ASEAN’s data and analytics leaders alongside key players to digitally converge and discuss strategies for the future

Singapore, Jul 12, 2021 – (ACN Newswire) – The back-breaking year of the Covid-19 pandemic had just left economies to endure, markets crashed and some of the burgeoning industries wiped out entirely. But for the IT and digital transformation industry, Covid-19 was a blessing in disguise, a banner year. Particularly because Big Data & Data Analytics had an upward pre-Covid growth already.

Factors that made this a reality included the growing size of early adopters, prioritising digital transformation, rise in investments in big data and data analytics, increasing focus on remote working, increasing adoption of online payments, and some of the top factors to drive the adoption of this future-tech.

To dive deep into these and to help ASEAN countries digitize at speed and scale, experts and key players are gathering virtually at World Big Data & Analytics Show taking place virtually on 13 July 2021.

The show will feature eye-opening keynotes, government and enterprise use-case presentations, exciting product showcase, panel discussions and tech talks to discuss the latest challenges and explore the latest applications in data-powered solutions.
As per industry reports, in the post-Covid-19 scenario, the global big data security market size is projected to grow from USD 17.5 billion in 2020 to USD 35.3 billion by 2026, recording a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.4 per cent from 2020 to 2026.

"Democratizing data is now more challenging than ever as information architectures are getting more complex, both through the diversity of the data sources and the data distribution. Data Virtualization is a modern approach to data integration with real-time access to the required data, enabling users to gain faster decision-making and business agility while providing a consistent enterprise-wide governance and security framework," states Chris Day, Director, APAC Sales Engineering at Denodo.

Rahul Saxena, Group IT Director – Commercial, Digital Commerce & Analytics, at Coca-Cola stated, "Organisations which build their future business models around data will be more successful than organisations that only use data to optimise existing business models."

Dr Meri Rosich, Chief Data Officer at Standard Chartered Bank said, "Data is a strategic asset and organizations that succeed in leveraging it will lead the way in the new competitive environments of the future."

The event will focus on topics such as Future of Data Automation; Data at the centre of 'everything'; Data Security, Privacy and Ethics; Predictive and Prescriptive Analytics; Power of Visualization in Analyzing Data; How is Big Data Analytics shaping up the Internet of Things; and much more.

The show will feature a groundbreaking collaboration of experts such as:
– Dr Meri Rosich – CDO, Standard Chartered Bank
– Juan Intan Kanggrawan – Head of Data Analytics, Jakarta Smart City
– Geoff Soon – MD, Snowflake
– Varun Verma – APAC Head of Data & Analytics, The Heineken Company
– Dietmar Bohmer – CAO, Tyme
– John Funtanilla – AVP, Advanced Analytics Lead, Nestle
– Carol Hargreaves – Director of Data Analytics Consulting Centre, National University of Singapore
– Alex a Ustaris – Group CIO and CTO & Head of Shared Services Center, Hijo Resources Corporation
– Philipp Gschopf – Director of Data Science, Prudential plc
– Sonny Supriyadi – Head, Pricing and Data Analytics, Maybank; to name a few.

"The pandemic's disruptions have driven firms to explore Big Data and Analytics solutions as a means of identifying major technology trends and prioritizing those that have the greatest influence on their competitive advantage. The World Big Data & Analytics Show is a great place to discuss and learn about the newest strategies, challenges, and trends that are driving ASEAN's data-driven devices and services," stated Mithun Shetty — CEO, Trescon.

The show will be hosted on the virtual events platform Vmeets to help participants network and conduct business in an interactive and immersive virtual environment. Participants can also engage with the speakers during Q&A sessions and network with solution providers/sponsors at their virtual exhibition booths, private consultation rooms and meeting tables.

World Big Data & Analytics Show is officially sponsored by Platinum Sponsor — Dataiku; Premium Gold Sponsors — Snowflake; Gold Sponsors — Denodo and Talend; Silver Sponsors — Qubole.

About World Big Data & Analytics Show

World Big Data & Analytics Show is a thought-leadership-driven, business-focused, global series of events that takes place in strategic locations across the world.
The show features exciting keynotes, government and enterprise use-case presentations, product showcase, panel discussions and tech talks to discuss the latest challenges and explore the latest applications in data-powered solutions.

For further details, please contact:
Monith M Shetty
Corporate Communication Executive
marketing@tresconglobal.com

Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Accounting & Finance Show Hong Kong 2021 (28-29 July 2021)

Singapore, Jul 9, 2021 – (ACN Newswire) – Returning for the 3rd edition, the Accounting & Finance Show Hong Kong 2021 will see 80 local and international accounting and finance leaders and technology experts taking the virtual stage on 28-29 July 2021. The 4 key channels, Digital Innovation, Accounting Tech: Adopt, Accounting Tech: Connect & Grow and Digital Practice will focus on stories and real-world examples, enabling attendees to gain invaluable insights and practical information on how to set out or continue in their own digitalisation journey.

Over the two days, the live online agenda will cover all the latest innovations in accounting and tech from cloud accounting software to AI and robotics. Session highlights include
– "Adoption & Innovation: How the pandemic has transformed the way accountants and finance professionals leverage technology"
– "CFO: 4.0: The changing role of the CFO in business strategy"
– "Using technology to build confidence in finance teams during turbulent times"
– "How actionable and real-time analytics will drive your business forward"
– "Going Digital: Why keeping up is so important"

These sessions will assist accounting and finance professionals in accounting firms and businesses in any industry to progress their digital transformation journeys, elevate their digital skills and futureproof their organisations.

