• HKTDC’s Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks have attracted 760 exhibitors to participate in the seven-day events
• The Book Fair’s theme this year is Film and Television Literature. Renowned writers such as Jin Yucheng, author of Blossoms, and Yuyi, author of City of Darkness, will share their creative journey
• The World of Art & Culture showcases works from 31 countries and regions, including AI-powered interactive installations
• The Sports and Leisure Expo offers a check-in spot for cheering on Hong Kong’s Olympic athletes while the World of Snacks gathers more than 1,200 snacks from across the globe
• Entry before noon costs HK$10 with an Octopus card, and full price ticket holders who enter on the first two days can enjoy free re-entry at certain time slots. Children aged 0-3 and adults aged 65 or above will be admitted free of charge

The 34th HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, 7th HKTDC Sports and Leisure Expo and 4th HKTDC World of Snacks all commence today, running for seven days (17 to 23 July) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the three summer cultural and leisure events offer a diverse range of activities that cater for the whole family. The opening ceremony for the fairs took place this morning, officiated by Raistlin Lau, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, and accompanied by Margaret Fong, HKTDC Executive Director.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms Fong said: “The HKTDC is committed to promoting Hong Kong’s business development and injecting vitality into the Hong Kong economy through organising mega events such as these, solidifying the city’s reputation as the events capital of Asia. This year’s Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks have attracted 760 exhibitors, providing an important promotional and business platform for different industries while allowing visitors to enjoy diverse activities spanning reading, sports, leisure, and snack shopping. This year’s Book Fair, an annual summer cultural event in Hong Kong, will stage more than 600 cultural activities on-site and off-site, inviting over 250 prominent Chinese and foreign-language writers and celebrities to host seminars, promoting literary exchange and connecting book lovers through literature.”

The Book Fair continues to receive funding from the HKSAR Government’s Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency to support featured activities, including the World of Art & Culture, the International Publishing Forum and the debut of the IP Roundtable.

Theme of the year seminar series delves into film and TV literature

This year’s Book Fair, with the theme Film and Television Literature and the tagline “Reading the World: Storytelling from Page to Screen”, focuses on featured writers such as Erica Li, Raymond To, Joyce Chan, Norris Wong, Chiang Hiu Mei and Law Kar. The Art Gallery features two other exhibition zones, namely Featured Directors and Classic Literary Adaptations, introducing selected works by renowned filmmakers such as Wong Kar-wai, Ho Cheuk-tin, Nick Cheuk, Tsui Hark, Ann Hui and Stanley Kwan, as well as paying tribute to literary masters like Yi Shu, Lilian Lee, Jin Yong, Ni Kuang and Eileen Chang.

Featured writers of the year and featured directors are invited to explore the intersection of film, television and literature through the Theme of the Year Seminar Series. Earlier today, Raymond To kicked off the series with his talk on “Transforming Texts into Lines and Dialogues”, while renowned director Stanley Kwan will share his unique perspectives on women, film and literary adaptations on 20 July.

World of Art & Culture promotes cultural exchange

The World of Art & Culture provides booklovers with a multifaceted understanding of literature in film and television from 31 countries and regions. In addition to works from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, it also presents pieces from Argentina, Colombia, the Czech Republic, France, Indonesia, Korea, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, Spain, Switzerland, Vietnam and more. This year, the World of Art & Culture features two interactive installations. Trailing the Scenes showcases Hong Kong film shooting locations and related literary works on an interactive map, allowing visitors to download relevant images, while the Shifting the Scripts by AI installation enables visitors to input keywords to re-compose classic film scenes using AI, allowing them to experience the creative process.

Furthermore, the World of Art & Culture features a miniature of the Kowloon Walled City. Yuyi, author of the novel City of Darkness that was adapted into the hit film Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, will join the Book Fair in person and host a seminar titled “City of Darkness  – From Novel to Film” to share his creative journey.

This year, the Mainland China Publishers Zone at the Book Fair is highlighting Beijing as the thematic city, with the theme Beijing and Hong Kong Weave Dreams Together – Painting a Vibrant Chapter through Literary Splendour. The zone will showcase books and creative products which embody historical and cultural characteristics of Beijing, demonstrating the charm of the nation’s capital through the achievements of its modern development.

Cultivating a reading culture through acclaimed writers

The Book Fair continues to feature the Eight Seminar Series, with authors invited to share and exchange ideas on topics including Renowned Writers, English and International Reading, World of Knowledge, Children and Youth Reading, Hong Kong Cultural and Historical, Lifestyle and Personal Development and Spiritual Growth, in addition to the Theme of the Year series. The Renowned Writers Seminar Series, co-organised with Ming Pao and Yazhou Zhoukan, has invited renowned Chinese-language authors from the mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong to share their creative insights. On 20 July, Jin Yucheng, author of the novel that was adapted into the TV drama Blossoms, will delve into the charismatic Shanghai depicted in his creation. Pioneer of Chinese avant-garde fiction Su Tong will share his creative journey on the same day in a talk titled “The Intersecting Paths of Literature”. Other featured authors include Mao Jian, Zhu Tianyi, Shum Sai-shing, Ng See-yuen, Perry Lam, Ban Yu, Xu Zidong, Chen Chongzheng, Jiao Tong, Shan Weijian, Qiao Ye, Huang Deng, Ge Liang, Lei Chien, Cai Chongda and Ian Huen.

The English and International Reading Seminar Series continues to welcome leading English-language authors from around the world. Today (17 July), British scholar Christopher Cowell, who examines the relationship between architecture and urban cultural history, will discuss urban development in Hong Kong from 1841 to 1849. Tomorrow (18 July), renowned Czech illustrator and animator Galina Miklínová will take the audience into the world of animation and introduce the Oddsockeaters. The Story Sharing by Celebrities session has invited CUHK Medical School Associate Dean Dr Teoh Yuen-chun, renowned pianist Lee Ka-ling and Ngong Ping 360 Managing Director Tung Pui-chuen to offer meaningful parent-child activities. For more details on the seminars and the line-up of speakers, please visit: https://hkbookfair.hktdc.com/en/Events/Event-Schedule.html

Sports and Leisure Expo celebrates Olympic spirit

The quadrennial Olympic Games will kick off in Paris next week, and the public can get a head start on the electric atmosphere at the Sports and Leisure Expo. The event has invited star athletes to join sharing sessions, including Hong Kong Men’s Rugby Sevens representative Yiu Kam-shing, former Hong Kong Karatedo and Athletics representative Tong Cheuk-pan, and local ice hockey player Cheung Tsz-ching (who appeared in the TV drama Sparks), to share their ups and downs. The Hong Kong Sports Institute (Booth 5C-C02) has set up an instant photo booth encouraging the public to take pictures with props, which will be used to create a mosaic photo wall to show their support for Hong Kong athletes competing in the Olympics.

The Hong Kong Playground Association (Booth 5C-D02) has introduced a new parent-child zipline experience in the Sports Hub zone this year. Under the guidance of instructors, participants can navigate through various obstacles and glide along a 15-metre-long zipline to enjoy an exhilarating ride.

Maintaining health becomes much easier with technology. Hanlun GeronTech Limited’s (Booth 5C-B25) Tai Chi Robot was designed to cater for the elderly. It simulates the moves of an experienced tai chi master, helping seniors to train their muscles and prevent falls. Additionally, former Hong Kong triathlete Szeto Shiu-yan will share how she uses sports data to analyse her performance and plan her daily training.

The perennially popular Japan Pavilion has expanded once again to reach its biggest scale since the pandemic. The World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai (Booth 5B-E11) is participating this year, introducing the expo theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, to visitors. The Japan National Tourism Organization (Booth 5B-D02) is teaming up with 18 Japanese prefectures to showcase the rich traditional culture of Japan, with Hokkaido Prefecture (Booth 5B-E02) introducing its latest travel information via virtual reality experiences and photo spots. The Ainu Indigenous Culture Experience zone highlights the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park.

The Sports and Leisure Expo is hosting nearly 60 exciting events and performances, including a local illustrator sharing session, an introduction to emerging musical instruments, a Speed Stacks Tournament and a Rhythmic Gymnastics Dance Performance, blending thrills, education and entertainment for the benefits of visitors.

World of Snacks offers comprehensive insights into global treats

This year’s World of Snacks has brought together more than 1,200 different snacks, divided into six zones – Travel Delights, Chocolate and Sweet Factory, Oldie Snacks, Yummy & Healthy, Party Time and Snack Bar – to present visitors with a variety of classic flavours, healthy options and taste sensations from across the globe.

Making its debut at the event, Nestlé (Booth 5B-B02) has launched new ice cream flavours and is offering special promotions, including a buy-one-get-one-free offer on ice cream cups or scoops, redeemable with any purchase receipt from the Book Fair or Sports and Leisure Expo. Additionally, a series of snack-related activities are being organised for visitors, such as the Natural Honey and Sesame Cake Making workshop and Mindfulness Coffee workshop.

Tickets for the Hong Kong Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks can be purchased through e-payment sponsor BoC Pay, other ticketing partners including Alipay HK, Alipay, 01 Space and Octopus, or at convenience stores around Hong Kong. A single ticket grants access to all three events. The adult ticket price remains at HK$30. Children aged 0-3 and adults aged 65 or above are admitted free of charge. Visitors who enter before 12 noon and pay with their Octopus card enjoy a discounted entry fee of HK$10. The HKTDC also offers a re-entry promotion to those who purchase full-price tickets for the first two days. Physical ticket sales are not available on-site at the Book Fair – visitors can pay with AlipayHK, Alipay or Octopus at the entrance.

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

Date	17-23 July 2024 (Wednesday to Tuesday)
Opening hours	Hong Kong Book Fair 17-22 July – 10am to 10pm 23 July – 9am to 5pm Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks 17-18 July – 10am to 9pm 19-20 July – 10am to 10pm 21-22 July – 10am to 9pm 23 July – 9am to 5pm
Venue	Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Admission	Adult: HK$30 Child: HK$10 (for primary school students/children under 1.2m tall) *Children aged 3 and under and adults aged 65 and over will be admitted free of charge.
Tickets	E-tickets are available for sale via the e-payment sponsor, the BoC Pay; and other ticketing partners, Alipay HK, Alipay, 01 Space and Octopus. Tickets are also available for sale at all 7-Eleven and Circle K stores and most of the ticketing platforms.
Concessionary tickets	Morning admission tickets (entry before noon, same price for adults and children): HK$10 (pay directly by Octopus for admission at the hall entrances only) Special re-entry promotion: Visitors who purchase a regular adult ticket (HK$30) or child ticket (HK$10) dated 17 or 18 July can enjoy free admission once in each of the following time slots by presenting the whole stub attached to the admission ticket or re-entry coupon distributed onsite: 1) 19-21 July (Friday to Sunday) after 7pm 2) 22 July (Monday) after 7pm Note: this offer is not applicable to other types of admission tickets (including morning admission tickets, concessionary tickets, VIP tickets and complimentary tickets) Super Pass: HK$88 Passholders have unlimited entry to the Book Fair and can use the special access channel to minimise queuing time.
Hong Kong Book Fair website and mobile app	www.hkbookfair.com hkbookfair.hktdc.com/HKBookfairApp.html (Check out the details of the book fair and register for the seminar)
Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo website	https://www.hktdc.com/event/hksportsleisureexpo/en
World of Snacks website	https://www.hktdc.com/event/worldofsnacks/en

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, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

Hong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks
Yuan Tung Financial Relations:
Anson Wong           Tel: (852) 3428 3413                      Email: awong@yuantung.com.hk
Agnes Yiu            Tel: (852) 3428 5690                      Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk
Tiffany Leung        Tel: (852) 3428 2361                      Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hk

Also read: Gaming’s Big Power-Up: Consumers Splashed $116 Billion on Mobile Gaming in 2021 – Two Thirds of Total Spend on All Apps

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

The post Hong Kong Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks open today appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

Mega events offer diverse activities, boost local consumption

• HKTDC’s Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks have attracted 760 exhibitors to participate in the seven-day events
• The Book Fair’s theme this year is Film and Television Literature. Renowned writers such as Jin Yucheng, author of Blossoms, and Yuyi, author of City of Darkness, will share their creative journey
• The World of Art & Culture showcases works from 31 countries and regions, including AI-powered interactive installations
• The Sports and Leisure Expo offers a check-in spot for cheering on Hong Kong’s Olympic athletes while the World of Snacks gathers more than 1,200 snacks from across the globe
• Entry before noon costs HK$10 with an Octopus card, and full price ticket holders who enter on the first two days can enjoy free re-entry at certain time slots. Children aged 0-3 and adults aged 65 or above will be admitted free of charge

HONG KONG, July 18, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – 17 July 2024 – The 34th HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, 7th HKTDC Sports and Leisure Expo and 4th HKTDC World of Snacks all commence today, running for seven days (17 to 23 July) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the three summer cultural and leisure events offer a diverse range of activities that cater for the whole family. The opening ceremony for the fairs took place this morning, officiated by Raistlin Lau, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, and accompanied by Margaret Fong, HKTDC Executive Director.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms Fong said: “The HKTDC is committed to promoting Hong Kong’s business development and injecting vitality into the Hong Kong economy through organising mega events such as these, solidifying the city’s reputation as the events capital of Asia. This year’s Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks have attracted 760 exhibitors, providing an important promotional and business platform for different industries while allowing visitors to enjoy diverse activities spanning reading, sports, leisure, and snack shopping. This year’s Book Fair, an annual summer cultural event in Hong Kong, will stage more than 600 cultural activities on-site and off-site, inviting over 250 prominent Chinese and foreign-language writers and celebrities to host seminars, promoting literary exchange and connecting book lovers through literature.”

The Book Fair continues to receive funding from the HKSAR Government’s Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency to support featured activities, including the World of Art & Culture, the International Publishing Forum and the debut of the IP Roundtable.

Theme of the year seminar series delves into film and TV literature

This year’s Book Fair, with the theme Film and Television Literature and the tagline “Reading the World: Storytelling from Page to Screen”, focuses on featured writers such as Erica Li, Raymond To, Joyce Chan, Norris Wong, Chiang Hiu Mei and Law Kar. The Art Gallery features two other exhibition zones, namely Featured Directors and Classic Literary Adaptations, introducing selected works by renowned filmmakers such as Wong Kar-wai, Ho Cheuk-tin, Nick Cheuk, Tsui Hark, Ann Hui and Stanley Kwan, as well as paying tribute to literary masters like Yi Shu, Lilian Lee, Jin Yong, Ni Kuang and Eileen Chang.

Featured writers of the year and featured directors are invited to explore the intersection of film, television and literature through the Theme of the Year Seminar Series. Earlier today, Raymond To kicked off the series with his talk on “Transforming Texts into Lines and Dialogues”, while renowned director Stanley Kwan will share his unique perspectives on women, film and literary adaptations on 20 July.

World of Art & Culture promotes cultural exchange

The World of Art & Culture provides booklovers with a multifaceted understanding of literature in film and television from 31 countries and regions. In addition to works from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, it also presents pieces from Argentina, Colombia, the Czech Republic, France, Indonesia, Korea, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, Spain, Switzerland, Vietnam and more. This year, the World of Art & Culture features two interactive installations. Trailing the Scenes showcases Hong Kong film shooting locations and related literary works on an interactive map, allowing visitors to download relevant images, while the Shifting the Scripts by AI installation enables visitors to input keywords to re-compose classic film scenes using AI, allowing them to experience the creative process.

Furthermore, the World of Art & Culture features a miniature of the Kowloon Walled City. Yuyi, author of the novel City of Darkness that was adapted into the hit film Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, will join the Book Fair in person and host a seminar titled “City of Darkness  – From Novel to Film” to share his creative journey.

This year, the Mainland China Publishers Zone at the Book Fair is highlighting Beijing as the thematic city, with the theme Beijing and Hong Kong Weave Dreams Together – Painting a Vibrant Chapter through Literary Splendour. The zone will showcase books and creative products which embody historical and cultural characteristics of Beijing, demonstrating the charm of the nation’s capital through the achievements of its modern development.

Cultivating a reading culture through acclaimed writers

The Book Fair continues to feature the Eight Seminar Series, with authors invited to share and exchange ideas on topics including Renowned Writers, English and International Reading, World of Knowledge, Children and Youth Reading, Hong Kong Cultural and Historical, Lifestyle and Personal Development and Spiritual Growth, in addition to the Theme of the Year series. The Renowned Writers Seminar Series, co-organised with Ming Pao and Yazhou Zhoukan, has invited renowned Chinese-language authors from the mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong to share their creative insights. On 20 July, Jin Yucheng, author of the novel that was adapted into the TV drama Blossoms, will delve into the charismatic Shanghai depicted in his creation. Pioneer of Chinese avant-garde fiction Su Tong will share his creative journey on the same day in a talk titled “The Intersecting Paths of Literature”. Other featured authors include Mao Jian, Zhu Tianyi, Shum Sai-shing, Ng See-yuen, Perry Lam, Ban Yu, Xu Zidong, Chen Chongzheng, Jiao Tong, Shan Weijian, Qiao Ye, Huang Deng, Ge Liang, Lei Chien, Cai Chongda and Ian Huen.

The English and International Reading Seminar Series continues to welcome leading English-language authors from around the world. Today (17 July), British scholar Christopher Cowell, who examines the relationship between architecture and urban cultural history, will discuss urban development in Hong Kong from 1841 to 1849. Tomorrow (18 July), renowned Czech illustrator and animator Galina Miklínová will take the audience into the world of animation and introduce the Oddsockeaters. The Story Sharing by Celebrities session has invited CUHK Medical School Associate Dean Dr Teoh Yuen-chun, renowned pianist Lee Ka-ling and Ngong Ping 360 Managing Director Tung Pui-chuen to offer meaningful parent-child activities. For more details on the seminars and the line-up of speakers, please visit: https://hkbookfair.hktdc.com/en/Events/Event-Schedule.html

Sports and Leisure Expo celebrates Olympic spirit

The quadrennial Olympic Games will kick off in Paris next week, and the public can get a head start on the electric atmosphere at the Sports and Leisure Expo. The event has invited star athletes to join sharing sessions, including Hong Kong Men’s Rugby Sevens representative Yiu Kam-shing, former Hong Kong Karatedo and Athletics representative Tong Cheuk-pan, and local ice hockey player Cheung Tsz-ching (who appeared in the TV drama Sparks), to share their ups and downs. The Hong Kong Sports Institute (Booth 5C-C02) has set up an instant photo booth encouraging the public to take pictures with props, which will be used to create a mosaic photo wall to show their support for Hong Kong athletes competing in the Olympics.

