Society Pass Inc (Nasdaq: SOPA) Announces Plans to Spinout Two Profitable Business Units Into New Publicly-Traded Companies via Nasdaq IPOs in 2024

NEW YORK, Oct 10, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Society Pass Inc. (Nasdaq: SOPA) (“SoPa” or the “Company”), Southeast Asia’s (“SEA”) next generation, data-driven, loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem, announces that its Board of Directors, together with its financial and legal advisors, have evaluated a comprehensive range of strategic restructuring options to unlock shareholder value. As a result of these discussions, SoPa will pursue a spinout and initial public offering on Nasdaq in 2024 for its digital advertising ecosystem, Thoughtful Media Group Inc (“TMG”), and for its online travel platform, NusaTrip Inc (“NusaTrip”).

Thailand-based TMG, the premier digital advertising network in SEA, operates in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Philippines and connects advertisers/brands/merchants with over 10,000 influencers to targeted audiences in SEA via its social media-focused advertising ecosystem. TMG delivers significant returns on investment on advertising spend for its clients by more efficiently and effectively generating additional revenues across thousands of creator channels in industries such as fashion & beauty, lifestyle, video games, cooking, automotive, travel, luxury, and sports.

Nusatrip, a leading Indonesia-based online travel agency, offers a comprehensive range of airlines and hotels on its travel platform for corporate and retail customers across SEA. With its first mover advantage, NusaTrip has onboarded over 1.2 million registered users, over 500 airlines and over 650,000 hotels around the world as well as connected with over 80 million unique visitors. Initially only focused on the Indonesian market, NusaTrip has expanded to other SEA countries to become a first-choice travel provider throughout SEA.

SoPa believes that its separately-traded TMG and NusaTrip subsidiaries will increase SoPa shareholder value as investors can more clearly evaluate the performance and future potential of these profitable businesses on a standalone basis, whilst allowing each business to pursue its own distinct strategy and capital allocation policy. Both TMG and NusaTrip are managed by separate executive teams.

“We believe that separating and listing our principal businesses in 2024 will improve our ability to unlock hidden value for all our stakeholders,” says Raynauld Liang, the Chief Executive Officer of SoPa. “Both TMG and NusaTrip are profitable and have large and growing market opportunities. This new proposed group structure will further increase both their operational agility and ability to focus on delivering exceptional solutions to their customers.”

Mr. Liang further notes, “SoPa’s actions follow the leads of both Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and Kellogg’s (K) spinning out operating subsidiaries and we plan on having the same success.”

About Society Pass Inc.

Founded in 2018 as a data-driven loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem in the fast-growing markets of Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, which account for more than 80% of the SEA population, and with offices located in Angeles, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Manila, and Singapore, Society Pass Incorporated (Nasdaq: SOPA) is an acquisition-focused holding company operating 6 interconnected verticals (loyalty, digital media, travel, telecoms, lifestyle, and F&B), which seamlessly connects millions of registered consumers and hundreds of thousands of registered merchants/brands across multiple product and service categories throughout SEA.

Society Pass completed an initial public offering and began trading on Nasdaq under the ticker SOPA in November 2021.

SoPa acquires fast growing e-commerce companies and expands its user base across a robust product and service ecosystem. SoPa integrates these complementary businesses through its signature Society Pass fintech platform and circulation of its universal loyalty points or Society Points, which has entered beta testing and is expected to launch broadly at the beginning of 2023. Society Pass loyalty program members earn and redeem Society Points and receive personalised promotions based on SoPa’s data capabilities and understanding of consumer shopping behaviour. SoPa has amassed more than 3.6 million registered consumers and over 650,000 registered merchants and brands. For the past 2+ years, it has invested in building proprietary IT architecture to effectively scale and support its consumers, merchants, and acquisitions.

Society Pass leverages technology to tailor a more personalised experience for customers in the purchase journey and to transform the entire retail value chain in SEA. SoPa operates Thoughtful Media Group, a Thailand-based, a social commerce-focused, premium digital video multi-platform network; NusaTrip, a leading Indonesia-based Online Travel Agency; VLeisure, Vietnam’s leading provider of hotel management and payment solutions; Gorilla Global, a Singapore-based, mobile network operator; Leflair.com, Vietnam’s leading lifestyle e-commerce platform; and NextGen Retail, a Indonesia-based e-commerce platform.

For more information on Society Pass, please visit:
Website at https://www.thesocietypass.com or
LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/societypass or
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thesocietypass or
Twitter at https://twitter.com/society_pass or
Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/societypass/.

About Thoughtful Media Group Inc.

Founded in 2010, Thoughtful Media Group is the leading digital advertising platform in SEA. Through our network of more than 10,000 talented creators across multiple industries in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Philippines, we help brands maximise marketing budgets and achieve business objectives through some of the most innovative marketing campaigns in the region.

In July 2022, Society Pass (Nasdaq: SOPA), the next generation acquisition-focused fintech and e-commerce ecosystem in SEA, acquired Thoughtful Media Group Inc. Since then, TMG has evolved into a digital-first and fully integrated advertising powerhouse, servicing creators and advertisers in SEA.

For more information on TMG, please visit:
Website at www.thoughtfulmedia.com or
LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/thoughtful-media-group-inc or
Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thoughtfulmedia/ or
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thoughtfulmediaasia or
Twitter at https://twitter.com/ThoughtfulMedia.

About NusaTrip

Founded in 2013, NusaTrip is a Jakarta, Indonesia-based, IATA-licensed online travel agency that serves both local and global customers and partners by optimizing cutting-edge technology and providing 24/7 customer-centric support team-as-a-service. With its first mover advantage, NusaTrip has onboarded +1.2 million registered users, +500 airlines and +650,000 hotels around the world as well as connected with over 80 million unique visitors. NusaTrip is now a member of Society Pass (Nasdaq: SoPa) ecosystem.

For more information on NusaTrip, please visit:
Website at https://www.nusatrip.com.
LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/nusatrip/ or
Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/nusatrip/ or
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/nusatrip.travel or
Twitter at https://twitter.com/nusatrip.

Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may include “forward-looking statements,” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend” and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management team, identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements consist of not purely historical statements, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company’s management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including, but not limited to, the ability of the Company to complete the proposed spinout successfully. A discussion of these and other factors, including risks and uncertainties with respect to the Company, is detailed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement and prospectus relating to the Company’s initial public offering filed with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it assumes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, subject to applicable law. The Company does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

Media Contact:
Rokas Sidlauskas
Chief Marketing Officer
rokas@thesocietypass.com

Smart Digital Retail Philippines 2.0

MANILA, Oct 2, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Awarded as the “E-Commerce Event Series of the Year 2023” by The Southeast Asia Business Awards, Smart Digital Retail is considered as a bridge, and an arena where we connect the thinkers, innovators, disruptors and most importantly all of the decision-makers in the Philippine retail ecosystem.

This live, in-person event will be a gathering of all the business executives from Retail, Ecommerce, Marketing, and all Technology Solution Providers across the entire country. The 2.0 Edition with the theme – “Digital readiness and the future of retail in the Philippines” will be hosted on November 30, 2023, in The Hilton Manila Hotel, where you can expect to see more than 350 high profile delegates such as CEOs, CIOs, CTOs, CDOs, Risk Control Directors, Information Technology, CX, Loyalty, Marketing, E-commerce Heads, and a lot more.

The event is strongly committed in providing its audience deeper knowledge with redesigning business plans, processes and demands of new technologies that will unlock the new ways of running a retail business in the Philippines. The community aims to accelerate the transformation to a future digital retail ecosystem. This conference will be a closed door, B2B oriented forum. Varies type of arrangements will be presented during the event such as lucky draws, interactive panel discussions, roundtable luncheon, booth making contest, one-to-one private meetings, networking and awards-giving.

This is not your ordinary conference. We will be bringing the highest level of excitement and energy showcasing the world’s top retail technology providers and participants, all in one roof!

KEY SUBJECTS:

1. Digital transformation in the Philippine retail industry

2. Creating unique loyalty experiences in retail

3. Leveraging payment technology to thrive in a digital-first era

4. AI, machine learning (ML), and conversational AI

5. Retail automation: realities, strategies, and more to know

6. Robotics dominating retail: welcome to retail 2.0

7. RFID, QR codes, and other smart store technologies

8. Revolutionizing retail with the use of mobile technology

9. Retail data analytics and insights platforms

10. Exploring the Philippine BNPL landscape

11. The rise of chatbots and voice commerce

12. Continued rise of the Metaverse

13. The explosion of TikTok marketing

14. Green Technology: A rising tide of sustainability

15. Transforming customer experience to customer excellence

16. Cloud in retail – Next level agility

17. Benefits of Digitalization – Supply Chain Processes

Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of the biggest event in the Philippine retail ecosystem! Witness how we gather all of the leading experts in the industry and share their thoughts and insights with very timely topics.

For sponsorship, and speaking engagement please contact our event director at jimby@smartdigitalretail.com or visit our event website at www.smartdigitalretail.com.

U.S. Polo Assn. Launches Global Fall-Winter 2023 Collection

WEST PALM BEACH, FL / ACN Newswire / September 26, 2023 / U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), has launched its classic, sport-inspired Fall-Winter Collection for 2023. The brand’s global photo shoot took place in the rolling hills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, resulting in images and video used by U.S. Polo Assn. partners around the world. Chosen for its sparkling lakes, harvest hues, and historic college campuses, stunning Northern Georgia provided a picturesque backdrop for the season’s all-American styles.

The Fall-Winter 2023 Collection showcases both models and polo players in bold patterns, varsity lettering, and cozy flannels to represent U.S. Polo Assn.’s sport-inspired style this season. Shot in a scenic collegiate setting, colorful earth-toned long-sleeve polo shirts are layered with textured sweaters and lightweight puffer vests amidst campus courtyards and rustling leaves. Historic architecture and lakeside parks created amazing images for the brand to highlight its collection to consumers in stores and online around the world.

“The launch of our Fall-Winter 2023 Collection is an exciting start to the season, as the U.S. Polo Assn. brand captures our authentic connection to the sport of polo and shares the inspiration with our partners across 190 countries,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, which manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “U.S. Polo Assn. looks forward to bringing this collection to consumers for the upcoming holiday season as we continue to build on our global momentum with great products at affordable prices.”

Soft textures, relaxed fits, and comfortable fabrics inspired by classic, campus style are all standouts in the U.S. Polo Assn. Fall-Winter 2023 Collection. Fans of the brand can pair the fall-colored accents of rich burgundy, deep navy, and golden yellow with classic neutrals of khaki and cozy denim to create crisp, collegiate looks that are perfect for the season. Not to mention, timeless staples such as dresses, stylish winter accessories, corduroy shackets, and fashionable footwear that are all available for men, women, and children.

“Our Design Team is excited to bring to market updates on classics for the U.S. Polo Assn. Fall-Winter 2023 Season! Classic flannels and polos, textured sweaters, along with new twists on the classic puffer jacket are all a big part of the core designs across our product line worldwide,” said Brian Kaminer, SVP of Brand and Product Development for the U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “The trend towards a more relaxed silhouette fits well into our classic collegiate attitude, shown in our men’s, women’s, and children’s collections. Each season we challenge our creativity in search of unique design elements that translate our classic, all-American styling into garments that become the favorite items in our customer’s wardrobes.”

U.S. Polo Assn. is known worldwide for its authentic, sport-inspired style and the brand’s signature red, white, and blue stripe detail. The Fall-Winter 2023 Collection follows suit with bold and fresh assortments that combine unique styling, high-quality fabrics, and seasonal comfort, including USPA Life apparel with sustainable elements.

About U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL)

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the non-profit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the oldest sports governing bodies, having been founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through over 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores and thousands of department stores, sporting goods channels, independent retailers, and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women, and children, as well as accessories and footwear in more than 190 countries worldwide. U.S. Polo Assn. was named one of the top global sports licensors in 2023, according to License Global. Visit uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn.

USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL) is the for-profit subsidiary of the USPA and manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand, providing the sport with a long-term source of revenue. Through its subsidiary, Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), USPAGL also manages Global Polo TV, which provides sport and lifestyle content. A historic, multi-year, global arrangement between USPAGL and ESPN now showcases many of the top championship polo games in the U.S., enabling millions of sports fans and consumers to enjoy the sport across ESPN’s broadcast and streaming platforms. For more sport content, visit globalpolo.com.