Expert speakers sharing their insights include:

– Helen Ahlstedt, Chief Financial Officer, Allegis Group
– Thomas Au Yeung, Global Finance Director, Tron Foundation
– Christophe Batallie, CFO Asia Operation, Lacoste
– Collin Jin, National Audit & Assurance Innovation Leader, Deloitte
– Kyelie Baxter, Managing Partner, IQ Accountants
– Emil Chan, Chairman, The Association of Cloud and Mobile Computing Professionals
– Jasmine Chung, Head of Finance, FoodPanda Hong Kong
– Kevin Fitzgerald, Managing Director, Asia, Xero
– Travis Huggins, Regional Leader – Finance, Woods Bagot
– James Liu, Finance Director IKEA, Diary Farm Group
– Michelle Lombard, CFO, Tatler
– Emma Martin, Commercial & Finance Director, Ogilvy & Mather Asia Pacific
– Aaron Pang, Associate Director Business Transformation, EY
– Stephen Lo, CFO, Prenetics
– Amy Ip, Managing Director, Caas

As the event's Title Sponsor, Xero will be joined by a range of its app partners, who will present fully integrated solutions in the Xero Connected App Partners Pavilion. CardUp, Fathom, Cynopsis Solutions, HReasily, Spotlight Reporting and other industry leaders will also be showcasing the latest solutions for Hong Kong's accounting and finance professionals.

"Over the last five years, the accounting industry has become more tech-savvy than we ever anticipated, and at the centre of this is The Cloud. The Cloud has enabled greater efficiencies, accuracy, transparency, time and cost savings than businesses have ever known, giving you more time to focus on strategic planning, business growth and creating greater value for your clients. The Accounting & Finance Show Hong Kong is a great place to hear from industry experts about their learnings and insights. We are delighted to be a part of this event. Join us and discover the latest digital trends, and understand how we can help practices across Asia achieve greater success with our expertise," said Kevin Fitzgerald, Managing Director – Asia at Xero.

The Accounting & Finance Show Hong Kong 2021 isn't just a chance to hear from leaders who are working towards streamlining finance workflows and businesses, it is also a golden networking opportunity with real-time conversations taking place throughout the 2 days.

Details of the 2-days virtual event are as follows:
Accounting & Finance Show Hong Kong 2021
28-29 July 2021 | Virtual Free-to-Attend
Website: https://bit.ly/3hG8xGg
Register: https://bit.ly/2Uxslna
Agenda: https://bit.ly/3dVSH9o

About Terrapinn

Terrapinn is an international events media business with 30 years' experience developing best in class conferences and exhibitions across a wide range of key industry verticals. With our global footprint and offices in London, New York, Singapore, Sydney, Dubai and Johannesburg, we've been sparking ideas, innovations and relationships that transform businesses. In Asia we run 17 pan Asian events; Telecoms, Enterprise Technology, Life Sciences, Transportation, Accounting, Logistics, Education and Renewable Energy sectors. In 2020, we ran over 80 virtual events and total attendance across all shows was in excess of 70,000.

For more information, please contact:
Lim Jia Le
Marketing Executive
Terrapinn Pte Ltd

Tel: (65) 8133 1705
Email: jiale.lim@terrapinn.com

Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Renowned authors speak at HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair

HONG KONG, Jul 9, 2021 – (ACN Newswire) – The long-awaited 31st HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair takes place from 14 to 20 July at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The theme of this year's Book Fair is "Inspirational and Motivational Reading" and one of the highlights will be the "Eight Seminar Series", offering inspiration and helping readers enjoy a trip around the literary world. The "Renowned Writers Seminar Series", co-organised with Mingpao and Yazhou Zhoukan, and the "English and International Reading Series" supported by Book Depository will invite renowned authors from around the globe to share their writing journeys with readers at a series of virtual and in-person seminars.

The Renowned Writers Seminar Series will welcome Fan Jinshi, known as the "Daughter of Dunhuang", and Gu Chunfang, co-author of "Dunhuang is Where My Heart Belongs: Biology of Fan Jinshi", to share Ms Fan's conservation endeavours in the Dunhuang region of Mainland China over the past five decades. In addition, author Ping Lu will share with readers how her two battles with cancer have taken her into previously unexplored areas in the realm of her creative writing. Other authors in the star-studded line-up include Liang Hong, Shuang Xuetao and Wei Hui from Mainland China and Cheng Pei-kai, Louis Ng, Xu Zidong, Ronald Soong and Zhou Jieru from Hong Kong.

The "English and International Reading Series" invites renowned authors from around the globe to share their creative experiences. The line-up features Heather Morris, author of worldwide bestselling novels "The Tattooist of Auschwitz" and "Cilka's Journey"; renowned British broadcaster and writer Jeremy Vine; New York Times bestselling author of young adult novels "Brigid Kemmerer"; and other acclaimed authors such as Neil Gaiman, Julia Lovell, Peter Gordon, Juan Jose Morales, Gillian Bickley and Mark O'Neil. The international speakers will interact with Hong Kong literature lovers via video link, sharing the experiences behind their outstanding works and embarking on an inspirational journey together.

Fan Jinshi – 50 years of heartfelt memories in Dunhuang

During her days at the Department of Archaeology at Peking University, Fan Jinshi visited Dunhuang, a city on the edge of the Gobi Desert in China's northwestern Gansu Province, for an internship. After graduation, she joined the Research Institute on Cultural Relics of Dunhuang to work as an archaeologist. For some 50 years she lived a routine life, dedicating herself to research work in the famous Mogao Caves. In an interview, she shared that: "I was used to entering the caves on a daily basis. As well as the darkness when I was inside, I also enjoyed the first beam of sunlight that shone into the cave every morning – I saw the Buddha on the murals blush slightly and give a slight smile." Ms Fan now identifies as a citizen of Dunhuang and dedicates her life to the city and its history.

Fan Jinshi has made a far-reaching contribution to the development of Dunhuang. Her key research areas include the protection and management of the Mogao Caves and archaeological excavations conducted there. After 40 years of residing in the region, Ms Fan published the significant "Archaeological Report on Cave 266-275 of the Mogao Grottoes", for which she received widespread recognition and later garnered multiple awards. A lot of Ms Fan's Hong Kong readers are eagerly anticipating her sharing on the stories behind Dunhuang.

In 2020, the publication of "Dunhuang is Where My Heart Belongs: Biology of Fan Jinshi", written by Gu Chunfang, attracted a lot of public attention. Gu Chunfang and Fan Jinshi spent four years working together to write the archaeologist's autobiography. At the Book Fair, they will join via video link to guide readers through the heartfelt and intricate words of the biography and understand Ms Fan's enthusiasm for Dunhuang and its famous caves at a seminar titled "Dunhuang is Where My Heart Belongs".

