Hong Kong delegation strengthens business ties with Indonesia

JAKARTA, Jul 26, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – A Hong Kong business delegation – organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), led by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Mr John Lee and accompanied by Principal Officials – was in Jakarta, Indonesia today following a visit to Singapore in the past two days. The 30-strong delegation of business leaders from Hong Kong's major organisations, chambers and enterprises is making a week-long visit to Association of Southeast Asian Nations members to strengthen ties, expand networks and discuss collaboration riding on new policies in Hong Kong to attract investment and talent, as well as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), the Belt and Road Initiative and new cooperation agreements such as RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership). Multiple MOUs were signed in Singapore (seven) and Indonesia (16), covering finance, trade, technology and cultural exchange.

Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman, Federation of Hong Kong Industries, Mr Nicholas Aguzin, Chief Executive,
HKEX; Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman, HKTDC; Mr John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR;
Mr Horace Cheung, Deputy Secretary of Justice; Mr Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services
and the Treasury; Mr Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development [L-R]

Delegates visited major enterprises, met officials to understand Indonesia's development, and held a networking lunch with the local business community themed Indonesia-Hong Kong, Partnering for Success, hosted by the HKTDC.

At a press conference before the luncheon Mr Lee said: "ASEAN is Hong Kong's second-largest trading partner globally. Among ASEAN states, Indonesia is the largest nation. We are here to consolidate our friendship with Indonesia and other ASEAN states. We wish to strengthen our long-standing co-operation for mutual growth. More importantly, we wish to tell our friends here the good and latest stories of Hong Kong."

Mr Lee was accompanied by Deputy Financial Secretary Mr Michael Wong, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Mr Christopher Hui and Secretary for Commerce and Economic and Development Mr Algernon Yau.

HKTDC Chairman Dr Peter K N Lam, HKEX Chief Executive Mr Nicholas Aguzin and Federation of Hong Kong Industries Chairman Mr Sunny Chai, representing various sectors in Hong Kong, shared their insights on business development of Hong Kong and Indonesia at the press conference.

During the luncheon speech, the Deputy Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia Jerry Sambuaga expressed gratitude for the visit. He believed the exchange would benefit both parties and said: "Hong Kong is an important trading partner for Indonesia and I am optimistic that the Indonesia-Hong Kong relationship will grow stronger and be mutually beneficial."

On the same occasion HKTDC Chairman Dr Peter K N Lam said: "As an international business hub and a two-way platform between Mainland China and the world, Hong Kong is the perfect partner for Indonesian companies to tap into the Chinese market or to go global. As the Belt and Road Initiative enters its 10th year, we can work together to capitalise on the opportunities from a new phase of cooperation and sustainable development along the Belt and Road. HKTDC values the close ties between Hong Kong and Indonesia built up over years. Together, we have woven a story of mutual growth and prosperity. As we look to the future, we envision a stronger, deeper partnership between us."

During the two days in Indonesia, the delegation met representatives of key enterprises such as the Lippo Group and CT Corporation, and will also visit the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway which is an example of collaboration between Indonesia and Mainland China.

The delegation will move on to visit Malaysia over the next few days.

Since 1966, the HKTDC has created business opportunities between Hong Kong and the world, promoting Hong Kong as an international business and financial hub and gateway to China through outreach such as organising delegations, international trade fairs and industry conferences, as well as enabling small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups.

7 MOUs were signed at the business dinner in Singapore:
– HKTDC and Singapore Business Federation (SBF)
– InvestHK and Blockchain Association Singapore (BAS)
– Hong Kong Science & Technology Group (HKSTP) and Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN)
– CCB International (Holdings) Ltd and Mirxes Holding Company Limited
– HSBC and Keppel
– City University of Hong Kong and National University of Singapore (NUS)
– Xgate and Singapore Retailers Association (SRA)

16 MOUs were signed at the business luncheon in Jakarta:
– HKTDC and Indonesian Ministry of Trade
– HKTDC and Indonesian Ministry of Industry
– HKTDC and Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy
– HKTDC and KADIN
– InvestHK and KADIN
– Hong Kong Observatory and The Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics of the Republic of Indonesia (BMKG)
– HKEX and Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX)
– Value Partners Group and STAR Asset Management
– BOC International Holding Ltd and Tsingshan Industry, and BOC HK Jakarta Branch
– BOC International Holding Ltd and J&T Jitu Express, and BOC HK Jakarta Branch
– Chinese Asset Management Association of Hong Kong (HKCAMA) and Indonesia Asset Management Association
– CCB International (Holdings) Ltd and J&T Jitu Express
– Hong Kong Aerospace Technology Group and Bakrie & Brothers
– HSBC and Hutchison Ports Indonesia
– Media Asia Group Holdings Limited and MNC Media & Entertainment
– Templewater Limited and China International Marine Containers (Group) Ltd. (CIMC) and Eternal Tsingshan Group Ltd.