Related image

Contact Information

Stacey Kovalsky Senior Director, Global Communications skovalsky@uspagl.com +001.561.790.8036

Kaela Drake PR & Communications Specialist kdrake@uspagl.com +001.561.461.8596

Bollywood Sensation Javed Ali to Mesmerize Singapore with a Spectacular Musical Extravaganza at Esplanade Concert

SINGAPORE, Sept 26, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Get ready to be enchanted by the melodious tunes of Bollywood’s renowned playback singer, Javed Ali, as he graces the stage in Singapore for a captivating performance.Javed Ali, celebrated for his soulful voice and chart-topping hits, will set the Esplanade Concert hall ablaze on October 12, 2023, at 7:30 p.m., promising an unforgettable night of music and entertainment.

Known for his mesmerizing renditions in numerous Bollywood blockbusters, Javed Ali has won the hearts of millions worldwide. With an incredible vocal range and the ability to infuse raw emotions into his songs, he has created timeless musical moments that continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.

Some of Javed Ali’s most iconic songs include “Srivalli” from “Pushpa: The Rise,” “Saude Bazi” from “Aakrosh,” “Deewana Kar Raha Hai” from “Raaz 3,” “Ishaqzaade” from “Ishaqzaade,” and “Kajra Re” from “Bunty and Babli.” Each of these songs has left an indelible mark on the Indian music industry, making Javed Ali an indispensable talent.

This magical evening is brought to you by Teamwork Productions, a pioneering name in the field of entertainment production. Shweta Asnani, Director of Teamwork Productions, expressed her excitement about the event, stating, “We are thrilled to host Javed Ali in Singapore. His exceptional talent and melodious voice have captivated audiences worldwide, and we are honored to bring this musical extravaganza to the vibrant city of Singapore. This concert promises to be a celebration of Bollywood music at its best, and we can’t wait to share this memorable experience with the audience.”

Don’t miss this opportunity to witness Javed Ali’s spellbinding performance as he takes you on a musical journey through his chart-topping hits and soul-stirring melodies. Get ready to be enthralled on October 12, 2023, at the Esplanade Concert Hall. Mark your calendars and book your tickets now for a night that promises to be a one-of-a-kind Bollywood experience!

Event Details: October 12, 2023 @ 7:30 PM

Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall, Singapore

For tickets, click here.

About Teamwork Productions

Teamwork Productions is a leading event management company known for curating exceptional experiences through performing arts.This collaboration marked a significant milestone in the entertainment industry, reaffirming Teamworks’ commitment to bringing world-class artists to the forefront.

For more information, visit http://www.teamworkprod.com.

For Media/ Alliance:
Contact – Mett.AI – http://www.mettai.world/
Email- ganesh@mettai.world

Eighth Belt and Road Summit concludes successfully

HONG KONG, Sep 14, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The eighth edition of the Belt and Road Summit, jointly organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded today after a successful two-day event at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

The eighth edition of the Belt and Road Summit, held on the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, assembled some 90 government officials and business leaders from over 70 countries and regions along the Belt and Road.

Marking 10 years of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Summit brought together some 90 government officials and business leaders from more than 70 countries and regions along the Belt and Road. The event garnered significant attention, attracting some 6,000 participants from around the world.

An effective platform to showcase Hong Kong's unique advantages, the Summit enjoys unwavering support from Mainland China and strong global connections. With Hong Kong as a gateway for foreign investment and a facilitator for global expansion, the event fostered connections with emerging markets and promoted the growth of emerging industries. This resulted in the signing of 21 memoranda of understanding (MoUs). The event also provided young leaders and start-ups with an opportunity to participate and share BRI opportunities and successes.

Charting emerging-market development

Under the theme Prospering on a Decade of Collaboration, this year's Summit hosted multiple panel discussions and sessions to highlight emerging markets.

This includes policy dialogues and project investment sessions focused on the Middle East, which were complemented by business plenaries and thematic breakout sessions on a range of topics to reflect on the past 10 years of the BRI and explore future business and investment opportunities across industries.

The focus on the Middle East at the Summit followed high-level and industry-specific missions to the Middle East this year, including a high-level delegation led by Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee that visited Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Summit's first session, Policy Dialogue, hosted by Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the Hong Kong SAR, invited heavyweight speakers to share their insights, focused on enhancing cooperation to promote investments, financial services and development solutions between Belt and Road countries and the Middle East.

Speaking on the topic of Tapping into the Potential of the Middle East, Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation of Egypt, said: "Egypt and Mainland China have cooperated on trade infrastructure for a long time. The mainland has invested extensively in port and industrial-park infrastructure in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, including in manufacturing and technology projects. There is a fundamental overhaul in sustainable infrastructure and the global value chain, with developments in such areas as bunkering and logistics."

Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy of the UAE, also shared his views: "We want to switch ourselves from a linear to a circular economy, continually re-cycling resources," Mr Al Marri said. One scheme the country was working on was "fry to fly," where an industrial plant converted used cooking oil into aviation fuel. As with Hong Kong, both tourism and aviation were vital for the UAE, he said. Each sector accounted for 14% of UAE's GDP so it was vital to ensure both became sustainable. As with Hong Kong and its membership of the Greater Bay Area, the UAE was developing manufacturing in the Middle East, planning industrial corridors with Bahrain and Jordan."

Meanwhile, Fahd bin Abdulmohsan Al-Rasheed, Advisor in the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia, said: "All of Saudi Arabia was focused on the Vision 2030 project, an ambitious project to create a vibrant society and prosperous nation. A key part of Vision 2030 was the innovative city of NEOM, a technology-focused metropolis being built from scratch, stretching inland from the Red Sea coast in the northwest of the country. The Middle East and Saudi Arabia had a lot to contribute to the Belt and Road. The Red Sea, which runs along the Kingdom's west coast, carried 30% of the world's shipping."

Debut Middle East Forum boosts synergy for BRI

The Middle East Forum made its debut on Day 2, 14 September, to reinforce the synergy of the BRI. A business session, featuring the Business and Investment Outlook in the Middle East Market, hosted by Ronnie C. Chan, Chairman of Hang Lung Properties Limited, invited distinguished guests, including Nicolas Aguzin, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited; Maher Aboud, Group Chief Executive Officer of Ghassan Aboud Group, Ahmed Obaid Yousef Al Qaseer, Chief Executive Officer of the Sharjah Investment Development Authority; Hossam Heiba, President of the General Authority for Investment & Free Zones; and Walid Majdalani, Managing Director Corporate Investment for Middle East and North Africa of Investcorp, to analyse Middle Eastern market trade and investment prospects and further strengthen connections between Hong Kong and Middle Eastern countries.