Ping Lu – learning to face up to fear

Born in Taiwan, Ping Lu is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at National Taiwan University and a master graduate from the University of Iowa. She has also gained a reputation as one of the most popular contemporary novelists in Mainland China. She has won numerous awards including the United Daily Best Fiction Award and the Best Prose Award and Best Script Award from the China Times. Her works are renowned for covering a wide range of topics, addressing cultural, social and gender issues, and her writing style is noteworthy for being gentle and precise at the same time.

Although Ms Ping's name literally means "a flat pathway", becoming a successful writer has not always been a smooth journey. In 2018, a medical check-up revealed that the writer was suffering from lung cancer. "The Gaps", published in 2020, recorded her experiences and the changes in her thinking after twice having had cancer. In the face of a life-changing disease, she could not escape from the anxiety and her only choice was to embrace her nightmare. She stared fear directly in the face and realised that the greatest obstacle came from the stereotypes built up around illnesses, and cancer in particular.

Ms Ping will talk on the topic "Gifts from the Gaps – For You the Suffering" at the Book Fair, sharing with the general public about what she learned during the journey of illness and hoping to enlighten those who are also suffering from pain and disease.

Heather Morris – the art of listening in writing historical fiction

New Zealand-born Heather Morris is one of the renowned speakers taking part in the English and International Reading Series. A booklover since childhood, Ms Morris was always curious about the world, once saying that "you can escape from reality in an encyclopaedia and fly to a faraway land". She was always true to herself and followed her passion for storytelling, studying professional screenwriting in Australia in 1996. Her works have won wide acclaim and have even been adapted into Oscar-winning screenplays.

In 2003, Ms Morris met a survivor of Auschwitz, the notorious World War 2 concentration camp, who worked in the camp as a tattooist. She recorded his story and pieced together the fragments of pain, suffering and hope into a powerful script that won international acclaim before being turned into her debut novel, "The Tattooist of Auschwitz". Along with her second novel, "Cilka's Journey", her books have sold more than 7 million copies worldwide. Ms Morris will talk via video link at the Book Fair on the theme "Writing & The Power of Listening", sharing on the importance of writers being able to listen.

Jeremy Vine – investigations into war and human nature

Jeremy Vine is an English writer, broadcaster and journalist. He is best known as the host of a BBC Radio lunchtime programme for almost 20 years as well as impressing with in-depth interviews and reports related to politics and war. He has reported on the aftermath of wars in Africa, witnessing the carnage inflicted by the Eritrean-Ethiopian War and the Angolan Civil War. He was named Speech Broadcaster of the Year in 2005 and won a Sony Award for Interview of the Year in 2011 for his interview with Britain's then Prime Minister Gordon Brown during the 2010 general election.

His experience witnessing the evils of war has provided him with a great deal of inspiration. Last year, Mr Vine published "The Diver and the Lover", a novel about two war-survivor sisters who lost their home and fled to Catalonia where they struggled to make a living, and thereafter their encounter with surrealist artist Salvador Dali that triggered a series of surprising events. The author actually saw a painting by Dali that deeply touched him and gave him the inspiration to write the story. Mr Vine will give a video talk titled "The Painting that Changed My Life", explaining the relationship between the painting and "The Diver and the Lover", and will also share his thoughts on war and humanity with the audience.

Please visit the Event Schedule page (https://hkbookfair.hktdc.com/en/Events/Event-Schedule.html) for more details of the Renowned Writers Seminar Series and the English and International Reading Series. Registration is free and open to the public.

For enquiries about interviews with the seminar speakers, members of the media should email clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org. Please provide details of the interview format, proposed questions and contact information in the email.

Seminar Series information and photo download: https://bit.ly/35WxcRD

The 31st HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks
– Hong Kong Book Fair: www.hkbookfair.com/en
– Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo: www.hkbookfair.com/hksportsleisureexpo/en
– World of Snacks: https://worldofsnacks.hktdc.com

About HKTDC

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

Media enquiries
HKTDC Communication & Public Affairs Department
Sunny Ng, Tel: +852 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org
Clayton Lauw, Tel: +852 2584 4472, Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org

Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

HKTDC twin international jewellery shows open in July

HONG KONG, Jul 8, 2021 – (ACN Newswire) – The 37th HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and seventh HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will run from 25 to 29 July at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). This is the first time for the shows to be held in a hybrid format with both a physical exhibition and an online business matching service. The latter will run until 5 August, allowing global jewellers to make business deals through online video conferences. The physical fairs welcome industry buyers and, for the first time, members of the public with a passion for fine jewellery.

Hosting the press conference to introduce the HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and the HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show are (from left): Winston Chow, Chairman, HKTDC Jewellery Advisory Committee; Benjamin Chau, Deputy Executive Director, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC); and Lawrence Ma, Chairman, HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show Organising Committees.

Winners and guests at today’s prize presentation ceremony for the 22nd Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition, which attracted some 150 quality entries.

A magnificent Jadeite and Diamond Pendant Necklace (right) from On Tung Company worth HK$8.5 million. The other Jadeite Necklace (left), valued at HK$6.9 million, comes with matching earrings and a ring with the same exquisite design.

Fine jewellery exports climb 82.3% in first five months of 2021

The twin shows, the first two physical trade fairs to be staged by the HKTDC since the start of the pandemic, have attracted more than 400 exhibitors, the majority of which are local companies as travel restrictions are still in effect between Hong Kong and the rest of the world. However, some overseas exhibitors are sending their local representatives to participate in the fairs, representing companies from Germany, Switzerland, the United States, Italy and India.

Speaking at a press conference to introduce the twin shows, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau said: "The pandemic situation has remained stable in Hong Kong while quarantine and immigration control measures continue to be in place globally. I believe the physical and online hybrid format will become the new trend for trade fairs. This HKTDC-organised one-stop exhibition and sourcing platform is showcasing a huge range of quality jewellery to suit the needs of buyers from around the world, helping exhibitors to build connections and make more business deals."