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

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
HKTDC's Communication & Public Affairs Department:
Snowy Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4525, Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org
Sam Ho, Tel: +852 2584 4569, Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

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

Global Crypto Community Convenes at Dubai’s Blockchain Economy Summit, Uniting Industry Leaders for a Groundbreaking Event on October 4-5, 2023

DUBAI, Jul 25, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The Blockchain Economy Summit, recognized as the world's largest blockchain conference network, is set to redefine the future of finance by bringing together key players and experts from the crypto industry. The highly anticipated 8th edition of the summit will take place over two days in Dubai on October 4-5, 2023, in Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Center, attracting the world's top crypto companies, blockchain entrepreneurs and AI innovators.

Solidifying its position as a premier event in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space, the Blockchain Economy Summit has achieved remarkable success with previous editions held in London and Istanbul earlier this year. These highly acclaimed summits have further established the event's global reputation. Notably, OKX, the World's second-largest crypto exchange, proudly serves as the Exclusive Title sponsor for all of Blockchain Economy's 2023 Summits.

As Dubai rapidly emerges as a global crypto hub, the Blockchain Economy Dubai Summit will serve as the region's premier gathering, representing the world of blockchain, cryptocurrency and AI. With participants from over 85 countries, this prestigious event offers a comprehensive program focused on the future of financial technologies, providing extensive networking opportunities for attendees.

"We are thrilled to be back in Dubai, a city at the forefront of embracing blockchain technology," said Servi Aman, General Manager of the Blockchain Economy Summit. "Dubai's strategic vision and commitment to innovation perfectly align with our mission to shape the future of finance. This event will spark collaboration and exploration of groundbreaking ideas, driving the crypto industry forward."

The Blockchain Economy Dubai Summit will feature renowned speakers from various sectors of the tech industry. The first lineup of notable speakers joining the event this year includes:
1. Martin Hanzl – Head of New Technologies at EY Law
2. Lennix Lai – Global Chief Commercial Officer at OKX
3. Fred Sun – Head of Strategy at Tencent Cloud International
4. Matthew Sigel – Head of Digital Assets Research at VanEck
5. Michael van de Poppe – Crypto Investor, Technical Analyst and CEO of MN Trading
6. Charles Cheng – Ph.D, Forbes China 60
7. Sam Blatteis – CEO of The MENA Catalysts
8. Alex Fazel – Chief Partnership Officer at SwissBorg

These influential speakers, along with many others, will share their expertise and insights, contributing to the vibrant discussions and knowledge exchange at the summit.
The summit will delve into the latest developments and trends within the blockchain, cryptocurrency and AI space, featuring industry leaders, engaging panel discussions, and opportunities for growth and investment. With top crypto companies and tech entrepreneurs converging in Dubai, the event will serve as an unparalleled platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and fostering strategic partnerships.

Dubai's dynamic ecosystem, progressive regulatory framework, and thriving crypto community provide the ideal backdrop for the Blockchain Economy Dubai Summit. The event aims to solidify Dubai's position as a global leader in blockchain innovation and accelerate its journey towards becoming a prominent crypto hub.

For more information about the Blockchain Economy Dubai Summit and to secure your participation, please visit the below links:

Tickets: https://beconomydubai.com/tickets
Sponsorships: https://beconomydubai.com/why-sponsor
Discounted Hotel Booking: https://beconomydubai.com/venue

Name: Blockchain Economy Dubai Summit 2023
Date: October 04-05, 2023
Venue: Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Center
Event Hashtag: #BESUMMIT
Contact address: contact@teklip.org

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

Nearly 1 million visitors flock to Hong Kong Book Fair

HONG KONG, Jul 25, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The 33rd HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, 6th Sports and Leisure Expo, and 3rd World of Snacks, all organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), drew to a successful close today. The seven-day event attracted nearly one million visitors, of which 10% were tourists. Book Fair visitors spent an average of HK$872 (US$112) per person. Close to 780 exhibitors from 36 countries and regions participated in the three events, offering the public a diverse and extraordinary summer experience.

The 33rd HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, 6th Sports and Leisure Expo, and 3rd World of Snacks
drew nearly one million visitors in total

Sophia Chong, Acting Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: "We are thrilled to announce the resounding success of this year's Hong Kong Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo, and World of Snacks. The full reopening of Hong Kong has resulted in a surge in participation from citizens and tourists alike, with numerous mainland and overseas authors and exhibitors attending in person. The government's distribution of consumption vouchers has also fueled citizens' eagerness to spend at the three exhibitions, contributing to the vibrant and lively ambience of the events. This year's Book Fair, with its focus on Children's and Young Adult Literature, has staged a diverse range of cultural activities and seminars. Thanks to the sponsorship of Create Hong Kong* (CreateHK) of the Government of the HKSAR, we have established a brand new World of Art & Culture zone, with the aim of introducing literature and cultural arts from all over the world to a broad reader base. Our ultimate goal is to promote a city-wide reading culture and position Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange."

Fiction, comics, travel, children's books and literature most popular genres

Over 800 visitors were interviewed by a research institute commissioned by the HKTDC to glean insights into their reading and spending habits. Respondents spent an average HK$872 at the fair this year, the survey showed. Remarkably, this comprised 70% of their HK$1,254 average annual expenditure on printed books. These findings underscore the Book Fair's pivotal role as a platform for book enthusiasts to acquire their beloved reads.

