into a regional IP trading and commercialisation hub. In addition, we will work with the Hong Kong SAR Government and Hong Kong family of organisations to promote Hong Kong's strengths overseas. Through our global network of 50 offices, support programmes such as GoGBA, and major international promotional events such as Think Business, Think Hong Kong, we will promote Hong Kong to the world and create opportunities for the local, mainland and global business community."

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 and Public Affairs Department:
Sunny Ng, Tel: +852 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org
Sam Ho, Tel: +852 2584 4569, Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

HKTDC’s five autumn technology fairs conclude

HONG KONG, Oct 16, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – The physical elements of the five autumn technology fairs organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) drew to a successful conclusion today. The four-day exhibition attracted more than 9,800 buyers to attend the fairs in person at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to view products and discuss business opportunities.

The physical elements of the five autumn technology fairs organised by HKTDC, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, drew to a successful conclusion today.

The Symposium on Innovation & Technology invited industry experts to examine the latest tech development trends.

The So French So Innovative pavilion organised a series of seminars themed "French Eye-Fresh Eye – Towards a Sustainable Future".

This year's fairs adopted the HKTDC's new EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, with the Click2Match platform providing a smart business-matching function to help build connections between exhibitors, buyers and industry professionals worldwide. As of today, the HKTDC has arranged more than 3,000 business-meeting sessions through Click2Match while over 10,000 buyers have browsed products and made business connections via the five fairs' online platforms. Click2Match will remain active until 23 October for the five fairs.

Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said, "The five autumn technology fairs featured more than 1,100 exhibitors, over 340 of which are online exhibitors from Mainland China and overseas, showcasing numerous creative ideas, smart products and innovative solutions that can benefit Hong Kong's future development. The fairs were the first business-to-business (B2B) exhibitions held following the Hong Kong government's implementation of the '0+3' quarantine arrangement and we were delighted to see some of the international buyers gradually returning to our physical events. The HKTDC will continue to provide comprehensive support to Hong Kong's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), assisting them to connect with global buyers and capitalise on post-pandemic business opportunities."

She added: "The HKTDC will launch an international innovation and technology (I&T) promotion campaign on a larger scale next April. The goal is to further promote Hong Kong's technological development and the complementary advantages of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area industrial chain, contributing to the city's transformation into an international I&T hub."

Industry more optimistic regarding medium-term outlook for I&T sector

The HKTDC conducted an on-site survey during the fairs to understand exhibitors' and buyers' views on the outlook for the I&T sector and what they expect the major trends to be. The survey found that 35% of respondents expected product sales will increase in the next six to 12 months, while 47% anticipated that sales will remain unchanged. Respondents were more optimistic about market conditions in the medium term; 46% expected that sales of their products will increase in the next one to two years, while 42% believed sales will remain unchanged.

The rapid development of technologies presents enormous business opportunities. More than 70% of those surveyed expected that the smart lighting market will present ideal market potential in the coming two years, while 60% saw robotics offering the best growth prospects. As for the application of robots, most respondents believed their use in the medical field has the greatest potential, including for surgery and rehabilitation.

Demand for smart products continues to grow

Presented under the theme "Innovations for Better Living", the five autumn technology fairs brought together exhibitors and industry professionals from across the globe, offering Hong Kong's start-ups an important platform to showcase their I&T solutions and generate business opportunities. Stang Limited, a Hong Kong start-up joining the HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) for the first time, featured its Qoolmate, an ice pack incorporated with a thermal thick film integrated circuit. Sidney Tang, the company's project manager, said they had met more than 100 potential buyers from Hong Kong, Europe, Japan, Korea, Mainland China and the United States through the fair. He revealed that one Japanese buyer will order 500 sets of Qoolmate once Stang has obtained the necessary safety certifications from authorities in different regions.

Five fairs assemble top-notch technologies, attracting global buyers to source onsite

Following the implementation of the "0+3" quarantine arrangements, overseas visitors with an Amber Code are able to participate in B2B exhibitions in Hong Kong during their three days of medical surveillance. The five autumn fairs welcomed buyers from India, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Poland and Thailand, among other countries and regions, to source at the fairground. Przemyslaw Kowalczyk, a buyer at Polish company LEDIN Sp. z o.o., said he was able to return to the HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) thanks to the HKTDC's support. "I am pleased to have a chance to visit the fair again this year. I have found two potential suppliers of tri-proof lights and garden lights. I plan to do business with one of the suppliers and place an order for US$1 million worth of tri-proof lights next year."