In the more than one year since the pandemic first hit, the impact on the jewellery sector has been significant. However, global demand has begun to rise this year, leading to a 29.4% increase in exports for the first five months of 2021. This compares to a low base in the same period in 2020 but it is clear that the export market is showing signs of recovery. Hong Kong's exports of fine jewellery registered a sharp increase of 82.3% year-on-year to HK$28.65 billion for the period from January to May this year. Exports to the largest market, Mainland China, skyrocketed nearly 230% while Asia regions including Macao, Taiwan and Malaysia also showed a significant increase. For raw materials, the gross export value of pearls, gemstones and rough diamonds climbed 83.1% in the same period this year.

The figures clearly show that the pandemic pressure on the jewellery sector is easing. HKTDC Jewellery Advisory Committee Chairman Winston Chow said at the press conference that local companies may wish to take a more diverse marketing approach in the long run amid continuing global economic uncertainty. In addition to tapping into emerging markets, companies should explore online sales channels and sourcing platforms or participate in virtual fairs in order to capture new business opportunities. Meanwhile, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups need to seize opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as well as exploring markets in the mainland.

Wide variety of precious jewellery and modern pieces

Different product zones are being set up at the twin shows this year, including the World of Glamour at the Jewellery Show that has attracted several well-known jewellery companies to showcase a selection of refined and precious pieces. Numerous modern design pieces will be available at the fair including:

– A magnificent Jadeite and Diamond Pendant Necklace from On Tung Company (Booth 3E-A14).
– The g monogram collection from Just Gold (Booth 3E-B02) highlights the company's intricate yet classic designs with fine lines and a delicate hollowed-out pattern. This collection marks a new direction for this classic brand.
– The Sapphire Necklace from Legrand Jewellery (Booth 3E-C02) comprises an oval-shape sapphire necklace with diamonds set on 18K white gold. The waterfall design adds a sense of dynamism to this precious piece.
– The Amethyst, Diamond & Gem-set Puppet pendant from Young's Creation Co Ltd (Booth 3E-D09) was inspired by famous fairytale character Pinocchio.

In addition, products zones such as Fine Jewellery, Antique & Vintage Jewellery and Silver and Finished Jewellery highlight different kinds of accessories from high-end pieces to casualwear items, including jewellery made with rubies, Fei Cui, antique pieces, trendy designs and more.

The Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show showcases a fine assortment of raw materials including diamonds, gems and pearls. Different zones include the Hall of Fine Diamonds, which showcases prime quality diamonds of different shapes, cuts, grades and rare colours. The Treasures of Nature zone displays various glittering precious gemstones, semi-precious gems and other natural raw materials, while the Treasures of the Ocean zone houses the highest-quality pearls from Tahiti, the South Seas and other pearl-producing areas around the world.

An impressively large number of special exhibits will be on display:

– RMC Gems Limited (Booth 3G-C02) will showcase a fine-cut Paraiba Tourmaline with a water-drop shape whose reflection highlights the condition of the gem. The stone has an extraordinary neon blue colour.
– CK Crystal Limited (Booth 3G-F18) will feature a meteorite ring that includes genuine pieces of meteorite from outer space and displays a unique Widmanstatten pattern.
– SM Gems Limited (Booth 3G-E27) will display a Pink Morganite, that highlights the beauty of nature. This is a very durable and dazzling gemstone belonging to the Beryl family.

Seminars improve professional knowledge, Day 1 smart bidding adds excitement

A host of seminars will be held during the twin shows including one hosted by a representative from De Beers, who will share how the jewellery industry supply chain has changed amid the pandemic. Representatives from Chow Tai Fook will share about online marketing, while speakers from the Gemmological Association of Hong Kong (GAHK) will talk about the internationalisation and testing standards for Fei Cui. There will also be expert talks to meet the needs of the jewellery-loving public, including a representative from the internationally renowned jewellery college L'ECOLE sharing on the art and science of rubies. Representatives from the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong and Jade Manufacturers Association will talk on how to appreciate rare-colour stones, while a representative from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will introduce the its pearl evaluation methods.

In addition, the Jewellery Smart Bidding session will be held on the first day of the Jewellery Show (25 July) with visitors invited to bid for their favourite jewellery items starting at low prices – around 10% of original prices. Various jewellery parades and lucky draws will also be held throughout the fairs. Lucky draw prizes include an 18K white gold pendant with a natural ruby and diamonds, an Italian 18K rose gold vermeil simple-cuff bangle, hotel dining coupons, and more.

On display at the Jewellery Show, in Hall 3E Concourse, will be winning entries from the 22nd Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition, jointly organised by the HKTDC and four major jewellery associations in Hong Kong. The theme for this year's competition was "Light, Shadow", with some 150 entries divided into the Open Group and Student Group.

Physical edition of International Sourcing Show runs concurrently

The physical edition of the hybrid HKTDC International Sourcing Show will be held from 26 to 29 July, running in parallel with the twin jewellery shows. The International Sourcing Show will take the form of a display showcase featuring thousands of the latest products. Themed "Your Source of Inspirations", the event will highlight a broad range of quality lifestyle products and solutions under four main categories:

– Smart Home: Featuring an extensive selection of household items including indoor furnishings and home textiles.
– Smart Play: Showcasing a range of kids' products including dolls and figurines, car toys, interactive toys and educational games. Buyers can also source baby care and nursery products, gear and accessories, including strollers.
– Smart Style: Highlighting an eclectic mix of garments, fashion accessories, fashion tech and fabrics. Also featured are gifts and premiums for different budgets including handicrafts, beauty and healthcare products, travel and outdoor equipment, environmental protection and festive items, as well as printing and packaging solutions.
– Smart Tech: Displaying a wide variety of tech products, including electronics, medical and healthcare and lighting products, as well as gifts, fashion and household items employing the latest technologies.

Websites
– HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show: http://hkjewelleryshow.hktdc.com/
– HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show: http://hkdgp.hktdc.com/
– HKTDC International Sourcing Show: http://isshow.hktdc.com/
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/3yNqU39

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 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.

Media enquiries
HKTDC Communications & Public Affairs Department
Agnes Wat, Tel: +852 2584 4554, Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org
Janet Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org

Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Nominations Open for W.Media Cloud & Datacenter Awards 2021

Singapore, Jul 7, 2021 – (ACN Newswire) – The 2021 W.Media Cloud & Datacenter Awards season is officially underway. Now is your chance to come together as an industry to celebrate the outstanding technological achievements of teams and individuals across the region.

