Hong Kong – To mark its 160th anniversary, HSBC has partnered with Omnicom Media Group (OMG) Hong Kong and its creative arm Fuse to unveil a bespoke Rube Goldberg Machine installation at the iconic HSBC Main Building.

For the campaign, OMG Hong Kong enlisted local kinetic mechanism artist Joseph Chan to realise the concept, resulting in an interactive installation that traces HSBC’s 160-year legacy through a sequence of mechanical movements and visual storytelling.

The experience begins with a ball set in motion past the desk of founder Thomas Sutherland and the bank’s iconic bronze lions, Stephen and Stitt—named after senior executives of the era.

From there, the machine transitions to key visual milestones, including the creation of HSBC’s hexagonal logo by designer Henry Steiner and the symbolic lighting of the main building. It then moves through the bank’s early involvement in shipping services, representing its foundational role in trade and communication. This phase is followed by a timeline of financial instruments—from historical banknotes displayed on a rotating ring track to chequebooks and the evolution of credit cards.

Vintage HSBC commercials play on a retro television set before shifting to a screen that signals the arrival of the mobile banking app—marking the bank’s entry into the digital age.

The installation culminates in a segment featuring PayMeow, the mascot of HSBC’s PayMe app, highlighting the bank’s digital transformation. The journey ends with a piano tribute to the composer of the HSBC theme song, closing the loop on the bank’s long-standing narrative of innovation and heritage.

Chilai Howard, creative director of Fuse at OMG Hong Kong, shared, “Our vision is to seamlessly integrate art into brand experiences. In this project, we draw inspiration from a Rube Goldberg machine, using it as a dynamic timeline to narrate HSBC’s rich history. This interactive installation invites audiences to explore its depths, revealing hidden details and fostering discovery. By engaging the senses and sparking curiosity, we transform observers into active participants in this immersive journey.”

“We are honoured to collaborate with HSBC in celebrating their remarkable history. We believe in the power of creativity to tell compelling stories, and these groundbreaking installations showcase HSBC’s past in a way that adds even more meaning to their present journey,” added Natalie Yu, content & communication director at OMG Hong Kong.

The installation positions itself as more than a promotional effort, aiming to offer a culturally engaging experience that merges elements of art, history, and technology. Designed to educate and entertain, it has also become a visually compelling attraction for visitors.

Supporting the installation is a 30-second video released on 4 March, offering a glimpse into the Rube Goldberg sequence and encouraging audiences to explore HSBC’s historical milestones remotely. A longer-form version documenting the full experience was released on 8 April.

In addition to the Rube Goldberg Machine, Fuse collaborated with HSBC on two other installations. One is an immersive time tunnel that walks visitors through key moments and developments in the bank’s history. The other, a large-scale birthday cake display, serves as a visual marker of the bank’s 160th anniversary.

“We are pleased to unveil this Rube Goldberg Machine Installation to kickstart our year-long 160th anniversary celebration. This innovative installation is designed to transform archival elements into modern, interactive and dynamic exhibits that connect us with diverse customer segments. We are delighted to see Hongkongers visiting and capturing moments with the installation—exactly as we envisioned, enhancing their connection to our brand experience,” said Cheuk Shum, head of marketing, wealth and personal banking, Hong Kong at HSBC.

Southeast Asia – Dentsu has forged a partnership with Flipkart Commerce Cloud (FCC), the technology solutions arm of e-commerce marketplace Flipkart. The collaboration aims to revolutionise retail media networks for digital and omnichannel retailers in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.

The partnership will see Dentsu incorporating Flipkart’s retail technology solutions into its integrated media, data, and creatives. It aims to help retailers enhance their retail media network strategies across seven markets.

FCC’s Retail Media Solution is available for retailers through their digital sites and app assets. Its suite of tech tools allows retailers and advertisers to create manage, and optimise ad campaigns.

The user-friendly, self-serve platform offers various advertising formats, retail-centric reporting, intuitive campaign creation, and measurement tools among others.