The Hong Kong Playground Association (Booth 5C-D02) has introduced a new parent-child zipline experience in the Sports Hub zone this year. Under the guidance of instructors, participants can navigate through various obstacles and glide along a 15-metre-long zipline to enjoy an exhilarating ride.

Maintaining health becomes much easier with technology. Hanlun GeronTech Limited’s (Booth 5C-B25) Tai Chi Robot was designed to cater for the elderly. It simulates the moves of an experienced tai chi master, helping seniors to train their muscles and prevent falls. Additionally, former Hong Kong triathlete Szeto Shiu-yan will share how she uses sports data to analyse her performance and plan her daily training.

The perennially popular Japan Pavilion has expanded once again to reach its biggest scale since the pandemic. The World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai (Booth 5B-E11) is participating this year, introducing the expo theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, to visitors. The Japan National Tourism Organization (Booth 5B-D02) is teaming up with 18 Japanese prefectures to showcase the rich traditional culture of Japan, with Hokkaido Prefecture (Booth 5B-E02) introducing its latest travel information via virtual reality experiences and photo spots. The Ainu Indigenous Culture Experience zone highlights the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park.

The Sports and Leisure Expo is hosting nearly 60 exciting events and performances, including a local illustrator sharing session, an introduction to emerging musical instruments, a Speed Stacks Tournament and a Rhythmic Gymnastics Dance Performance, blending thrills, education and entertainment for the benefits of visitors.

World of Snacks offers comprehensive insights into global treats

This year’s World of Snacks has brought together more than 1,200 different snacks, divided into six zones – Travel Delights, Chocolate and Sweet Factory, Oldie Snacks, Yummy & Healthy, Party Time and Snack Bar – to present visitors with a variety of classic flavours, healthy options and taste sensations from across the globe.

Making its debut at the event, Nestlé (Booth 5B-B02) has launched new ice cream flavours and is offering special promotions, including a buy-one-get-one-free offer on ice cream cups or scoops, redeemable with any purchase receipt from the Book Fair or Sports and Leisure Expo. Additionally, a series of snack-related activities are being organised for visitors, such as the Natural Honey and Sesame Cake Making workshop and Mindfulness Coffee workshop.

Tickets for the Hong Kong Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks can be purchased through e-payment sponsor BoC Pay, other ticketing partners including Alipay HK, Alipay, 01 Space and Octopus, or at convenience stores around Hong Kong. A single ticket grants access to all three events. The adult ticket price remains at HK$30. Children aged 0-3 and adults aged 65 or above are admitted free of charge. Visitors who enter before 12 noon and pay with their Octopus card enjoy a discounted entry fee of HK$10. The HKTDC also offers a re-entry promotion to those who purchase full-price tickets for the first two days. Physical ticket sales are not available on-site at the Book Fair – visitors can pay with AlipayHK, Alipay or Octopus at the entrance.

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

Photo download: https://bit.ly/3y4lgPh

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, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

Hong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks
Yuan Tung Financial Relations:
Anson Wong           Tel: (852) 3428 3413                      Email: awong@yuantung.com.hk
Agnes Yiu            Tel: (852) 3428 5690                      Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk
Tiffany Leung        Tel: (852) 3428 2361                      Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hk

HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Hong Kong Book Fair
Snowy Chan           Tel: (852) 2584 4525                     Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org
Sunny Ng             Tel: (852) 2584 4357                     Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org

Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo, World of Snacks
Jane Cheung          Tel: (852) 2584 4137                    Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org

HKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.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. 

The post Hong Kong Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks open today appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

AlphaInvest Holdings Pte Ltd, a leading regional financial services, media, and technology company, and Moomoo Singapore, a leading digitalised brokerage in Singapore, co-organised MooFest 2024 (“MooFest 2024”), a premier investment event which took place on 6th July 2024 at Suntec Convention Centre, Singapore.

Due to rapid advances in technology and their impact on trading infrastructure, investing information, and investment decision-making, this year’s event, “Thinking Forward, Mastering the Future,” was a landmark gathering for all investors in the financial markets.

Mr. Christopher Lee, Group Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of AlphaInvest Holdings Pte. Ltd., said, “In the digital age, investors face a landscape filled with unprecedented challenges but also great opportunities. Global financial markets are increasingly interconnected, and technological advancements are reshaping the investing landscape. At the heart of all this is Information—the oil that lubricates investment decision-making. At AlphaInvest, we are committed to helping investors navigate the complexities of modern financial markets by providing investors with timely, reliable, accurate, and quality Information as well as the digital tools to glean insights, formulate strategies and implement risk management from the Information.”

This year’s event attracted more than 3,000 attendees, with a star-studded lineup of speakers and panellists including Gavin Chia (Moomoo SG), Echo Zhao (Moomoo SG), Lily Chia (Singapore Exchange), James McKeone (NASDAQ), and Hiroki Kawai (Japan Exchange Group). They shared with attendees their valuable insights on topics such as global challenges and opportunities in the digital age, innovations in market and trading infrastructure, and the impact of technology on stock exchanges.

Mr. Gavin Chia, CEO of Moomoo Singapore, remarked, “The rapid advancement of technology has revolutionised stock exchanges globally, making them more efficient, accessible, and transparent. Our focus at Moomoo Singapore is to provide our clients with seamless and secure trading and custodian services. By leveraging new technologies such as AI, we are not only enhancing the operational efficiencies of our trading infrastructure but empowering investors with real-time insights and data-driven decision-making capabilities.”

Mr. Chia revealed that, on average, investors were increasing the proportion of U.S. stocks in their portfolio to 70% even as they held 20 % of their portfolio in Singapore stocks with strong fundamentals and good valuations. Mr Chia also remarked that with the ‘higher for longer’ interest rate environment, there was good demand for money market funds, and investors were also interested in holding cryptocurrency for portfolio diversification. Chia announced that Moomoo Singapore will soon offer cryptocurrency trading on its platform, just months after receiving the Major Payment Institution (MPI) License from the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Also read: Greta Minerals Secures Lithium and REE Assets in Western Australia

About AlphaInvest Holdings Pte. Ltd. | www.alphainvestholdings.com

A leading regional financial services, media and technology company, AlphaInvest Holdings Pte Ltd (“AlphaInvest” or “the Group”) was founded in 1999 to empower investors by providing them with trusted products and services for informed investment decision-making. Its core areas of business span investor relations, market data tools and investor education.

AlphaInvest Group operates the largest investor relations network in the region, with a customer base of about 700 public listed companies and a reach of over 300,000 people across its platforms. The Group has over 120 employees in four countries (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia).

The Group has made several strategic investments:

• Investor relations / public relations firm, Waterbrooks Consultants Pte Ltd (www.waterbrooks.com.sg)
• Singapore’s leading social media platform for investors, InvestingNote (www.investingnote.com)

InvestingNote is the largest and most active social platform for investments in Singapore and Malaysia. It is a community-driven platform designed specifically to help investors and traders to share ideas on stocks, news and insights through social networking and a variety of useful investment tools.

ShareInvestor (www.shareinvestor.com) offers online market data tools for multiple markets through its ShareInvestor Station, ShareInvestor WebPro, and ShareInvestor Mobile products.

AlphaInvest’s digital publications include:

• Investor-One (www.investor-one.com), a website on investor education, market news, corporate developments, and data analytics
• Inve$t, an e-magazine published weekly in Singapore and Malaysia.

AlphaInvest organises financial investment seminars and conferences for investors. Its annual large-scale events INVEST Fair(www.investfair.com.sg) in Singapore and Malaysia draws thousands of participants. Other key exhibition includes the largest REIT event ie REITS Symposium (www.reitsymposium.com).

The post MooFest 2024 by Moomoo Singapore and AlphaInvest Receives Massive Turnout appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

Maybank Singapore hosted approximately 160 SME guests and business leaders at the Maybank Johor-Singapore Access conference on July 8, 2024. The event aimed to prepare attendees for doing business and to provide a platform for sharing perspectives on the expected opportunities and economic benefits within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JSSEZ).

Alvin Lee, Country CEO of Maybank Singapore, said: “The economies of Singapore and Malaysia are closely connected through trade, investment, tourism, and labour. With the establishment of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JSSEZ), we can expect increased cross-border trade and partnerships between the two countries. This will further enhance the economic ecosystems of both countries, foster positive synergies across various sectors, and strengthen economic connectivity and cooperation.”

He added, “Maybank sees itself as powering the continued growth of the Malaysia-Singapore corridor by facilitating cross-border business services, solutions, and digital networks to support our clients’ business needs. Maybank will have a significant role to play as the Malaysia- Singapore corridor grows and as the JSSEZ becomes a closer reality.”

Other speakers and panellists at the event include:

• Dr Chua Hak Bin, Regional Co-Head, Macro Research, Maybank Investment Banking Group
• Mr Samuel Tan, Executive Director, KVG International
• Mr Vinothan Tulisinathanzan, Director, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)
• Mr Ang Yuit, President, Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (ASME)
• Mr Kong Chee Min, CEO, Centurion Corporation
• Dr Melvin Heng, Group CEO, Thomson Medical Group

The JSSEZ has strong support from both Malaysia and Singapore, as they are eager for greater economic integration, allowing freer movement of people, goods, and capital, which will create new opportunities aligning with long-term policy goals. Maybank has identified six key catalysts that will benefit the upcoming JSSEZ:

#1 Support from the Malaysian King and both Governments

The MOU for JSSEZ was signed on 11 Jan 2024 by Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and Malaysia’s Ministry of Economy. The area will possibly cover 3,505 sq km, about 3 to 4 times Singapore. Outside of Chinese investors, Singapore is the second largest foreign direct investor (FDI) in Iskandar.

#2 Greater Land Connectivity

The causeway is already the busiest border crossing in the world. The Rapid Transit System (RTS) is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026. It will integrate Immigration, Customs, and quarantine at each RTS station, making travel between the two countries seamless.

#3 Supply Chain Shifts Amidst US-China Rivalry

While China’s share of US imports has fallen significantly, US imports from ASEAN have grown. FDI into Malaysia has also grown rapidly, with many companies moving their manufacturing facilities from China to Malaysia.

#4 Lower Operating Costs & Competitive Ringgit

Malaysia offers lower operating costs for Singapore companies and enjoys a favourable exchange rate. Salaries and rentals are lower in Iskandar and suitable for factories.

#5 Easing Talent & Labour Shortage

With the RTS, Johor workers would have a shorter daily commute to Singapore.

#6 The Green Transition

Singapore aims to import 30% of its renewal energy mix by 2035. Malaysia has also lifted its renewal energy ban and will export 300 MW to Singapore.

Panel Session

Maybank’s specialist teams are dedicated to offering business advisory services as a one-stop solution for businesses operating across the Malaysia-Singapore borders. Maybank helps businesses navigate the complexities of conducting business across borders and offers competitive financial and payment solutions to meet their cross-border business needs.

Also read: Greta Minerals Secures Lithium and REE Assets in Western Australia

About Maybank Singapore

Maybank is the fourth largest financial institution group in ASEAN by assets. It has been ranked the Best Bank in Asia Pacific and Singapore by The Banker in 2023; and the number one domestic bank in Malaysia for trade finance, according to the Euromoney Trade Finance survey in 2024.

Maybank Singapore is one of the Group’s largest overseas operations and a Qualifying Full Bank in Singapore. As at 31 December 2023, Maybank’s total assets in Singapore were approximately S$80.26 billion. With strategically located banking branches and over 2,000 employees in Singapore, Maybank is well-positioned to provide highly personalised services and locally oriented solutions that will deliver more value to customers.

www.maybank2u.com.sg

The post New Horizons for SMEs in the Johor-Singapore SEZ appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

While enterprise businesses may have large technology budgets and can assemble a team of specialists, it can be different for small and microbusiness owners. They grapple with a variety of unique challenges running their business to compete in crowded marketplaces, yet this is starting to change.

Generative AI (AI) has taken significant strides over the past year and introducing new tools and strategies does not have to become a major investment or require expertise. With AI by your side, it’s use can help create a marketing strategy to not only stand out, but also help to drive increased engagement and fuel growth. With the increasing use of AI tools, Generative AI is on a path to become the next equalizer for small businesses.

Putting AI to work for content creation

AI becomes a companion in crafting both creative and easy to use content calendars. With AI tools, it can be easy to determine which themes and topics will resonate with desired audiences. From there, content can be created to be distributed across channels, establishing deeper connections with customers while boosting an online presence.

Generative AI steps in to assist in crafting content that captures attention and keeps readers engaged. It provides suggestions and enhancements to existing content and suggests professional images giving small businesses an edge in refining their messaging. And it saves time by tailoring integrated content across various channels. AI’s ability to tweak copy based on real-time feedback and analytics, can also help to fine-tune a rich content strategy delivering strong results.

Unveiling the benefits for targeted marketing

AI tools can also be used to delve deeper into competitor research. Using sophisticated algorithms and data, AI tools can swiftly gather information on competitors’ activity. And that is not all – AI can also serve up invaluable customer insights by analysing data from various sources. By discerning customer preferences, behaviours, and demographics, small businesses can more precisely pinpoint the right audience for their products and services. Once locked onto the right targets, AI helps discover the most effective channels to reach potential customers, helping to ensure marketing efforts are reaching the right audiences.

Evaluate, Adjust, and Shine

AI powered tools are not just here to make businesses look good, they excel at measuring customer performance. By tracking metrics like website engagement rates, conversion rates and customer satisfaction, AI provides insights into what is working and what needs a tweak. This allows small businesses to gauge the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and make informed decisions for improvement.

With access to this variety of insights, along with knowledge of their own business plans, businesses can take advantage of the benefits of using AI tools to streamline processes, consider new ideas and gain customer insights. Working along with human intervention, these insights can be essential to refine the outcomes. Knowing the business well can add the human evaluation element to the AI produced insights, which presents a more well-rounded view when considering opportunities for improvement.

With business owners using AI responsibly, the use of AI tools can be a significant technology enhancement for small businesses looking to go up against their competition and successfully grow their business. With these tools easily available to small business owners and entrepreneurs, AI offers the ability to both save time and money while elevating brand presence and resonating with target audiences more effectively than ever before.

For more information getting started with AI:

AI guide for web design — How to create a website with AI

AI logo design — A hands-on guide

Find out more about how GoDaddy can help your business

Also read: Armis Completes Australian Information Security Registered Assessors Program (IRAP) Assessment to Protected Level

About GoDaddy

GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs around the world start, grow and expand their businesses. People turn to GoDaddy to name their idea, create a professional Web site, attract customers, sell their products and services, and accept online payments. GoDaddy’s easy-to-use tools help micro-entrepreneurs manage everything in one place, and its experts are available to provide 24/7 assistance. For more information about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com.

The post How Artificial Intelligence Can Help Give Your Business a Boost appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

In today’s globalised economy, Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) play a crucial role in driving innovation and competitiveness in the workplace. A recent survey by foundit, a leading talent platform, highlights both progress and areas for growth in D&I practices across Singaporean organisations.

The survey uncovers notable opportunities in Singapore’s corporate environment, with a significant number of respondents claiming that their organisations do not have a diversity training program and some respondents still getting familiar with the concept of diversity hiring. However, a substantial segment of employees believe their workplace is committed to hiring diverse teams. These findings point to opportunities for Singaporean workplaces to better harness the proven benefits of diverse teams, such as enhanced innovation, improved decision-making, and stronger financial performance.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have become critical focus areas for organisations worldwide. DEI initiatives aim to create workplaces that reflect the broader society, ensure fair treatment and access to opportunities for all employees, and foster an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.

As businesses increasingly recognise the benefits of diverse teams, understanding the current state of DEI practices is crucial.

The survey, conducted as part of foundit’s ongoing commitment to fostering diverse and inclusive work environments, highlights an opportunity to better align organisational intentions and implemented actions regarding diversity initiatives.

While 36% of employees believe their workplace is highly or extremely committed to diversity hiring, 48% of respondents claim their organisations do not have diversity training programs in place. Additionally, 26% of respondents are not at all familiar with the concept of diversity hiring, while 52% feel their organisation is responsive or highly responsive to feedback on diversity issues.

These findings suggest a commitment to diversity in principle, but there are opportunities to improve the implementation of effective diversity initiatives.

Sekhar Garisa, CEO of foundit, commented on the findings: “Our survey reveals that Singapore is at a crucial juncture in its journey towards truly inclusive workplaces. It’s encouraging to see that over a third of organisations are highly committed to diversity hiring, laying down a strong foundation for progress. However, there is a clear opportunity for growth, particularly in implementing effective training programs and raising awareness about diversity concepts.

The fact that 52% of respondents feel their organisations are responsive to diversity feedback is a positive sign. Nevertheless, with 48% of companies yet to establish diversity training programs, there is a great opportunity to enhance their diversity efforts. Singaporean businesses that seize this opportunity to implement comprehensive DEI strategies will not only create more inclusive environments but also gain a competitive edge in innovation and attracting talent.”

Key findings from the survey include:

• Diversity Awareness and Definition: 26% of respondents are not at all familiar with the concept of diversity hiring. Among those familiar with the concept, 56% define workplace diversity comprehensively. This includes actively seeking diverse individuals, creating an inclusive environment, embracing a diversity mindset, and complying with anti-discrimination laws.
• Organisational Commitment: 36% of respondents believe their workplace is highly or extremely committed to hiring a diverse team, while 20% perceive a moderate commitment, and 10% report no commitment at all.
• Training Needs and Effectiveness: 48% of respondents state that their organisations do not have diversity trainingprograms. Among those that do offer training, 36% claim they have mandatory programs, while 16% state they were offered non-mandatory options. Regarding effectiveness, 21% reported significant awareness gains from training, while 30% saw no increase in awareness.
• Recruitment Practices: Respondents report that organisations are adopting various initiatives to ensure equal opportunities. These include conducting interviews in diversity-friendly spaces (16%), inviting applications from diverse communities (15%), providing anti-bias training (14%), and consistently committing to diversity hiring goals (13%).
• Provisions for Applicants with Disabilities: Respondents state that organisations offer specific accommodations for persons with disabilities, such as accessible online application processes (17%), accessible interview venues (16%), and additional time allowances for assessments if needed (16%).
• Work-Life Balance: 36% of respondents believe their organisations have policies in place to support work-life balance, particularly for women with caregiving responsibilities, offering them flexible work hours and remote work options.
• Employee Resource Groups: 53% of respondents are aware of employee resource groups focused on diversity and inclusion within their organisations, with 41% finding these groups highly or extremely valuable.
• Peer Support and Networking: 20% of respondents state that their organisations frequently facilitate peer support and networking opportunities for diverse groups, 27% say they sometimes do so, and 22% report that their organisations rarely or never provide these opportunities.
• Responsiveness to Feedback: 52% of respondents perceive that their organisations are responsive or highly responsiveto feedback on diversity issues, highlighting a positive trend in organisational communication and action on diversity-related concerns.