Nominees will have the opportunity to compete across 61 categories in 4 different regions. The Awards categories highlight outstanding projects that have had a defining impact on the cloud, datacenter, and IT industries within the past 18 months.

Categories include, but are not limited to Hyperscale Innovation to Sustainable Design & Build to Cybersecurity Implementation. These categories will exist in 4 Different Awards Regions: Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Australasia, and the nomination window is open until 31 July 2021.

All submissions will be reviewed by the Awards Judging Panel, which comprises of independent and reputable industry leaders who will announce the shortlisted finalists for each of the four geographic awards regions in September and October of this year.

After the Nomination Windows close, we will be hosting a series or digital regional summits to further explore the incredible innovations we've seen this year. The W.Media Cloud & Datacenter Awards season will conclude at the end of the year with black-tie galas hosted across the APAC region.

There are many ways to get involved with the W.Media Awards season–from nominations to digital summits to the end-of-year galas. Participation and Sponsorship slots available for each stage of the Awards season from now until December 2021.

More information can be found by emailing awards@w.media or by visiting https://w.media/awards/

About W.Media

W.Media is a global B2B technology marketing agency specialising in PR, Media, and Events. It is the anchor of the cloud, datacenter and cybersecurity communities in Asia Pacific, combining market knowledge and network to uplift brands via targeted communication. W.Media educates both industry stakeholders and the public on the latest developments in these industries through personalized engagement with the marketplace.

From its founding in 2018, W.Media began organising Cloud & Datacenter Conventions throughout the APAC region, in countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and South Korea. In 2020, W.Media complemented its in-person events offerings by launching a series of webinars to connect top industry professionals in the three pillars driving tech today: Cloud, Cybersecurity, and Datacenters.

Beyond events, W.Media works closely with its clients to curate effective content marketing, editorial coverage, and digital advertising campaigns. This expertise and expansive regional network make W.Media a key player in Asia's Cloud and Datacenter market.

Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

HKTDC Education & Careers Expo opens next week

HONG KONG, Jul 6, 2021 – (ACN Newswire) – Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 30th edition of the HKTDC Education & Careers Expo runs from 15 to 18 July (Thursday to Sunday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The event will run concurrently with the HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks, all taking place at the HKCEC.

Speaking at a press conference held today, Sophia Chong, HKTDC Assistant Executive Director, said that the HKTDC Education & Careers Expo will provide a one-stop platform for education, further studies and career opportunities. This year's event runs concurrently with the Hong Kong Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks, offering a diverse experience to the Hong Kong public.

L-R: Amy Liu, Senior Assistant Executive Director, Vocational Training Council; Choi Yu Sing, Curriculum Director, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups; Sophia Chong, Assistant Executive Director, HKTDC; Stephen Mann, Assistant Director – Student & Curriculum Development, Hong Kong Institute of Construction; Ceci Ho, Engineer, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department; Kristy Yip, Corporate Partnership Analyst, WHub

The 30th HKTDC Education & Careers Expo will run from 15 to 18 July at the HKCEC. The picture shows a scene from the previous expo in 2019.

Featuring two major sections – Careers and Education – the four-day fair will host 800 organisations representing 14 countries and regions, including educational institutions, professional associations, government departments, public organisations and private companies. Open to the public free of charge, the expo provides comprehensive information on education and job opportunities available in Hong Kong and overseas.

Speaking at a press conference to announce details of the expo, Sophia Chong, HKTDC Assistant Executive Director, said: "As the pandemic gradually begins to ease, students and parents are starting to look ahead to plan their future study and career paths. This year, the Education & Careers Expo features several thematic zones covering further education, continuing studies and job opportunities. Students, parents and jobseekers should not miss this fun and informative event, which runs concurrently with the Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks to offer a diverse experience to the Hong Kong public."

On-the-spot recruitment provides opportunities from various industries

Catering to the recruitment demands of various industries, the expo will feature four career theme days. On the Construction Progression Pathway theme day (15 July), the supporting organisation, the Hong Kong Institute of Construction (HKIC), will invite its lecturers and graduates to discuss the manpower situation and current prospects within the industry. The Electrical & Mechanical Engineering theme day (16 July), co-organised by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) and the Hong Kong Electrical and Mechanical Trade Promotion Working Group, will invite industry professionals to share on current and future prospects. On the third day of the expo (17 July), the brand-new theme of Skills, organised by the Vocational Training Council (VTC), aims to enrich participants' knowledge on different skills, such as interior design and webpage development. Medical and healthcare professionals will share their work experience, the career pathway and job requirements during the Introduction to Healthcare and Medical Sector theme day (18 July).

In addition, various exhibitors, including the EMSD and Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, will provide the latest job market updates, prospects, career pathways and the distribution of positions in various industries, helping visitors to chart a new path forward in their working lives. Meanwhile, this year's Recruitment Square will cooperate with various recruitment platforms, public organisations and private companies to offer more than 2,600 job opportunities during the expo. The Hong Kong start-up community platform WHub will work with nine local start-ups for on-site recruitment and there will also be a range of summer jobs and temporary internships on offer for younger people.

The Youth Zone will gather information on continuing education and career planning for those still at school. Professionals from the business, aviation, mechanical engineering and arts sectors will introduce the development opportunities and career prospects in their respective fields. This year, representatives from the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups will introduce a range popular courses, with Building Inspection as one of the highlights. They will share insider knowledge and career development in this industry, providing interview tips for young candidates. Information on the Working Holiday Scheme provided by various consulates can also be found at the expo, allowing young people to explore opportunities available overseas.

Six education-themed zones highlight local and overseas opportunities

Six educational zones will be set up at this year's expo. The Self-Betterment Zone is launched to help jobseekers get better prepared for life under the new normal, with a wide range of workshops and online courses to help young people discover their strengths. The Tertiary Academy Zone brings together universities and higher education institutions offering marticulation opportunities, including Hong Kong Shue Yan University and the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong. The Vocational and Professional Education Zone features the VTC, HKIC and Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, introducing a comprehensive range of pre-employment programmes. At the Continuing Education Zone, Wall Street English and EF Language offer self-enhancement programmes, while exhibitors in the Creative and Educational Support Services Zone provide practical tips for studying in the United States.