Praveen SNSS, senior director, Flipkart Commerce Cloud, said, “Our collaboration with dentsu marks a significant step in strengthening FCC’s Retail Media Solutions. As a strategic partner, dentsu brings deep expertise in media, data, and advertising, which aligns seamlessly with our mission to empower retailers with cutting-edge monetization capabilities. With FCC’s robust commerce technology and dentsu’s strategic vision and global reach, we aim to help retailers unlock new revenue streams, enhance shopper engagement, and drive measurable business outcomes.”

“Our unique partnership with FCC, the only joint offering of its kind in the region, marries the best in Retail Media Network with dentsu’s world-class integrated capabilities to offer a differentiated data- and tech-based solution that will truly drive scalable and connected growth for retailers in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. As one of the leading e-commerce providers in India, FCC is our trusted partner to bring this never-before offering together to this region,” Prakash Kamdar, CEO, client & solutions, SEA, dentsu, and CEO, Singapore, dentsu, commented.

Hong Kong – Cathay marked a nostalgic return to Kai Tak on the final day of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, staging a low-altitude flypast to celebrate the former airport’s 100th anniversary and the tournament’s debut at Kai Tak Sports Park.

For decades, Kai Tak served as Hong Kong’s international gateway, famed for its challenging 47-degree turn at 700 feet—one of the most difficult airport approaches in the world. Pilots were required to navigate between high-rise buildings, a spectacle that drew global attention until the airport’s closure in 1998.

“Everyone remembers the stories of Cathay Pacific’s aircraft flying in and out of Kai Tak. So we turned the nostalgia into an event to get the world talking about the Sevens, held for the first time at the new Kai Tak Sports Park,” said Edward Bell, general manager for brand, insights and marketing communications at Cathay. 

After 27 years, Cathay Pacific returned to Kai Tak with flight CX8100—named in honour of Kai Tak’s 100th anniversary. The aircraft took off from Hong Kong International Airport around 4pm on Sunday, March 30, flying past Central, Wan Chai, Kai Tak, North Point, and through Victoria Harbour in a dramatic recreation of aviation history.

To enable the flypast, Cathay collaborated with the Hong Kong SAR Government to create a temporary restricted flying zone over Victoria Harbour. Publicis Groupe Hong Kong then brought in veteran aviation photographers—renowned for capturing Cathay’s iconic Kai Tak landings—to document the moment. Their images and live-streamed footage of CX8100 are now being shared widely across the globe and Cathay’s social channels.

Cathay has also released a short documentary-style video offering a behind-the-scenes look at the planning and preparation behind Flight CX8100’s historic flypast over Kai Tak.

“Creating a live performance of an aircraft flying past Kai Tak seemed like an audacious feat. But together with the team at Cathay, we worked hard to plan an experience that everyone at this year’s Hong Kong Sevens final will remember. Hopefully for years to come,” shared Christopher Lee, chief creative officer at Publicis Groupe Hong Kong.

Cathay is the exclusive founding travel partner of Kai Tak Sports Park, supporting the venue’s efforts to promote sports, arts, and culture in Hong Kong. The partnership aims to attract global visitors through immersive experiences that highlight the city’s international appeal.

Hong Kong – Hearts & Science, the Omnicom Media Group (OMG) agency, has appointed Doris Kuok as managing partner to spearhead its expansion and lead operations in Hong Kong.

Effective immediately, Kuok will assume responsibility for overseeing the agency’s operations, strategic direction, financial performance, and client relationships. In her new role, she will drive the development of innovative tools and solutions to help renowned brands forge meaningful consumer connections.

Kuok brings over 20 years of experience across the beauty, FMCG, finance, luxury, and travel sectors. Most recently, she was Managing Partner at OMG Hong Kong, where she strengthened client partnerships and fostered collaboration to drive innovative media strategies and strong performance.

