Tag: Hong Kong

Hong Kong – In celebration of its 5th anniversary, digital wealth platform Endowus has launched its inaugural advertising campaign in Hong Kong, highlighting its commitment to conflict-free wealth management solutions.

Under the theme ‘Elevate Your Wealth: Invest Better to Live Better,’ the campaign highlights Endowus’ key offerings, including easy access to funds, low and transparent fees, evidence-based advice, and conflict-free wealth management solutions.

Moreover, the large-scale campaign, done alongside VML Hong Kong, underscores Endowus’ differentiated business model, financial outcomes, and wealth experience. Targeting key segments such as entrepreneurs, families, and individual and institutional investors, the campaign features tailored online, social and offline content spanning through multiple channels across Hong Kong’s prime locations.

This marks Endowus’ first large-scale advertising campaign in Central, Hong Kong. Since launching full-service operations just six months ago, the platform has seen client assets and accounts grow by more than 150%, underscoring its strong product-market fit.

Endowus is committed to expanding its fee-only, conflict-free wealth management across Asia’s key wealth hubs, leveraging technology to improve investment outcomes, enhance retirement readiness, and drive positive societal impact.

Steffanie Yuen, managing director and head of Hong Kong at Endowus, said, “We are thrilled with the highly positive reception and strong uptick in Endowus’ business growth in Hong Kong since our full service launch in April. Clients across all the wealth spectrum have been looking for new advisory experiences, especially ones that put their interests first.”

“It’s an opportune time for Hong Kong’s wealth management sector to transform, as private wealth is set to double to US$2.3 trillion by 2030. Endowus wants to be at the forefront of shaping that monumental growth for the industry,” Yuen added.

Meanwhile, Jason Huan, chief marketing officer at Endowus, commented, “Our expansion into Hong Kong marks a significant milestone in Endowus’s journey – pushing the boundaries on innovation, democratising access and revolutionizing the wealth management landscape. Working with VML Hong Kong, we’ve created a campaign that embodies our mission to empower investors with conflict-free advice, institutional-quality access, and low, fair fees.”

Maggie Wong, CEO at VML Hong Kong, stated, “This partnership represents a perfect alignment of values between VML and Endowus—aiming for mutual success where our clients triumph. The campaign authentically communicates Endowus’ commitment to conflict-free investing for a better future.”

Endowus’ Hong Kong campaign follows the company’s 5th anniversary and record growth, surpassing US$7b in client assets.

Looking ahead, Endowus plans to strengthen its presence in core markets like Singapore and Hong Kong while expanding its wealth management services to new regions across Asia.

Hong Kong – Singapore’s premium ice cream brand, The Ice Cream & Cookie Co. (ICC), has unveiled its first international flagship store in Hong Kong, marking a significant step in its expansion across the Greater Bay Area and North Asia. 

Situated in the vibrant Gough Street, Central’s trendy shopping and dining hub, the two-story flagship store serves up scoops, pints, and sandwiches for takeout, along with a diverse selection of coffee, tea, ice cream, desserts, and more, all available to enjoy in its inviting bistro-style seating area.

Arnold Lau, associate director-general of investment promotion at Invest Hong Kong, said, “Hong Kong people are health conscious and demand high-quality food. Together with its strategic location providing an unparalleled bridge between the Mainland and the rest of the world, it is the ideal place for ICC to expand in the region. We wish the brand every success in Hong Kong and beyond.”

Natasha Chiam, co-founder of ICC, also shared, “We are so excited to bring our delicious, much-loved ice cream creations to Hong Kong, our second international market and the first with its very own concept store. This expansion is a significant step towards our vision of becoming the leading better for you ice cream company across Asia.”

She explained, “Hong Kong is not only situated in the heart of Asia but is also on the doorstep of Mainland China and part of the GBA. We will use the city as our North Asia headquarters, with a focus on overseeing the operations in Hong Kong as well as managing our expansion to other regions in the Greater Bay Area and North Asia.” 