Over 280 investment projects matched

The hybrid business matching and project pitching sessions at the Summit remained popular among project owners and participants. More than 280 investment projects from the Belt and Road region and beyond were presented, covering four main areas: (1) energy, natural resources and public utilities; (2) innovation and technology; (3) urban development; and (4) transportation and logistics infrastructure. The projects focused on areas, such as smart city development, data centres and e-commerce-related investments. Over 800 one-to-one business matching meetings were arranged for project owners, investors and professional service providers to pave the way for collaboration agreements. New project-pitching sessions on the Middle East and emerging markets were also well received.

21 MoUs highlight strong connections with ASEAN

A total of 21 cooperation MoUs were signed, involving government bodies and companies from Hong Kong, Mainland China and ASEAN countries, such as Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand. They covered renewable construction resources, sustainable energy, R&D, infrastructure, logistics and more. Among them, MoUs signed with Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates to strengthen Hong Kong-Middle East ties.

Dedication to nurturing future pillars

The new Youth Chapter invited young business leaders and start-ups to share thei insights on exploring and seizing Belt and Road opportunities. Some 150 recipients of the Belt and Road Scholarship, Youth Development Commission (YDC) Youth Ambassadors, and graduate students from various universities were invited to the Summit. YDC Youth Ambassadors presented a multimedia exhibition on the 10th anniversary of the BRI and provided simultaneous interpretation services for participants in one-on-one project match-making.

The following day, the 6th Belt and Road Global Forum Annual Roundtable will take place along with Belt and Road Week, share perspectives on Belt and Road collaborations, exchange the latest information and seize cooperation opportunities.

Photos download: http://bit.ly/3LnjGva

Media enquires
Yuan Tung Financial Relations:
Anson Wong, Tel: +852 3428 3413, Email: awong@yuantung.com.hk
Louise Song, Tel: +852 3428 5691, Email: lsong@yuantung.com.hk
Agnes Yiu, Tel: +852 3428 5690, Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk

HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Jane Cheung, Tel: +852 2584 4137, Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org
Clayton Lauw, Tel: +852 2584 4472, Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

8th Belt and Road Summit opens today

HONG KONG, Sep 13, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The eighth edition of the Belt and Road Summit, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), began today and will run for two days at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). This year's Summit is especially significant as it marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. Operating under the theme of Prospering on a Decade of Collaboration, the Summit serves as a vital platform for fostering business and trade. It assembles more than 90 government officials and prominent business leaders from countries and regions along the Belt and Road, as well as other relevant countries and regions. With nearly 6,000 attendees registering from across the globe, the Summit encompasses a range of discussion sessions and activities, including the Opening Session, Policy Dialogue, Keynote Luncheon, Business Plenary, Thematic Breakout Sessions, and Project Investment Sessions.

The eighth Belt and Road Summit, jointly organised by the HKSAR Government and the HKTDC, opened today.

The Summit aims to review the achievements and experiences of the Belt and Road Initiative and explore opportunities, focusing on promoting high-quality development in areas such as infrastructure, logistics, finance, technology and trade. The Summit also aims to promote arts and culture of the region and demonstrate Hong Kong's advantage as an important international trade platform for seizing Initiative opportunities.

The Summit invited Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, to deliver a video keynote speech at the opening Ceremony this morning. John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, delivered the opening address, and Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC, delivered a welcoming speech. Special addresses were also delivered by Zheng Yanxiong, Deputy Director, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council of the People's Republic of China and Director, the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Guo Tingting, Vice Minister, Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China; Guo Ping, Vice Chairman of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC) of the People's Republic of China; and Xiao Weiming, Deputy Secretary General, National Development and Reform Commission of the People's Republic of China. Keynote speeches were also given by Arman Shakkaliyev, Minister of Trade and Integration, Kazakhstan; and Rizal Affandi Lukman, Senior and Special Staff to the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of Indonesia.

In his video speech, Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier, State Council of the People's Republic of China, said: "With its unique advantages, Hong Kong proactively participates in Belt and Road development and continues to strengthen collaborations with partnering countries by utilising its outstanding professional services in the financial, legal and aviation industries. Hong Kong has effectively contributed to the facilitation of cultural exchange and people-to-people bonds. In the process of integrating into national development, Hong Kong has grown better and bigger. The report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China stated that Hong Kong should make use of its advantages to develop closer collaborations with different countries and regions. We support Hong Kong in maintaining its unique status and advantages, reinforcing its position as an international financial, transport and logistics, as well as trade centre. We will preserve a free and open business environment, uphold the Common Law system and extend our international network, to reinforce the city's role in the Belt and Road Initiative."

John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR Government, said in his opening address: "Hong Kong is determined to embrace the vast promise of the Belt and Road. The Hong Kong SAR Government is redoubling efforts to serve as the Belt and Road's functional platform. Under the unique 'one country, two systems' principle, Hong Kong is bestowed with the strong support of our country and long-standing global connections. Hong Kong is an important conduit between Mainland China and the world. We are expanding our co-operation with Belt and Road partners in a wide range of areas. From trade and investment, innovation and technology, to infrastructure development and many more."

Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC, said in his welcome remarks: "Economies need to rebuild resilience in a post-pandemic era. And this can be done by engaging more with emerging markets, which provide impetus for new growth. It also calls for a greater focus on newer industries, such as innovation and technology as well as sustainability. Hong Kong is the ideal platform to facilitate all of the above. As an international finance and business hub and gateway between Mainland China and the rest of the world, Hong Kong has always been an effective platform to connect countries and regions along the Belt and Road and beyond."

Expanded policy dialogue to explore new opportunities

This year's Summit introduced a keynote luncheon session titled Resiliency and Development on Entering a New Era of the Belt and Road Initiative. The session featured welcome remarks by Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, opening remarks by Chu Gang, Chief Operating Officer, China International Capital Corporation Limited, and a keynote speech by Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN. The session discussed development of the Belt and Road Initiative over the first decade, highlighting achievements, prospects, and market opportunities.