Under her leadership, OMG Hong Kong garnered multiple regional and local industry accolades. Kuok was also instrumental in securing Hearts & Science’s significant wins, including Warner Bros. Discovery in APAC and the recent AS Watson media mandate in Hong Kong.

Commenting on her appointment, Kuok said, “Hearts & Science is committed to delivering data-driven strategies to help our clients reach consumers in moments that matter. My goal is to foster a culture of bold creativity, strategic excellence, and deep collaboration, drawing on the vast experience and resources of OMG to deliver media solutions that help brands strengthen emotional connections with consumers and drive loyalty.”

In her new role, Kuok will report directly to Derek Yip, chief operating officer at OMG Hong Kong.

Yip commented, “The expansion of Hearts & Science into Hong Kong represents a pivotal moment for OMG, as we establish a third agency offering. A dynamic individual with strong business acumen is required to lay the groundwork for Hearts & Science’s success in the market, and we have found that leader in Doris.”

He continues, “An ambitious collaborator, Doris moves at pace and inspires others by leading by example. Doris’s experience, coupled with OMG’s Agency as a Platform proposition, will chart a new phase of growth for Hearts & Science in Hong Kong, driving impactful results for our clients and our business.”

Kuok’s appointment comes after the agency’s recent win of AS Watson’s media mandate in Hong Kong, marking a continued expansion in the APAC region.

It also follows the momentum Hearts & Science has gained in APAC since its launch in Australia and New Zealand in 2019. In Q1 2025, the agency appointed Rochelle Chhaya as its first APAC CEO to lead a growing portfolio that includes global brands like Jaguar Land Rover and Versuni, along with regional players such as Warner Bros. Discovery and DBS Bank.

Hong Kong – Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has officially launched the first-ever CR7 LIFE official flagship store at Times Square in Hong Kong, marking a significant milestone in celebrating his legacy and the upcoming CR7 LIFE Museum.

The CR7 LIFE official flagship store is designed to offer an engaging, tech-enhanced environment where digital features highlight key moments from Cristiano Ronaldo’s career and personal journey.

Located on the 7th floor of Times Square and set to open in June, the store will feature a curated range of products selected and signed by Ronaldo, including apparel, homeware, and fragrances—each reflecting elements of his lifestyle and identity.

The store will also feature a Portuguese coffee shop that highlights the flavours and traditions of Ronaldo’s home country. Designed to reflect the ambiance of cafés in Portugal, the space will serve items such as freshly baked pastéis de nata, premium coffee, and other traditional pastries and delicacies.

Situated in one of Asia’s busiest shopping districts, the CR7 LIFE official store aims to attract fans, lifestyle enthusiasts, and tourists alike. From its curated merchandise to its immersive setup and café, the store is positioned as a distinctive addition to Hong Kong’s retail scene.

The flagship store opening marks a notable step in Cristiano Ronaldo’s efforts to engage more closely with his global fanbase, particularly in Asia. Launching in Hong Kong, the store will open alongside the upcoming CR7 LIFE Museum, a space dedicated to documenting Ronaldo’s career and impact on sports culture.

Hong Kong – Sunkist has teamed up with Edelman Hong Kong to redefine the morning after, unveiling ‘The Sunkist Next Morning Bar’—an energetic daytime hotspot in the heart of Hong Kong’s bustling party scene designed to help locals recover and recharge.

The Sunkist Next Morning Bar is a daytime spot that mirrors the lively atmosphere of regular bars but swaps alcohol for citrus-based mocktails, making the morning feel as vibrant as a night out. The bar features an oversized Sunkist crate overflowing with large oranges, along with a mocktail station and DJ booth for visitors to relax and unwind.

The menu, crafted by award-winning mixologist Antonio Lai, offers refreshing drinks like the Citrus Redemption, Unguilty Pleasure, and Morning Mercy Shot—each made with freshly squeezed Sunkist Navel oranges and lemons.