“These findings paint a nuanced picture of diversity and inclusion in Singapore’s corporate landscape,” Garisa added. “While we see promising signs of commitment and awareness from organisations, the real opportunity for organisations is to take the next step to implement these initiatives. At foundit, we’re committed to supporting organisations in this journey, helping them harness the full potential of diverse teams to drive innovation and success in Singapore’s dynamic business environment.”

The survey was conducted as part of TRIUMPH, Asia’s leading virtual career fair for diversity, further demonstrating foundit’s commitment to promoting inclusive workplaces.

As organisations navigate the evolving landscape of workplace diversity, this survey serves as a crucial benchmark, offering insights into current practices and highlighting areas for future focus and improvement. By addressing these gaps, companies can create more inclusive and successful workplaces.

Also read: Armis Completes Australian Information Security Registered Assessors Program (IRAP) Assessment to Protected Level

About foundit – APAC & Middle East

foundit, formerly Monster (APAC & ME) is a leading talent platform offering comprehensive employment solutions to recruiters and job seekers across APAC & ME. In addition to a powerful AI-powered job search, foundit offers e-learning, assessments, and services related to resume creation, interview preparation, and professional networking. Since its inception, the company has assisted over 90 million job seekers across 18 countries in upskilling and connecting them with the right job opportunities. foundit is now also the Official Talent Partner of the Badminton World Federation across 20 key world tour events.  

Over the last two decades, the company has been a leader in the world of recruitment solutions and has recently launched a cutting-edge solution to give recruiters access to passive candidates in addition to active ones. With the use of advanced technology, foundit is seeking to efficiently bridge the talent gap across industry verticals, experience levels, and geographies.

Today, foundit is committed to enabling and connecting the right talent with the right opportunities by harnessing the power of deep tech to sharpen hyper-personalised job searches and offer precision hiring.

To learn more about, foundit in APAC & Gulf, visit: www.foundit.sg |  www.foundit.my | www.foundit.in | www.founditgulf.com | www.foundit.my | www.foundit.com.ph | www.foundit.com.hk | www.foundit.id

The post foundit Survey: 52% of Singaporean organisations show responsiveness to diversity issues, highlighting key growth opportunities appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

• PT TransNusa Aviation Mandiri to be the first foreign airline to kickstart jet aircraft operations for the Jakarta-Subang international route from Subang Airport in Malaysia
• TransNusa to operate daily scheduled international flight from Jakarta to Subang, starting August 1, 2024
• The airline will be utilising its A320 narrow-body airliner for the daily scheduled flight

TransNusa made headlines in Indonesia and South East Asia when the airline with just two airbus A320 and one Comac ARJ21-700 introduced its first international route from Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur on April 14, 2023.

14 months later, the airline has been handpicked as one of the two foreign airlines that has received approval to start flights from the Sultan Abdul Aziz Airport, popularly known as Subang Airport in Malaysia.

The Subang Airport is coveted by many foreign airlines due to its proximity to the central business district in Kuala Lumpur mainly due its location. While it takes passengers from Kuala Lumpur and the surrounding central business district areas an average of 30 minutes to access Subang Airport, it takes more than an hour to an hour and a half to access the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). As such, passenger generally prefer to travel through Subang Airport rather than KLIA. 

Subang Airport, which was officially opened on August 30, 1965, had the longest runway in Southeast Asia at that time. However, the airport operations were moved to the current international airport, the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in 1998.

“The resumption of jet operations at the Subang Airport come 26 years after all narrowbody aircraft operations were moved and for TransNusa to be handpicked to start the Kuala Lumpur – Jakarta route and create history with the Malaysian Aviation team is an honour for us, more so because we are only 20 months old,” Said Datuk Bernard, who is the Group Chief Executive Officer of TransNusa.

“I am also thankful for the opportunity to be the first foreign airline to start scheduled jet aircraft operations for an international route from Subang airport. As off today, we will be the only airline offering scheduled international flights from Terminal 3, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Subang Airport,” said Datuk Bernard explained.

At the initial stage, TransNusa will be operating one daily scheduled flight from Terminal 3, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Subang Airport. The flight, 8B 699, will depart Jakarta at 04.10pm and arrive at the Subang Airport at 07.00pm while TransNusa flight, 8B 698, will depart Subang Airport at 07.30pm and arrive in Jakarta at 08.30pm. TransNusa will be utilizing its A320 narrow-body airliner, which has 174 seats, to cater for the two-hour scheduled flight, beginning August 1.

“We will be starting sale of tickets from today,” said Datuk Bernard, adding that TransNusa ticket for this route will be priced from IDR 999,000.

On the successful approval of TransNusa’s route permit for the Jakarta-Subang international route, Datuk Bernard said, “TransNusa, known worldwide for its unique business proposition as a Premium Service Carrier, has always operated with passengers’ comfort and safety in mind. As such, this new opportunity is a testament to our commitment towards enhancing services in the aviation industry.”

“As an Indonesian airline that only has been operating for 20 months, we are proud to launch a series of new daily scheduled flight to the Subang Airport,” He added.

On whether there will be any changes to TransNusa’s scheduled flights from Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Datuk said that TransNusa would still continue to operate three scheduled daily flights to KLIA and four scheduled flights weekly to Johor Bharu.

TransNusa, which had to close it business operation in September 2020 due to impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the aviation industry, started operations again after injection of new shareholders and management team in October 2022.

Within 6 months, the airline introduced its first international route between Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur and celebrated its first-year anniversary for this route on April 14, this year.

“When we re-launched TransNusa in October 2022, we started from the bottom again. We had no aircraft or roadmap to follow. Everything was new because the pandemic had broken the aviation business operations boundaries. We re-created and customised our business operations and strategy model of being the first Premium Service Carrier based on the post-pandemic scenario,” Datuk Bernard explained.

“As such, for us, being handpicked by the Malaysian Aviation Commission as the only airline to operate from the Subang Airport to offer daily scheduled flight from Jakarta is another milestone for us,” Datuk Bernard stressed.

After launching its first international route between Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur, TransNusa launched three more new international routes by the end of last year. TransNusa’s aggressive international growth strategy combined with its domestic business operations approach has enabled the airline to be the fastest growing airline in South East Asia.

In 2024, the airline does not only celebrate the first year of its operations in Kuala Lumpur but it will also be celebrating first year of operations in three other international locations that is Johor, Malaysia, Singapore and Guangzhou, China.

Since its re-launch, TransNusa became the first in the world to commission a Comac ARJ21-700. TransNusa became the second airline in Indonesia to launch a Jakarta-Guangzhou route on November 16, last year.

On the domestic front, TransNusa, in keeping with its new player, new rules character, became the first in the world to offer a direct flight between two world legendary destinations, which is Bali and Manado. This domestic route was launched in April, this year.

Also read: Armis Completes Australian Information Security Registered Assessors Program (IRAP) Assessment to Protected Level

About TransNusa

TransNusa Airline, is a Premium Service Carrier. After the take-over, in February 2024, the airline rebranded itself from being a Low-Cost Carrier to a Premium Service Carrier in line with its upgraded aircrafts that offers better comfort as well as based on the flexibility and quality of the services offered. TransNusa, which received its AOC certification on 9th September 2022, launch its first three A320 operations on 6th October, 14th October and 12th December, 2022. The airline, which became the first outside of China to utilise Comac, received its first ARJ21 on 22nd December, 2022.  In 2023, TransNusa introduced a new business model making it the first Premium Service Carrier in the Asia Pacific region. TransNusa introduced its first international flight on 14th April, 2023. The airline is currently based in Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. The airline currently flies to Yogyakarta and Bali. On the international front, TransNusa flies to Singapore, Guangzhou, Kuala Lumpur and Johor. The airline became the second Indonesian airline to fly to China and the first Indonesian airline to launch a Premium Service Carrier business model.Passengers can book their flights on the TransNusa website (www.transnusa.co.id), through authorized travel agents in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, or by contacting the airline’s customer service centre at, +62216310888. For the Singaporean market, passengers can contact TransNusa’s General Sales Agent, Chariot Travels Pte Ltd, at +65 86602719 while for the Malaysian market, passengers can contact MKM Ticketing Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd at +60378312581.

The post Malaysian Aviation Commission Handpicks Indonesia’s TransNusa Airlines as One of the Two Foreign Airlines to Operate from its distinguished Subang Airport appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

The Nongsa-Changi cable has been designed to meet unprecedented demand for connectivity and resilience between Singapore and Batam as data traffic moving between these two prime locations for data center development continues to grow exponentially.

The project highlights the strategic collaboration between BW Digital and Telin, aiming to leverage their combined expertise to significantly enhance connectivity and drive digital economic growth in the region.

The 50km Nongsa-Changi cable system will comprise a minimum of 24 fiber pairs and provide robust and reliable communication links, crucial for supporting the data-intensive needs of digital services, DC-to-DC connectivity and high-density AI applications.

BW Digital and Telin plan to construct and deploy the submarine cable system with a strong focus on both technical excellence and environmental sustainability. The new system will interconnect data centers in Batam and Singapore, creating a seamless and efficient data transfer corridor.

The cable is projected to be Ready For Service (RFS) in Q4 2025, marking a significant milestone in regional digital infrastructure development.

“BW Digital is pleased to expand its strategic alliance with Telin to deliver the first cable to directly link Singapore and Batam’s Nongsa Digital Park”, said Ludovic Hutier, Chief Executive Officer of BW Digital.

“The Nongsa-Changi cable represents a key component of the digital ecosystem we are building in NDP. With a landing at the doorstep of the data center campus, it will provide DC operators with fully diverse and secured connectivity, and enable them to further address the spillover demand from Singapore.”

“We are proud to continue our successful partnership with BW Digital, as we work together to develop Indonesia’s digital industry at Nongsa Digital Park and establish the Hawaiki Nui 1 submarine cable system. Extending our collaboration with BW Digital to connect Indonesia and Singapore through the ICE Cable System I Leg 2 further enhances DC to DC connectivity, reinforcing Telin’s dedication to delivering cutting-edge solutions for our customers,” remarked Budi Satria Dharma Purba, Chief Executive Officer of Telin.

Also read: Armis Completes Australian Information Security Registered Assessors Program (IRAP) Assessment to Protected Level

About TELIN

Established in 2007, Telin provides premium international carrier voice, data services, and tailored business solutions for wholesale, enterprise, digital, and retail customers. Telin operates in multiple countries, including Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Malaysia, Taiwan, the United States, Timor Leste, the United Arab Emirates, and Myanmar, with representatives in the United Kingdom, the Philippines, India, Vietnam and Canada.

Telin’s infrastructure spans 250,140 kilometers of cable system length, incorporating 27 Global Submarine Cable Systems, and operates 58 Points of Presence in 26 Countries, 10 global offices, 5 global countries Sales Representative, and over 19 Tier II to Tier IV Data Centers in key locations, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Timor Leste, and Indonesia.

For more information about Telin, visit www.telin.net

About BW Digital

BW Digital is a subsidiary of BW Group, a global energy and maritime group controlling 7 listed companies with a combined market capitalisation of around US$11 billion.

Headquartered in Singapore, BW Digital develops, builds and operates digital infrastructures in the Asia-Pacific region. Our vision is to create a sustainable digital ecosystem combining connectivity, data storage and value-added services for cloud and AI workloads.

Privately-owned and carrier-neutral, BW Digital is the owner and developer of the Hawaiki and Hawaiki Nui submarine cables, and the NDP-01 data centre located in Batam, Indonesia.

For more information, please visit www.bw-digital.com

The post Telin and BW Digital to enhance DC-to-DC connectivity with new Indonesia – Singapore cable appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

Fonos sought to streamline its marketing efforts through advanced automation and enable highly personalized engagement with its busy users. After a thorough evaluation, Fonos chose CleverTap for its real-time RFM (recency, frequency, and monetary) segmentation capabilities, which underpin omnichannel lifecycle marketing and automated, personalized communication.

Since implementing CleverTap’s all-in-one engagement platform, Fonos has witnessed the following impact:

• 25% higher month-on-month growth rate in MAU (monthly active users)
• 20% email open rates, which is higher than industry benchmarks
• 10% open rate for in-app messages

Nguyen Hong Nhung, Head of Growth Marketing at Fonos, said, “Our goal has always been to act as a ‘daily companion’ for our users, and CleverTap’s robust platform empowers us to engage users contextually in real-time. The advanced analytics and seamless integration provided by CleverTap has transformed our customer engagement strategies. We are confident that this partnership will help us achieve our growth plans, scale our business, and enhance the overall customer experience.”

Sidharth Pisharoti, Chief Revenue Officer at CleverTap, said, “In today’s fast-paced digital world, audio formats have surged in popularity, providing a convenient and immersive experience for users. This trend is particularly pronounced in Vietnam, which boasts the highest yearly podcast listenership in Southeast Asia, with about 70% of the internet population tuning in. Our partnership with Fonos is particularly exciting given the company’s accelerated growth since its inception and the booming audio space. By leveraging our advanced segmentation and real-time analytics, Fonos has been delivering tailored experiences that meet the unique needs of its diverse audience, fostering greater loyalty and driving sustainable growth. WithCleverTap, Fonos witnessed a five-fold increase in the absolute number of monthly active users over six months. We look forward to continuing this journey together, empowering Fonos to become the daily companion for millions of users.”

For more information read the customer story here.

About Fonos

Fonos, a Vietnamese audio content start-up, is one of the prominent players in this exciting landscape, with an accelerated growth momentum since 2020. With subscription services covering 1500 pieces of original content, 200+ podcast channels, and 1200+ copyrighted audiobooks, it is the #1 audiobook app on both Apple AppStore and Google Play Store in Vietnam. For more Information visit: https://fonos.vn/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fonosvn

About CleverTap

CleverTap is the all-in-one engagement platform that helps brands unlock limitless customer lifetime value by helping them create personalized experiences to retain their most valuable customers. The platform empowers businesses to orchestrate experiences for individuals across their lifecycles and design personalized journeys that span a lifetime. It offers analytics that encompasses every aspect of the lifecycle, enabling businesses to measure and optimize each experience in real-time. Its unique AI capability is insightful, empathetic, and prescriptive, facilitating smarter and faster decisions. The all-in-one platform unifies experiences from every touchpoint, paving the way for a new era of customer engagement.

The platform is powered by TesseractDB – the world’s first purpose-built database for customer engagement, offering both speed and economies of scale.

CleverTap is trusted by 2000 customers, including Electronic Arts, TiltingPoint, Gamebasics, Big Fish, MobilityWare, TED, English Premier League, TD Bank, Carousell, AirAsia, Papa John’s, and Tesco.

Backed by leading investors such as Peak XV Partners, Tiger Global, Accel, CDPQ, and 360 One, the company is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with presence in New York, São Paulo, Bogota, Mexico City, London, Amsterdam, Sofia, Dubai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Singapore, Jakarta, and Ho Chi Minh.

For more information, visit clevertap.com or follow us on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clevertap/
X: https://twitter.com/CleverTap

Also read: How Sports Bring Singaporean Couples Closer: A New Bumble Survey Reveals

Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements in this press release may represent CleverTap’s belief in connection with future events and may be forward-looking statements, or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. CleverTap cautions that such statements are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties that could result in the actual outcome being absolutely different from the results anticipated by the statements mentioned in the press release.

Factors such as the development of general economic conditions affecting our business, future market conditions, our ability to maintain cost advantages, uncertainty with respect to earnings, corporate actions, client concentration, reduced demand, liability or damages in our service contracts, unusual catastrophic loss events, war, political instability, changes in government policies or laws, legal restrictions impacting our business, impact of pandemic, epidemic, any natural calamity and other factors that are naturally beyond our control, changes in the capital markets and other circumstances may cause the actual events or results to be materially different, from those anticipated by such statements. CleverTap does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or updated or revised status of such statements. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will CleverTap and its affiliate companies be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in conjunction.

The post Fonos Sees Monthly Active Users Increase to 6X with CleverTap’s Personalized Engagement appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

The acquisition was facilitated through the partnership with Mr. Tan, acclaimed for his appearances on the popular show Aussie Gold Hunters. He will be a director in Greta Minerals, bringing his extensive expertise and industry knowledge to the company, further strengthening its position and capabilities.

Strategic Importance of the Tenements Package:

The tenements package in Western Australia is located in the prolific “Lithium Corridor.” This area links major mining projects, including Mount Marion Lithium Mine, Red Dirt’s Mt Ida, St Georges Mt Alexander Project, and Liontown’s new Kathleen Valley mine. The Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA) and the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) have identified the Ida Fault as a significant geological structure. It channels large-scale hydrothermal fluids responsible for the formation of potential multi-million-ounce gold deposits.

Recent discoveries, such as Kidman Resources’ 189Mt Mount Holland lithium pegmatite deposit (sold for A$776M), the 156Mt Kathleen Valley discovery by Liontown Resources (Mkt Cap A$2.21B), and the 308Mt discovery by Pilbara Minerals (Mkt Cap A$9.03B), underscore the potential for additional large lithium finds in the Western Australian “Lithium Corridor.” The lithium-rich pegmatites, such as those at Mount Marion south of Kalgoorlie, are genetically related to late-stage granitic intrusions, which also occur within the Ida Fault Project Area and Greta Minerals’ tenements. These areas are prospective hosts for major mineral deposits, particularly Lithium, REE and Gold.

Also read: Fonos Sees Monthly Active Users Increase to 6X with CleverTap’s Personalized Engagement

About Greta Group: 

Greta Minerals PTE Ltd, part of the Greta Group, is headquartered in Singapore. Owned by NRI Mr Nitesh Chaudhari, Greta Group has built a notable presence in various industries, including trading (ferrous and non-ferrous metals), agriculture, mining, and power generation. Greta Minerals aims to explore and develop mineral resource assets, with a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence.