The survey also shed light on respondents' reading habits, revealing that an overwhelming 96% had read printed books within the past month, with an average reading time of 16 hours. Fiction emerged as the most popular book category, with 52% of respondents indicating their interest, followed by comics (26%), travel (20%), children's and young-adult books (20%), and literature (19%). The categories of self-improvement, enrichment, art and music, and inspirational books also garnered significant interest. E-books were also popular, with 65% of respondents having read e-books within the past month, averaging nine hours of reading time during that period. Most respondents (59%) visited the Book Fair to buy new books, while 49% enjoyed discounts offered at the fair. Additionally, 25% joined the diverse cultural activities, with 18% intending to buy children's books.

Cultural July events continue with fair highlights available for viewing

The fair featured more than 600 seminars and cultural events held both onsite and offsite, including the Eight Seminar Series. Running in parallel the Cultural July: Joyful Summer Reading campaign, held across Hong Kong, drew more than 350,000 participants.

Recordings of selected seminars are available online. Readers can revisit them through the Book Fair website or the HKTDC's Youtube channel. This year's Book Fair has concluded but Cultural July continues until 31 July, with a range of sharing sessions, talks and book launches in all 18 districts of Hong Kong. Details can be found on the Cultural July website – http://www.hkbookfair.hktdc.com/CulturalJuly

The Cultural Journey Online is also available on the Book Fair website, gathering e-reading resources and activities like virtual seminars and exhibitions from our partners which include: SHKP Reading Club's Read For More, Hong Kong Public libraries, Culture is…, Google Arts & Culture, encouraging citizens to expand their horizons and promoting a reading culture.

Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks well received

Offering a wide selection of sports and leisure products and services, along with more than 1,200 tasty treats and snacks, the Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks are also concluded today. The former featured free trials and interactive experiences while the latter offered visitors delicacies from around the world, along with workshops, activities and tasting sessions. Both events were enthusiastically received.

The three events launched the series of HKTDC exhibitions in the second-half of this year. In the coming months, the HKTDC will continue to host a diverse range of large-scale exhibitions to support and strengthen Hong Kong's economy across different sectors. Next month, visitors can expect to enjoy the Food Expo, Food Expo Pro, Home Delights Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo, and Hong Kong International Tea Fair. September will bring CENTRESTAGE and Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, as well as the Belt and Road Summit, while October is set to feature the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition), Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition), and Eco Expo Asia. In November, the HKTDC will host the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair, Hong Kong International Optical Fair, and Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference. Finally, December will feature the Business of IP Asia Forum and Chill 11.

*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.

Photo Download: https://bit.ly/3DrR5AI
Book Fair video playlist: https://bit.ly/3Q580Ay

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
Should members of the press have any enquiries, please contact:

Hong Kong Book Fair
Yuan Tung Financial Relations:
Anson Wong, Tel: +852 3428 3413, Email: awong@yuantung.com.hk
Salina Cheng, Tel: +852 3428 5691, Email: salcheng@yuantung.com.hk
Agnes Yiu, Tel: +852 3428 5690, Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk

HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Katy Wong, Tel: +852 2584 4524, Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org
Clayton Lauw, Tel: +852 2584 4472, Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org
Sunny Ng, Tel: +852 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org

Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo, World of Snacks
HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Kate Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4239, Email: kate.hy.chan@hktdc.org

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

Taking a Step Towards Amplifying Customer Experience

MANILA, Jul 25, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Philippines, the third-largest contact center outsourcing destination, is gearing up to host the 11th edition of the World CX Summit, organized by Trescon. The premier customer experience event brings together leading CX professionals and experts to help businesses and brands provide a seamless customer experience journey using the latest trends and technologies that dominate the market.

After successfully hosting over 15,000 CX thought leaders, innovators, specialists and key stakeholders in over 10 editions, the World CX Summit has established itself as a premier knowledge sharing platform to share actionable insights about the latest trends and technologies in delivering a memorable customer experience. At the event, attendees will engage in insightful sessions, listen to captivating keynotes, and draw inspiration from successful use-cases to transform their CX strategies.

At the 11th global edition of the World CX Summit, the attendees will witness the fusion of cutting-edge technologies and customer insights while helping them focus on how to amplify customer experience, pioneering personalization at scale, cracking the code of CX ROI along with other key topics. Fostering a spirit of knowledge-sharing and innovation, the event facilitates networking opportunities and forge impactful relationship to accelerate the adoption of the latest technologies to optimize customer experience strategies.

The notable speakers attending the event include:
– Venn Jude Francisco, Chief Experience Officer, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, Philippines
– Sam Tolentino, Assistant Vice President – Client Engagement & Solutions Group, Union Bank, Philippines
– Melody Lim, Head of Customer Experience, Aboitiz Power Philippines
– Hazel Montano-Zamora, CX Design Head, AIA Philippines, Philippines
– Godfrey Santos, Assistant Vice President- Customer Experience, PETNET Inc.
– Tara Cabullo, Head of Customer and Investments Digital Experience, GCash, Philippines
– Samuel Powell, CEO, HMR Philippines, Philippines
– Warren Ilustre, Head of Customer Experience, East West Bank, Philippines
– Dan Ramirez, SVP and Head of Transformation, ING, Philippines
– Jonas R. De Los Reyes, First Vice President, Head of Digital Marketing and Omnichannel, Metrobank and Trust Company (Metrobank), Philippines

Naveen Bharadwaj, Group CEO, Trescon shared his excitement about the upcoming event stating, "The Philippines' expanding CX market and economic growth made it an ideal choice to host the latest edition of the World CX Summit. We are committed to supporting the continued digital transformation of the market by undertaking the mandates and requirements of local government and enterprise stakeholders and facilitating their introductions to the world's leading solution and service providers."