“The insight was simple: the feel-good feeling that comes from drinking fresh citrus is enough to mask anything that happened the night before. So, we created an experience that turns a regrettable moment into something celebratory, social, and fun. The Sunkist Next Morning Bar is a disruptive but fun way to show how Sunkist citrus is exactly what you need the morning after the night before,” said John Koay, executive creative director at Edelman.

The activation took place at Central Market from March 28 to April 2, offering early risers a chance to rejuvenate with refreshing drinks and feel-good tunes by DJ Sinke as the sun rose. This bar is part of a larger brand campaign aimed at reclaiming the morning as a time for revitalisation, powered by fresh Sunkist citrus.

More than just a temporary event, The Next Morning Bar seeks to integrate citrus into daily routines, making it a staple of personal wellness and social moments. To extend the experience, all mocktail recipes are available on the Sunkist Hong Kong website, providing a way for those recovering from a late night to feel better, no matter the time of day.

Cassie Howard, senior director of category management and marketing at Sunkist, shared, “With the Sunkist Next Morning Bar, we wanted to break away from the traditional mould of citrus marketing and create an experience that feels culturally relevant, unexpected, and fun. Hong Kong has such a dynamic nightlife scene, so we saw an opportunity to bring that same energy to the morning, using our citrus as the key to helping Hong Kongers feel good again—regardless of what happened last night.”

Hong Kong – Delivering on their promise of ‘Deliciousness without the Wait’, Pizza Hut Hong Kong has unveiled a comical new pop-up store to urge diners to skip the long queues of the city’s lunch rush.

Conceptualised by Edelman Hong Kong, the ‘Pop-Up Pizza Hut’ plays on the concept of a “pop-up” in both name and function. The activation features a giant pizza box that unfolds into a temporary store, appearing in the middle of Hong Kong’s busy lunch queues to serve diners on the go.

The activation also moves between Hong Kong’s busiest lunch spots, surprising restaurant managers and waiting diners with the message, “What are you waiting for? ”. Once the pizzas sell out, the mobile store relocates to another high-traffic area with a fresh supply.

Amy Cheng, creative director at Edelman, shared, “When Pizza Hut came calling to revive awareness of their lunch menu, we knew we had to find a disruptive way to differentiate the brand – and that’s exactly what we’ve done.” 

“Lunch breaks are always mayhem, and for some reason, queues have become an accepted feature of Hong Kong lunch culture. It’s a behaviour no one has ever questioned or made a point of, so it was the perfect opportunity to do something unexpected and get the brand noticed and remembered,” Cheng added. 

The Pop-Up Pizza Hut, designed as a humorous and unconventional activation, debuted on April 1st—a day when brands often engage in playful marketing stunts. Beyond highlighting the Meal-for-One menu, it also served as a platform to announce the brand’s light-hearted three-day promotion of the controversial ‘Superb Pineapple’ pizza.

Following its initial launch, the initiative is expected to continue appearing across the city, targeting busy lunch crowds and other high-traffic areas where time-conscious diners gather.

“Pizza Hut always has a presence at live events in Hong Kong – and live events always have people lining up for food and drinks. So, along with the daily lunch rush, we will keep finding times and places for the Pop-Up Pizza Hut to give people ‘deliciousness without the wait’,” Cheng said. 

Renee Chan, customer experience and marketing director of Pizza Hut HK, commented, “With only a 1-hour lunch break, what are you waiting for? ’… It’s the question no one seems to ask themselves, but it resonates with everyone. QSR in Hong Kong is very competitive, and we need to use what we can to our advantage – without terrorising the competition too much. This insight and idea really show our personality and playful side and, most importantly, highlight one of the many ways Pizza Hut always delivers.”

Hong Kong – Coca-Cola in Hong Kong, represented by The Coca-Cola Company and its bottling partner Swire Coca-Cola, has become a Founding Partner of Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP), solidifying its commitment to enhancing visitor experiences with refreshing beverage offerings.

Coca-Cola in Hong Kong will offer its full beverage portfolio at Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP), supporting the venue’s efforts to deliver world-class sports, cultural, and entertainment experiences. The partnership also reflects Coca-Cola’s commitment to the local community and Hong Kong’s growing mega-event economy.