Statements:

Commenting on the occasion, Mr Nitesh Chaudhari, Chairman of the Greta Group, said: “We are happy to complete the acquisition and this marks a pivotal moment for Greta Group as we expand our footprint in Australia’s rich mineral landscape. By broadening our asset portfolio, this acquisition enhances our capabilities in the highly lucrative sectors of Lithium, REE & Gold.”

Mr Rajshekhar Kudupali, the Managing Director of Greta Minerals PTE Ltd noted: “Western Australia is regarded as the number one mining jurisdiction in the world. The acquired tenements are strategically located along the Ida Fault, a significant geological structure that divides the Youanmi and Kalgoorlie terranes in Western Australia’s Eastern Goldfields. The proximity to Kalgoorlie, underscores the importance of our assets. The tenements feature lithium-rich pegmatites and late-stage granitic intrusions similar to those at Mount Marion, indicating a strong potential for significant lithium and gold deposits. Our focus will be on driving forward with exploration and maintaining our commitment to responsible mining practices, ensuring long-term benefits for our company and the communities we operate in.”

The post Greta Minerals Secures Lithium and REE Assets in Western Australia appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

28 Fevrier Gallery has signed Sean Dunston; their first signing of Q3 2024. Dunston recently took the art scene by storm for his mural ‘Samsui Woman’ in Singapore. 28 Fevrier Gallery will present a high society rebellious soiree in July to launch a limited edition exhibition of Dunston’s ‘Samsui Woman’ artw

In stringent rules-based Singapore, locals, who were quickly dubbed ‘Karens’, noticed that a 2-story high fresh mural depicting a ‘Samsui Woman’ was smoking a lit cigarette. International political controversy ensued. The Karens claimed that the mural went against Singapore’s public policy to discourage smoking, sparking a public debate that prompted government regulators to comment and possibly intervene.

The dispute over the mural catapulted its American artist, Sean Dunston, into infamy. Dunston welcomed the palaver, stating publicly that he embraced the discourse.

Now, Asia’s premier urban art gallery, 28 Février, helmed by Dominic Khoo, who also founded the alternative investment vehicle WatchFund, has signed Dunston to the gallery as their first artist of Q3 2024.

“Whatever happens to the decision rendered by the authorities and the Karens, we aim to preserve this piece of Singaporean culture with immediate effect,” remarks Khoo.

“The ‘Samsui Woman’ art is a tribute to the hardworking women who contributed significantly to Singapore’s development,” states Khoo. “I don’t see how you can deny them their day in the sun.”

The brouhaha has drawn the attention of the international arts community due to its provocative portrayal of a significant cultural figure. Aside from the smoking cigarette, the Karens argued, the mural may not accurately or respectfully represent the Samsui women. A resilient, determined group of Chinese immigrants, the Samsui women came to Singapore in the early 20th century, primarily from the Sanshui (Samsui) district in Guangdong province, China. They were known for their distinctive red headscarves and hard work in labour-intensive jobs, particularly in construction and as domestic helpers. They contributed greatly to the building of the city by playing a significant role in the development of Singapore’s infrastructure, thus shaping its history.

Khoo recognizes that these women and others hold significance in the fabric of Singapore society, and that, through art, Dunston has sought to convey what they represent to the nation.

It’s Khoo’s opinion that it is essential to preserve one’s culture. “Every Singaporean bears a duty to contribute to our cultural fabric. You don’t realize how powerful “soft power” is to a country.”  Khoo himself as photographer has thirteen works purchased by the National Heritage Board and stored in the National Archives. “It is imperative as Singaporeans we recognize the cultural value of Dunston’s work too, and as friends we must help him come out at the other end of this stronger.”

In this sense, he observes, the public outcry has had a Streisand Effect. “I’m not sure if the Karens know that by being Karens, they’re actually giving a lot of good attention to artists that we have taken for granted. For that, we thank you.”

The Samsui Woman’s mural artist, Sean Dunston concurs: “It’s an unexpected wild ride,” he says. “I set out simply to do what I love: respectfully creating the essence of beauty in the world. I’m grateful to everyone who engaged with my work, regardless of differing opinions, as this is what art is all about—creating emotions and thoughts—bringing back the pulse of life. Ultimately, we don’t see things as they are; we see things as we are.”

Share A Piece Of Singapore’s History With Dunston’s Pieces

In honour of the stand, 28 Février Gallery will celebrate Dunston by hosting a specially curated “Bastille Day” Opening Event for an exhibit of limited edition ‘Samsui Woman’ artworks painted by him. Khoo is inviting guests from around the world to attend, and private collectors may also express their interest by registering a request.

Pesh Eng, gallery maven says, “Expect the opening night to be revved up by supercars and graced with the presence of international collectors. Plus, Er Cai Fang, the co-founder of GelatiAmo, an establishment that churns fine Italian gelato from scratch, has cheekily designed a welcome snack for the event called ‘exploding sour grapes’, which she dedicates to ‘the rebellious pursuit of freedom, just for laughs.’”

28 Février Gallery is inviting art connoisseurs and collectors who may be interested in attending the Opening Night event or privately viewing the artworks to register their interest.

Also read: How Sports Bring Singaporean Couples Closer: A New Bumble Survey Reveals

About Dominic Khoo

Dominic Khoo retired as a professional photographer at age 35. Dominic photographed over 150 international celebrities including Cate Blanchett, Tony Leung, and the Dalai Lama. In just seven years of practice he met several milestones including being nominated for Asia Pacific Photographer of the Year in 2011 alongside Annie Leibovitz, his idol. Notably he also produced the world’s most expensive photography coffee table book where 100% of the revenue, and not just proceeds, went to committee approved and vetted charities.

Dominic also has an intense passion for watches which has seen him transition from a watch collector, watch journalist and to a watch expert. Throughout his career he has managed watch brands, written about watches for top magazines, and trained at Antiquorum, where he appraised and auctioned watches internationally. He is the founder of WatchFund, the world’s largest watch investment vehicle, for which has been winning international peer-reviewed awards and accolades for the past 9 years.

Dominic has great influence in art and luxury. His gallery 28 Février hosts prestigious events for international guests and houses iconic works. He continues to endorse international brands and invest in cutting-edge technologies.

About 28 Février Gallery

28 Février Gallery, located at 6 Kay Siang Road, Singapore, is Asia’s international urban art gallery, showcasing a dynamic mix of paintings, sculptures, and installation pieces from all around the world. The gallery is integrated within the OOZI building, a historic pre-war British officer’s mansion. With a focus on having art that teaches people about other people’s perspectives, the gallery believes that there is art at any level, and that there are always things that we can learn from others. Visitors to the gallery have included French football legend Eric Cantona, and NBA superstar Dennis Rodman.

The post Singapore’s ‘Samsui Woman’ Mural Controversy: Asia’s Prestigious 28 Fevrier Gallery Signs American Artist Sean Dunston appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

The Roadshow offers several interactive sections to feel and experience the products. The JBL Portable Speakers area highlights the upgraded Xtreme 4, Clip 5 and Go 4. Besides cosmetic changes, each speaker now includes AuracastTM , a multi-speaker connection allowing the same audio to play on different speakers.

At the JBL Makes Earbuds location, the Live Beam 3 TWS (True Wireless) makes its debut, featuring the Smart Charging Case with the 1.45” LED touch display and True Adaptive Noise Cancelling for audio optimisation through the Ear Canal Test found in the JBL Headphones app. After trying the new earbuds, find out which TWS is best for you and your lifestyle with a Fit Check wall.

Reframe your life with the Soundgear Frames. The sunglasses fuse fashion sense with unprecedented JBL audio innovation. The open sound technology allows you to listen to music, take phone calls, all in a stylish and comfortable frame. Prescription lenses can be changed by a professional optician.

Mr. Henry Yap, Managing Director of Global Best United (M) Sdn Bhd said, “JBL was busy with redesigns, upgrades, AuracastTM, new TWS earbuds and the Soundgear Frames. The Xtreme 4 received a larger and now removable battery, the Clip 5 carabiner is wider, and the Go 4 got softer edges. Each is equipped with AuracastTM to allow audio sharing amongst the speakers.”

Mr. Mitchell Wong, Business Development Manager for JBL Malaysia said, “JBL True Wireless took a step into another dimension with the Live Beam 3 and Soundgear Frames! The feature-rich Live Beam 3 is all about controlling your audio experience with the LED touch screen on the Smart Charging Case to Multi-Point Connection allowing the user to effortlessly switch Bluetooth devices. And yes, JBL is selling eyewear frames. The Soundgear Frames incorporate function and fashion like Wear and Play, opening and closing the arms turn the earphones on and off.”

Soundgear frames come in two shapes, round and square, are IP54 water resistant, and 8 hours of playtime (varies depending on usage). Phones calls are crystal clear from the 2-mic array on one temple, with dual module environmental noise cancellation and nonlinear echo suppression algorithms for high-quality conversations.

Availability

All featured JBL® products are available for purchase at Lazada, Shopee, and all leading retailers:
ALL IT, Viewnet, Urban Republic, Thundermatch, Vivid Concepts, PC Image, SY Electric, THT, One Living, Harvey Norman, AES, Central Electronics, SS Audio, Brightstar Computers, Style Laser and EKS. Find out more about the JBL Products at jblonlinestore.com.my.

Also read: Standard Chartered GBA business confidence survey shows sentiment holding up

ABOUT JBL

JBL creates the amazing sound that shapes life’s most epic moments. From iconic events like Woodstock and concerts at Madison Square Garden, to games at Yankee Stadium and weekend road trips, JBL elevates listeners’ experiences with award-winning audio that lets them make the most of every moment. With unmatched professional credentials and over 60 years of delivering industry leading innovation, JBL is the authority in engineering superior sound.

ABOUT HARMAN

HARMAN International (harman.com), a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co, LTD., designs and engineers connected products and solutions for automakers, consumers, and enterprises worldwide, including connected car systems, audio and visual products, enterprise automation solutions; and services supporting the Internet of Things. With leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson® and Revel®, HARMAN is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment venues where they perform around the world. More than 50 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and connected car systems. Our software services power billions of mobile devices and systems that are connected, integrated and secure across all platforms, from work and home to car and mobile. HARMAN has a workforce of approximately 30,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. In March 2017, HARMAN became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

The post JBL Heart of Sound Roadshow Unveils the Latest Audio and Glasses Frames appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

Alta Exchange (“AltaX”), a leading private market digital securities exchange in Asia; Phillip Securities Pte. Ltd (“PSPL”), a member of PhillipCapital; and leading global private markets investment management firm Hamilton Lane (Nasdaq: HLNE) today announced their collaboration in Monetary Authority of Singapore’s Project Guardian, a collaborative initiative between policymakers and the financial industry to enhance the liquidity and efficiency of financial markets through asset tokenisation.  

Alongside joining Project Guardian, the three firms are collaborating on a use case aiming to broaden access to the tokenised version of Hamilton Lane’s Senior Credit Opportunities (“SCOPE”) Fund listed on AltaX, which launched in March of 2023. SCOPE is an all-weather senior private credit evergreen vehicle intended for investors seeking potential safety and yield.

Tokenising and listing SCOPE on AltaX marked the completion of the first of two strategic phases for the partnership. Phase one gave accredited and institutional investors the ability to manage their risk exposure dynamically, respond to market conditions with agility and seamlessly engage with a global community of active traders and market makers, thereby enhancing liquidity and market depth.

Phase two aims to look at other ways to broaden access to private credit, including by exploring the potential to introduce the world’s first Shariah-compliant tokenised private credit fund, with the aim of serving the underserved and rapidly growing global Islamic funds market.

“In today’s financial landscape, fixed income vehicles often lack short-term liquidity and accessibility, particularly for those seeking smaller investment opportunities. This restricts efficient capital allocation and hinders a more agile approach to portfolio management. At AltaX, we are committed to breaking down these barriers. Leveraging blockchain technology and our extensive network, we’re transforming the way global investors access alternative assets. Our collaboration with Hamilton Lane and PSPL underscores our commitment to financial inclusivity, expanding market reach, and enabling a diverse range of investors to participate in the growing private credit market,” said Kelvin Lee, Co-founder and CEO, Alta.

Victor Jung, Head of Digital Assets at Hamilton Lane, said: “We’re excited to partner with AltaX and Phillip Securities under Project Guardian, collaborating on a use case that focuses on tokenising our SCOPE Fund. We are focused on continuing to innovate around this offering, opening doors to investors of all types and fostering a more inclusive financial ecosystem. In our view, this collaboration is poised to have a significant impact on private credit and the broader private markets landscape.”

Mr. Luke Lim, Managing Director of Phillip Securities, said: “We are excited to be at the forefront of financial innovation through our collaboration with AltaX and Hamilton Lane under Project Guardian. This partnership represents an exciting frontier for Phillip Securities as we continue to innovate and develop new investment products for our clients. By combining our expertise and resources, we are able to bring cutting-edge solutions to meet the evolving and diverse needs of sophisticated investors. This is just the beginning, and we look forward to the significant impact this collaboration will have on expanding opportunities for investors globally and working together towards a sustainable digital asset ecosystem.”

Alta is committed to tackling the challenge of private market illiquidity with its accessible, efficient, and secure exchange platform. In acknowledgment of those efforts, Alta has recently been named as a 2024 Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum. Alta’s technology-powered initiatives are transforming the financial landscape by empowering a diverse array of investors to engage in alternative investments and the firm believes that broadening access to capital markets is crucial for fostering sustainable growth and generating new opportunities for communities globally.

About Alta

As the leading licensed digital securities exchange for alternative investments in Asia, Alta is building critical capital market infrastructure backed by the most active securities brokerages and bookrunners on the Singapore Exchange – Phillip Securities, PrimePartners and Nomura Holdings (Japan).

Empowering Private Markets: Through its digital securities exchange, Alta enables the tokenisation and digital custody of alternative assets. This end-to-end solution simplifies and expedites the trading of smaller asset blocks, ultimately facilitating access and liquidity in private markets. Access to capital markets is pivotal in all economies, and Alta believes that its role in building this critical infrastructure goes beyond facilitating trades; it paves the way for entrepreneurship, job creation, financial inclusion, and economic resilience, fostering a brighter future for emerging markets and economies.

Innovative Financial Ecosystem: Alta’s journey has seen it transition from securities trading and distribution of comprehensive products, including equities, private credit, funds, and asset-backed securities representing real world assets like whiskies, wines, to include fund management and digital custody.

Find out more on https://alta.exchange/    

About Hamilton Lane

Hamilton Lane (Nasdaq: HLNE) is one of the largest private markets investment firms globally, providing innovative solutions to institutional and private wealth investors around the world. Dedicated exclusively to private markets investing for more than 30 years, the firm currently employs approximately 700 professionals operating in offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. Hamilton Lane has over $920 billion in assets under management and supervision, composed of more than $124 billion in discretionary assets and approximately $796 billion in non-discretionary assets, as of March 31, 2024. Hamilton Lane specializes in building flexible investment programs that provide clients access to the full spectrum of private markets strategies, sectors and geographies.

For more information, please visit our website or follow Hamilton Lane on LinkedIn.

Also read: HKTDC Export Confidence Index 2Q24: 2024 trade growth forecast upwardly revised to 9-11%

About Phillip Securities

A member of PhillipCapital, Phillip Securities Pte Ltd offers a comprehensive suite of financial products and services including broking in securities, futures, foreign exchange, bonds, precious metals and commodities, unit trusts, contracts for difference, exchange-traded funds, fund management, managed accounts, insurance planning, regular savings plan, investment research, equity financing and property consultancy. Institutions can also benefit from our corporate finance and advisory services as well as information technology solutions.

Since its inception as a stockbroker in 1975, PhillipCapital has grown into an integrated Asian financial house with a global presence and offers a full range of quality and innovative services to retail and high-net-worth individuals, family offices, as well as corporate and institutional customers. In 1996, Phillip Securities became the first retail broker to launch POEMS, an online trading platform and changed the way investors trade in Singapore.

Today, PhillipCapital headquartered in Singapore, operates in the financial hubs of 15 countries, including offices in Australia, Cambodia, China (and Hong Kong SAR), India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, UK, UAE, USA and Vietnam, serving over 1 million clients with Assets Under Management of total more than USD 50 Billion.

Find out more about us here https://www.phillip.com.sg/ and our award-winning trading platforms here https://www.poems.com.sg/

The post AltaX, Hamilton Lane and Phillip Securities Collaborate on Tokenised Private Credit Fund under Project Guardian appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

Standard Chartered and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) today released the Standard Chartered GBA Business Confidence Index (GBAI) for the second quarter of 2024. The “current performance” index for business activity remained largely unchanged in Q2 at 54.1, compared to 54.3 in Q1, and near its strongest level since Q2 of 2021. The GBAI “expectations” index rose to 54.8 in Q2 from 54.0 in Q1, registering its first rise in five quarters. The figures remain comfortably above the 50 neutral mark, reflecting sustained expansionary momentum following a solid start to the year.

At the city level, Hong Kong’s “current performance” rose to 47.1 from 43.3, while “expectations” increased to 49.7 from 44.2, getting closer to the 50 neutral level. However, Guangzhou’s “current performance” index fell to 53.6 from 57.1 and “expectations” dropped to 56.6 from 60.6. Shenzhen posted the highest “current performance” at 57.3 and “expectations” at 57.1.

The performance among specific industry categories was diverse. “Retail and wholesale” (+3.9 points for “current performance” and +2.6 points for “expectations”), “financial services” (+15.0 points, +10.7 points) and “professional services” (+7.6 points, +12.3 points) all improved materially quarter-on-quarter. The May Labour Day holidays and an early start to the “618” online shopping festival probably boosted household demand, allowing “retail and wholesale” to beat “manufacturing and trading” (-0.9 points, +0.7 points), despite the latter’s stronger start to the year.

“Innovation and technology” (I&T) appeared to take a hit from tariff concerns, with the category’s “current performance” sub-index plunging to 43.9 from 57.8 previously, and “expectations” falling sharply to 38.1 from 54.6 in Q1. However, the level of confidence across I&T respondents varied in the three key cities of Shenzhen (42.0 for “current performance” and 33.7 for “expectations”), Guangzhou (50.0, 59.4) and Hong Kong (63.2, 76.0). This shows that not all tech companies are equally vulnerable to tariff hikes from countries in the west.