On being a part of the Summit, one of the key speakers, Venn Jude Francisco said, "The World CX Summit provides a venue that will foster much needed collaborations which can hopefully spark meaningful innovation in customer experience across regions."

Sam Tolentino, AVP‐ Client Engagement & Solutions Group, Union Bank expressed his excitement about the Summit saying, "The World CX Summit will play a pivotal role in elevating local CX to exceed global standards."

About Trescon

Trescon is a pioneering force in the global business events and services sector, driving the adoption of emerging technologies while promoting sustainability and inclusive leadership. Its summits, expos, and conferences create real economic impact by connecting and empowering key stakeholders, including government organizations, regulators, enterprises, corporates, and more. With a team of over 250 employees across offices in 6 countries, Trescon has helped clients achieve exponential growth, accelerate market entry, and build valuable partnerships. For more information about Trescon, visit: www.tresconglobal.com

Trescon is glad to announce a new mega tech show called Digital Acceleration and Transformation Expo (DATE) scheduled to take place in Delhi in November 2023 and Jakarta in 2024. For further information about DATE, visit: www.datewithtech.com

For media inquiries, please contact:
Nupur Aswani
Head – Media, PR and Corporate Communications, Trescon
+91 95559 15156 | media@tresconglobal.com

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

DIFC continues to drive Action on global Climate Change on Path to COP28, announces Future Sustainability Forum in Dubai

DUBAI, UAE, Jul 24, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial hub in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, today announced its first edition of the Future Sustainability Forum. The Forum to be held 4-5 October 2023, at the Ritz-Carlton DIFC, will focus on mobilising sustainable finance and innovation by connecting industry leaders, investors, tech disruptors, and policy makers, and channel investment flows between the global north and global south, to accelerate climate action.

Highlights:
– The inaugural Future Sustainability Forum marks the Year of Sustainability in the UAE and will be held in Dubai 4-5 October 2023.
– Agenda supports COP28's 4-pillar plan on fast-tracking the transition, fixing climate finance, focusing on adaptation to protect lives and livelihoods, and making COP28 fully inclusive, announced by COP28 President-designate and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology today 13 July 2023.
– The Forum brings together global decision and change makers in the finance industry, to explore ways for the sector to lead action on climate change, deliver a just transition to a sustainable economy, and accelerate efforts to achieve the longer-term goals of the Paris Agreement and UN SDGs 2030.
– The Future Sustainability Forum is part of DIFC's sustainability programme in the run up to COP28, the largest finance-focused campaign for COP28, backed by international financial institutions and thought leaders in green and sustainable finance.

Central to DIFC's programme in the run up to COP28, the announcement of the inaugural Future Sustainability Forum ('The Forum'), further demonstrates the Centre's commitment to play a leading role in advancing COP28 priorities, aligned with DIFC's chairmanship of the Dubai Sustainable Finance Working Group (DSFWG), established in 2019.

The Forum also marks the Year of Sustainability in the UAE and builds on DIFC's vision to pave the way for coordinated global solutions to deliver on the climate financing needs of emerging markets and developing economies, whilst supporting sustainable economic growth for Dubai, UAE, and the wider region.

Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, said: "We are thrilled to welcome the world to Dubai and the Future Sustainability Forum as part of our 'Path to COP28' programme. As the nation prepares to host COP28, The Forum underscores our commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges. Through collaboration and innovative financial solutions, we aim to drive tangible progress towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient future. We are committed to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and look forward to enable meaningful dialogue and actionable outcomes at this important event and beyond."

Set to mobilise key stakeholders, including the finance and insurance sectors, towards accelerating net-zero goals, the Forum provides a platform to explore future sustainability and climate technologies, critical for the world's net-zero agenda as well as achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) and contributing to delivery of the Paris Agreement.

The Forum also aligns with DIFC's 2030 Strategy to drive the future of finance, and on Dubai's position as a global leader for Green and Sustainable Bonds and Sukuk, with NASDAQ Dubai representing a 110+bn market size with over 16 per cent being sustainable bonds and sukuks.

The Forum's Agenda supports COP28's 4-pillar plan on fast-tracking the transition, fixing climate finance, focusing on adaptation to protect lives and livelihoods, and making COP28 fully inclusive, announced by COP28 President-designate and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology today.

The UAE and Dubai government have spearheaded a range of comprehensive sustainability programmes in the pursuit of a net zero future. With initiatives like the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategic initiative, and the UAE Vision 2070, a clear emphasis is placed on renewable energy adoption, water conservation, waste management, and sustainable urban development. These strategic endeavours serve as a testament to the nation's proactive approach in addressing environmental challenges for a sustainable future.