The International Exchange Village also returns in 2021 to provide visitors with on-site consultation services for studying and working overseas. Participating consulate general offices and official bodies include Canada, the United States, Germany, Hungary and Russia.

The expo's education theme days highlight studying in the United States (16 July), France (17 July) and Canada (18 July), with representatives from consulate general offices on hand to introduce the prerequisites for admission, application procedures, information on campus life and more. Visitors can also meet with representatives from various officially recognised bodies to get first-hand information on studying abroad. Participating institutions include Advantage Austria Hong Kong, Jinan University and Huaqiao University from Mainland China.

90+ inspiring events offer practical tips

More than 90 on-site events will be organised as part of the expo, including seminars on further education, career opportunities, immigration information, working holidays, management trainee programmes and sharing sessions on working in the mainland. Various celebrities will also be sharing their valuable insights:

– Jayden Lam, renowned DSE Chinese tutor, shares his tips on entering the industry;
– Dominic Tong, Senior Lecturer from the Department of Physics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and guest host of the TVB programme Sidewalk Scientist, shares intriguing ways to understand physics to spur people's learning interest;
– Bonnie Wong, DJ from Commercial Radio Hong Kong, shares her career experience;
– Education expert Jeffrey Hui shares learning strategies and how to plan a successful blueprint for a future in the UK.

Expo website: https://hkeducationexpo.hktdc.com/
Activity schedule: https://bit.ly/2TvAqsJ
Photo download: https://bit.ly/2VcVN2n

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 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.

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

Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Experts to navigate Qatar’s National Cyber Security Strategy at Trescon’s World Cyber Security Summit

QATAR, UAE, Jul 5, 2021 – (ACN Newswire) – The 11th Global Edition of Trescon's World Cyber Security Summit will virtually gather over 200 online participants and discuss the future adoption of cyber security solutions, that will help boost Qatar's tech infrastructure into the new normal.

The internet has connected us to individuals all over the world in ways that were impossible a decade ago; eliminating communication barriers and encouraging collaboration in many aspects of our personal and professional lives. Cyberspace has evolved into a vibrant and vital component of our society, fuelling economic growth and creativity while improving our lives in numerous ways — and it will continue to expand and provide us with even more opportunities in the future.

Qatar is stepping up its cyber security efforts while also collaborating with counterparts around the world to ensure open and secure cyberspace. The country has few things to be considered on priority:
– Safeguarding the nation's critical information infrastructure
– Responding to and recovering from cyber attacks
– Establishing a legal framework and regulations to create safe and secure cyberspace
– Fostering a cyber security culture that promotes safe and appropriate use of cyberspace
– Enhancing national cyber security capabilities

In 2013, the Qatari Prime Minister established the National Cyber Security Committee to address the cyber agenda at the national level and to ensure that all public and private entities are adopting the appropriate cyber agenda.

While the government lead the efforts to protect government systems and networks, cyber security must be a shared responsibility of the government, companies, institutions, and individuals to succeed, and stakeholder cooperation is critical.

"As new and complex global cyber security challenges emerge, Qatar is well-positioned to be proactive in strengthening the country's cyber preparation and resilience, as well as protecting cyberspace for future generations. They will continue to harness the potential of information and communications technology to guarantee a successful future for all of their people, as envisioned in the Qatar National Vision 2030," stated Mithun Shetty, CEO of Trescon.

Taking place on 7 July 2021, the 11th Global Edition of #TresconCyberSec will virtually gather thought leaders in cyber space, top CISO's from the Qatar region and will discuss topics such as Cyber Security and Data Protection for Banking and Financial Institutions; Cloud security & Data protection; Boom of Emerging technologies: new threats & new security techniques; Cyber Security & Digital Transformation and much more.

The summit will feature a ground-breaking collaboration of experts such as:
– Mounir Kamal, Cyber security Advisor, Incident Handling & Digital Forensic Manager, Q-CERT
– Alex Chung – Senior Manager – Cyber security, Milaha
– Hafiz Farooq – Cyber Security Data Architect, Saudi Aramco
– Imran Chowdhury – Global Head of Data Protection & Governance, Al Jazeera Media Network
– Divjot Arora, Senior Sales Engineer, Forcepoint
– Ozgur Danisman – Director of Sales Engineering, Emerging Markets, Forcepoint
– Max Heinemyer, Director of Threat Hunting, Darktrace
– Jamie Collier, Cyber Threat Intelligence Consultant, FireEye
– Sinan Cecen, Vice President, InterProbe to name a few

The summit will be hosted on the virtual events platform Vmeets to help participants network and conduct business in an interactive and immersive virtual environment. Participants can also engage with speakers in Q&A sessions and network with solution providers in virtual exhibition booths, private consultation rooms and private networking rooms.

The Qatar edition of the World Cyber Security Summit is hosted in Partnership with – 360 Nautica is, and officially Powered by Forcepoint; sponsored by Headline Sponsors – Mannai Corporation and VMware, Inc.; Official AI Cybersecurity Partner – Darktrace; Gold Sponsors – Progress Software Corporation and emt Distribution FZ-LLC, FireEye and Mandiant; Silver Sponsor – Interprobe and ManageEngine.

About World Cyber Security Summit

World Cyber Security Summit is a thought-leadership driven, business-focused initiative that provides a platform for CISOs who are looking to explore new-age threats and the technologies/strategies that can help mitigate them.

The series is virtually hosting CISOs across industry sectors who will meet, network, learn and engage with some of the world's renowned technology thought-leaders, subject matter experts and technology innovators in a constructive, open-dialogue environment to find solutions for issues hindering their information/cyber security.

To register, visit – World Cyber Security Summit – Qatar: bit.ly/3jM0tq6

For further details, please contact:
Karthik A
Marketing Lead
marketing@tresconglobal.co

Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Trescon’s Big BFSI Future Tech Show to unearth and navigate the potential of emerging tech in India

INDIA, Jul 5, 2021 – (ACN Newswire) – The 9th edition of Big BFSI Future Tech Show with a special focus on the Indian BFSI tech ecosystem is set to take place virtually on 6 July 2021.