Kelvin Lau, Senior Economist, Greater China, Standard Chartered, said: “During the survey period, the US hiked tariffs on US$18bn worth of imports from China as part of its Section 301 review. The same period also marked the run-up to the European Commission’s more recent decision to impose anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). Some of our I&T respondents are probably part of such EV and lithium battery supply chains, and their reliance on external demand could be a lingering concern going into the US elections. That said, we take comfort from Hong Kong’s I&T outperformance, which likely reflected the city’s recent innovation and technology push via attracting strategic enterprises and related talent.”

New quality productive forces offer investment catalyst

The term “new quality productive forces” describes China’s push to modernise its economic growth model through technological innovation and transformation. While one of the main concerns over the push is whether there will be enough demand to absorb output from the increase in production capacity, only 11.7% of respondents saw “a very high risk” of overinvestment and potential overcapacity in some of the new industries, while a more substantial 36.7% described this as “only a low risk” while acknowledging that risks exist.

The risk of overcapacity or macro concerns such as an uncertain economic outlook did not deter GBA companies from upgrading equipment and planning to make other business investments in the next 12 months. Of the respondents, 26.1% said they planned to increase such investment materially or marginally, versus just 6.9% planning a decrease. A majority 67% opted for no change.

Irina Fan, HKTDC Director of Research, said: “Recent economic data from Mainland China indicates that the country’s growth remains at a solid pace so far this year. A greater role for Hong Kong is expected, particularly in the area of industrial transformation as the country focuses on pushing through the new quality productive forces. We also see room for financing and investment expectations to play catch-up.”

About the GBAI

The GBAI is the first forward-looking quarterly survey in the market that looks at the business sentiment and synergistic effects in cities and industries across the GBA. It is compiled based on a survey of more than 1,000 companies in the GBA covering the manufacturing and trading, retail and wholesale, financial services, professional services and innovation and technology sectors. The index enables investors and businesses to better understand the current business climate, gauge future performance prospects and formulate their market strategies for the GBA.

Related materials

• Standard Chartered GBA Business Confidence Index Report: https://av.sc.com/hk/content/docs/hk-gbr-en-q2-2024.pdf
• HKTDC Research: https://research.hktdc.com/en/article/MTczNTkwMDM0MQ    

About Standard Chartered

We are a leading international banking group, with a presence in 53 of the world’s most dynamic markets and serving clients in a further 64. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, here for good.

Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong Stock Exchanges.

The history of Standard Chartered in Hong Kong dates back to 1859. It is currently one of the Hong Kong SAR’s three note-issuing banks. Standard Chartered incorporated its Hong Kong business on 1 July 2004, and now operates as a licensed bank in Hong Kong under the name of Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Standard Chartered PLC.

For more stories and expert opinions please visit Insights at sc.com. Follow Standard Chartered on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Also read: AltaX, Hamilton Lane and Phillip Securities Collaborate on Tokenised Private Credit Fund under Project Guardian

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

The post Standard Chartered GBA business confidence survey shows sentiment holding up appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

In today’s globalised economy, Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) play a crucial role in driving innovation and competitiveness in the workplace. However, a recent survey by foundit, a leading talent platform, highlights areas for growth in D&I practices across Malaysian organisations.

The survey uncovers notable opportunities in Malaysia’s corporate environment with a significant number of respondents claiming that their organisations do not have a diversity training program and some respondents still getting familiar with the concept of diversity hiring. However a substantial segment of employees believe their workplace is highly committed to hiring diverse teams. These findings point to opportunities for Malaysian workplaces to better harness the proven benefits of diverse teams, such as enhanced innovation, improved decision-making, and stronger financial performance.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have become critical focus areas for organisations worldwide. DEI initiatives aim to create workplaces that reflect the broader society, ensure fair treatment and access to opportunities for all employees, and foster an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.

As businesses increasingly recognise the benefits of diverse teams – including enhanced innovation, improved decision-making, and better financial performance – understanding the current state of DEI practices is crucial.

The survey, conducted as part of foundit’s ongoing commitment to fostering diverse and inclusive work environments, highlights an opportunity to better align organisational intentions and implemented actions regarding diversity initiatives.

While 32% of employees believe their workplace is highly committed to diversity hiring, 49% respondents claim their organisations do not have diversity training programs in place. Additionally, 28% of respondents are not familiar with the concept of diversity hiring, while 29% feel their organisation is responsive to feedback on diversity issues.

These findings suggest a commitment to diversity in principle, but there are opportunities to improve the implementation of effective diversity initiatives.

Sekhar Garisa, CEO of foundit, commented on the findings: “It is imperative that companies set clear goals with respect to diversity and inclusion and build a more comprehensive plan to achieve them. Some immediate, practical steps include cultural sensitivity training for all employees, mentorship programs to support underrepresented groups, and promoting flexible working arrangements to accommodate various needs.

It’s also crucial to recognise that diversity cannot exist without inclusion making it important to have policies that ensure everyone feels part of the team. Ensuring diverse leadership at the top also sets a positive tone for the entire organisation. By focusing on these actions, Malaysian businesses can create more inclusive workplaces, spark innovation, and boost their global competitiveness.”

Key findings from the survey include:

• Diversity Awareness and Definition: 28% of respondents are completely unfamiliar with the concept of diversity hiring.  Among those familiar with the concept, 49% define workplace diversity as being inclusive of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, showing a nuanced understanding of the concept.
• Organisational Commitment: While 32% of respondents believe their workplace is highly committed to hiring a diverse team, 25% perceive a moderate commitment, and 12% report no commitment at all.
• Training Needs and Effectiveness: 49% of respondents state that their organisations do not have diversity trainingprograms. Of those that do offer training, 29% claim they have mandatory programs, while 22% state they were offered non-mandatory options. In terms of effectiveness, 22% report significant awareness gains from training, while 31% saw no increase in awareness.
• Recruitment Practices: Respondents report that organisations are adopting various initiatives to ensure equal opportunities. These include inviting applications from diverse communities (17%), conducting interviews in diversity-friendly spaces (16%), using diverse hiring panels (13%), and regularly updating hiring processes to reduce bias (12%). Additionally, 9% organisations provide training for hiring managers to combat unconscious bias.
• Provisions for Applicants with Disabilities: Respondents state that organisations offer various accommodations, such as accessible interview venues (14%), accessible online application processes (16%), and additional time allowances for assessments if needed (10%).
• Work-Life Balance: 36% of respondents believe their organisations have policies in place to support work-life balance, particularly for women with caregiving responsibilities or differently-abled individuals.
• Employee Resource Groups: 47% of respondents are aware of employee resource groups focused on diversity and inclusion within their organisations, with 28% finding these groups highly valuable.
• Peer Support and Networking: 29% respondents state that their organisations sometimes facilitate peer support and networking opportunities for diverse groups, 20% say they rarely or never do so, and 19% report that their organisations provide these opportunities frequently.
• Responsiveness to Feedback: 29% of respondents perceive that their organisations are responsive to feedback on diversity issues, highlighting an opportunity for improved communication and action on diversity-related concerns.

“These findings underscore the importance of not just implementing diversity initiatives, but ensuring they are effective and meaningful,” Garisa added. “At foundit, we believe that embracing diversity is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage in today’s global marketplace.”

The survey was conducted as part of TRIUMPH, Asia’s leading virtual career fair for diversity, further demonstrating foundit’s commitment to promoting inclusive workplaces.

As organisations navigate the evolving landscape of workplace diversity, this survey serves as a crucial benchmark, offering insights into current practices and highlighting areas for future focus and improvement. By addressing these gaps, companies can create more inclusive and successful workplaces.

Also read: HKTDC Export Confidence Index 2Q24: 2024 trade growth forecast upwardly revised to 9-11%

About foundit – APAC & Middle East

foundit, formerly Monster (APAC & ME) is a leading talent platform offering comprehensive employment solutions to recruiters and job seekers across APAC & ME. In addition to a powerful AI-powered job search, foundit offers e-learning, assessments, and services related to resume creation, interview preparation, and professional networking. Since its inception, the company has assisted over 90 million job seekers across 18 countries in upskilling and connecting them with the right job opportunities. foundit is now also the Official Talent Partner of the Badminton World Federation across 20 key world tour events.  

Over the last two decades, the company has been a leader in the world of recruitment solutions and has recently launched a cutting-edge solution to give recruiters access to passive candidates in addition to active ones. With the use of advanced technology, foundit is seeking to efficiently bridge the talent gap across industry verticals, experience levels, and geographies.

Today, foundit is committed to enabling and connecting the right talent with the right opportunities by harnessing the power of deep tech to sharpen hyper-personalised job searches and offer precision hiring.

To learn more about, foundit in APAC & Gulf, visit: www.foundit.my | www.foundit.in |www.founditgulf.com | www.foundit.sg | www.foundit.my | www.foundit.com.ph | www.foundit.com.hk | www.foundit.id 

The post Malaysian companies have significant scope to promote diversity at the workplace – according to a foundit survey appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

PropertyGuru Group (NYSE:PGRU), Southeast Asia’s leading property technology company, is delighted to present the return of the highly anticipated People’s Choice Awards as part of the 11th PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty 2024.

The People’s Choice Awards are special honours conferred upon Malaysia’s distinguished development companies based on their project quality, brand reputation, and consumer satisfaction. These categories are entirely voted for by consumers and audited by a third-party supervisor.

This year’s voting runs from 1 July to 14 July 2024, offering property seekers the opportunity to make their voices heard and vote for their favourite and trusted developers. Only residents based in Malaysia are eligible to cast their vote.

Voting for the People’s Choice Awards 2024 is now open via: https://peopleschoiceawards.asia/malaysia/vote/ 

By participating in the People’s Choice Awards at the 11th PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty 2024, voters take part in Malaysia’s leading real estate awards programme.

The People’s Choice Awards are in addition to the competitive categories of the PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty. The black-tie gala dinner and presentation ceremony will be held on 25 October 2024 at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur.

Key dates of the 2024 edition:
1-14 July 2024 – People’s Choice Awards voting period
15-17 July 2024 – Live Judging Days
25 October 2024 – Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Empowering consumers

Kenneth Soh, country manager for Malaysia at PropertyGuru Group, said: “We are excited to present the latest edition of the People’s Choice Awards, an initiative empowering you, our esteemed consumers, to identify and recognise developers who have distinguished themselves in the property sector. By participating in the voting process, you assert your preferences and incentivise Malaysian developers to prioritise the best interests of consumers. The feedback from property seekers is crucial, and these awards honour those who successfully build spaces for the greater good of the community.”

Introduced in 2014, the People’s Choice Awards have been integrated into the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards programme since PropertyGuru Malaysia and iProperty, the country’s two leading property portals, set a new single benchmark for excellence in real estate in 2022.

To maintain the integrity of the voting process, the results are independently verified by the official balloting partner, HLB Ler Lum Chew, a member of the “2024 Network of the Year” winner HLB International, the esteemed global network of independent professional accounting firms and business advisers.

Fair, credible, transparent judging

An 18-member, professional judging panel will provide their fair, credible, transparent perspectives on the entries to the PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty. The judges, comprising experts in real estate and various fields, will take part in the Live Judging Days from 15 July to 17 July 2024 to recognise the best developers, developments, and designs in 105 award categories.

HLB Ler Lum Chew is also entrusted with overseeing the entire judging process and ensuring that it is conducted with integrity and transparency.

The PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty are part of the regional PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series, which marks its 19th year in 2024. The series covers key markets across the region, spanning Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and Oceania, with exclusive gala dinners and awards ceremonies that represent the most anticipated property events of the year. 

Top winners in Malaysia in the competitive categories will get the chance to compete with their peers abroad for the coveted titles of “Best in Asia” at the 19th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, which will be presented on 13 December 2024 in Bangkok.

Organised by PropertyGuru Group (NYSE: PGRU), Southeast Asia’s leading property technology company, the 11th PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty are supported by official portal partners PropertyGuru.com.my and iProperty.com.my; official ESG knowledge partners GreenRE and Malaysia Green Building Council; official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; media partners Kopi & Property, Marketing In Asia, Niaga Times, Penang Property Talk, The Grid Asia, The Malaysia Voice, and Top 10 Malaysia; and official supervisor HLB.

For more information, email awards@propertyguru.com or visit the official website: asiapropertyawards.com.

Also read: Singapore-based Elite Partners Capital acquires Automotive Giant’s Global Logistics Center in close proximity to Stuttgart, Germany

ABOUT PROPERTYGURU ASIA PROPERTY AWARDS

PropertyGuru’s Asia Property Awards, established in 2005, are the region’s most exclusive and prestigious real estate awards programme. The Asia Property Awards are recognised as the ultimate hallmark of excellence in the Asian property sector. Boasting an independent panel of industry experts and trusted supervisors, the Awards have an unparalleled reputation for being credible, ethical, fair, and transparent. 

In 2024, the Awards series is open to key property markets around the region. The exciting gala events welcome senior industry leaders and top media, as well as reach property agents and consumers via live streaming. Recognising excellence within each Asian market with a variety of categories, including green and sustainable development, each local awards programme will culminate in the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, which takes place after the PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit during ‘PropertyGuru Week’ in December 2024. 

For more information, please visit AsiaPropertyAwards.com

ABOUT PROPERTYGURU GROUP

PropertyGuru is Southeast Asia’s leading1 PropTech company, and the preferred destination for over 34 million property seekers2 to connect with almost 55,000 agents monthly3 to find their dream home. PropertyGuru empowers property seekers with more than 2.8 million real estate listings4, in-depth insights, and solutions that enable them to make confident property decisions across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. 

PropertyGuru.com.sg was launched in Singapore in 2007 and since then, PropertyGuru Group has made the property journey a transparent one for property seekers in Southeast Asia. In the last 16 years, PropertyGuru has grown into a high-growth PropTech company with a robust portfolio including leading property marketplaces and award-winning mobile apps across its core markets; mortgage marketplace, PropertyGuru Finance; home services platform, Sendhelper; a host of proprietary enterprise solutions under PropertyGuru For Business including DataSense, ValueNet, Awards, events and publications across Asia. 

For more information, please visit: PropertyGuruGroup.com; PropertyGuru Group on LinkedIn

(1) Based on SimilarWeb data between July 2023 and December 2023. 
(2) Based on Google Analytics data between July 2023 and December 2023. 
(3) Based on data between October 2023 and December 2023. 
(4) Based on data between October 2023 and December 2023.

The post People’s Choice Awards return for 11th PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

• In the Final Pitching Day of Start-up Express, 10 winning start-ups were selected. CHOMP and Petalife won the ESG Award and the My Favourite Start-up Award respectively
• Nearly 200 industry players from Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem attended, helping start-ups seeking partners and enhancing brand awareness
• Many finalists integrated artificial intelligence into their products and solutions
• The third Start-up Express International will return during Entrepreneur Day in December

The seventh edition of Start-up Express, an entrepreneurship development programme organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), came to a successful conclusion today with the selection of 10 winning start-ups. The ESG Award went to CHOMP in recognition of its sustainable and socially impactful business solution while the My Favourite Start-up Award, decided through audience live-polling, was awarded to Petalife. The 10 start-ups will participate in a series of local and overseas business events organised by HKTDC to develop their profiles through building connections, exploring markets, seeking partners and enhancing brand awareness.

HKTDC is fully committed to supporting and promoting the development of start-ups, helping them to expand into Mainland and international markets to showcase Hong Kong’s strengths in innovation and technology.

Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “Start-up Express is now in its seventh year and, over the past six years, we have assisted 60 Hong Kong start-ups by helping them to expand and venture into overseas markets. Many have won international awards, secured large orders, and received new rounds of investment. China’s clear support along with the collaborative efforts by various stakeholders, continues to drive Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology hub, charting a new direction for the city’s I&T development. HKTDC will continue to foster a favourable environment for start-ups and help them achieve new heights while advancing Hong Kong’s economic development.”

This year’s Start-up Express attracted more than 200 applications, with finalists from the education tech, fintech, AR/VR, climate tech and food tech sectors. Several green tech, health tech and smart city start-ups integrated AI to provide innovative and creative services and products. Nearly 200 industry players, including business leaders and investors, attended the Final Pitching Day. Booths were also set up during the event enabling the Start-up Express finalists to showcase their businesses to all attendees and participants.

Comprehensive range of networking and matching initiatives provided to winning start-ups

The 10 winners were selected from 20 contestants in the final pitching round and each presented innovative business ideas and answered questions raised by the distinguished panel of judges. The 10 winning start-ups are: Braillic, CathovenAI, CHOMP, Lacess, Libpet Tech, PharmCare Technology, PointFit Technology, Stellerus Technology, Vidi Labs and Xtra Sensing.

Click here to download the list of winners and their company profiles.

The HKTDC will arrange a series of exposure opportunities for the winning teams to interact with potential investors, buyers and partners.

Exceptional presentations at Final Pitching

Start-up Express judges this year were Jimmy Tao, Chairman, Hong Kong Startup Council; Andrew Young, Associate Director (Innovation), Sino Group and Cindy Zhang, Executive Director, Gobi GBA. Jimmy Tao, Chairman of Hong Kong Startup Council, said: “The exceptional performances of this year’s finalists and business diversity demonstrated that local start-ups have considerable strengths in innovative thinking. Hong Kong’s start-up community continues to thrive, with a record high of more than 4,200 start-ups launched last year, demonstrating Hong Kong’s appeal as an ideal destination for establishing a business. The Start-up Express winners will be able to gain more valuable opportunities to expand their markets and networks and help fast track business development.”

Assist start-ups expanding business in Mainland China and international market

Start-up Express provides extensive promotional opportunities for start-ups with winners able to take part in exhibitions in Mainland China and internationally, and attend meetings with investors to learn more about the industry, market trends and investors’ preference.

Edmund Chan, COO and co-founder of Meat the Next, a new generation food producer and Start-up Express 2023 winner, said: “We have gained a lot from our participation in the Start-up Express, which helped us to broaden our brand awareness. We have also participated in various activities and training sessions organised by HKTDC to explore markets and build connections on all fronts. Earlier this year, we participated in the SIAL Shanghai Global Food Industry Summit under the Hong Kong Pavilion organised by the HKTDC and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a leading Hangzhou e-commerce platform to launch plant-based milk in Mainland China. The HKTDC’s support is instrumental in enabling Hong Kong brands like us to successfully enter the vast Mainland market.”

Wada Bento, a Start-up Express winner in 2021, targeted the Japanese market by setting up an office in Osaka with HKTDC’s assistance and has so far raised 400 million yen (approximately HK$21 million) for further expansion in Japan. Wada Bento plans to install 100 bento vending machines in Osaka and Tokyo by the end of the year to develop a brand-new sales platform for the Japanese food industry.

