Tag: Hong Kong

Hong Kong – VML Hong Kong has elevated Sandra Gin and Edward Ha to executive directors, entrusting them with spearheading regional and local market growth, respectively.

Gin, who joined the former Wunderman Thompson in 2020 as client services director, has been involved in expanding the regional and global business from the Hong Kong office. She has worked closely with major clients such as HSBC, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and Nikon. 

Originally from Canada, Gin has experience at agencies including BBDO Toronto, FCB Toronto, Digitas Hong Kong, and Golin Hong Kong, with expertise across industries such as gaming, telecommunications, healthcare, hospitality, and finance.

Commenting on her new role, Gin said, “I’m incredibly excited to step into this expanded role at VML to further ignite our growth across Asia and beyond. We have the depth and breadth of capabilities to help our clients succeed and a brilliant team at VML ready to make it happen. I’m energised by the opportunity to further shape the future of our agency.”

Meanwhile, Ha brings two decades of advertising experience, blending entrepreneurial insight with multinational agency expertise. Before joining VML, he co-founded and led a boutique agency for eight years.

Ha’s experience across Hong Kong and mainland China has contributed to VML’s work with clients such as the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Endowus, and HSBC.

Talking about his new role, Ha said, The agency landscape is evolving rapidly with ongoing technological and societal changes. Leveraging my experience running a boutique agency, I aim to foster greater agility and maintain a sharp focus on clients’ needs, driving the agency forward alongside the VML leadership team.”

Both Gin and Ha will remain part of the leadership team, reporting directly to Maggie Wong, CEO of VML Hong Kong.

Commenting on the promotions, Wong shared, “Sandra and Edward are invaluable members of our management team. Their passion, commitment, and leadership have been crucial to our success, and I am thrilled to see them advance within the company. They have both laid a robust foundation for our growth in 2025 and beyond.”

Hong Kong – Coca-Cola staged its first-ever 600-drone light show over Victoria Harbour on Friday, marking the grand finale of its Chinese New Year campaign. The display featured 12 scenes depicting festive moments and local traditions, with live narration by actor and singer Louis Cheung.

The “Meet on 2.14: Together, Share Your Heartfelt Wishes with Coca-Cola” campaign at Ocean Terminal Deck, Harbour City, featured a series of festive events. It began with limited-edition packaging showcasing a fireworks design, followed by a lucky draw where winners enjoyed poon choi and a fireworks display aboard a vessel. The grand finale marked Hong Kong’s first-ever Coca-Cola drone show and the city’s first 600-drone performance launched from a barge on Victoria Harbour.

The drone show opened with 600 drones forming the iconic Coca-Cola® bottle, simulating a drink being poured into a glass. The display transitioned into scenes of local dining traditions, including fish balls, siu mai, hotpot gatherings, and celebratory toasts—evoking memories of shared meals and festive reunions. Actor and singer Louis Cheung narrated the performance, highlighting the joy of togetherness during family gatherings.

The show continued with the drones forming a globe and the red “福” (blessing) character, symbolising well-wishes for the new year. The finale featured a fireworks pattern inspired by Coca-Cola’s limited-edition Chinese New Year packaging, accompanied by the slogan “Blooming Blessings, Together Always” (綻放祝福 年一在起).

Distinguished guests at Coca-Cola’s drone show included Sally Cheng Wai Lee, senior frontline marketing director for Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, and Mongolia at Coca-Cola China Limited; Lily Chu Wai Shan, sales & marketing director at Swire Coca-Cola Hong Kong Limited; and Kitman Tang, executive director at Macau Coca-Cola Beverage Co. Ltd.

Alongside the drone show, Coca-Cola opened two limited-time installations at the “Blooming Blessings” check-in spots at Harbour City Ocean Terminal Deck. Visitors can create personalised blessing videos and take photos at the themed spots.

Hong Kong – DFI Retail Group has appointed retail veteran Yoep Man as the new chief executive officer of 7-Eleven for South China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore, effective immediately.