John Sharkey, chief executive officer at KTSP, shared, “We are delighted to welcome Coca-Cola in Hong Kong as a founding partner. This partnership aligns with our vision to be an iconic, world-class venue that brings together people from around the world to create magical moments by delivering exhilarating and memorable sports, entertainment, and cultural experiences.”

Sharkey continued, “KTSP is also a hub for our local community’s enjoyment, and Coca-Cola’s commitment to uplifting visitors and supporting sustainability initiatives makes them an ideal partner for KTSP’s journey of inspiring visitors to enjoy and explore. There’s truly something for everyone.”

As a Founding Partner of KTSP, Coca-Cola will offer a range of beverages, introduce interactive experiences, and support sustainability initiatives to enhance the visitor experience.

Coca-Cola in Hong Kong will provide a diverse selection of beverages at Kai Tak Sports Park, including sparkling drinks such as Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, and Schweppes, as well as unsweetened and sweetened teas, bottled water, sports drinks, and energy drinks. This ensures that visitors have access to a variety of refreshments throughout the venue.

To make beverages easily accessible, Coca-Cola will install hundreds of coolers, fountain dispensers, and vending units across KTSP. Whether in the main stadium, concessions, or event spaces, visitors can conveniently find their preferred drinks while enjoying performances, sporting events, or the Hong Kong Sevens.

As part of the partnership, Coca-Cola will also have a strong presence throughout the venue. From main gates “presented by Coca-Cola” to on-site signage and digital advertising, the brand will be seamlessly integrated into the park’s environment.

Additionally, Coca-Cola will receive activation rights, exclusive access to designated areas, and hospitality benefits. These sponsorship elements ensure a visible role for Coca-Cola at KTSP while providing visitors with convenient access to its beverage offerings.

Karlijn in ‘t Veld, vice president of franchise operations for Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau & Mongolia at The Coca-Cola Company, commented, “Kai Tak Sports Park is set to become a landmark destination for sportainment in Hong Kong, and as a leading beverage company, we are honoured to be part of this once-in-a-generation establishment.”

“We have been crafting strong and loved brands that create hundreds of thousands of refreshing moments every day for Hong Kong. As the city rises to become ‘Asia’s Events Capital’, we, building on our legacy and strength, look forward to creating magical moments and incredible experiences for millions of visitors to Kai Tak Sports Park, while promoting sports, entertainment, tourism, and hospitality in the city,” she added. 

Richard Gould, general manager at Swire Coca-Cola HK, also shared, “At Swire Coca-Cola, we are proud to work hand in hand with The Coca-Cola Company to bring an exciting range of beverages to our community. Our dedicated team is passionate about creating refreshing and memorable experiences for all visitors to Kai Tak Sports Park – by providing the perfect drink for every moment.”

Meanwhile, building on its 20-year partnership with HK China Rugby, Coca-Cola has extended its role as a ‘Tournament Partner’ and exclusive non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverage supplier for the Hong Kong Sevens, which debuts at Kai Tak Sports Park from March 28 to 30. The company also continues its commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

“Great partnerships go beyond business – they create meaningful community impact. As we bring refreshing beverages to KTSP and inject excitement into the various activities in the park, we are also committed to a greener Hong Kong. Together, we will drive progress in waste management, people empowerment and community engagement,” Karlijn enthused.

Coca-Cola in Hong Kong is the latest partner to join KTSP, following the recent announcement of Marriott Bonvoy and a growing roster of partners, including DHL Express, CTF Life, Carlsberg, and Cathay Pacific.

Hong Kong – Marriott Bonvoy, the travel loyalty programme of Marriott International, has signed a multi-year agreement to become the exclusive Founding Hotel Partner of Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP), Hong Kong’s largest sports and entertainment landmark.

As the exclusive Founding Hotel Partner, Marriott Bonvoy will collaborate with KTSP to advance sports, culture, and tourism in Hong Kong, showcasing the city’s world-class events to a global audience.