Start-up Express International returns in December with global 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. Start-up Express International was launched in 2022 for overseas early-stage start-ups to share the stage with local Start-up Express winners.

So far, Start-up Express International has attracted participants from around the world, including Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Turkey, Singapore, United Arab Emirates and the United States. The third Start-up Express International will return during Entrepreneur Day in December and the HKTDC will support the winners in setting up their businesses in Hong Kong and to explore the mainland and Greater Bay Area markets.

Websites
Start-up Express: https://portal.hktdc.com/startupexpress/

Also read: HKTDC Export Confidence Index 2Q24: 2024 trade growth forecast upwardly revised to 9-11%

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

The post 10 winners selected at the seventh edition of Start-up Express appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

The large-scale multi-user logistics park located within Ettlingen West’s Industrial Zone boasts outstanding transportation infrastructure, including direct connections to the A5, A8 and A65 motorways, access to the Port of Karlsruhe – a major inland port along the Rhine waterway, as well as proximity to major international airports in Frankfurt and Stuttgart. The logistics park is also well-served by local buses and the suburban railway network, ensuring availability of a skilled workforce for warehouses and offices located in and around the property.  

Spanning across a large site of c.180,000 sqm, the logistics park is in excellent condition and offers great third-party reusability by virtue of its contiguous but highly flexible layout. Leveraging on its strategic location in close proximity to Stuttgart, over 85% of the property’s net lettable area is currently tenanted to an automotive giant on a long lease, serving as their global logistics center. Elite Partners Capital will be working closely with the tenant to further enhance the property’s ESG specifications over the upcoming years. Post-enhancement, the property is expected to attain DGNB Gold Certification. The logistics park’s remaining lettable areas are tenanted to a good mix of innovative engineering businesses, supporting the region’s next-gen industrial growth.

Elite Partners Capital acquired the logistics park through its flagship Elite Logistics Fund II, a Pan-European logistics fund backed by a sovereign wealth fund alongside a strong network of family offices across Asia. Elite had previously divested the first installment of its Logistic Fund Series (Elite Logistics Fund I) to Blackstone in 2021, achieving an attractive IRR of over 30%.

“We have been closely monitoring the logistics market across Pan-European cities, targeting quality assets with strong tenant covenants and compelling value-add opportunities”, said Victor Song, co-founder and chief executive officer of Elite Partners Capital. “The stabilizing interest rates presents a strategic window of opportunity for our investors to re-enter the market,” added Song.

The asset was sold by a joint venture between TPG Angelo Gordon and aam2core Holdings AG. The landmark transaction was brokered by CBRE’s Capital Markets team in Germany. Taylor Wessing, Alvarez and Marsal and TA Europe were the appointed advisers for Elite Partners Capital in this transaction. Their invaluable practical and commercial insight were crucial in ensuring the successful closure of the deal.

Also read: HKTDC Export Confidence Index 2Q24: 2024 trade growth forecast upwardly revised to 9-11%

About Elite Partners Capital

Elite Partners Capital is an alternative investment manager specializing in niche opportunities and underserved markets. The firm is headquartered in Singapore, with offices in London, Prague, and Luxembourg. To date, the firm has managed assets in excess of S$2 billion across 7 countries, a 420% increase from where it started in 2017.

The post Singapore-based Elite Partners Capital acquires Automotive Giant’s Global Logistics Center in close proximity to Stuttgart, Germany appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

Hong Kong’s trade growth forecast for 2024 has been upwardly revised to between 9% and 11%.  The surprise move was announced by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and marks a substantial upgrade to its initial estimation of 4-6% as announced at the end of last year.

This welcome uptick stems from two key economic indicators that signal good news for Hong Kong’s current and future export prospects. First, the HKTDC’s review of the first five months of 2024 showed export levels to be up by a hefty 12.5% year on year.

Confirmation of the improving business environment came in the findings in the HKTDC Export Confidence Index for the second quarter of 2024, which showed a substantial rally in both its crucial Current Performance and Expectation Indices.

HKTDC Director of Research Irina Fan said: “Taking all of these factors into account, HKTDC Research has revised its 2024 trade growth forecast to better reflect the overall upturn in demand and the generally more positive global trade outlook.”

Electronics exports shine in half-year review

The HKTDC’s review of the first five months of this year showed export levels rising by a hefty 12.5% year on year, driven by a surge in orders for electronic goods as well as parts and components, which typically comprise some 70% of the city’s total export value.

In terms of markets, exporters were generally optimistic across the board. The scores for Mainland China were particularly high with the Current and Expectation indices both rising above 60. Regarding the uptick in electronics exports, this has largely been sustained by rising output levels in production plants in the mainland and ASEAN countries. From January to May, Hong Kong’s overall level of mainland-bound exports rose 21.1% year on year, while exports to the ASEAN bloc climbed 19.8%. In both cases, industrial inputs and intermediate goods accounted for some 90% of the total exports.

HKTDC Research Principal Economist Wing Chu said: “Apart from consumer items such as audio-visual products (+11.2%), jewellery exports also rose by 2.0% largely on account of growing demand from emerging markets like the UAE. This rise happened despite the sluggish performance of some other consumer goods exports amid underlying sectoral divergence.”

Optimism uptick in new Export Confidence Index

Coinciding with the Mid-Year Trade Review, the findings of the Export Confidence Index for the second quarter indicate that exporters were 12 points happier with their Current Performance than in the first quarter, scoring 51.6 this quarter. This renewed satisfaction was also reflected in the Expectation Index (54.3), a measure of how confident exporters are about their likely performance in the coming quarter. Up to 73% of exporters are now expecting higher or maintained profit levels, compared to just 55.9% in the first quarter of 2024.

Exporters have also shown renewed confidence in demand from Hong Kong’s key markets. Across all six geographical market segments, only the prospects in Japan were ranked below 50, the threshold figure for likely market expansion. Exporters were the most optimistic about sustained demand from the mainland (up from 39.6 to 60.5) and from the United States (up from 34.5 to 53.6). Of the remainder – the European Union, ASEAN and the rest of the world – no market was accorded a score below 52.0.

In the second quarter, rising transport costs overtook an economic slowdown and recession as exporters’ primary concern, followed by higher capital costs and exchange-rate fluctuations. At the same time, they believe the growth of e-commerce, the upturn in overseas market activities as well as the wider deployment of artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies will provide fresh impetus to their businesses.

Promising outlook ahead

“While no country or territory’s economic performance can be seen as immune to the key factors currently impacting the global economy – notably geopolitical tensions, rising costs and exchange rate fluctuations – it is safe to say that Hong Kong has exceeded expectations for the first half of the year,” Ms Fan said.

She added that given the firm foundation Hong Kong has put in place and the growing faith in many of its key markets, there are reasonable grounds to assume that the welcome uptick in export performance “will be sustained for the rest of the year and, quite possibly, well beyond”.

References

• HKTDC Research website: http://research.hktdc.com/
• HKTDC Export Confidence Index 2Q24: A Significant Upturn Amid Rising Optimism https://research.hktdc.com/en/article/MTcyODk3MTYyMA
• 2024 Mid-Year Trade Review and Outlook: Surge in Electronics Orders Fuels Rapid Rebound in Export Levels https://research.hktdc.com/en/article/MTcyOTg1MjAzNQ

Also read: Kitabisa achieves a 33% boost in Transactions per user and Increase in User-stickiness with CleverTap

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

The post HKTDC Export Confidence Index 2Q24: 2024 trade growth forecast upwardly revised to 9-11% appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

Under this year’s theme, “Liveable and Sustainable Cities: Rejuvenate, Reinvent, Reimagine”, more than 40 exhibitors and presenters showcased a diversity of key projects and practical urban solutions through physical booths and concept pitches at the City Innovators stage.

Several recurring themes have emerged during various sessions in the Summit:

• Innovation enables cities to address complex urban challenges. Cities must invest in research capabilities to drive innovation, which will in turn translate into new and effective solutions to address common challenges.
• Embracing international collaboration is vital in shaping the urban landscapes of tomorrow. Cities must remain open to adapting and incorporating insights and best practices from around the world. Benefits from international collaborations can be leveraged upon to address common challenges and build a collective future of greater liveability and sustainability.
• Partnerships and collaborative ecosystems are key in addressing urban challenges. Cities must actively involve its citizens and stakeholders in the planning of its living environment and urban policies. A more engaged citizenry lays the groundwork for a strong partnership between Government and citizens, translating into better policy outcomes and stewardship of resources.

In addition to the extensive discussions and knowledge exchange, the summit provided opportunities for stakeholders from the public and private sectors to forge new alliances, cultivate strategic partnerships, and explore potential avenues for collaboration. A total of 8 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and agreements were inked at WCS 2024. Details on partnerships signed at the Summit are provided in the Annex.

WCS serves as a catalyst for collaborative engagement and knowledge sharing, and continues to be an important convening for cities around the world. The next World Cities Summit will be held in 13 – 15 June 2026, in Singapore. The World Cities Summit Mayors Forum 2025 will be held from 2 – 4 July, hosted by the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize 2020 Laureate – the city of Vienna. For more information on World Cities Summit, please visit https://www.worldcitiessummit.com.sg/

About the World Cities Summit

The biennial World Cities Summit (WCS) is an exclusive platform for government leaders and industry experts to address liveable and sustainable city challenges, share integrated urban solutions and forge new partnerships. Jointly organised by Singapore’s Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), key highlights of the Summit include the WCS Mayors Forum, the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize and the WCS Young Leaders Symposium. For more information, visit www.worldcitiessummit.com.sg

About Centre for Liveable Cities

Set up in 2008 by the Ministry of National Development and the then-Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, the Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC) aims to distil, create and share knowledge on liveable and sustainable cities.

The CLC’s work spans four main areas: Research, Capability Development, Knowledge Platforms, and Advisory. Through these activities, it hopes to provide urban leaders and practitioners with the knowledge and support needed to make our cities better. For more information, please visit www.clc.gov.sg

Also read: Kitabisa achieves a 33% boost in Transactions per user and Increase in User-stickiness with CleverTap

About Urban Redevelopment Authority

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is Singapore’s land use planning and conservation agency. Our mission is ‘to make Singapore a great city to live, work and play’. We strive to create an endearing home and a vibrant and sustainable city through long-term planning and innovation, in partnership with the community.

URA’s multi-faceted role includes being the main government land sales agent. We attract and channel private capital investments to develop sites that support planning, economic and social objectives. We also partner the community to enliven our public spaces to create a car-lite, people-friendly and liveable city for all to enjoy. In shaping a distinctive city, URA also promotes architecture and urban design excellence. Visit www.ura.gov.sg for more information.

Annex

MOUs and Agreements inked at the World Cities Summit 2024

The post World Cities Summit 2024 – strengthening collective action for resilient and regenerative cities appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

Set up in 2013, Kitabisa is Indonesia’s leading donation platform and facilitates over 10+ million donors, 1,000,000+ campaigns, 3,500+ NGOs and social institutions, and 400+ CSR initiatives. By deploying CleverTap’s platform, Kitabisa aimed to improve engagement, better segment their users, and understand donors’ specific behaviors and preferences on the app. With CleverTap, Kitabisa was able to automate user segmentation, create personalized user journeys and push-notifications, and further its mission of encouraging more frequent and impactful donations. 

Impact of this collaboration: 

• 33% increase in the median number of donations per user
• 10% increase in average click-through rate for push notifications and in-app notifications
• 5% increase in user stickiness (daily average users/monthly average users)  

Denny Yusuf, Product Lead at Kitabisa, said – “CleverTap has been instrumental in helping us achieve remarkable growth in user engagement and donations. The 33% increase in the number of donations per user is a testament to how effectively CleverTap has enabled us to take an integrated approach to tracking user interactions and tapping into insights to better understand user behavior. This equips us to deliver highly relevant communication across various channels based on user preferences. Furthermore, with CleverTap’s intent-based segmentation, we are able to predict future intent and tailor our communication strategies to suit the specific needs of our users. This has been instrumental in fostering a more engaged and loyal user base.”

Sidharth Pisharoti, Chief Revenue Officer, CleverTap said – “We are honored to have been a part of Kitabisa’s journey and efforts to raise more funds to support various causes in Indonesia. In today’s competitive world, leveraging data-driven insights is crucial for marketers to craft and deliver tailored messages that build lasting relationships with users. With CleverTap, Kitabisa has been able to craft more personalized communication strategies and increase donations from their users. We look forward to continuing our support for Kitabisa as they expand their impact and build a loyal user base.” 

About CleverTap

CleverTap is the all-in-one engagement platform that helps brands unlock limitless customer lifetime value by helping them create personalized experiences to retain their most valuable customers. The platform empowers businesses to orchestrate experiences for individuals across their lifecycles and design personalized journeys that span a lifetime. It offers analytics that encompasses every aspect of the lifecycle, enabling businesses to measure and optimize each experience in real-time. Its unique AI capability is insightful, empathetic, and prescriptive, facilitating smarter and faster decisions. The all-in-one platform unifies experiences from every touchpoint, paving the way for a new era of customer engagement.

The platform is powered by TesseractDB – the world’s first purpose-built database for customer engagement, offering both speed and economies of scale.

CleverTap is trusted by 2000 customers, including Electronic Arts, TiltingPoint, Gamebasics, Big Fish, MobilityWare, TED, English Premier League, TD Bank, Carousell, AirAsia, Papa John’s, and Tesco.

Backed by leading investors such as Peak XV Partners, Tiger Global, Accel, CDPQ, and 360 One, the company is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with presence in New York, São Paulo, Bogota, Mexico City, London, Amsterdam, Sofia, Dubai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Singapore, Jakarta, and Ho Chi Minh. 

For more information, visit clevertap.com or follow us on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clevertap/ 
X: https://twitter.com/CleverTap 

Also read: Gaming’s Big Power-Up: Consumers Splashed $116 Billion on Mobile Gaming in 2021 – Two Thirds of Total Spend on All Apps

Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements in this press release may represent CleverTap’s belief in connection with future events and may be forward-looking statements, or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. CleverTap cautions that such statements are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties that could result in the actual outcome being absolutely different from the results anticipated by the statements mentioned in the press release.

Factors such as the development of general economic conditions affecting our business, future market conditions, our ability to maintain cost advantages, uncertainty with respect to earnings, corporate actions, client concentration, reduced demand, liability or damages in our service contracts, unusual catastrophic loss events, war, political instability, changes in government policies or laws, legal restrictions impacting our business, impact of pandemic, epidemic, any natural calamity and other factors that are naturally beyond our control, changes in the capital markets and other circumstances may cause the actual events or results to be materially different, from those anticipated by such statements. CleverTap does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or updated or revised status of such statements. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will CleverTap and its affiliate companies be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in conjunction.

The post Kitabisa achieves a 33% boost in Transactions per user and Increase in User-stickiness with CleverTap appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

• Book Fair runs alongside HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and HKTDC Hong Kong World of Snacks from 17 to 23 July at the HKCEC
• Some 760 exhibitors are featured. With a single ticket, visitors can immerse themselves in the worlds of literature, sports and leisure activities and global snacks 
• The theme of this year’s Book Fair is Film and Television Literature hosting more than 600 seminars and cultural activities featuring renowned writers and celebrities, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as an East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange
• Sports and Leisure Expo will feature an installation to cheer on Hong Kong’s athletes at the Paris Olympics, while the World of Snacks offers more than 1,200 different snacks

The 34th HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held from 17 to 23 July (Wednesday to Tuesday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), running concurrently with the HKTDC Sports and Leisure Expo and HKTDC World of Snacks. With a single ticket, visitors can immerse themselves in the worlds of literature, sports and leisure activities and global snacks, with some 760 exhibitors across the three fairs. This year’s Book Fair will stage more than 600 cultural events onsite and off-site, including acclaimed writers’ seminars and book launches to help promote a stronger reading culture in Hong Kong.

Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “The Hong Kong Book Fair Cultural Events Advisory Panel voted Film and Television Literature as the theme of the year. With the tagline Reading the World: Storytelling from Page to Screen, we aim to leverage this popular theme to encourage more locals and tourists to discover the joys of reading and appreciate the charm of Hong Kong’s literary, film and television works, help shaping Hong Kong into an East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange. The Book Fair runs concurrently with the Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and the World of Snacks, and together these three major events will create summer fun for people of all ages and reinforce the concept that ‘Tourism is everywhere in Hong Kong’.”

Art Gallery exhibits take visitors from page to screen

The Book Fair continues to receive funding from the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency to support featured activities, including the Art Gallery, World of Art & Culture, the International Publishing Forum and the debut of IP Roundtable.

The popular Art Gallery will be exhibiting a wide range of works from the featured writers of the year, including Erica Li, Raymond To, Joyce Chan, Norris Wong, Chiang Hiu Mei, and Law Kar, highlighting their publications, manuscripts, awards, and movie props. Most of them will also attend the Book Fair in person to engage with visitors both inside and outside the event. The Art Gallery has two other exhibition areas, namely Featured Directors and Classic Literary Adaptations. The former showcases selected works by directors such as Wong Kar-wai, Ho Cheuk-tin, Nick Cheuk, Tsui Hark, Ann Hui and Stanley Kwan; while the latter highlights original novels by writers like Yi Shu, Lilian Lee, Jin Yong, Ni Kuang and Eileen Chang, along with selected clips, posters, e-books and theme songs from respective film adaptations.

World of Art & Culture opens door to different cultures

To guide readers in exploring the world through Hong Kong, the Book Fair has set up the World of Art & Culture, promoting cultural exchange through displaying exhibits from across the globe.  In addition to creations from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, the zone will also feature film and television literature from Argentina, Colombia, the Czech Republic, France, Indonesia, Korea, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, Spain and Switzerland, Vietnam and more. Echoing this year’s fair theme, the World of Art & Culture features an AI-powered interactive installation. Visitors can select keywords to recompose iconic scenes from global films and TV shows, including In the Mood for Love, Infernal Affairs, Kung Fu Hustle, Blade Runner and Spirited Away. Additionally, an interactive map will display filming locations and behind-the-scenes details.

As the East-meets-West centre, Hong Kong is well positioned to promote international cultural exchange, particularly relating to traditional Chinese culture. This year, the Book Fair will feature a Mainland China Publishers Zone with Beijing as the thematic city, demonstrating the cultural allure of the nation’s capital. The Book Fair will also host an IP Roundtable for the first time on the second day (18 July), inviting representatives from the international publishing and copyright industries to discuss the challenges and opportunities that AI is bringing to IP and copyright commercialisation.