“Hong Kong’s sophisticated consumer market closely mirrors Singapore’s in terms of taste and demand for quality, so we consider it a great fit for our premium ice cream products. Renowned for our signature ice cream sandwiches and pints, we also offer unique Asian-inspired flavours as well as a wide range of plant-based and diary-free options,” she added. 

ICC’s products are also stocked in supermarkets and convenience stores across Hong Kong.

Hong Kong – Cathay has unveiled its latest campaign for the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, capturing the inevitable FOMO that awaits anyone missing out on next year’s highly anticipated event.

Titled ‘Nothing Beats Being There,’ the campaign film follows Johnny, a wannabe rugby aficionado who fakes enthusiasm to impress his boss and score a trip to Hong Kong. His plan ultimately unravels, and his dream of attending the 2025 Hong Kong Sevens slips away.

The campaign reveals that only those who experience the Hong Kong Sevens firsthand know the real excitement—and that a little harmless fakery can backfire in embarrassing ways.

“We’ve all been there, pretending to know more about something than we actually do for fear of missing out. When Cathay challenged us to show that nothing beats being at the Sevens in person, we couldn’t resist tapping into that FOMO feeling to show that nobody does rugby like Hong Kong,” said Christopher Lee, chief creative officer at Publicis Groupe Hong Kong. 

Featuring nail-biting matches, wild costumes, and non-stop fun, the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is the city’s ultimate party, growing bigger and better each year.

As co-title sponsor and official overseas travel partner, Cathay is dedicated to enhancing the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens experience for fans worldwide, offering exclusive flight, ticket, and accommodation packages available at Cathay.com.

Next year also marks a milestone for the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, as it will debut at the world-class Kai Tak Sports Park, solidifying Hong Kong’s status as a premier destination for major international events.

Edward Bell, general manager of brand, insights, and marketing at Cathay, explained, “Cathay has been a proud sponsor of the Hong Kong Sevens for over 40 years, and the move to Kai Tak Sports Park from Hong Kong Stadium is especially meaningful as Kai Tak was Cathay’s home for more than 40 years.” 

“Everyone becomes fanatical about fun during the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, an event that attracts everyone from die-hard rugby fans to revellers enjoying the party atmosphere. Better than rugby, it is an all-consuming festival that no fun-loving person would want to miss, so we have created a campaign that shows nothing beats being there in person,” Bell added. 

Cathay’s ‘Nothing Beats Being There’ campaign expands on its long-standing ‘Nobody Does Rugby Like Hong Kong’ platform. The launch film will be accompanied by social media activations, in-stadium promotions, and giveaways both in Hong Kong and globally, leading up to the next Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens at Kai Tak Stadium from March 28-30, 2025.

Hong Kong – Lanson Place Causeway Bay has introduced a bespoke neighbourhood map, offering guests the opportunity to explore the hidden gems and vibrant culture of the dynamic Causeway Bay community through a self-guided walking tour, just steps from the luxury hotel.

The Causeway Bay Neighbourhood Map is more than just a navigation tool; it reveals the true essence of Causeway Bay and the nearby Tai Hang, two of Hong Kong’s most vibrant districts. 

Curated with today’s travellers in mind, the physical map encourages guests to venture beyond typical tourist spots and explore lesser-known paths frequented by locals, offering an authentic experience that immerses them in the cultural richness and modern energy of the area at their own pace and according to their personal interests.

The insider’s guide features iconic landmarks such as the Jardine Noonday Gun in Causeway Bay and the historically significant Lin Fa Kung Temple in Tai Hang. It also highlights lesser-known, independent businesses, including charming eateries, artisanal shops, and hidden gems that capture the authentic spirit of the neighbourhood.

For a more personalised experience, the guide also encourages guests to consult Lanson Place’s expert concierge team, who can provide tailored recommendations based on individual preferences.