Smart business-matching platform builds global opportunities

The five autumn technology fairs all adopted the new EXHIBITION+ hybrid model that combines four key exhibition elements, including HKTDC-organised physical fairs, the smart business-matching platform Click2Match, online-to-offline seminars under the Intelligence Hub, and the hktdc.com Sourcing platform. LED Lighting & Energy Storage Systems, an importer of commercial and industrial lighting from the US, was looking to develop partnerships with new suppliers through the fairs in order to offer quality lighting solutions to its customers.

Jorge E Cruz, the company's representative, said he found six or seven potential business partners supplying smart lighting solutions, landscape lighting and smart downlights at the physical Autumn Lighting Fair and the HKTDC Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo. He plans to place orders with three potential suppliers. "The online meetings arranged through the HKTDC's Click2Match platform provided a good option for me to meet with suppliers that are not participating in the physical fairs. I will have online meetings with six suppliers after the physical fairs," Mr Cruz said.

Nearly 50 content-rich events were held during the fairs, including the Symposium on Innovation & Technology, the Hong Kong Electronic Forum and seminars held by the So French So Innovative pavilion and the B4B Challenge pavilion respectively, with visitors keen to participate. Industry professionals can watch videos of the events through the fair websites.

Following on from the five autumn fairs, the HKTDC will coordinate the first edition of International Healthcare Week in November to promote medical technologies, with two flagship events: the HKTDC Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair 2022 (9 to 11 November for the physical fair) and the Asia Summit on Global Health 2022 (10 and 11 November). The objectives are to spur industry exchange and generate business opportunities in this increasingly important sector.

*The five autumn technology fairs are the HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition), electronicAsia (organised by the HKTDC and MMI Asia Pte Ltd), HKTDC International ICT Expo, HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) and HKTDC Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo.

Websites
– Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition): https://hkelectronicsfairae.hktdc.com
– electronicAsia: www.electronicasia.com
– International ICT Expo: https://ictexpo.hktdc.com
– Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition): https://hklightingfairae.hktdc.com
– Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo: https://hkotlexpo.hktdc.com
– Highlight product lists: https://bit.ly/3rc6pLp
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/3MDOVSo

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:
Snowy Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4537, Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org
Frankie Leung, Tel: +852 2584 4298, Email: frankie.cy.leung@hktdc.org

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

InvestHK’s Investment Promotion Week aims to lift foreign companies’ awareness of Hong Kong’s business opportunities

HONG KONG, Oct 14, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Invest Hong Kong of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will launch a series of themed seminars to provide foreign companies and business chambers with the latest updates about the city's dynamic business environment, enduring global hub status and business opportunities arising from growing ties with the Mainland.

As part of the official celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the five-day Investment Promotion Week will run in a hybrid format from October 17 to 21 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and online. It will feature five thematic days – Financial Services/Business Professional Services/FinTech, Innovation and Technology, Lifestyle and Creative Industries, Startup – Sustainable Futures, and the Greater Bay Area – with over 120 speakers sharing insights and experiences in their respective areas.

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, are offering full support for the event and hope it will reinforce foreign investors' understanding of the city's enduring business advantages and highlight the new and emerging business opportunities.

Mr Lee said, "Hong Kong is the world's freest economy and an international financial, trading and shipping centre. We are always welcoming companies and investors from all over the world. With the full support of the Central Government, as well as the plentiful opportunities under such national strategies as the National 14th Five-Year Plan and the Greater Bay Area development, Hong Kong is the best choice for b usiness operations and expansion plans."

Mr Chan said, "Under 'one country, two systems', Hong Kong has a distinctive status and advantages: we have unparalleled and privileged access to the Mainland market, while remaining a free and open market economy with the common law system. And moreover, the HKSAR Government is committed to creating a strong impetus for economic development, by combining the strengths of a proactive government and an efficient market. We are sure that businesses from all over the world will be able to tap the vast opportunities Hong Kong and the Mainland offer."

The Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Stephen Phillips, said, "This is a week not to be missed for those who want to learn about the key trends shaping global investment and how Hong Kong can help in capturing these opportunities. Participants will gain first-hand insights and pragmatic advice in all these important areas where we are witnessing tremendous growth – not only in Hong Kong, but in Mainland China and the region as a whole."

For more details of Investment Promotion Week, visit www.investhk.gov.hk/en/investment-promotion-week.html.

About Invest Hong Kong

Invest Hong Kong is the department of the HKSAR Government responsible for attracting foreign direct investment and supporting overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services for overseas and Mainland companies. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

InvestHK’s Investment Promotion Week aims to lift foreign companies’ awareness of Hong Kong’s business opportunities

HONG KONG, Oct 14, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Invest Hong Kong will launch a series of themed seminars to provide foreign companies and business chambers with the latest updates about the city's dynamic business environment, enduring global hub status and business opportunities arising from growing ties with the Mainland.