The Future Sustainability Forum will put the spotlight on the UAE's sustainable practices particularly within the financial ecosystem, inviting global experts to connect, collaborate and share insight to accelerate the global transition towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient future. Panel discussions and sessions include: 'Supporting corporates in embedding ESG within their organisations'; 'Empowering companies to design their path to Net-Zero'; 'Unlocking the potential of ESG-driven innovation'; 'Fostering sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems'; and 'Transforming capital to drive the low carbon transition'.

To register for the Future Sustainability Forum visit: www.futuresustainabilityforum.com.

About Dubai International Financial Centre

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world's most advanced financial centres, and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 72 countries with an approximate population of 3 billion and an estimated GDP of USD 8 trillion.

With a close to 20-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows across the MEASA region, the Centre connects these fast-growing markets with the economies of Asia, Europe and the Americas through Dubai.

DIFC is home to an internationally recognised, independent regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework, as well as the region's largest financial ecosystem of over 36,000 professionals working across over 4,300 active registered companies – making up the largest and most diverse pool of industry talent in the region.

The Centre's vision is to drive the future of finance through cutting-edge technology, innovation, and partnerships. Today, it is the global future of finance and innovation hub offering one of the region's most comprehensive FinTech and venture capital environments, including cost-effective licensing solutions, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative accelerator programmes, and funding for growth-stage start-ups.

Comprising a variety of world-renowned retail and dining venues, a dynamic art and culture scene, residential apartments, hotels and public spaces, DIFC continues to be one of Dubai's most sought-after business and lifestyle destinations.

For further information, please visit our website: difc.ae, or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @DIFC.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Omar Nasro
ASDA'A BCW | +9714 4507600
omar.nasro@bcw-global.com

Rasha Mezher | Dubai International Financial Centre Authority
Consultant, Marketing & Corporate Communications
+9714 3622451
t-rasha.mezher@difc.ae

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

ATTIA Announces the Travel Changemakers Awards Judges Panel

SINGAPORE, July 20, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The Asia Travel Technology Industry Association (ATTIA) and Web in Travel (WiT) announce who is participating on the Judges Panel for the inaugural Travel Changemakers Awards 2023.

The Awards seek to recognise innovators that have used technology to build back better, post-pandemic, with the winners to be announced at WiT Singapore, 2-4 Oct 2023. Those awarded will demonstrate how they have had respect for the environment, created meaningful engagement with local communities or unearthed hidden gems for travellers to discover. They laud the repurposing of assets rather than building new, and how they demonstrate that diversity and inclusion are critical to building back better.

The prestigious panel consists of imminent industry leaders, as follows.

Aya Aso, CEO, SAVVY Collective
Rod Cuthbert, Chairperson, Jayride; Board Member, Veltra (Tokyo); Board Member, Tourism Tasmania; Founder, Viator
Loic Dujardin, Head of ESG, Traveloka
Fred Barou – Senior VP, Online Travel and Market Strategy, Amadeus
Kelly Kolb – VP for Government Affairs, Travelport
Steven Liew – Director of Public Policy, APAC, Airbnb
Choe Peng Sum, CEO, Pan Pacific Hotels Group
Aloke Bajpai, Co-Founder, Group CEO and Managing Director, ixigo
Elaine Tan, Director, AirAsia Foundation
Daniel Gelfer, Director of Global Government Affairs, Agoda
Kenneth Lim, Assistant Chief Executive of Marketing Group, Singapore Tourism Board

Chis Kerin, Managing Director, ATTIA says, “We are delighted by the support demonstrated by the travel tech industry for these awards, and are equally thrilled to have assembled such an esteemed judging panel. With their collective expertise, we are confident that the submissions will be held to the highest possible standards.”

“We are delighted with the calibre of judges that have embraced these awards in its first year,” says Yeoh Siew Hoon, Founder, WiT. “It is an honour to recognise those who turned ideas into action and initiated programmes to build back better during the pandemic. They will deservedly get their heyday with these awards, which will demonstrate exactly how the travel, tourism and hospitality industries has taken lessons learned over the pandemic to plan and create a better future for all travellers”.

To enter the Awards, click here

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sheree Tan
Senior Associate, Pinpoint PR
sheree@pinpointpr.sg
+65 8313 9472

Hong Kong Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks open

HONG KONG, Jul 20, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The 33rd HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opened at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and will run until 25 July. The 6th Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and the 3rd World of Snacks are being held concurrently with the Book Fair. Visitors can enjoy all three events with a single ticket, making it a must-visit summer attraction.

Mr Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR, attended the cocktail reception
as the guest of honour to mark the opening of the Hong Kong Book Fair

The Hong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks feature close to
780 exhibitors from 36 countries and regions

World of Snacks features more than 1,200 popular treats from across the globe

Mr Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), co-hosted the cocktail reception, with Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC, and Ms Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the HKTDC.

Dr Lam said: "The Hong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks features close to 780 exhibitors from 36 countries and regions, serving as an important platform for the industry. They are also an ideal occasion for families to enjoy cultural and leisure activities. With the resumption of normal travel, renowned authors from Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan and across the world will attend the Book Fair in-person to give talks. We hope many avid readers will attend the Fair and join us in promoting a culture and joy of reading."