The bespoke map was created in collaboration with Hong Kong-born artist Don Mak, renowned for his whimsical style that blends the city’s cultural and urban elements, capturing both its iconic architecture and natural beauty through an artistic lens that reflects the area’s distinct charm.

Along with the physical map, Lanson Place Causeway Bay has partnered with Handl Media, a creative agency specialising in hospitality branding, to produce a series of engaging videos.

The videos complement the map by highlighting the hotel’s luxury offerings and the vibrant energy of Causeway Bay, showcasing a unique fusion of local, Western, and Asian cultures through hidden gems featured on the map. The goal is to inspire guests to explore not only the hotel but also the diverse community that surrounds it.

Recognising the rising demand for authentic, hyperlocal experiences, Lanson Place Causeway Bay’s guide invites guests to explore beyond typical tourist attractions. Through this initiative, the hotel aims to foster deeper connections and more meaningful interactions within the vibrant neighbourhood where locals live, work, and play.

Connie Wang, head of marketing communications at Lanson Place Hospitality Management Limited, shared, “As an integral part of the neighbourhood, Lanson Place serves as a crucial nexus within the community by fostering genuine connections with our guests.” 

“Our initiative in crafting an area guide and collaborating with talented creatives symbolises our commitment to uncovering the local delights of the city. By supporting local businesses and artisans, we seek to nurture the culture of our neighbourhood, creating a deeper sense of belonging for our guests,” Wang added.

This initiative marks the first step in Lanson Place’s evolving guest experience. A digital version of the map is in development, providing travellers with easy access on their devices. Additionally, plans are underway to integrate the map with further content on the hotel’s website, enhancing both accessibility and interactivity for guests planning their stay.

The physical map is now available at the hotel’s concierge desk and on the website. Meanwhile, video highlights and insider discoveries will be gradually shared across Lanson Place’s social media channels.

Hong Kong – Brand practice Anak has unveiled the launch and new brand identity of social club 1880’s latest venture, 1880 SOCIAL, a dynamic lifestyle destination situated at Two Taikoo Place in Hong Kong.

1880 SOCIAL is a first-of-its-kind, fully accessible concept that offers the brand’s signature hospitality and programming to the public. Located on the first three floors of Two Taikoo Place in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong, it joins 1880’s third private members’ outpost, 1880 Hong Kong, alongside 1880 Singapore and 1880 Brawa.

The interiors of 1880 SOCIAL and 1880 Hong Kong, designed by MSDO and AvroKO’s Bangkok studio, feature restaurants, coffee and wine bars, a gym, spa, working lounge, co-creation facilities, event spaces, and more.

Anak collaborated with Swire Properties to bring 1880 SOCIAL to life, working closely with long-time partner 1880 to craft the new brand identity. This marks an extension of the 1880 universe, originally developed by Anak in 2017 for the private members’ club that first launched in Singapore.

Anak created the name 1880 SOCIAL and developed a brand system inspired by the group’s ethos, “in service of good conversations,” capturing the buzz and atmosphere that will define this vibrant social hub.

“We envisioned an identity for 1880 SOCIAL that embodies the dynamic interplay of work and play within the space. Through punctuation and letterforms, notes and chords, steps and routines, we have created layers of innovative graphics and pattern sets that represent the rhythm and flow of life in this multi-purpose campus where conversations spark, ideas flourish, and a diverse community comes together,” explained Jeremy Tan, creative director at Anak.

Inspired by the concept of “reading the room” developed by The Secret Little Agency, 1880 SOCIAL’s logo and monogram incorporate the 1880 wordmark alongside an abstracted ‘S,’ offering a glimpse into a dynamic graphic world.

To embody its brand ethos, the system also features a conversation device that uses typography to “paint” mental images, enhancing movement, energy, and buzz.

Anak developed flexible brand principles that can be applied across various touch points within 1880 SOCIAL. Using patterns inspired by punctuation and notes, the spirit of conversation is embedded in both physical spaces and digital communications, creating a dynamic atmosphere where people and ideas converge.