Yoep brings over 20 years of retail leadership in food and FMCG across Asia Pacific. Most recently, as Managing Director of Food in Singapore for DFI Retail Group, he led brands like Giant, Cold Storage, CS Fresh, and Jason’s Deli, driving financial growth, operational efficiencies, and stronger market positioning despite a challenging retail landscape.

Throughout his career, Yoep also played key roles in advancing business growth and operational success, including supporting the growth of Sam’s Club business at Walmart China and the expansion of Dutch-based retailer SPAR into China, Indonesia, Thailand and Mongolia.

In his new role at the Group, Yoep will steer the strategic direction and operations of 7-Eleven across the four key markets, driving innovation and growth to meet changing customer needs.

Additionally, Yoep will also join the Group’s Management Committee, contributing to the organisation’s broader leadership.

Commenting on his appointment, Yoep said, “I am excited to have the privilege to support 7-Eleven’s growth and ambitions in the markets we serve. I look forward to working with our teams and partners to deliver greater convenience, value and innovative experiences for our customers.”

Yoep’s appointment comes as 7-Eleven experiences robust growth, driven by the expanding ready-to-eat market and ongoing digital advancements to enhance customer experiences.

Scott Price, chief executive officer of DFI Retail Group, commented, “We are pleased to appoint Yoep as CEO of 7-Eleven for South China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore. His appointment aligns perfectly with our customer-first approach, given his proven ability to enhance customer experiences and drive innovation.” 

Price continues, “Yoep’s success in leading our food business in Singapore, coupled with his deep understanding of the Asian retail landscape, positions him well to accelerate 7-Eleven’s growth. His expertise in digital transformation and operational excellence will be crucial in evolving our convenience retail offerings to meet and exceed customer expectations across these key markets.”

Hong Kong – DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (DBS Hong Kong) has introduced ‘DBS Culinary Delights,’ a new marketing and customer engagement initiative designed to offer exclusive, curated dining experiences for its wealth clients.

DBS Culinary Delights celebrates the art of gastronomy, offering DBS’ wealth clients exclusive access to Hong Kong’s finest culinary experiences in a city renowned as a gourmet paradise for both locals and tourists.

For this initiative, DBS enlisted acclaimed Chef Edward Lee, renowned for his appearance on Culinary Class War and his innovative fusion of Asian and Western cuisines. A recipient of numerous accolades from prestigious culinary organisations, Chef Lee will debut ‘DBS Culinary Delights,’ bringing his signature creativity to the exclusive dining experience.

In collaboration with DBS and Tatler, Chef Lee will visit Hong Kong in March for the inaugural DBS Culinary Delights event, ARTable, which blends gastronomy with artistic expression. The event aims to offer a unique dining experience that reflects Chef Lee’s innovative approach to cuisine.

Sebastian Paredes, head of North Asia and chief executive officer at DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, said, “DBS has grown substantially in the wealth management space over the years. As a customer-centric and relationship-focused bank, we focus on delighting our customers by creating the best-in-class customer journeys and giving them an experience beyond banking.”

“We look forward to connecting with our clients meaningfully, and this unprecedented collaboration shall deliver fresh and exceptional dining experiences for our esteemed clientele – aligning with the global trend – eating well, eating differently while indulging in culinary art,” Paredes added.

The launch of Culinary Delights reflects DBS’s focus on evolving customer trends. With wealth clients becoming more selective and aspirational, the bank aims to offer more personalised experiences and tailored services.

Hong Kong – AS Watson Group has appointed Clarice Au as the new chief executive officer of retail Hong Kong, entrusting her with the leadership of its four retail businesses in the city.

Effective 1 March 2025, Au will be responsible for overseeing the management of AS Watson’s four diverse retail businesses in Hong Kong, namely Watsons, PARKnSHOP, Fortress, and Watson’s Wine. 

Speaking about her new role, Au said, “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of CEO of Retail Hong Kong at AS Watson. Since joining the company in 1998, I’ve had the privilege of working across diverse business areas, from airport retail to leading the Fortress team and, more recently, overseeing the MoneyBack loyalty program. These experiences have shaped my passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences and fostering innovation.” 