The theme of this year's Book Fair is Children's and Young Adult Literature, with the tagline Reading the World: The Joy of Reading for Children and Youth, It aims to introduce visitors of all ages to authors and literary works from around the world in this genre, widening their horizons and igniting their imagination. More than 600 cultural activities and seminars take place on-site and off-site, featuring a plethora of distinguished authors sharing their many insights and stories.

Writers exhibition and Treasures of Lingnan Culture on display at Art Gallery

The Art Gallery is a popular session of the Book Fair, featuring two major exhibitions this year: Children's and Young Adult Literature Writers and Treasures of Lingnan Culture. The exhibition showcases selected works and priceless collections of nine writers, including A Nong, Chau Mat-mat, Wei Ya, Sun Wai-ling, Leong Monk-fung, Poon Ming-chu, Poon Kam-ying, and the late Quenby Fung and Ho Tsz.

Wei Ya will kick off the Theme of the Year seminar series on Friday, 21 July, which aims to reconnect fairgoers with the innocence of childhood. Later that same day, Poon Kam-ying and Poon Ming-chu will discuss the various genres of children's literature. A Nong, Chau Mat-mat, and Sun Wai-ling will analyse the importance of children's books to children in a seminar titled "The Timelessness of Children's Literature". On Saturday, 22 July, A Nong will speak about his past works in "Looking Back". On Sunday, 23 July, Carmen Ho, daughter of Ho Tsz, will engage in conversation with primary school principal Chan Shui-leung in a seminar titled "The Footprints of Growth – A taste of Ho Tsz's Story". The same day, Quenby Fung's close friends Justine Woo and Joanne Chan will speak about her work at a seminar titled "The Classics of Quenby".

The Treasures of Lingnan Culture exhibition showcases calligraphy works, paintings of the Lingnan School and Canton porcelain. Partner organisations include the Ling Ngai Art Association and Hong Kong Calligraphers' Association. Supported by the Create Hong Kong# (CreateHK) of the Government of the HKSAR, interactive installations are mounted to enhance visitors' experience and understanding of Lingnan culture. A special corner has been set up to celebrate the life of Wong Fei-hung, a prominent figure in Lingnan culture, which features books, martial arts magazines, film programme booklets and photos, among other collectibles.

In line with the Art Gallery theme, the Guangdong Province in Mainland China Pavilion highlights Lingnan in its design concept of "Fragrance of Cantonese Books and the Happiness of Reading", weaving the story of the people and culture of Lingnan into its showcase. The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region showcases children's literary works and other cultural and creative products from the region. In addition, the pavilion also features artistic performances and photography exhibition with Inner Mongolian characteristics as well as its intangible cultural heritage, such as horsehead fiddles, erhus, saddles and horse equipment.

Brand-new World of Art & Culture zone to facilitate cultural exchange

The newly established World of Art & Culture zone, sponsored by CreateHK# and curated by a Hong Kong design team, depicts literature and cultural arts related to youth from close to 30 countries and regions, including France, Hungary, Korea, Kuwait, Mexico, Switzerland and more. Visitors can attend a variety of activities on-site, including A French rendez-vous through a fun speak-dating game by representatives of Alliance Francaise de Hong Kong and "The Little Prince" handicraft workshop.

Exploring creative journeys of writers at Eight Seminar Series

The Eight Seminar Series once again returns to the Book Fair, covering a diverse range of topics, such as Renowned Writers, English and International Reading, Children and Youth Reading, and Personal Development and Spiritual.

In partnership with Ming Pao and Yazhou Zhoukan, the HKTDC is again organising the Renowned Writers Seminar Series, hosted by leading Chinese-language authors. For the English and International Reading Seminar Series, renowned children's book authors include Jesse Q Sutanto, Theadora Whittington, Jane Houng, Libby Lam, Winston Chu, a lawyer with profound knowledge of Chinese and foreign poetry, and Mark O'Neill, an expert on Chinese history, who will share his story in Hong Kong and the appeal of Hong Kong to foreigners in terms of living and working. For more details on the seminars and the speaker line-up, please visit: https://hkbookfair.hktdc.com/en/Events/Event-Schedule.html.

The fun experiences of Sports and Leisure Expo

The Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo features eight thematic zones including Sports Hub, Outdoor Adventure, Health & Fitness and Board Games to provide an exciting experience to visitors.

The Sports Hub zone offers fun activities free of charge, including a 1:1 "Golden Sixty" Horse Sculpture presented by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, with Ellis Wong Chi Wang sharing his journey of becoming an apprentice jockey. A 4-metre-high mobile rope net, interactive boxing sandbag, a VR rowing boat experience and skateboarding trial classes are among the other offerings.

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and 14 Japanese prefectures and cities have teamed up to form a Japan Pavilion promoting the country's attractions and culture. Events introduced different Japanese tourist spots, including "Visit Gifu by JR Trains!", "Japan – San'in Sanyo Area Sightseeing Guide" and "Discover Tokushima Japan", while tomorrow the pavilion will feature a Japanese traditional karate performance.

A number of exciting activities have been lined up during the Fair, including a preview of the 2023 IFBB Hong Kong Fitness Awards Charity Open Championship, artistic gymnastics, self-defence demonstration, Hong Kong eco-tourism tips and fishing for parents and children. Hong Kong mountaineer Tsang Chi-sing will share his experience of volcano hikes in Indonesia, among other scheduled events, while Cheng Kam Hing, a member of Hong Kong's 3×3 basketball team, will discuss the rise of this new sport.