Marc Nicholson, 1880 founder, shared, “1880’s expansion to Hong Kong marks a thrilling new chapter in our mission to inspire conversations that make the world a better place.” 

“Both 1880 Hong Kong and 1880 SOCIAL embody our commitment to providing world-class hospitality alongside thought-provoking programming, creating a vibrant ecosystem that will redefine the every day in this dynamic city. I’m incredibly excited to see how the Taikoo Place and wider community come together in this beautiful space and where the journey takes us from here,” Nicholson added. 

Hong Kong – With their frequent use of digital devices, more than half of Gen Z (51%) say they are the primary targets of fraud schemes, while Millennials report being the most frequently victimised, according to a new report by TransUnion.

The report indicates that 39% of adult respondents in Hong Kong reported being targeted by fraud attempts via online, email, phone, and text messaging over the past three months, with 5% stating they fell victim.

Across generations, Gen Z and Millennials reported the highest targeting rates. In particular, 51% of Gen Z respondents said they were targeted in the past three months—a six-point increase from TransUnion’s Q3 2023 study. 

The report suggests that Gen Z’s frequent use of digital devices, which heightens their susceptibility to fraud schemes, could be the reason for this elevated targeting rate compared to other generations.

Meanwhile, 41% of Millennials reported being targeted by fraud attempts, with 7%—the highest rate among generations—indicating they had fallen victim.

Additionally, among all generations who reported being targeted, vishing—fraudulent phone calls intended to extract personal information—was the most common scheme at 36%, followed closely by phishing (fraudulent emails, websites, social posts, QR codes, etc., aimed at data theft) at 33%.

TransUnion’s report also revealed that 5.7% of all attempted digital transactions involving consumers in Hong Kong were flagged as suspected digital fraud in the first half of 2024—10% higher than the global average of 5.2%.

In the first half of 2024, the community sector—encompassing online forums and dating sites—recorded the highest suspected digital fraud rate globally, with Hong Kong at an elevated rate of 15% compared to the global average of 11.5%. TransUnion noted that profile misrepresentation was the most common type of digital fraud encountered in this sector across its global customer base.

Furthermore, the report found that account creation was the highest fraud risk in Hong Kong’s digital communities sector, with 29% of attempted account creations flagged as suspected fraud in H1 2024—a 126% rise from H1 2023. This surge, likely driven by synthetic or stolen identities, aligns with recent Hong Kong police reports of over 500 fraudulent cases in fake compensated dating scams, totalling HK$243 million in losses.

In H1 2024, the retail sector in Hong Kong reported the second-highest suspected digital fraud rate at 9.5%, followed by financial services at 5.5%. Financial services experienced the largest year-over-year increase in suspected fraud at 29%. 

These initiatives are crucial in light of the significant year-over-year increase in financial losses during the first half of the year, as TransUnion reports a 78% surge in suspected digital fraud attempts in Hong Kong’s financial services from H1 2023 to H1 2024.

Jerry Ying, chief product officer at TransUnion Asia Pacific, said, “While digital fraud may fluctuate, the prevailing trends in data breaches and scams have an unmistakable impact on consumers. Despite Gen Z and Millennials being particularly vulnerable demographics in the digital era, all consumers rely heavily on businesses to ensure that they enjoy a secure digital experience.”

“It is therefore imperative for businesses across industries to employ a strategy of continuous innovation and friction-right fraud prevention through technologies such as identity verification, IP intelligence, device reputation, and synthetic identity detection that will all be conducive to enhancing consumer trust and delivering better business results,” Ying added. 

Hong Kong – Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced the official opening of popular Japanese doughnut chain Mister Donut’s first store in Hong Kong, marking the brand’s entry into the city as part of its regional expansion strategy.