As part of the official celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the five-day Investment Promotion Week will run in a hybrid format from October 17 to 21 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and online. It will feature five thematic days – Financial Services/Business Professional Services/FinTech, Innovation and Technology, Lifestyle and Creative Industries, Startup – Sustainable Futures, and the Greater Bay Area – with over 120 speakers sharing insights and experiences in their respective areas.

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, are offering full support for the event and hope it will reinforce foreign investors' understanding of the city's enduring business advantages and highlight the new and emerging business opportunities.

Mr Lee said, "Hong Kong is the world's freest economy and an international financial, trading and shipping centre. We are always welcoming companies and investors from all over the world. With the full support of the Central Government, as well as the plentiful opportunities under such national strategies as the National 14th Five-Year Plan and the Greater Bay Area development, Hong Kong is the best choice for b usiness operations and expansion plans."

Mr Chan said, "Under 'one country, two systems', Hong Kong has a distinctive status and advantages: we have unparalleled and privileged access to the Mainland market, while remaining a free and open market economy with the common law system. And moreover, the HKSAR Government is committed to creating a strong impetus for economic development, by combining the strengths of a proactive government and an efficient market. We are sure that businesses from all over the world will be able to tap the vast opportunities Hong Kong and the Mainland offer."

The Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Stephen Phillips, said, "This is a week not to be missed for those who want to learn about the key trends shaping global investment and how Hong Kong can help in capturing these opportunities. Participants will gain first-hand insights and pragmatic advice in all these important areas where we are witnessing tremendous growth – not only in Hong Kong, but in Mainland China and the region as a whole."

For more details of Investment Promotion Week, visit www.investhk.gov.hk/en/investment-promotion-week.html.

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Samaiden Group Signs Partnership Agreement with Taiwan-based Monitoring Solution Provider Thingnario

PETALING JAYA, Malaysia, Oct 14, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Samaiden Group Berhad (Bursa: SAMAIDEN, 0223), a clean energy solution specialist principally involved in engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC) of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and power, is pleased to announce that the Group's wholly-owned subsidiary, Samaiden Sdn Bhd, has signed a partnership agreement with Thingnario Ltd. today, to explore the opportunity in providing telemetry monitoring system support to the Renewable Energy (RE) as well as the Energy Efficiency (EE) businesses of Samaiden Group within Malaysia.

Mr. Fong Yeng Foon，Executive Director of Samaiden Group Berhad; IR Chow Pui Hee, Group Managing Director of Samaiden Group Berhad; Mr. Andy Hong Min Ping, Regional Manager, South Asia, of Thingnario Ltd; Mr. Lin Han Ting, Regional Manager, South Asia, of Thingnario Ltd [L-R]

Artificial Intelligence (AI) based system provider, Thingnario, is a company founded in 2016 and headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. It owns the "Photon" intelligent solar monitoring system that has successfully served 3,500 sites with an aggregate capacity of 1.5GW across 10 countries in 2022.

Group Managing Director of Samaiden, Ir. Chow Pui Hee said, "We're looking forward to the collaboration with Thingnario for the excellence it gives to our Operation and Maintenance (O&M) works. As part of the Group's digitalisation plan, we strongly believe the support from Thingnario can facilitate our transformation in this area smoothly. We're very optimistic that we can provide effective and efficient solutions to our customers for performance optimisation and improve their return of investment."

Chief Operating Officer of Thingnario, William Kao said, "We are looking forward to working with Samaiden to provide businesses with a technology that can help them manage plant operations and maintenance more efficiently without the hassle. More importantly, we are confident that our software will play a vital role in addressing Samaiden's needs in a world where AI, Internet of Things and machine learning is assisting in every aspect of business and life."

In order to align the direction of the Group, Samaiden recently launched the Samaiden Energy Efficiency Solutions named "SEE" Solutions in conjunction with the International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (IGEM) event held from 12-14 October 2022 at KLCC Convention Centre as the Group embarks on its Energy Efficiency business. SEE Solutions is a program mainly focusing on energy saving measures to reduce the electricity consumption by the commercial & industrial owners. SEE Solutions consists of two pillars of solutions which are Energy Assessment and Energy Optimisation. The purpose is to assist business owners to identify the major and minor consumption in their premises. By unlocking the awareness on energy consumption, the potential energy savings in premises will also be unlocked via implementation of the SEE Solutions.

Samaiden Group Berhad: 0223 [BURSA: SAMAIDEN], https://samaiden.com.my/

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com