Kao Kim Hourn said: "ASEAN had turned 56 last month and had contributed a great deal to prosperity, stability and security in the region. As a region, it would be the world's fifth-largest economy and its GDP expanded 5.7% last year, to about US$3.6 trillion. ASEAN was projected to grow 4.9% this year, significantly ahead of the global average, which is expected to be just 3%. As a large exporter, trade relations were very important to ASEAN and all 10 members recently completed a free trade agreement (FTA) with Hong Kong."

The highly anticipated Policy Dialogue session has been expanded to two sessions. Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR, hosted the first session with invited guest speakers Fahd bin Abdulmohsan Al-Rasheed, Advisor in the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia; Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, UAE; and Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, Arab Republic of Egypt. The session focused on Tapping into the Potential of the Middle East, aiming to explore strategies for businesses entering the Middle East market and strengthening economic, trade, and investment ties between the regions.

Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the HKSAR, moderated the second session with guest speakers Peter Szijjarto, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Hungary; Nguyen Chi Dzung, Minister of Planning and Investment, Vietnam; and Mohamad bin Haji Alamin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia. The session focused on the theme Belt and Road Initiative as a Catalyst for Regional Cooperation and Development and saw ministerial-level officials from various ASEAN and European countries engaging in discussions on collaboration among different economic entities.

The Business Plenary session on the first afternoon, chaired by Antony Leung, Chairman of the Nan Fung Group and Group Chairman and Co-founder of New Frontier Group, focused on the theme Fostering Business Collaboration along the Belt and Road through Hong Kong. Guest speakers for this session included Jeffrey Cheah, Founder and Chairman of Sunway Group; Jean-Pascal Tricoire, Chairman of Schneider Electric; and Wang Haihuai, Director and General Manager of China Communications Construction Company Ltd. The speakers analyse how Hong Kong can leverage its past experiences to play an important role in the Belt and Road Initiative and create more opportunities for global businesses.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, a Cocktail Reception was held on the first night of the Summit. The reception included welcoming remarks, opening remarks and special remarks given by Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC; Sun Yu, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive, Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited; and Paul Lam, Secretary for Justice of the HKSAR Government.

Four thematic sessions to discuss hot topics

This year, for the first time, the Ministry of Commerce hosts the Mainland-Hong Kong Services Industry Symposium on the first day of the Summit. The symposium aims to analyse how the service industry can drive economic growth in the mainland. Additionally, on the first day of the Summit, the Department of Justice, China International Contractors Association, and the Insurance Authority partner with the HKTDC to hold Thematic Breakout Sessions on various topics. These include International Legal Cooperation, Opportunities in Hong Kong Infrastructure to Boost High-quality Belt and Road Development, and Hong Kong as an Insurance Service Hub in Asia. Tomorrow, the Summit will collaborate with the Development Bureau, Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Financial Services Development Council, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, and Cyberport to jointly organise multiple thematic breakout sessions. These sessions will comprehensively promote Hong Kong's role and contributions in the Belt and Road Initiative.

A total of 17 MoUs signed on day one

On the first day of the Summit, 17 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed by companies from Hong Kong, Mainland China, New Zealand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and Kazakhstan. The second day will see four more MoU signings, further expanding the scope of cooperation among participating countries and regions.

Middle East Forum: expanding opportunities, building on delegation achievements

In February this year, the HKTDC organised a delegation to the Middle East. Building upon achievements of that delegation, this year's Summit introduced the Middle East Forum. One session within this segment, Business and Investment Outlook in the Middle East Market, is scheduled for tomorrow. It will be hosted by Ronnie C. Chan, Chairman of Hang Lung Properties Limited, and will feature distinguished guests such as Nicolas Aguzin, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited; Maher Abound, Chief Executive Officer of Ghassan Abound Group; Ahmed Obaid Yousef Al Qaseer, Chief Executive Officer of Sharjah Investment Development Authority; Hossam Heiba, President of the General Authority for Investment & Free Zones; and Walid Majdalani, Managing Director Corporate Investment for Middle East and North Africa of Investcorp. The session aims to analyse trade and investment prospects of Middle Eastern markets and further strengthen the connection between Hong Kong and Middle Eastern countries.

In addition to the Middle East Forum, this year's summit introduces the Finance Chapter and Youth Chapter. The Finance Chapter will focus on exploring how Hong Kong can leverage its financial service advantages, while the Youth Chapter will aim to harness the power of young entrepreneurs to contribute to the nation's needs.

Approximately 150 students including recipients of the Belt and Road Scholarship, Youth Development Commission (YDC) Youth Ambassadors, and graduate students from various tertiary institutions will be invited to participate in the Summit. These participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussions and activities within the Youth Chapter. Furthermore, the YDC Youth Ambassadors will play a significant role in the Summit. They will introduce the multimedia display commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, showcasing the achievements and progress made over the past decade. The youth ambassadors will also provide simultaneous interpretation services for participants in the one-on-one project matchmaking sessions, facilitating communication and connections among participants from different countries and regions. The YDC Youth Ambassadors will also promote arts and culture of their respective homelands, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation among the countries and regions along the Belt and Road.

Inaugural multimedia display highlights achievements of Hong Kong companies

The Summit will also feature a multimedia display marking a decade of the Initiative, which highlights participation by Hong Kong companies in Belt and Road projects. Additionally, the 6th Belt and Road Global Forum Annual Roundtable on 15 September will run in conjunction with the Belt and Road Week, using Hong Kong as a base to share perspectives on the Belt and Road collaborations, exchange the latest information and seize cooperation opportunities.

Extending, optimising deal making

The HKTDC will extend its online and physical deal-making service to seven days (13 to 20 September), expecting to arrange more than 800 one-to-one project-matching sessions covering over 280 investment projects this year. The deal-making service includes one-to-one business matching meetings and project investment sessions. Business matching meetings will connect participants based on investment preferences and business expertise to facilitate one-to-one discussions on collaboration opportunities. Project investment sessions will provide a platform for project owners from different countries to present projects, giving investors and service intermediaries a comprehensive understanding of investment opportunities in different sectors. Project investment sessions will focus on four main areas: (1) energy, natural resources and public utilities, (2) innovation and technology, (3) urban development, and (4) transport and logistics infrastructure. New this year will be project-pitching sessions on the Middle East and emerging markets.