“Looking ahead, my priority will be to build on our strong business foundation while harnessing the talents of our combined teams, as well as close collaboration with our business partners to elevate the customer experience across our network of over 500 O+O stores. As Hong Kong’s retail landscape evolves rapidly, it is essential for us to remain agile and continuously embrace transformation to seize new opportunities and stay ahead,” she added. 

Meanwhile, Dr. Malina Ngai, group CEO of AS Watson, commented, “With over 20 years of extensive management experience at AS Watson, Clarice has consistently demonstrated remarkable leadership. She has been instrumental in driving digital transformation and advancing the growth of both the Fortress retail chain and the MoneyBack multi-brand loyalty program. I am excited to have her expertise guiding our retail businesses in Hong Kong into the future.”

U.S.A – Lee Kum Kee has teamed up with Grey Hong Kong to launch its first-ever U.S. campaign, aiming to build brand awareness and highlight the multilayered flavours of its signature Chili Crisp Oil to American audiences.

Titled ‘Deliciously Complicated,’ the campaign introduces U.S. audiences to the layered flavours of Lee Kum Kee’s Chili Crisp Oil and how it can enhance simple meals.

The campaign video opens with the question, “What’s this?” and answers with, “It’s complicated.” It takes viewers through the product’s layers, from crispy chili to savoury sesame, highlighting its ability to add depth to everyday dishes.

Lee Kum Kee and Grey Hong Kong have focused on platforms like Connected TV, YouTube Pre-roll, and Walmart.com to increase visibility and engagement. Additional visuals and digital banners encourage audiences to share their interpretations of the product’s complex flavour.

Elaine Thai, vice president of marketing at Lee Kum Kee U.S., shared, “For over a century, Lee Kum Kee has brought authentic Asian flavours to kitchens worldwide. Chili Crisp Oil builds on that legacy with a flavour profile that is anything but ordinary. This campaign invites U.S. audiences to discover its layers and elevate their everyday meals.”

This marks Lee Kum Kee and Grey Hong Kong’s first multilayered U.S. campaign. Their collaboration began with successful campaigns in Hong Kong, including the ‘Instant Noodles Launch’ and ‘Yummy Convenience Store’ pop-up, leading to their first U.S. partnership. 

With over 135 years of history and 30 years of experience with Chili Crisp Oil, Lee Kum Kee emphasised that the product’s complexity should be the focus for this new campaign.

“Lee Kum Kee Chili Crisp Oil is all about layers. Each taste adds something unique and brings texture, depth, and surprises with every bite. Like a good wine or highly rated coffee, it has complicated flavours authentic to their heritage, which inspired the campaign’s creative direction,” said Rick Kwan, executive creative director of Grey Hong Kong. 

“Deliciously Complicated’ embraces the idea that some things shouldn’t be simplified. The richness of Chili Crisp Oil isn’t just about good; it’s about creating an experience that encourages curiosity and embraces a taste journey,” added Kwan. 

As part of the campaign, Lee Kum Kee’s Chili Crisp Oil is now available at Walmart, both in over 2,600 stores and online.

Hong Kong – Restaurants continue to recognise the critical role of food delivery platforms, with 93% acknowledging them as equally or increasingly essential to their business in the near future, according to a survey conducted by Deliveroo.

Deliveroo’s survey data highlights how food delivery services complement traditional dining during the festive season while also reflecting restaurants’ confidence in the market’s future outlook.

The survey revealed that the Restaurant Confidence Index rose from 5.1 in Q3 2024 to 6 in Q4 2024, reflecting growing optimism among restaurants heading into 2025. This positive outlook is largely driven by expectations of growth in both dine-in and takeaway business during the festive season.

During the Christmas and New Year period, the survey showed that 61% of restaurants reported stable or increased revenue from dine-in services, while 59% saw similar growth in takeaway. Compared to the previous quarter, around 60% of restaurants experienced stable or rising revenue in Q4 2024, with 65% for dine-in and 57% for takeaway.

Looking ahead to the mega events in Hong Kong during Q1 2025, 63% of restaurants expect Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day to have a neutral or positive impact on their business, leading them to plan promotions and special offerings. Additionally, 28% of restaurants are preparing festival-specific menus, while 20% are organising special promotions or events.