World of Snacks offers delicacies from around the world

The World of Snacks features six thematic zones – Travel Delights, Chocolate and Sweet Factory, Oldie Snacks, Yummy & Healthy, Party Time and Snack Bar – gathering more than 1,200 popular treats from across the globe. There are workshops and activities on-site, including tasting sessions, introduction of summer speciality ice pop and hand-brewed coffee with Zen concept combined with meditation.

Visitors can purchase e-tickets with Book Fair ticketing partner AlipayHK App and Alipay App or Octopus at the entrance's toll booths. To ensure an even flow of visitors throughout the day, morning admission tickets and a special re-entry promotion are available. All ticketing details can be found below.

#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.

HKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com
Photos of the exhibits, key speakers and other Book Fair highlights can be found at: https://bit.ly/43qHWCZ
Photo Download: https://bit.ly/44zqn58

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
Should members of the press have any enquiries, please contact:

Hong Kong Book Fair
Yuan Tung Financial Relations:
Anson Wong, Tel: +852 3428 3413, Email: awong@yuantung.com.hk
Salina Cheng, Tel: +852 3428 5691, Email: salcheng@yuantung.com.hk
Agnes Yiu, Tel: +852 3428 5690, Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk

HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Katy Wong, Tel: +852 2584 4524, Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org
Clayton Lauw, Tel: +852 2584 4472, Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org
Sunny Ng, Tel: +852 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org

Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo, World of Snacks
HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Kate Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4239, Email: kate.hy.chan@hktdc.org

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

National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP) joins World Cloud Show

National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP) partners with World Cloud Show to drive cloud adoption and digital transformation in Manila.
The 21st global edition of World Cloud Show is scheduled to take place on 17th August 2023 atEdsa Shangri-La in Manila, Philippines.
Join the event to explore the latest trends and innovations in the Philippine cloud market and get closer to achieving seamless cloud migration.

MANILA, July 19, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP) has joined forces with World Cloud Show, the leading global event focused on cloud technologies and digital transformation. The partnership aims to drive cloud adoption and foster digital innovation in the Philippines. The 21st edition of World Cloud Show, organised by Trescon, is scheduled to take place on 17th August 2023 atEdsa Shangri-La in Manila, Philippines.

World Cloud Show is a thought-leadership-driven event that brings together industry experts, decision-makers, and technology enthusiasts to explore the latest trends and advancements in cloud computing. With a focus on cloud adoption and digital transformation, the event provides a platform for enterprises and governments to exchange ideas, share best practices, and leveragethe power of cloud technologies.

The Manila edition of World Cloud Show offers a unique opportunity to witness the latest trends andinnovations in the Philippine cloud market. Pre-qualified CIOs, CEOs, CTOs, Heads of Research, Industry Practitioners, IT Decision Makers, and Cloud Computing Experts from various industries across the regionwill gather to discuss key topics such as Cloud Native, Intelligent Cloud, Collaborative Leadership, Data Visualisation & Management, Smart Data Centres, Sustainable Cloud, and Cloud Transformation.

Confirmed speakers at the event include industry leaders and visionaries shaping the future of cloud adoption and digital transformation in the region. Among the notable speakers are Tr Mon Gutierrez, Chiefof Staff for the Office of E-Government, DICT

Mary Joy Abueg, President, National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP)
Gemma Rose Dublan, Chief Information Officer, Cybersecurity Philippines
Hector Melencio, Assistant Vice President of the Information Technology Department and Deputy DataProtection Officer, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)
Mark Rivera, Country Chief Information Officer, Sodexo
Charlie Valerio, Chief Information Officer, Aboitiz Power Corporation
Alex Ustaris, Chief Technology Officer, PHINMA Education Holdings Inc.
Marlon Sorongon, Chief Information Security Officer, Maybank
Carlos Tengkiat, Chief Information Security Officer, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation

The event is officially supported by the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines, the Asia Cloud Computing Association and Data Centre Association of the Philippines. Additionally, the event is excited tohave Cybersecurity Philippines CERT join as its community partner.

Mohammed Saleem, Founding Chairman of Trescon, expressed his enthusiasm about the event and the partnership with NICP, saying, “We are delighted to have the National ICT Confederation of thePhilippines join us for the Manila edition of World Cloud Show.

Together, we aim to create a platform that enables enterprises and governments to harness the potential ofcloud technologies and drive digital transformation.”

NICP’s involvement in World Cloud Show signifies a shared commitment to promoting foreign and localinvestments, balanced development, and the transformation of the

Philippines into a competitive provider for global services. By aligning with NICP’s vision, World Cloud Show aims to contribute significantly to inclusive countryside development through the use of cloudtechnologies.

“NICP’s partnership with World Cloud Show marks a significant step towards accelerating cloud migrationand digital transformation in Manila,” said Naveen Bharadwaj, CEO of Trescon. “We are privileged to collaborate with NICP and bring together key stakeholders to drive innovation and foster sustainable growthin the cloud computing landscape.”