Be it through mobile banking or digital modes of payments, technology is gradually transforming the banking/non-banking and financial service sectors in India and across the globe. As we move deeper into the digital age, we foresee more ground-breaking, technology-driven, innovative banking solutions with customers at the focus of all strategic actions.

The event will focus on need-of-the-hour topics such as:
– Future of Open Banking in India
– Rise of Regulatory Sandbox in India
– Security challenges in evolving Fintech landscape
– Safeguarding and building the Digital trust
– RPA in Banking: Building a Virtual Workforce with RPA
– Chatbots backed by AI abilities
– The Future of Data Center and Cloud
– Need for Cloud Data Protection Systems and much more.

The show will feature a ground-breaking collaboration of experts such as:
– Dr Amitabh Rajan, Chairman, Services Board, RBI
– Amit Saxena, Global Dy. CTO, SBI
– Sachin Sawant, CTO Ambassador, Dell Technologies
– Ajay Koul, Sales lead — BFSI, AMD Inc
– Ripu Bajwa, Director & GM — Data Protection Solutions, Dell Technologies
– Sridhar S, VP, Managed Services — Cloud, Hosting and Security, Tata Communications Ltd
– Rajesh Awasthi, Global Head of Cloud and MHS, Tata Communications Ltd
– Devika Nayyar, Country Manager- BFSI, Hewlett Packard Enterprise
– Vikram K, Sr Director, Industry Verticals, Hewlett Packard Enterprise
– Ravi Shankar, SVP and CMO, Denodo
– Jagdish Narayanan, CIO, Reliance Jio Payments Bank & Financial Services
– Anuj Bhansali, Head of Trust and Safety, PhonePe
– Ekhlaque Bari, CTO, Fullerton India
– Kirti Patil, Joint President and CTO, Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance; to name a few.

"In the challenging times of work from home and customers moving online, it is high time for BFSI tech leaders to revisit the tech strategy to stay ahead of the next disruption. The 9th edition of Big BFSI Future Tech Show is designed to address these issues and pave the way to move ahead," stated Mithun Shetty – CEO, Trescon.

The show will be hosted on the virtual events platform Vmeets to help participants network and conduct business in an interactive and immersive virtual environment. Participants can also engage with speakers in Q&A sessions and network with solution providers in virtual exhibition booths, private consultation rooms and private networking rooms.

Big BFSI Future Tech Show is officially sponsored by — Presenting Sponsor — Dell Technologies and AMD; Powered By Sponsor — TATA Communication; Co-Powered By Sponsor – Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Archon; Headline Sponsor — Denodo Technologies; Exhibitor — NeoSoft.

About Big BFSI Future Tech Show

Big BFSI Future Tech Show is a thought-leadership-driven, business-focused initiative that provides a platform for tech leaders who are looking to explore and adopt new-age future-tech within their organization.

The show is virtually hosting tech leaders from across India, who will meet, network, learn and engage with some of the world's renowned technology thought-leaders, subject matter experts and technology innovators in a constructive, open-dialogue environment to find solutions for issues hindering their operations and services.

For further details, please contact:
Monith M Shetty
Corporate Communication Executive
marketing@tresconglobal.com

Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Start-up Express Pitching Final showcases innovation

HONG KONG, Jun 29, 2021 – (ACN Newswire) – Start-up Express, an entrepreneurship development programme organised annually by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), has returned for its fourth edition. The Pitching Final of the programme came to a successful conclusion today with a judging panel selecting exceptional Hong Kong tech start-ups that presented inspirational ideas and innovative solutions to help overcome social and environmental issues.

The Start-up Express Pitching Contest winners pictured together with the judging panel and special guests. Pictured on the front row (from left) are judges Herbert Chia, Venture Partner, Sequoia Capital China; Raymond Yung, Vice Chairman, AMTD Global Advisory Committee; Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director of HKTDC; Hendrick Sin, Co-founder & Executive Director & Vice Chairman, CMGE Technology Group Limited; and Duncan Chiu, Co-founder, Radiant Venture Capital Limited.

The distinguished judging panel witnessed the rise of new start-up success stories.

Renowned stand-up comedian Vivek Mahbubani, the event host, talked to entrepreneurs from some of the participating start-ups.

For the second consecutive year, the Pitching Final was livestreamed online due to the pandemic. The Social Impact Award, established to recognise innovative and sustainable start-up ideas that create real social impact, was awarded to Breer. The "My Favourite Start-up Award", decided through live online polling, was awarded to Growgreen. The "AMTD SpiderNet Start-up Award" was awarded to HK Bio-Rhythm R&D and offers the winner to have open access to AMTD SpiderNet ecosystem. The 10 winners of the Pitching Final will participate in local and international activities that will help them develop their businesses by building connections, exploring markets, seeking partners and enhancing brand awareness.

Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director of HKTDC, said: "As the pandemic situation gradually begins to ease, and global trade and economic activities continue to recover, innovative business models and ideas will become a new stimulus for the economy in post-pandemic times. The enrolment for Start-up Express 2021 reflected the great enthusiasm of local entrepreneurs, with shortlisted start-ups coming from a broader spectrum of fields than ever before, including new areas such as green tech, health tech and retail tech. Start-up Express has given tremendous support to local start-ups over the past three years, helping them explore global markets, seal major orders and win international awards. The HKTDC will continue its quest to spread the spirit of entrepreneurship in Hong Kong, assisting start-ups in growing their businesses to the next level."

Start-ups promote social innovation

The shortlisted companies in this year's Start-up Express were mainly focused on new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, smart city tech, fintech and big data, with other emerging technologies such as green tech, health tech and retail tech also covered. In the Pitching Final, contestants put forward their innovative business ideas and responded to questions raised by a distinguished panel of judges as well as the online audience. This year's judging panel comprised:

– Raymond Yung, Vice Chairman, AMTD Global Advisory Committee; Board Director, AMTD International (NYSE:HKIB; SGX:HKB)
– Duncan Chiu, Co-founder, Radiant Venture Capital Limited
– Herbert Chia, Venture Partner, Sequoia Capital China
– Hendrick Sin, Co-founder & Executive Director & Vice Chairman, CMGE Technology Group Limited
– Norma Chu, Founder, DayDayCook

The winners of the 2021 Start-up Express Pitching contest are: Kin Shun Information Technology (HK), PanopticAI, HK Bio-Rhythm R&D, CLAIRE Clinical AI Research, Wizpresso, Growgreen, Aurora Tele-Oncology, Kamakura Foods, Dayta AI, DeepTranslate. Click here (https://tinyurl.com/b7uu89n7) to view the profiles of each of the winning start-ups which will be able to join a range of local and international activities and events, exploring networking opportunities with potential investors, buyers and business partners.