This year's Summit brings together more than 100 exhibitors from the Global Investment Zone, Hong Kong Zone and RCEP Tech Zone. The Global Investment Zone will showcase large-scale investment projects and opportunities from different countries to attract international investors and partners; the Hong Kong Zone will demonstrate excellent services and business advantages the city's enterprises offer; while the RCEP Tech Zone will feature high-end innovative technologies, artificial intelligence, digital technologies and solutions offered by exhibitors from the region. These three exhibition zones will also present project collaboration opportunities from various markets in the Middle East and emerging economies.

China International Capital Corporation Ltd serves as the Strategic Partner of the eighth Belt and Road Summit; Bank of China (Hong Kong) Ltd as the Banking Partner; The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited as the Global Connectivity Partner; Standard Chartered as Diamond Sponsor; Huatai International Financial Holdings Company Limited as Sapphire Sponsor and China Mobile International Limited, China Unicom Global Limited and China Telecom Global Limited as Platinum Sponsors.

The Eighth Belt and Road Summit

Date: 13 to 14 September 2023 (Wednesday to Thursday)
Venue: Hall 5B-E, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai
Websites: Belt and Road Summit: https://www.beltandroadsummit.hk/conference/bnr/en
Programme: https://www.beltandroadsummit.hk/conference/bnr/en/programme
Speaker list: https://www.beltandroadsummit.hk/conference/bnr/en/speaker
Photos Download: https://bit.ly/3r54cVZ

Media enquires
Yuan Tung Financial Relations:
Anson Wong, Tel: +852 3428 3413, Email: awong@yuantung.com.hk
Louise Song, Tel: +852 3428 5691, Email: lsong@yuantung.com.hk
Agnes Yiu, Tel: +852 3428 5690, Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk

HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Jane Cheung, Tel: +852 2584 4137, Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org
Clayton Lauw, Tel: +852 2584 4472, Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Young Fashion Designers’ Contest 2023 winners revealed

HONG KONG, Sep 12, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Asia's leading fashion event CENTRESTAGE (Hong Kong International Fashion Showcase), organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), with Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)* as the Lead Sponsor, concluded successfully on 9 September. The grand finale of the event was the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest 2023 (YDC), where 10 Hong Kong designers showcased inspiration and creativity in their collections, adopting a variety of styles. Their performance was in line with the Everything is Inspiration theme this year and highlighted the infinite possibilities Hong Kong's fashion-design industry presents. Celebrities Kay Tse, Ansonbean, Lagchun, Jamie Zhang, Indie band The Hertz, Sabrina Ng, Michael Chu, Rachel Leung, Natalie Ho, Wyllis Lam and CK Wong from STRAYZ, Carmina Lo, model Pete, rope skipper Pak Hung Cheung, stylist Ivan Lui and host Brian Chan attended the event.

Champion and Best Visual Presentation Award: Jason Ying; Design: Holometabolism

The panel of professional judges selected winners from shortlisted entries, and Jason Ying emerged as champion and Best Visual Presentation Award winner, receiving a cash prize and one-month internship at self-portrait studio, sponsored by Fang Brothers Knitting Ltd.

The winners at YDC 2023 are as follows:

Champion and Best Visual Presentation Award: Jason Ying; Design: Holometabolism

Excellence Award: Johnson Chong; Design: Last Chance Hiking With My Mum

My Favourite Collection Award: Tiger Chung; Design: Whispers From The Nomad – A Folk Horror Tale

Jason Ying graduated from the Queensland University of Technology in Australia two years ago and has been working for a year to perfect his skills in pattern marking and sewing. He is obsessed with structure and form and has incorporated his curiosity for deconstruction and metamorphosis into his creations. In his exploration and imagination of the differences between humans and other species, he attempts to construct the diversity of evolution by using silhouettes, detailed joints and colours. Describing his win, he said: "It's so amazing. I still can't believe it. It feels like I'm in a dream. I want to keep working hard but still need to think about what the next step will be."

Heavyweight judges offer valuable feedback to YDC participants

This year's YDC featured a prestigious panel of judges comprising esteemed figures from the fashion industry and media. The heavyweight judging panel included Katherine Fang, Chairlady of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council's Garment Advisory Committee, who served as the Chief Judge. Other guest judges included Han Chong, Founder and Creative Director of self-portrait; Yu Masui, a fashion journalist and digital content creator; Victoria Tang-Owen, Founder and Creative Director of Thirty30 Creative and Victoria Tang Studio; Jonathan Lee, a brand strategy consultant; Cherry Mui, Fashion Director of Tatler Asia; and Jimmy Chan, APAC Head of Commercial at Goxip Group. Han Chong said: "My favourite moment is to see so many young talents in one place." Yu Masui shared his opinion: "Everyone has a unique style."

The Hertz performed with MINI x Wilsonkaki Collection

MINI Hong Kong continues its partnership as lead sponsor for the seventh consecutive year. MINI HK collaborated with Wilson Yip. His design brand, Wilsonkaki Spring/Summer 2024 collection showcased the MINI's incorporation of sustainability, love and inclusivity. The latest collection showcased at Tokyo Fashion Week. The Hertz performed their new song live for the first time on the runway of Wilsonkaki SS2024 collection.

For the first time, YDC is collaborating with CASETiFY to infuse the inspiration of the 10 shortlisted designers into limited-edition commemorative products of CASETiFY accessories. The four competition winners will also have the opportunity to collaborate with CASETiFY to launch an artist accessories collection, extending their designs to phone accessories. Through this collaboration, local fashion designers will be showcased on a broader stage. The collection will be available for public purchase from 9 October on the official website and all CASETiFY STUDiO stores in Hong Kong. By presenting the YDC performance ticket on the day of the event, customers can enjoy a 15% discount on a purchase at any store (terms and conditions apply).

CENTRESTAGE: https://www.hktdc.com/event/centrestage/en
Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC): https://www.fashionally.com/en/
Photo download: https://bit.ly/3Rj8kwe

Media enquiries
For more information, please contact Best Crew PR:
Diana Tang, Tel: +852 3594 6443, Email: diana.tang@bestcrewpr.com
Reni Kwok, Tel: +852 3594 6443, Email: reni.kwok@bestcrewpr.com

HKTDC's Communications and Public Affairs Department:
Katy Wong, Tel: +852 2584 4524, Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org
Janet Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org

About YDC

The YDC aims to promote a new generation of local design talent, while creating opportunities to showcase their collections in front of global and local industry professionals at CENTRESTAGE. Organised by the HKTDC, the contest is considered one of the most prestigious events of its kind in the region, with a successful track record of past contestants becoming leading designers for fashion enterprises or establishing their own labels. To further promote the international visibility of local Hong Kong designers, in 2012 the HKTDC launched FASHIONALLY.com, an online platform that showcases the work of local labels and talents and links them with global industry insiders and opportunities.