Registration for World Cloud Show Manila is now open. To secure your place and learn more about the event,please visit: https://worldcloudshow.com/manila/

About Trescon

Trescon is a pioneering force in the global business events and services sector, driving the adoption of emerging technologies while promoting sustainability and inclusive leadership. Its summits, expos, and conferences create real economic impact by connecting and empowering key stakeholders, including government organizations, regulators, enterprises, corporates, and more. With a team of over 250 employees across offices in 6 countries, Trescon has helped clients achieve exponential growth, acceleratemarket entry, and build valuable partnerships. For more information about Trescon, visit:www.tresconglobal.com

For media inquiries, please contact:
Nupur Aswani
Head – Media, PR and Corporate Communications, Trescon
+91 95559 15156 | media@tresconglobal.com

AI and Big Data Expo Europe Announces New Speakers

Amsterdam, July 18, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Leaders from across the tech industry will soon flock to Amsterdam for another edition of AI and Big Data Expo Europe.

The event, taking place on September 26-27, 2023, at RAI, Amsterdam, brings together industry-leading technology companies, giving attendees the opportunity to discover the newest applications of AI technology. With over 6,000 AI enthusiasts expected, the event is sure to be one of the largest Artificial Intelligence expos in the world. Previous editions of the event were attended by the representatives of such companies as: AWS, Deloitte, Phillips, HSBC, Nestlé, Levi Strauss, Danone, just to mention a few!

Get ready to experience a game-changing moment that will ignite your passion for Artificial Intelligence. AI and Big Data Expo Europe has just announced the latest additions to their line-up of speakers, and we guarantee you won’t want to miss out on their life-changing insights!

Newly announced speakers include:

Irakli Beridze, Head of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics – UNICRI, United Nations
Sanchit Juneja, Director – Product (Data Science & Machine Learning Platform) – Booking.com
Marloes Pomp, Coordinator International Network ELSA labs – Netherlands AI Coalition
Joris Krijger, AI & Ethics Specialist – de Volksbank
Haider Alleg, General Partner – Allegory Capital
Oliviana Bailey, Women in AI Ambassador in the Netherlands – Women in AI

The AI and Big Data Expo offers a variety of presentations and panel discussions, led by industry experts and thought leaders. The sessions will cover a range of topics, from Enterprise AI, Machine Learning, Security, Ethical AI, Deep Learning, Data Ecosystems, and NLP. Attendees will gain valuable insights and practical knowledge that they can apply to their own businesses.

In addition to all the exciting presentations, the AI and Big Data Expo will feature an impressive line-up of exhibitors showcasing the latest advancements in technology, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest AI products and solutions, network with industry professionals, and gain valuable insights into emerging trends.

The event’s official networking party will take place at the Strandzuid Boathouse, next to the RAI, Amsterdam! The networking party will allow Gold and Ultimate pass holders to share the experiences of the day and will provide the opportunity to meet with existing and new business partners in a more relaxed setting, with free food and drinks provided.

Register now for the AI and Big Data Expo and be inspired by these incredible speakers who are changing the game in the world of AI.

About TechForge

TechForge is a market-leading publishing company, event organiser and digital services provider, focusing specifically on the enterprise application of technology.

Enquiries should be directed to:
Charlie Herne
Marketing Manager
AI and Big Data Expo
charlie@techforge.pub

A Resounding Success at the 2-Day Retail & E-commerce Summit Asia

MANILA, Jul 18, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – In a noteworthy feat, rockbird media organized a resounding success with its esteemed 2-day event, the Retail & E-commerce Summit Asia: Scaling Digital Strategies Towards Growth, held on July 12-13, 2023, at the Shangri-La The Fort, BGC. The summit drew industry leaders and pioneers from across the region to forge a brighter, more prosperous future for retail and e-commerce sectors.

This trailblazing summit served as a dynamic platform that fostered connections among business industries, facilitating the exchange of cutting-edge strategies to propel their success to unparalleled heights in the ever-evolving market.

The 2-day-event witnessed an impressive gathering of over 155 attendees on Day 1 and 124 on Day 2 including prominent industry leaders, including the esteemed CMO, CEO, COO, VP, Director, Head, Managers and Marketing Executives. The occasion was enriched by the presence of 25 thought-provoking speakers who shared their invaluable insights across various industries. Additionally, the event garnered support from 7 media partners, as well as esteemed brands and sponsors that played a crucial role in making this event a resounding success. Special thanks go to our valued sponsors, including Shopify Plus, Clevertap, Dotdigital, Braze, VTEX, Lexer, Rush, Inquiro, Digimind, Vinculum, Gcash, and Una Cash, whose unwavering support made this event possible.

Keep yourself informed about all the latest event updates by staying connected with us through our website, https://rockbirdmedia.com/. For more exciting news and updates, don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/14633772/admin/feed/posts/. We look forward to keeping you informed and engaged!

About Rockbird media

Rockbird media is an international business media company that produces B2B events and offers business solutions.

Whether it is through online media and content, must-have business intelligence and analytics, effective networking, and partnering solutions, we help businesses and professionals learn more about the latest trends, and know more about their customers, peers, and competition, to make that decision that allows them to grow.

For press-related concerns, please contact:
Imee Mariano
Marketing Department
im.mariano@rockbirdmedia.com

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