Additionally, both locals and tourists are expected to immerse themselves in the upcoming mega events across Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong Sevens, major concerts, and cultural events. In fact, 83% of restaurants anticipate these events will have a neutral or positive impact on their business in the first quarter of 2025.

Nick Price, general manager of Deliveroo Hong Kong, said, “We are delighted to see our restaurant partners continue to view Deliveroo as an important partner of their business. Deliveroo has long been a support to restaurants to help generate additional revenue via online delivery in support of their traditional dine-in business. We are proud to provide such opportunities to this vital sector.” 

Hong Kong – Tam Jai International Co. Limited has revealed that its flagship brand, “TamJai Yunnan Mixian,” is the title sponsor of the Hong Kong dance drama ‘STORM CLOUDS.’ Alongside this partnership, the company is launching a series of themed activities to celebrate the heritage of Hong Kong comics and support the growth of local culture and arts.

Inspired by the iconic works of renowned comic artist Ma Wing-shing, ‘STORM CLOUDS’ is a Hong Kong comic martial arts dance drama brought to life by the Hong Kong Dance Company (HKDance). The performance combines multimedia projections, dynamic lighting, electronic music, and a shimmering on-stage pool to bring the comic’s imaginative world to life.

This marks the first-ever title sponsorship for TamJai Yunnan Mixian. Beyond this milestone, Tam Jai will roll out a series of themed activities from January to March, including limited-time mixian offerings, themed crossovers and pop-up stores, exclusive merchandise, and a Hong Kong comic design contest. The initiatives aim to celebrate local comic art culture while nurturing a new generation to preserve and reimagine these timeless classics. 

Additionally, the Group will expand its promotional activities to Mainland China, offering themed limited-edition meal sets, exclusive merchandise, Hong Kong travel packages, and tickets to the ‘STORM CLOUDS’ dance drama, giving customers a chance to experience Hong Kong’s unique culture and artistic charm firsthand.

Daren Lau, chairman, executive director, and chief executive officer of TJI, said, “We are honoured to join hands with HKDance for the first time and be the first Hong Kong restaurant group to collaborate with the local classic comic IP ‘Storm Riders’ to present this martial arts dance drama. This represents a pioneering collaborative initiative across the catering, comic, and dance sectors, encouraging more young people to participate in art creation and supporting the development of local art and culture, which echoes with the Group’s ‘Uplifting People’ philosophy.” 

“Through this cross-sector collaboration, Tam Jai hopes to tie our distinctive ‘Tam Jai Taste’ with the Hong Kong comic culture, allowing the public to appreciate and experience the charms of Hong Kong comics in various ways, thereby broadening the reach of the city’s unique vibe and classic art and injecting new vitality to the development of local art and culture,” Lau added. 

Hong Kong – Oriental Watch Company has unveiled its latest branding campaign, ‘TAKE YOUR TIME with The Timekeepers,’ inviting Hong Kongers to reflect on the beauty and significance of time in a fast-paced city. 

Created by Omelette Digital and produced by 3JBK Production, the campaign spotlights ‘Timekeepers’ who embody the philosophy of ‘Take Your Time’ and excel in long-term dedication. Presented in three online video chapters, it features these inspiring individuals as they share their personal stories of devotion and craftsmanship.

Among the featured individuals is Adonian Chan, a typeface designer who has spent over a decade reimagining Hong Kong’s visual culture. Through meticulous refinement, he has digitised Hong Kong Beiwei Calligraphy, elevating it beyond simple replication. Chan’s work has earned recognition from both local and international experts, with his designs showcased in prominent publications and exhibitions.

“Preserving Hong Kong’s visual culture requires time to study and understand the nuances and to reinterpret them to meet contemporary needs,” Chan said. 

Also featured in the campaign is Timekeeper Vivian Ho, who has been illustrating Hong Kong’s cityscape for over a decade. Despite the rise of artificial intelligence, she firmly believes that true art demands time and meticulous effort to convey individuality. Dedicated to capturing the city’s ever-evolving landscape, Ho hopes her work will inspire others and serve as a reminder to appreciate Hong Kong’s unique beauty.