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

About Create Hong Kong

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

*Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, Create Hong Kong, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

CENTRESTAGE draws 7,700 buyers

HONG KONG, Sep 11, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Asia's premier fashion event CENTRESTAGE, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) with Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)* as the Lead Sponsor, concluded successfully on Saturday. Extreme weather conditions temporarily suspended the fair on Friday, 8 September but the three exhibition days still attracted more than 7,700 buyers from 78 countries and regions visiting and making purchases. Notably, buyer numbers from the Middle East, Mainland China and ASEAN countries recorded significant growth, affirming the exhibition as a popular international platform for promoting and launching fashion brands.

The eighth edition of CENTRESTAGE brought together more than 240 fashion brands from 19 countries and regions, attracting more than 7,700 trade buyers to visit and buy.

HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong said: "CENTRESTAGE brought together fashion brands from all over the world and serves as an important platform for promotion, trade and exchange in Asia. We actively invited local and overseas buyers to visit the show, including well-known retailers and buyers from France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Indonesia, and more. Our goal is to assist local brands in entering the international market and expand their business footprint. CENTRESTAGE stays closely attuned to global trends and, in this year's fair, has infused a substantial amount of digital fashion and sustainable development elements. We also provided valuable platforms for fostering the exchange of ideas, joining forces with the industry to drive innovation."

85% of respondents named Hong Kong as their top choice for physical trade fairs

To gauge fashion industry outlook and product-trend views, the HKTDC interviewed 350 exhibitors and buyers in an on-site survey during CENTRESTAGE.

Hong Kong-designed fashion products were of the same quality as those in developed markets, 67% of respondents believed, while 85% of respondents named Hong Kong as their top choice for physical trade fairs. This reflects Hong Kong's significant position in the global fashion industry.

Most respondents were optimistic view on overall sales for next year, with about 60% of respondents anticipating growth in sales within the next 1 to 2 years, while 37% even expected an increase within six to twelve months.

As business travel gradually resumed, 30% of participants anticipated a return of business growth to pre-pandemic levels within a year, while 26% believed it may take a year and half.

The rise in demand in emerging markets and recovering consumer purchasing power were seen as key business opportunities this year, with approximately 45% of respondents expressing this view for each aspect. Simultaneously, more than 60% perceived the fluctuations of global economy as the major challenge.

The pandemic impacted business operations but also accelerated the widespread move of business to online channels. For 47% of respondents, half or more of sales/purchases over the past six months were conducted online. Moreover, 78% of participants anticipated half or more of their sales/purchases would take through online channels in the next two years. Of the respondents 36% named hktdc.com Sourcing as their top online trading platform used in the past six months.

Industry highlights the importance of sustainability

The survey revealed a growing emphasis on sustainable fashion; 74% of respondents agreed this would be prevalent in the industry this year.

CENTRESTAGE opened to the public on its final day. More than 30 fashion shows and events were organised throughout the fair, attracting enthusiastic participation from both industry professionals and the general public. HKTDC partnered with various organisations to host events promoting sustainable development in the industry. The fair also featured the participation of multiple local and international fashion brands that embrace sustainable practices.

CENTRESTAGE has successfully created business opportunities for exhibitors and buyers. Established in 2019, the Hong Kong sportswear brand ARTY:ACTIVE uses 100% recycled fibre. Through CENTRESTAGE, the brand has connected with customers from Mainland China in the past, providing clothing design services. It also successfully entered the Malaysian market through another HKTDC event. The brand returned to CENTRESTAGE this year and achieved satisfying results. Founder Gary Tsang said: "Our aim was to promote our brand and expand into the international market. We are pleased to share that among the buyers we met at the fair, eight buyers from Thailand, Korea, Cambodia and Vietnam are planning to place orders, resulting in a total business value reaching seven-digit Hong Kong dollars. We have successfully accomplished all the goals we set for our participation."

Rachael Spink, Senior Buyer from Etoile Group, UAE, visited the fair to source fashions for their five Etoile La Boutique outlets across the Middle East, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. She said: "We are striving to differentiate ourselves from other stores in the highly competitive Dubai market, which is why I am actively searching for new and exclusive brands. Our customers have a preference for unique fashion choices and I am delighted to discover such options among the talented designers at CENTRESTAGE. During HKTDC's business-matching meetings, we met five brands that demonstrated immense potential. If we proceed with placing orders from them, our estimated purchases would be approximately US$50,000."

Liu Xinyi, the Head of Buying of Chongqing's S.N.D Ltd., expressed that her visit to CENTRESTAGE exceeded expectations. She said: "In the past, we primarily focused on attending fashion weeks in Paris, Milan and Shanghai. This year marked my first time participating in CENTRESTAGE, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover a multitude of emerging design talents. The works of the students were incredibly stunning and mature. Additionally, I had the opportunity to meet with eight designers from Hong Kong, Japan, and Korea through business matchmaking meetings. I plan to further follow up with four of them, as it opens up new partnership opportunities for us."

Websites:
– CENTRESTAGE: www.centrestage.com.hk
– Fashion Hong Kong: www.fashionhongkong.com.hk/en
– Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC): www.fashionally.com/en
– CENTRESTAGE ELITES: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKXxxT8ZmD4
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/3Likul3

Media enquiries
For more information, please contact Best Crew
Diana Tang, Tel: +852 3594 6443, Email: diana.tang@bestcrewpr.com
Reni Kwok, Tel: +852 3594 6443, Email: reni.kwok@bestcrewpr.com

The HKTDC's Communications and Public Affairs Department
Katy Wong, Tel: +852 2584 4524, Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org
Janet Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

About Create Hong Kong

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

*Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, Create Hong Kong, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, Salon de TE attract nearly 15,000 buyers

HONG KONG, Sep 10, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The physical exhibitions of the 42nd HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and 11th Salon de TE, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd, concluded successfully yesterday. Despite the interruption caused by the extreme weather conditions on Friday (8 September), the four-day physical fairs welcomed nearly 15,000 buyers from 95 countries and regions, bringing brisk trade to the fairgrounds. Under the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, online exhibitions will continue until 16 September, providing additional opportunities for buyers to browse products and conduct business exchanges.