Commenting on the partnership, John Sharkey, chief executive officer of KTSP, said, “We are delighted to welcome Marriott Bonvoy as the exclusive Founding Hotel Partner at Kai Tak Sports Park. This partnership sets new standards for world-class hospitality and entertainment. Together with Marriott Bonvoy, we will continue to deliver exhilarating and memorable experiences for the enjoyment of Hong Kong, Asia and the world. In turn, we will provide unique and extraordinary moments to Marriott Bonvoy’s guests and members.”

KTSP is set to become Hong Kong’s premier destination for major international sports, entertainment, and cultural events. Through this partnership, Marriott Bonvoy members and guests can access a curated selection of immersive and unforgettable experiences in the city via the Marriott Bonvoy Moments platform.

Betty Tian, managing vice president of customer for Greater China at Marriott International, said, “We are excited to partner with Kai Tak Sports Park to offer guests and members once-in-a-lifetime experiences in Hong Kong’s latest hub for culture, entertainment and sports.”

“Marriott Bonvoy strives to inspire how people want to live their lives and travel. We look forward to working with KTSP to support Hong Kong’s vibrant events scene and amplify its success on the world stage,” she added.

Marriott Bonvoy joins a growing list of major partners recently announced by KTSP, including DHL Express, CTF Life, Carlsberg, and Cathay Pacific.

Hong Kong – Japanese beauty brand SHISEIDO has launched a new branding campaign in Hong Kong, highlighting resilience and strength as part of the rollout for the latest iteration of its Ultimune serum.

The #FullBloomBeauty campaign, developed for the Hong Kong market, was created in collaboration with creative agency Omelette Digital, media agency iProspect, and digital agency Pontac. It is also part of SHISEIDO’s global creative platform, “Freedom From Age.”

The campaign presents SHISEIDO’s camellia as a symbol of resilience, flourishing even in challenging conditions. It also features the latest version of Ultimune, which incorporates the company’s Power Fermented Camellia+ technology. This formulation, designed to support skin immunity, targets ageing skin cells using a memory T cell approach aimed at promoting a more revitalised appearance.

“The term ‘全盛期’ has traditionally been used to define the peak era of an individual. It is our privilege to bring a twist to this concept, reminding consumers that beauty knows no age. Everyone can radiate with full-bloom beauty at the best of their age as they unleash their inner resilience,” said Andrea Choi, creative director of Omelette Digital.

As part of the campaign, SHISEIDO also extends its collaboration with Keung To, Anson Lo, Ian Chan, and Edan Lui of Hong Kong boy band MIRROR, who have been brand endorsers for several years.

The campaign features MIRROR members in a story video reflecting on the resilience of the camellia and how it resonates with their personal journeys. Additionally, a series of individual videos highlights each member’s perspective on resilience and their experiences with the latest Ultimune serum.

To extend the campaign’s reach, SHISEIDO has rolled out a series of out-of-home (OOH) advertisements across Hong Kong, reinforcing the #FullBloomBeauty message. The campaign also includes exclusive MIRROR-themed collectibles, available with purchases, offering fans a connection to both the brand and the boy band.

SHISEIDO also launched a series of teaser videos featuring MIRROR members looking toward the iconic IFC building as camellias bloom in the background. These visuals set the stage for an upcoming SHISEIDO pop-up event, inviting beauty enthusiasts to take part in the celebration of resilience and beauty.

Gloria Ho, president and managing director of Shiseido Hong Kong, said, “New Ultimune is our latest science-backed innovation, backed by over 30 years of research, bringing SHISEIDO’s over-the-century Art & Science together. By highlighting Camellia’s resilience story, we aim to inspire and engage local consumers, demonstrating how our product embodies inner strength and vitality, echoing Shiseido’s corporate mission “Beauty Innovation For A Better World.” This branding campaign, combined with our omnichannel marketing strategy, will create a unique and immersive experience for our customers.”