Rooted in Hong Kong for over 50 years, Oriental Watch Company is also featured as a Timekeeper, dedicated to crafting exquisite timepieces. In the brand video, Mr. Lam and Master Liu, with 20 and 40 years at the company, reflect on the lasting friendships they’ve built and how watches symbolise cherished moments like birthdays, graduations, and anniversaries.

Anthony Tsang, head of marketing and digital for the Greater China Region at Oriental Watch Company, said, “Oriental Watch Company has been a part of countless customers’ life journeys since 1961, forming irreplaceable bonds along the way. Our goal with this campaign is to encourage all of us to continue moving at our own pace and master one pursuit with a pure intention, just as the minute and second hands of a watch do amidst the currents of time.”

Omelette Digital’s media strategy amplifies the campaign through TVC, OOH, digital, and social media, collaborating with a range of local influencers and independent platforms. Notable partners include Hong Kong Reminiscence (香港遺美), Being Hong Kong (就係香港), SUCH/ by Suchfilms, and Citywording (都市字治學), all of which are celebrated for their passion and dedication to preserving Hong Kong’s unique culture.

“In an age captivated by speed, our Timekeepers stand as true rebels. We take great pleasure in sharing their stories through the lens of time. We sincerely hope that this ‘Take Your Time’ spirit inspires more Hong Kongers to pause and breathe every now and then,” said Andrea Choi, creative director of Omelette Digital.

“AI is bringing creation to a whole new level where it is faster and easier than ever. In this campaign, however, we want to emphasise the importance of long-term commitment from “Timekeepers” in every industry, who place unwavering stare to excellence despite the world’s obsession with efficiency,” added Jarvis Wong, partner of Omelette Digital.

Hong Kong – A thriving hub for innovation and commerce, Hong Kong offers fertile ground for marketers to explore cutting-edge strategies in artificial intelligence, customer experience, and digital advertising. With its tech-savvy population and global appeal, the city leads with hyper-personalised campaigns and data-driven marketing that engage a diverse and connected audience.

As consumer expectations continue to evolve, brands in Hong Kong are doubling down on customer engagement and leveraging advanced analytics to craft seamless omnichannel experiences. The city’s unique blend of traditional and digital touchpoints demands strategies that bridge the gap between physical and virtual interactions, making it a prime location for exploring the future of marketing innovation.

To empower marketers with the tools and insights necessary to excel, MARKETECH APAC is thrilled to announce the debut of ‘What’s NEXT in Marketing: Hong Kong 2025.’ This highly anticipated one-day conference will take place on 24 April 2025 at Cordis, Hong Kong, offering an unparalleled platform for brands to gain fresh perspectives, elevate their strategies, and thrive in the ever-changing marketing landscape.

Building on the success of its predecessors, ‘What’s NEXT in Marketing: Hong Kong 2025’ is set to be a premier event for marketers eager to harness AI, enhance CX, and master data-driven strategies. Through thought-provoking keynotes, engaging panels, interactive roundtable discussion, fireside chats, and networking sessions, attendees will gain exclusive insights, explore innovative solutions, and connect with industry leaders to drive impactful results in the vibrant Hong Kong market. 

Steering the event’s key sessions are notable industry experts, including:

  • Kary Cheung, Head of Brand and Marketing at English Schools Foundation
  • Céline Sciortino, Group Vice President Brand and Marketing at FWD Insurance
  • Jaslin Goh, Director (Marketing, Communications, and Data) at Octopus Holdings Limited
  • Louise Vas, Head of OSW Marketing at Primecredit Limited 
  • Otilia Chan, Head of Marketing at ShopBack Hong Kong
  • Philip Chau, Regional Director, Marketing Performance & Operations – Asia at Sun Life
  • …and many more to be revealed!

What’s NEXT in Marketing conference series includes conferences in the following markets:

To learn how to be part of this conference, click HERE for further details.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Joven Barceñas at [email protected].

For speaking opportunities, contact Jemo Espartinez at [email protected]; and for registrations, reach out to Faye Vita  at [email protected].