The 42nd HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and 11th Salon de TE drew to a successful close yesterday. The World Brand Piazza showcased 10 top-tier watch brands, captivating visitors

HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong said: "As the world's leading watch and clock fair, we are delighted to see more than 700 exhibitors attended our first watch and clock fairs since Hong Kong reopened. Many exhibitors even received orders on the spot. Buyers who attended the fairs were very international. There has been a satisfactory increase in attendance from Mainland China, Middle East and ASEAN countries which added to the fairs' vibrancy."

Exhibitors came from 17 countries and regions; the Swiss Independent Watchmaking Pavilion (SIWP) and Franceclat returned to the fairs while the International Luxury Group (ILG) made its debut. Together they showcased a variety of Swiss and international watch brands. ILG Chief Operating Officer Chavadi M.S said Salon de TE was an excellent platform for identifying business partners and OEM suppliers. "We have achieved very satisfactory results at the exhibition that far exceeded our expectations. We have identified Asia-Pacific retailers and distributors as potential business partners. The Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TE are truly international. We will return next year."

The debut 'Guo Chao' theme attracted much attention. A number of heavyweight Chinese watchmakers showcased timepieces that blend Chinese cultural elements with exquisite craftsmanship.

Survey: Respondents expect overall sales to grow in coming 2 years

To gauge watch and clock industry trends for next year, the HKTDC conducted an on-site survey during the fairs, interviewing about 900 exhibitors and buyers for their views on topics such as market outlook and product trends. The survey found nearly 60% of respondents expect overall sales to grow in the next two years. Most respondents consider South Korea, Australia & Pacific Islands, North America and Japan to offer the best growth prospects among traditional markets, while India, the Middle East, Mainland China and ASEAN countries are the most promising among emerging markets.

Smartwatches remain as top trend

In terms of product trends, 26% of respondents expected smartwatches to continue as the most popular watch category, followed by mechanical watches (22%), automatic watches (16%), and quartz analogue watches (14%). They consider fashion watches (34%), smartwatches (32%), and leisure type watches (23%) to have the highest growth potential in future.

Hong Kong's Dayton Industrial Co., Ltd. has been in the watch business for more than 60 years and is a world-class smart analogue watch developer and manufacturer. Dayton Industrial Director Paul Anthony Yuen said the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TE are the world's largest marketplaces for watches and clocks as well as parts and components. "The Wearable Tech Zone inside Salon de TE provides an important platform for us to promote our smartwatches and look for cooperation opportunities. We have connected with new buyers from France, Germany, Iran, Mainland China, Russia, Sweden and Turkey who are interested in our OEM and ODM services. We are also going to collaborate with a famous horologist to produce innovative hybrid smartwatches."

All-new Scan2Match offered alongside Click2Match fosters business opportunities

Augmenting EXHIBITION+, the fairs launched the Scan2Match function, enabling buyers at the physical exhibition who scan the exhibitors' QR codes with the HKTDC Marketplace app to bookmark their favourite exhibitors, browse product information and e-floor plans, make product enquiries and continue discussions online even after physical fair, extending the interactions from offline to online platforms.

Swiss exhibitor Ribawatch (Suisse) Sarl has participated in the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair since 2008. Marketing Manager Rami Taher said: "Due to COVID-19, we were unable to attend the physical fair last year. We are happy to be coming back this year and have high expectations. The HKTDC's Click2Match service has helped us set up six business matching meetings. We have found a Turkish buyer who is interested in our OEM services and two buyers from France and India who want to be distributors of our Rama and RSW brands, respectively. I am confident in securing new orders through this fair. I expect the fair will generate US$1 million in sales for our company."

Naouras Dabaan, COO of the Dabaan Group Co., a watch manufacturer and distributor in the United Arab Emirates, noted that he had visited the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair more than 10 times. "At this year's fair, I have met with six new suppliers and 11 existing suppliers. So far, I have placed orders worth US$400,000 in total, with five watch suppliers. I am also going to place two new orders for complete watches worth US$100,000 as well as purchase US$25,000 worth of watch displays. The HKTDC's Click2Match service is very useful, and the brand-new Scan2Match function provides the perfect means for me to collect exhibitor information."

Following these two fairs, the HKTDC will hold the Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and electronicAsia from 13 to 16 October. Both fairs will also adopt the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model to help SMEs expand their businesses and capture business opportunities.

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Frankie Leung, Tel: +852 2584 4298, Email: frankie.cy.leung@hktdc.org
Agnes Wat, Tel: +852 2584 4554, Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org

Websites
– Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair: https://hkwatchfair.hktdc.com
– Salon de TE: https://hkwatchfair.hktdc.com/te
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/3rfoJHb

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

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Latest Arrangements for HKTDC: Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, Salon de TE and CENTRESTAGE

HONG KONG, Sep 8, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – According to the latest Hong Kong SAR Government announcement, the extreme weather conditions will be in effect until at least 6pm today.

The HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, Salon de TE and CENTRESTAGE are now closed for the day.

The fairs will open tomorrow at 10am and closing time will be extended to 7:30pm, while Salon de TE and CENTRESTAGE will also welcome public visitors.

Websites:
CENTRESTAGE: www.centrestage.com.hk
Fashion Hong Kong : https://www.fashionhongkong.com.hk/en
Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC): www.fashionally.com/zh-hk/
Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkwatchfair/en

Media enquiries:

CENTRESTAGE
For more information, please contact Best Crew Public Relations & Marketing:
Diana Tang, Tel: +852 9199 6723, Email: diana.tang@bestcrewpr.com
Reni Kwok, Tel: +852 6291 4283, Email: reni.kwok@bestcrewpr.com

Please contact the HKTDC's Communication & Public Affairs Department:
Katy Wong, Tel: +852 9845 0554, Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org
Janet Chan, Tel: +852 9658 8280, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org

Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, Salon de TE
Please contact the HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Frankie Leung, Tel: +852 9747 2169, Email: frankie.cy.leung@hktdc.org
Agnes Wat, Tel: +852 9101 4747, Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

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