Eight Seminar Series invites literary giants to host seminars

The Book Fair will continue to feature the Eight Seminar Series, with authors invited to share and exchange ideas on topics including Theme of the Year, Renowned Writers, English and International Reading, World of Knowledge, Children and Youth Reading, Hong Kong Cultural and Historical, Lifestyle and Personal Development and Spiritual Growth. One seminar has invited Yuyi, the author of the original novel City of Darkness, which was adapted into the hit movie “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In”, to share his creative journey and the process of adapting the story into comics and a film, as well as the challenges he encountered along the way.

The Renowned Writers Seminar Series, co-organised with Ming Pao and Yazhou Zhoukan, will invite heavyweight Chinese-language writers from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan to speak at the fair. The lineup includes Su Tong, a pioneer of Chinese avant-garde fiction; Jin Yucheng, who won the Lu Xun Literary Award for his novel Blossoms Shanghai; and Ban Yu, one of the three trailblazers of the Dongbei renaissance.

This year, the English and International Reading Seminar Series fully reflects Hong Kong’s internationality. The global authors sharing at the event include British scholar Christopher Cowell, who explores the relationship between architecture and urban cultural history; renowned Czech illustrator and animation director Galina Miklínová; Korean writer Mirinae Lee, who has been shortlisted for a women’s fiction award and more; and Thai author Narisapongse Rakwattananont, recipient of the Southeast Asian Literature Award. Speakers at other seminars include business management expert, writer and poet Feng Tang; aerospace expert Lui Kin-Chuen; and local lyricist scholar Chu Yiu-wai. The Story Sharing by Celebrities session will feature singer Serrini, CUHK Medical School Associate Dean Dr Teoh Yuen-chun, renowned pianist Lee Ka-ling, and Ngong Ping 360 Managing Director Tung Pui-chuen. For more details on the seminars and the lineup of speakers, please visit here.

Sports and Leisure Expo gets into the Olympic spirit

The Sports and Leisure Expo will highlight a mosaic wall set up by the Hong Kong Sports Institute (Booth 5C-C02) where visitors can become part of the photo wall to show their support for Hong Kong athletes preparing for the Paris Olympics. There will also be sharing sessions by renowned athletes, featuring the captain of the Hong Kong Men’s Dodgeball Team, Luen Tsz-yu; Hong Kong Men’s Rugby Sevens representative Yiu Kam-shing; and former Hong Kong Karatedo and Athletics representative Tong Cheuk-pan, among others. The athletes will share their experiences and journeys as sportsmen, inspiring visitors with their stories of dedication and achievement.

The Sports and Leisure Expo will also present a diverse array of health-promoting and entertaining sports and leisure products and experiences, enabling visitors of all ages to enjoy the fun of sports. The Hong Kong Playground Association (Booth 5C-D02) is again displaying its always-popular mobile rope nets along with a new parent-child zipline experience in the Sports Hub zone. Under the guidance of instructors, participants can navigate through various obstacles and a 15-metre-long zipline to enjoy an exhilarating ride.

The perennially popular Japan Pavilion will expand further this year to reach its largest scale since the pandemic. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) (Booth 5B-D02) will team up with 18 Japanese prefectures to showcase the rich traditional culture of Japan, with Hokkaido Prefecture (Booth 5B-E02) introducing its latest travel information, setting up virtual reality experiences and photo spots. The Ainu Indigenous Culture Experience zone will also showcase the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park. The World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai (Booth 5B-E11) will also participate, introducing the expo theme, Designing Future Society for Our Lives, to visitors.

A feast for the tastebuds at World of Snacks

This year’s World of Snacks has brought together more than 1,200 different snacks, divided into six zones, Travel Delights, Chocolate and Sweet Factory, Oldie Snacks, Yummy & Healthy, Party Time and Snack Bar, presenting a variety of classic flavours, healthy options and taste sensations from around the world. Making its debut at the event, Nestlé (Booth 5B-B02)  will launch new ice cream flavours and offer special promotions, including a buy-one-get-one-free offer on ice cream cups or scoops, redeemable with any purchase receipt from the Book Fair or the Sports and Leisure Expo.

Cultural July connects different sectors to promote city-wide love of literature

In addition to the Book Fair, the HKTDC has actively collaborated with various partners, including the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, publishers and educational, cultural and arts institutions, to organise a series of Cultural July activities. From 24 June to 31 July, Cultural July will feature a diverse range of events, including author sharing sessions, storytelling theatre, film-related activities, exhibitions, handicraft workshops and cultural sharing sessions, all aimed at fostering a city-wide love of reading.

Tickets for the Hong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks can be purchased through e-payment sponsor BoC Pay, other ticketing partners including Alipay HK, Alipay, 01 Space and Octopus, or at convenience stores around Hong Kong. A single ticket will grant access to all three events. Tickets will be available for sale on different platforms starting from tomorrow (26 June). This year, the adult ticket price remains at HK$30. Those who enter the venue through the admission gates before 12pm and pay with their Octopus card will enjoy a discounted entry fee of HK$10.

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

Date	17-23 July 2024 (Wednesday to Tuesday)
Opening hours	Hong Kong Book Fair 17-22 July – 10am to 10pm 23 July – 9am to 5pm Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks 17-18 July – 10am to 9pm 19-20 July – 10am to 10pm 21-22 July – 10am to 9pm 23 July – 9am to 5pm
Venue	Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Admission	Adult: HK$30 Child: HK$10 (for primary school students/children under 1.2m tall) *Children aged 3 and under and adults aged 65 and over will be admitted free of charge.
Tickets	E-tickets will be available for sale via the e-payment sponsor, the BoC Pay; and other ticketing partners, Alipay HK, Alipay, 01 Space andOctopus. Tickets will be available for sale at all 7-Eleven and Circle K stores and most of the ticketing platforms from 26 June.
Concessionary tickets	Morning admission tickets (entry before noon, same price for adults and children): HK$10 (pay directly by Octopus for admission at the hall entrances only) Special re-entry promotion: Visitors who purchase a regular adult ticket (HK$30) or child ticket (HK$10) dated 17 or 18 July can enjoy free admission once in each of the following time slots by presenting the whole stub attached to the admission ticket or re-entry coupon distributed onsite: 1) 19-21 July (Friday to Sunday) after 7pm 2) 22 July (Monday) after 7pm Note: this offer is not applicable to other types of admission tickets (including morning admission tickets, concessionary tickets, VIP tickets and complimentary tickets) Super Pass: HK$88 Passholders have unlimited entry to the Book Fair and can use the special access channel to minimise queuing time.
Hong Kong Book Fair website and mobile app	www.hkbookfair.com hkbookfair.hktdc.com/HKBookfairApp.html (Check out the details of the book fair and register for the seminar)
Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo website	https://www.hktdc.com/event/hksportsleisureexpo/en
World of Snacks website	https://www.hktdc.com/event/worldofsnacks/en

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, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

HKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com   

Also read: Gaming’s Big Power-Up: Consumers Splashed $116 Billion on Mobile Gaming in 2021 – Two Thirds of Total Spend on All Apps

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

The post 34th Hong Kong Book Fair opens on 17 July appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

During the Virtual Public Expose on 21 June 2024, PT Wintermar Offshore Marine Tbk (Wintermar) updated on strategic plans to expand its fleet to capitalize on the anticipated growth in the oil and gas industry. The Company anticipates higher charter rates to come as investment into offshore deepwater oil and gas (O&G) fields and recent O&G discoveries have propelled demand for offshore supply vessels (OSV) while supply remains constrained.

By the end of May 2024, Wintermar’s fleet comprised 42 vessels, with a focus on the high value segment to drive future profitability. Wintermar has placed orders for two Heavy Load Barges (HLB), which are expected to be delivered by year end, and one Accommodation Work Barge (AWB) to its fleet.  This was funded by internal cash flow and the sale of two low-yielding vessels, including one Anchor Handling Tug (AHT) and one Fast Utility Vessel (FUV). In April, one older Platform Supply Vessel (PSV) was sold at favorable valuation. Two PSVs are currently undergoing reactivation and are expected to commence operations by the end of the second half of 2024.

Fleet utilization in the 5-month period till end May 2024 was 68%, similar to the utilization rate in 2023. This reflects the current early stage of the oil and gas investment cycle with shorter term contracts associated with exploration activities. However, the average charter rates for the same 5-month period rose 23.1% for high-tier vessels and 14.5% for mid-tier vessels compared to the average for the full year 2023. The Company expects further increases in charter rates and utilization in the second half of 2024.

Finance Director Janto Lili reported that the Company’s Gross Profit for the 1Q2024 reached US$5.0 million, reflecting a significant improvement compared to 1Q2023 of US$3.0 million. This increase was driven by additional higher-value vessels starting operations and higher charter rates, leading to margin expansion. The gross profit margin increased to 27.1% in the first quarter of 2024, compared to 20.7% for the full year 2023. Wintermar’s low net gearing of below 1% positions the Company well to fund growth initiatives and capitalize on market opportunities. The strong financial performance is expected to continue, supported by the anticipated increase in charter rates and fleet utilization in 2H2024.

Managing Director Sugiman Layanto expressed confidence in the coming years, in anticipation of continued strong demand for offshore support vessels driven by rising investments in deepwater oil and gas projects. This is in line with the Company’s strategy in recent years to focus the fleet on higher-value vessels including dynamic positioning vessels. This positive outlook comes at a time when the supply for OSVs remains tight due to the industry’s downturn over the past years, which bodes well for sustained higher charter rates.

For the future, Wintermar will continue to focus on the selective acquisition of higher-value vessels to improve overall fleet profitability. The Company is actively seeking fleet expansion opportunities and is developing in house digital applications to enhance operational capacity through technology. Wintermar’s strategy includes targeting high-tier and specialized vessels to meet the increasing demand from deepwater and ultra-deepwater projects. Additionally, the Company aims to strengthen its presence in international markets to capitalize on higher charter rates and expanding opportunities.

Also read: 34th Hong Kong Book Fair opens on 17 July

About Wintermar Offshore Marine Group

Wintermar Offshore Marine Group (WINS.JK), developed over nearly 50 years with a track record of quality that is both a source of pride and responsibility that we are dedicated to upholding, and sails a fleet of more than 48 Offshore Support Vessels ready for long term as well as spot charters. All vessels are operated by experienced Indonesian crew, tracked by satellite systems and monitored in real-time by shore-based Vessel Teams.

Wintermar is the first shipping company in Indonesia to be certified with an Integrated Management System by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance, and is currently certified with ISO 9001:2015 (Quality), ISO14001:2015 (Environment) and OHSAS 18001:2007 (Occupational Health and Safety). For more information, please visit www.wintermar.com .

The post Wintermar Offshore (WINS:JK) Public Expose 2024 appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

The SGX Catalist-listed specialist in total mooring solutions catering to the renewable sector has been granted an option to purchase 60 Shipyard Crescent by Seatrium New Energy Limited, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Seatrium, a leading provider of engineering solutions to the global offshore, marine and energy industries.

Mooreast, Asia’s only ultra-high power anchor manufacturer says it expects to complete the proposed acquisition (subject to approval by JTC Corporation, the facility’s lessor) and commence operations at the new facility by the end of 2024. The consideration for the new facility will be funded through internal resources.

The facility adjoins Mooreast’s current 30,691 sqm (approx. 323,000 sqft) yard at 51 Shipyard Road, which is one of the world’s largest drag anchor manufacturing sites with in-house fabrication capabilities. Together, these two facilities will have a total land area of 129,609 sqm (approx. 1.4 million sqft). The combined value of right-of-use assets and equipment is estimated at approximately S$50 million including machinery/equipment.

The enlarged facility will increase its production capacity by four-fold, further cementing Mooreast’s position as one of only three ultra-high power anchor manufacturers globally. This will enable Mooreast to produce enough subsea foundations to support between 1.5 gigawatts (“GW”) to 2GW of floating offshore wind energy per annum, a significant increase from 0.5GW currently.

The new facility will be used to fabricate high-value sub-sea foundations and serve as a logistics hub to handle holding, staging and assembly of equipment and blocks. This will streamline operations and enhance efficiency, enabling Mooreast to manage and execute larger-scale projects.

The new facility’s 865-metre water frontage will further strengthen the Group’s Yard division. It will be able to accommodate specialist vessels for mobilisation and demobilisation for both onshore and offshore projects globally. Mooreast will also install solar panels on the facility’s rooftop to power on-site operations, in line with the Group’s commitment to sustainability.

This expansion is a major part of Mooreast’s strategy to increase its capacity to meet anticipated demand in the emerging floating offshore renewable market. It has been introducing new products and stepping up marketing efforts. Mooreast is also widening its geographical footprint, having incorporated Mooreast Taiwan this month and Mooreast UK in July 2022.

These efforts have helped Mooreast secure several project wins, including for the supply of its proprietary anchors to a pre-commercial floating offshore wind farm in Southern France, as well as supply of buoys to Japan’s first commercial-scale floating wind farm.

Mr Sim Koon Lam, founder, Executive Director, CEO and Deputy Chairman of Mooreast, said, “The acquisition of 60 Shipyard Crescent will expand our manufacturing capabilities significantly. Apart from economies of scale with a wide sea-front, we will also be able to position ourselves better to meet the growing global demand.”

“We are already fielding enquiries from several developers of floating offshore renewable energy projects. Mooreast is now ready to handle even bigger, commercial-scale wind projects. This will strengthen our value proposition and competitive edge in international markets significantly,” he added

This press release has been prepared by the Company and its contents have been reviewed by the Company’s sponsor, W Capital Markets Pte. Ltd. (the “Sponsor”). This press release has not been examined or approved by the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (the “SGX-ST”) and the SGX-ST assumes no responsibility for the contents of this press release, including the correctness of any of the statements or opinions made or reports contained in this press release.

The contact person for the Sponsor is Ms Alicia Chang, Registered Professional, W Capital Markets Pte. Ltd., at 65 Chulia Street, #43-01 OCBC Centre, Singapore 049513, Telephone (65) 6513 3525.

Issued for and on behalf of Mooreast Holdings Ltd. by WeR1 Consultants Pte Ltd.

Also read: 34th Hong Kong Book Fair opens on 17 July

About Mooreast Holdings Ltd.

Mooreast is a total mooring solutions specialist, serving mainly the offshore renewable energy, offshore oil & gas (“O&G”) and marine industries, with operations primarily in Singapore, the Netherlands through its wholly-owned subsidiary in Rotterdam Mooreast Europe, and offices based in Scotland and Taiwan.

Mooreast’s solutions include the design, engineering, fabrication, supply and logistics, installation and commissioning of mooring systems. Mooreast is applying its experience and expertise in mooring solutions to floating renewable energy projects, in particular floating offshore wind farms. It has successfully participated in developmental and prototype projects for floating offshore wind turbines in Japan and Europe.

For more information, please visit https://mooreast.com/

The post SGX-Listed Mooreast to Acquire 98,919 sqm Facility from Seatrium appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

The 7th edition of the Greening ASEAN: Initiatives and Leadership (“GAIL”) forum is set to take place on 25 June 2024 at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. Business and Industry leaders, as well as sustainability domain experts, gather to share actionable insights and strategies to drive ASEAN’s Green Future. The forum will be graced by Mr Chee Hong Tat, Singapore’s Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance, as the Guest-of-Honour.

The GAIL forum aims to facilitate the sharing of expertise, experience, and practical strategies for businesses and other stakeholders within ASEAN to respond to the region’s growing call for sustainable development. Attendees will be able to hear directly from business and industry leaders as well as sustainability domain experts as they share their insights and experience on future-proofing SMEs for sustainability, integrating ESG at Board level, and navigating the carbon economy with strategies and cutting-edge technologies.

Kaylee Kwok, Chairman of ONERHT Foundation, said, “For businesses, sustainability transcends being just a necessity. By its impact on the physical environment, supply chains, natural resources, on the general population, and the economic environment, it has become a fundamental issue for businesses on which their viability and success depend. GAIL serves as a crucial platform for promoting sustainable practices throughout ASEAN.”

A key highlight of event will be a fireside chat with Mr. Vivek Kumar, CEO of Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) Singapore.

Also read: RSK Creates Common Global Data Exchange To Focus On Water And Shared Environmental Solutions

Abe Jacob, Director of RHT Green, said, “Sustainability isn’t just a choice; it’s a shared responsibility for our future, and we are passionate about educating and empowering individuals to make sustainable choices. GAIL serves as a reminder that through regional collaboration, we can achieve significant progress towards achieving net zero.”

Recognising the importance of sustainability in addressing climate change, adverse social and community impact, and corporate governance issues, ONERHT Foundation launched the GAIL initiative at the 2018 annual RHT ASEAN Summit. Today, GAIL has become a much-anticipated annual event for the region’s business and industry leaders looking for actionable insights and strategies to advance their sustainability goals.

GREENING ASEAN: INITIATIVES & LEADERSHIP (GAIL) will facilitate the sharing of expertise, experience and practical strategies with the aim of helping the ASEAN businesses and other stakeholders gain the confidence and capabilities to embed and grow sustainability into their business models.

For more information and to register for the ONERHT Foundation GAIL Forum 2024, please visit: GAIL 2024 https://www.gail2024.com/#/lang=en 

ONERHT Foundation Ltd

A Singapore registered charity and grant-making philanthropic organisation, ONERHT Foundation Ltd (“Foundation”) enables RHTLaw Asia LLP and the RHT Group of Companies (collectively, “ONERHT”) to do right and do good through various charitable endeavours.

Set up by ONERHT in 2015, the Foundation was registered as a Singapore charity by the Commissioner of Charities and a grant-making philanthropic organisation by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore on 16 September 2016 and 28 November 2016 respectively.

The Foundation seeks to establish, inspire and encourage the right philanthropic culture among the corporate and legal fraternity of giving back to the community in a focused, hands-on and meaningful manner. Since its inception, the Foundation has raised more than S$5 million to support more than 30 beneficiaries involved in education, the environment and sustainability, disadvantaged groups as well as the arts and sports.

For more information, please visit www.onerht.foundation 

The post ONERHT Foundation’s 7th Edition of Annual GAIL Forum Returns on 25 June 2024 at Suntec Singapore appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

As you embark on your online journey, choosing the right domain name plays a vital role in establishing your web presence. It is often one of the earliest decisions you will make as an entrepreneur or small business owner.