Attracting investors

AMTD Group is the Sole Strategic Partner of Start-up Express for the third consecutive year. Calvin Choi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AMTD Group, shared his perspective on the contest. "I am impressed by the performance of our city's young entrepreneurs in this year's Start-up Express Pitching Final presentation. We shortlisted more start-ups from a broader spectrum of fields this year. Among the product design and technology solutions, the area of environmental, social and governance (ESG) was heavily featured, with numerous innovative ideas and practical solutions presented, showcasing the unique business ideas of the participants and demonstrating the innovative power of the young generation in Hong Kong."

He added: "As the pandemic begins to ease, entrepreneurs with strategic foresight and flexibility can adjust their business plans according to the current market landscape so as to overcome challenges and maintain ongoing development, exploring new opportunities amid this ever-changing business environment." With the support of AMTD Group, the SpiderNet Start-up Award was established to recognise the top performer selected by AMTD in the Pitching Final. The award aims to provide the winner with a unique and rare opportunity to access the resources and network of the AMTD SpiderNet ecosystem. The winner will benefit greatly in terms of its future business development and will also create synergies with other entrepreneurs within the ecosystem.

Duncan Chiu, Co-founder, Radiant Venture Capital Limited and a member of this year's judging panel, said: "There are bound to be challenges in every entrepreneurial journey and the strength of a true entrepreneur is the ability to fight their way through the hard times. The global economy has been affected by the pandemic, so I am delighted to see so many Start-up Express applicants amid this uncertainty, showing their determination to fight through the adversity and succeed. Each start-up has its own strength, and their innovative ideas could help to boost social development. Regardless of the result, we hope all participants will embrace new opportunities in the international market through Start-up Express's unique support system, building connections and seeking opportunities with potential investors and partners. The entrepreneurial journey is never easy, but the results can definitely be fruitful."

Assistance building brand reputation and awareness

A key driver for start-ups looking to participate in Start-up Express is the opportunity to enhance their brand awareness while also connecting with mentors, partners and investors through HKTDC-organised local and overseas events, and extensive highly curated marketing exposure. This provides start-ups with the chance to learn from experts and strengthen their core business.

Past winners of Start-Up Express have benefited from new opportunities, including Return Helper, which offers a data-driven return management solution that optimises the return process and aftermarket activities for online retailers; and Gense Technologies, which develops portable imaging devices for patients' continuous health monitoring.

Roy Wan, Co-founder and CEO of Return Helper, said: "With the assistance provided by the HKTDC, I successfully connected with e-commerce associations and organisations in Taiwan and Guangzhou, meeting almost 200 e-commerce representatives last October. These are the kind of valuable opportunities open to Start-up Express winners."

Justin Chan, Co-founder and CEO of Gense Technologies, said numerous media interviews were arranged through the HKTDC, which have greatly enhanced his company's brand awareness and enabled more people to get to know its products and technologies.

HKTDC throws full support behind local start-ups

The HKTDC has always given its full support to Hong Kong's entrepreneurial ecosystem, helping to maintain the city's status as a competitive business centre and hub for innovation.

– The Hong Kong Start-up Fiesta, held in May and June, comprises a full range of activities to support and foster the local start-up ecosystem and help innovative new companies capture business opportunities amid the challenges of the pandemic.
– The Start-up Express Master League, concluded in May, selected the programme alumni that had demonstrated the most vigorous business growth since joining the cohort.
– Co-organised with the Hong Kong Startup Council in mid-June, Enterprise Connect: Solution Day invited start-ups in the areas of medtech, food tech and wellness tech to present their ideas under the theme "Well Being Tech", pitching to business users and fostering collaboration between start-ups and user enterprises.
– Co-organised with The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups in mid-June, the Young Founders' Camp equipped young entrepreneurs via brainstorming workshops and mentorship sessions, offering a testing ground for them to implement their start-up ideas.
– The success stories of various Start-up Express alumni have been brought together in the Start-up Express Digital Book: A Journey to Success.

In addition, to help enterprises the HKTDC runs the "HKTDC Transformation Sandbox (T-box)", offering free support on branding, e-commerce, manufacturing relocation and new market development. The "Voice of Start-ups" series has been launched on the HKTDC online platform to promote the success stories of local start-ups and show how their creativity and versatility help them thrive and capture local and overseas business opportunities. As well as organising Start-up Express, the HKTDC will give more support to start-ups by hosting the annual Entrepreneur Day in December.

More information
Start-up Express: http://info.hktdc.com/startupexpress/en/index.html
Photo download: https://bit.ly/3h51AQ5

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 AMTD

AMTD Group is a comprehensive conglomerate in Asia, with businesses in investment banking, institutional asset management, digital solutions, real estate and hospitality, and education. AMTD Group is a global Strategic Partner Associate of the World Economic Forum, and has been the Grand Sponsor to the Singapore FinTech Festival since 2017 and Sole Strategic Partner to the Hong Kong FinTech Week since 2018.

AMTD International (NYSE: HKIB; SGX:HKB), a subsidiary of AMTD Group and dual-listed on the New York Stock Exchange and Singapore Exchange, is a leading independent investment bank in Asia and one of Asia's largest independent asset management companies, and is also a leading investment house in the financial and new economy.

AMTD Digital, a one-stop comprehensive digital solutions platform in Asia under AMTD Group, operates in businesses covering digital financial services, digital media, content & marketing, SpiderNet ecosystem solutions, and digital investment. Airstar Bank, one of the eight licensed virtual banks in Hong Kong, is the joint venture between AMTD and Xiaomi and a portfolio under this platform and is also one of the earlier virtual banks launching its service.

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

Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com