GoDaddy is harnessing the power of AI to help entrepreneurs and small business owners find the right domain name for their business, themselves, or their organization. GoDaddy AI Domain Search tool is designed to deliver personalized domain suggestions tailored to each user’s unique needs. Having a catchy and memorable domain name for your business helps to enhance branding and provides increased visibility for a business on the internet.

By simply entering a business description or keywords, users receive creative and unique domain name choices that can align with their brand identity and vision. GoDaddy uses generative AI to provide users with personalized and brandable domain name suggestions based on their business description, idea, product, or service.

Also read: New CropLife Asia and EU-ASEAN Business Council Report Highlights Pathways for Sustainable Agriculture in Southeast Asia

GoDaddy AI Domain Search can simplify the process of finding the perfect domain name for a business. When a user enters information describing their business, project, or idea, including such details as business name if already chosen, location or industry, within seconds the AI tool makes suggestions by creating a list of available domain names with different variations and domain name extensions tailored to your needs.

Finding a domain name for a business idea is important as the name chosen will be reflective of your brand for many years to come. Here are some tips for finding available domain names:

• Use specific keywords that describe your business, your products and services, your location, and your industry.
• Use keywords that people would enter when searching for your products or services.
• Try using variations of a word you want in your domain name to get more options.
• Mix up keyword combinations that can describe your business.
• Your aim is to create a name that is memorable, easy to pronounce, and stands out in your industry.

In a world driven by AI, GoDaddy AI Domain Search tool simplifies the process of finding the perfect domain name, enabling you to effortlessly brainstorm and explore creative ideas that align with your vision. Within seconds, you can receive a selection of available domains, empowering you to bring your idea to life.

To experience the power of GoDaddy AI Domain Search visit:
www.godaddy.com/en-ph/domains/domain-name-generator

About GoDaddy

GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs around the world start, grow and expand their businesses. People turn to GoDaddy to name their idea, create a professional Web site, attract customers, sell their products and services, and accept online payments. GoDaddy’s easy-to-use tools help micro-entrepreneurs manage everything in one place, and its experts are available to provide 24/7 assistance. For more information about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com.

The post Find Your Perfect Domain with GoDaddy’s Innovative AI Technology appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

“This report is a call to action for countries in Southeast Asia to ensure national agricultural strategies address national needs and realities,” said Dr. Siang Hee Tan, Executive Director, CropLife Asia. “Realizing safe, secure and sustainable regional food systems requires balancing increased productivity with environmental protection and economic viability for our smallholder farmers. We can and must work together to make certain Southeast Asia’s smallholders have access to innovative technologies enabling greater food production with fewer natural resources and less impact to the world around us.”

The report sheds light on the effects of rising population growth and food demand in Southeast Asia. The region is expected to have nearly 30 million more people in 2030 compared to the European Union. This projection highlights the need for innovative approaches that help provide a reliable and affordable food supply. Another key finding from the report is the growing climate change impact to the region’s agricultural sector including lower yields, increased risks from extreme weather events and the continued spread of pests and diseases. The region’s unique tropical climate as well as soil condition further contributes to these agricultural challenges.

“We live in a world where food security, improving the nutritional value of the food we produce, and raising rural incomes are all of increasing importance and are all equally key sustainability measures.  And, we have to do this whilst also taking care of and protecting our natural environment.  As this report highlights, these things can be done together, in balance,” said Chris Humphrey, Executive Director, EU-ASEAN Business Council.

The report also provides insight into the key crop export landscape in ASEAN and how the stringent agricultural and environmental policies of the EU Green Deal could hinder productivity and sustainability in the region. Additionally, the report emphasizes the role and relevance in the region of agricultural innovations including digital solutions for food distribution, training farmers in efficient farming techniques and the use of gene-editing and crop protection technologies.

The full report can be accessed on CropLife Asia’s website through the following link: https://www.croplifeasia.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Report-on-ASEAN-Food-Systems-Sustainability-FINAL-2024.pdf

About CropLife Asia

CropLife Asia is a non-profit society and the regional organization of CropLife International, the voice of the global plant science industry. We advocate a safe, secure food supply, and our vision is food security enabled by innovative agriculture. CropLife Asia supports the work of 15 member associations across the continent and is led by six member companies and one associate member company at the forefront of crop protection, seeds and/or biotechnology research and development. For more information, visit us at www.croplifeasia.org. 

Also read: New FY Planning: Businesses should review the security of their own assets to better manage and secure critical data

About EU-ASEAN Business Council

The EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) is the primary voice for European businesses within the ASEAN region and is the only organisation that operates in the intersection of the private and public sectors between ASEAN and Europe. We are formally recognised by both the European Commission, and we are an accredited entity under Annex 2 of the ASEAN Charter.

Independent of both bodies, the Council has been established to help promote the interests of European businesses operating within ASEAN and to advocate for changes in policies and regulations which would help promote trade and investment between Europe and the ASEAN region. As such, the Council works on a sectorial and cross-industry basis to help improve the investment and trading conditions for European businesses in the ASEAN region through influencing policy and decision makers throughout the region and in the EU, as well as acting as a platform for the exchange of information and ideas amongst its members and regional players within the ASEAN region

The post New CropLife Asia and EU-ASEAN Business Council Report Highlights Pathways for Sustainable Agriculture in Southeast Asia appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

Founded in 2014, RentoMojo has carved out a niche in the rental industry. The company is known for its innovative rental solutions in furniture and appliances. It is on a robust growth trajectory and sought a strong customer engagement platform to support its business expansion plans. 

With the previous customer engagement solution, RentoMojo faced challenges expanding its reach and boosting impressions. After a comprehensive evaluation, RentoMojo chose CleverTap over its competitors for its advanced analytics capabilities, and superior customer service to enhance their reach and impressions metrics. Additionally, CleverTap’s onboarding process demonstrated the depth of support and seamless integration across RentoMojo’s app and website, offering a unified view of customers.

With CleverTap, RentoMojo aims to achieve: 

• Enhanced user engagement and reduced churn through optimized customer funnels. 
• Increased repeat purchases and referrals through personalized upsell and cross-sell strategies.
• Repeat transactions and maximized conversions, without increasing acquisition costs.

Dhruv Wahal, Growth and Revenue Head, RentoMojo, said, “Our primary focus has always been on building a sustainable and profitable business model, and choosing CleverTap was a strategic move for RentoMojo as we prepare for our next phase of growth. CleverTap’s advanced analytics, seamless integration, and strong support have helped us transform our customer engagement strategies. Most of all, their collaborative ethos has made us feel like we’re part of the same team working towards a common goal. We are confident that this partnership will help us achieve our growth plans, scale our business and enhance the overall customer experience.” 

Sidharth Pisharoti, Chief Revenue Officer, CleverTap, said, “RentoMojo’s remarkable strides in the rental industry make this partnership truly exciting. Together, we aim to create seamless experiences for their customers as they embark on an exponential growth phase. Through CleverTap’s platform, RentoMojo achieved a 37% boost in reachability compared to competition after a rigorous Proof of Concept (POC) that Rentomojo undertook. We’re thrilled to support RentoMojo with our innovative solutions, and their choice to leverage CleverTap’s platform underscores our commitment to delivering superior service and customer experiences.”

About RentoMojo

Brand Story
Rentomojo was born from a deep desire to transform lifestyles. We saw the struggle of urban living and set out to create a solution that brings ease and joy. We envisioned a world where people could embrace change without the burden of ownership. Rentomojo is not just a service; it’s a movement towards sustainable and minimalistic living, enabling you to create a home that evolves with you. We offer a promise of quality, convenience, and freedom, making each day better than the last.

Brand Overview
Rentomojo – India’s largest rental solution provider for furniture and appliances proudly boasts of a 4.5-star rating on the Google Play Store and over 4.5 lakh + loyal customers. Backed by leading investors like Accel Partners and Chiratae Ventures, we continue to provide flexible rental solutions for furniture, appliances and electronics, emphasizing convenience, affordability, and quality for urban young professionals. At Rentomojo, we offer more than just rental services—we open up a world of possibilities. With our guaranteed quality and swift service, you can bid farewell to the hassles of buying and embrace the convenience of renting. Welcome to a smarter, hassle-free way of living!

For more Information visit : www.rentomojo.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rentomojo/

About CleverTap

CleverTap is the all-in-one engagement platform that helps brands unlock limitless customer lifetime value by helping them create personalized experiences to retain their most valuable customers. The platform empowers businesses to orchestrate experiences for individuals across their lifecycles and design personalized journeys that span a lifetime. It offers analytics that encompasses every aspect of the lifecycle, enabling businesses to measure and optimize each experience in real-time. Its unique AI capability is insightful, empathetic, and prescriptive, facilitating smarter and faster decisions. The all-in-one platform unifies experiences from every touchpoint, paving the way for a new era of customer engagement.

The platform is powered by TesseractDB – the world’s first purpose-built database for customer engagement, offering both speed and economies of scale.

CleverTap is trusted by 2000 customers, including Electronic Arts, TiltingPoint, Gamebasics, Big Fish, MobilityWare, TED, English Premier League, TD Bank, Carousell, AirAsia, Papa John’s, and Tesco.

Backed by leading investors such as Peak XV Partners, Tiger Global, Accel, CDPQ, and 360 One, the company is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with presence in New York, São Paulo, Bogota, Mexico City, London, Amsterdam, Sofia, Dubai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Singapore, Jakarta, and Ho Chi Minh. 

For more information, visit clevertap.com or follow us on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clevertap/ 
X: https://twitter.com/CleverTap 

Also read: Group-IB Becomes the First SOC-CMM Network Silver Support Partner in Asia to Enhance Global Cyber Defense Capabilities

Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements in this press release may represent CleverTap’s belief in connection with future events and may be forward-looking statements, or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. CleverTap cautions that such statements are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties that could result in the actual outcome being absolutely different from the results anticipated by the statements mentioned in the press release.

Factors such as the development of general economic conditions affecting our business, future market conditions, our ability to maintain cost advantages, uncertainty with respect to earnings, corporate actions, client concentration, reduced demand, liability or damages in our service contracts, unusual catastrophic loss events, war, political instability, changes in government policies or laws, legal restrictions impacting our business, impact of pandemic, epidemic, any natural calamity and other factors that are naturally beyond our control, changes in the capital markets and other circumstances may cause the actual events or results to be materially different, from those anticipated by such statements. CleverTap does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or updated or revised status of such statements. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will CleverTap and its affiliate companies be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in conjunction.

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Endoscopy Engineering support services in India

Establishing this R&D ODC in Hyderabad is part of Olympus’ commitment to leverage global R&D talents and resources driving advancements in medical technology. Hyderabad is a major metropolitan area and is known as India’s MedTech hub, providing the talent needed for research and development activities necessary for Olympus’ expansion efforts.

Concurrent with the creation of the ODC, Olympus will also prepare for the establishment of Olympus’ in-house R&D center in the coming years. This center would be in addition to the company’s current R&D centers in Japan, the United States, and Europe.

The company plans to further establish its presence in the country by collaborating with AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad for joint research projects. By partnering with one of India’s premier healthcare institutions, Olympus aims to leverage clinical expertise and insights to drive the development of innovative medical solutions that address the evolving needs of patients worldwide.

Since establishing Olympus Medical Systems India Private Limited in 2009, Olympus has continued to expand its operations in India and has achieved growth with the support of its many stakeholders. These strategic initiatives not only reinforce Olympus’ commitment to advancing medical technology but also strengthen its global footprint and enhance the company’s ability to deliver impactful healthcare solutions.

Comment from Andre Roggan, Chief Technology Officer at Olympus
“It is with great pleasure and excitement that we announce this agreement with HCLTech, with whom we share a decade-long partnership in core engineering and R&D services. I am confident that our collaboration will enhance Olympus’ engineering capabilities and unlock new innovations that enable quality healthcare through technology.”

Comment from Mr. D. Sridhar Babu, Minister of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C) and Industries & Commerce (I&C) of the Government of Telangana
“We are thrilled that Olympus Corporation, one of the world’s largest medical device companies, has chosen Hyderabad for its first investment in India with an R&D center, marking a significant milestone for our city’s medical devices ecosystem. With Hyderabad’s robust infrastructure, strategic location, and thriving community of innovative healthcare companies, this investment is poised to be a game-changer for the medical devices sector in India. We are confident that Olympus’ advanced technologies and expertise will significantly contribute to our vision of becoming a global hub for medical device innovation and manufacturing. I welcome Olympus Corporation to our ecosystem.”

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About HCLTech

HCLTech is a global technology company, home to more than 227,000 people across 60 countries, delivering industry-leading capabilities centered around digital, engineering, cloud, and AI, powered by a broad portfolio of technology services and products. HCLTech works with clients across all major verticals, providing industry solutions for Financial Services, Manufacturing, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Technology and Services, Telecom and Media, Retail and CPG, and Public Services. Consolidated revenues as of the 12 months ending March 2024 totalled $13.3 billion. To learn how HCLTech can supercharge progress for you, visit hcltech.com.

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About Olympus

At Olympus, we are committed to Our Purpose of making people’s lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling. As a global medical technology company, we partner with healthcare professionals to provide best-in-class solutions and services for early detection, diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment, aiming to improve patient outcomes by elevating the standard of care in targeted disease states. For more than 100 years, Olympus has pursued a goal of contributing to society by producing products designed with the purpose of delivering optimal outcomes for its customers around the world. For more information, visit olympus-global.com and follow our global X account:@Olympus_Corp.

 https://www.olympus-global.com 

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The SOC-CMM model, initially conceived as a scientific research project, has evolved into the de facto standard for measuring capability maturity in SOCs, focusing on specific technologies and processes. Group-IB’s role as a Silver Support Partner will involve offering in-depth counsel, conducting workshops, and delivering training to aid organizations in implementing and complying with SOC-CMM standards.

As a Silver Support Partner, Group-IB will also leverage its extensive expertise and Digital Crime Resistance Centers (DCRCs) located in the Middle East, Europe, Central Asia, and the Asia-Pacific to deliver SOC-CMM advisory services globally.

Vladimir Goliashev, Director, Cyber Defence & SOC Consulting at Group-IB, stated: “Becoming the first SOC-CMM Silver Partner in Asia is a testament to Group-IB’s commitment to advancing cybersecurity standards globally. Our DCRCs play an essential role in enabling us to conduct SOC-CMM assessments worldwide and provide tailored solutions that help organizations pinpoint areas for improvement, understand associated costs, and support budget requests. Through these assessments, we validate and justify SOC improvement plans in relation to business risk reduction, benchmark SOC performance against industry standards, and develop actionable roadmaps for achieving desired security postures.”

Rob van Os, CEO of SOC-CMM, remarked: “SOC-CMM is proud to announce that it has partnered with Group-IB, a leading creator of cybersecurity technologies aimed at investigating, preventing, and combating digital crime, to extend its support partner network to new regions. As its first Silver Partner in Asia and with Digital Crime Resistance Centers in the Middle East, Europe, Central Asia, and the Asia-Pacific, this partnership will enable Group-IB to provide Security Operations Center (SOC) advisory services to organizations around the world that would like to grow and mature their operations.”

About Group-IB

Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Singapore, Group-IB is a leading creator of cybersecurity technologies to investigate, prevent, and fight digital crime. Combating cybercrime is in the company’s DNA, shaping its technological capabilities to defend businesses, citizens, and support law enforcement operations.

Group-IB’s Digital Crime Resistance Centers (DCRCs) are located in the Middle East, Europe, Central Asia, and Asia-Pacific to help critically analyze and promptly mitigate regional and country-specific threats. These mission-critical units help Group-IB strengthen its contribution to global cybercrime prevention and continually expand its threat-hunting capabilities.

Group-IB’s decentralized and autonomous operational structure helps it offer tailored, comprehensive support services with a high level of expertise. We map and mitigate adversaries’ tactics in each region, delivering customized cybersecurity solutions tailored to risk profiles and requirements of various industries, including retail, healthcare, gaming, financial services, manufacturing, critical services, and more.

The company’s global security leaders work in synergy with some of the industry’s most advanced technologies to offer detection and response capabilities that eliminate cyber disruptions agilely.

Group-IB’s Unified Risk Platform (URP) underpins its conviction to build a secure and trusted cyber environment by utilizing intelligence-driven technology and agile expertise that completely detects and defends against all nuances of digital crime. The platform proactively protects organizations’ critical infrastructure from sophisticated attacks while continuously analyzing potentially dangerous behavior all over their network.

The comprehensive suite includes the world’s most trusted Threat Intelligence, The most complete Fraud Protection, AI-powered Digital Risk Protection, Multi-layered protection with Managed Extended Detection and Response (XDR), All-infrastructure Business Email Protection, and External Attack Surface Management.

Furthermore, Group-IB’s full-cycle incident response and investigation capabilities have consistently elevated industry standards. This includes the 70,000+ hours of cybersecurity incident response completed by our sector-leading DFIR Laboratory, more than 1,400 successful investigations completed by the High-Tech Crime Investigations Department, and round-the-clock efforts of CERT-GIB.

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Time and again, its solutions and services have been revered by leading advisory and analyst agencies such as Aite Novarica, Gartner®, Forrester, Frost & Sullivan, KuppingerCole Analysts AG, and more.

Being an active partner in global investigations, Group-IB collaborates with international law enforcement organizations such as INTERPOL, EUROPOL and AFRIPOL to create a safer cyberspace. Group-IB is also a member of the Europol European Cybercrime Centre’s (EC3) Advisory Group on Internet Security, which was created to foster closer cooperation between Europol and its leading non-law enforcement partners.

About SOC-CMM

SOC-CMM was founded in 2017 to help security operations centers (SOC) measure and increase their maturity. Since its initial conception and release, the SOC-CMM has grown to become a global de facto standard for capability maturity assessment within SOCs.

At SOC-CMM, we strive to improve security operations globally, by providing tools and services that support SOCs in their maturity journey.

To follow updates to SOC-CMM, subscribe to the email list via the downloads page.

About the SOC-CMM model

The SOC-CMM model and tool were created as a Master’s thesis research project for the master’s program Master of Information Security, part of the Luleå University of Technology (LTU) educational catalog. The SOC-CMM was created using a Design Science Research approach in which a scientific approach is combined with practical testing and experiences to create a usable artifact, in this case the maturity assessment tool. The full text for the thesis can be obtained from the LTU publication portal.

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