Located in an art-themed shopping mall in Tsim Sha Tsui, the new store offers a wide selection of popular doughnuts crafted with the same high-quality ingredients as in Japan. Among its offerings is the signature Pon de Ring, beloved locally and internationally for its soft, airy, and chewy texture.

Jimmy Chiang, associate director-general of Investment Promotion, said, “We are happy to see that a famous Japanese food brand has established its foothold in Hong Kong. The city, as a well-known food paradise, is an ideal place for companies to promote their brands to the world. We wish the brand every success in Hong Kong and beyond.”

Duskin Co. Ltd. has brought Mister Donut, part of its food portfolio, into the Hong Kong market through a partnership with local franchisee Dragon Circle Enterprise Limited.

As part of its expansion strategy, Duskin is exploring entry into additional Asian markets while strengthening its presence in existing locations.

Fanny Su, chief executive officer of Dragon Circle Enterprise Limited, expressed that the company sees significant potential for Mister Donut in Hong Kong, driving its decision to introduce the brand to meet local demand.

“Our market research shows that there is a huge potential customer base in Hong Kong. They are so looking forward to the Mister Donut brand coming to Hong Kong. That is why we are bringing the brand to the city. We will open the second shop by the end of this year, and nine in total by 2027,” Su said. 

Hong Kong – Cathay Pacific has unveiled its latest campaign, ‘Where Artistry Takes Flight,’ to introduce its newest Business Class offering, the Aria Suite, designed to elevate the in-flight experience through artful elegance and innovation.

Cathay Pacific’s new Aria Suite showcases a human-centric design that emphasises comfort and elegance. Its unique sculptural form, ambient lighting, and meticulously crafted textiles are thoughtfully integrated to create an immersive experience. Aria Suite promises people a different experience where artistry and attention to detail are at the heart of service. 

Created by Publicis Groupe Hong Kong, the accompanying launch film invites viewers to embark on a journey through the Aria Suite, showcasing its features from takeoff to landing. The film positions the suite not merely as an airline product but as a thoughtfully crafted work of art.

The film highlights the emotional responses evoked by each feature in the suite: adjustable warm lighting that mimics the sun, a sculptural wrap-around design that offers a sense of private escape, and a curated collection of ‘Gallery in the Skies’ artworks that transform the cabin into a painterly landscape. The film also captures the sensation of grassy fields through rohi’s breathable woven wool and showcases flowing fabrics that embody the comfort and softness of the Aria Suite’s bedding.

“The Aria Suite is your private hideaway in the sky—a place to relax in quiet, comfortable luxury, where every detail has been carefully considered to elevate your experience on board,” said Vivian Lo, general manager for customer experience & design at Cathay Pacific. 

This marks the first time Cathay Pacific has branded its Business Class product, backed by a campaign that showcases the state-of-the-art features making the Aria Suite the pinnacle of comfort and privacy.

Edward Bell, general manager for brand, insights, and marketing communications, shared, “The Aria Suite takes Cathay Pacific’s already exceptional business-class experience to the next level, so we needed a campaign that captures the artistry of its design, immersing the audience in different sensorial worlds inspired by the suite itself.” 

Christopher Lee, chief creative officer at Publicis Groupe Hong Kong, added, “Cathay Pacific is elevating the craft in business class, so we set out to craft a campaign that is worthy of the Aria Suite’s impeccable design and artistry. Every evocative scene, every crafted detail, captures the warmth and tactility of the Aria Suite’s distinctive and mindful design, curves, and texture. Even the music is an original piece designed to make you feel the suite’s timeless humanity, but with a modern beat.” 

Cathay Pacific will progressively introduce its newly designed Boeing 777-300ER cabins starting this month. Alongside the revamped Business Class experience, both the Premium Economy and Economy cabins have also been meticulously redesigned to maximise comfort. 

An exclusive launch event at HAECO Aircraft Hangar in Hong Kong kicked off the unveiling of the Aria Suite, drawing celebrities, influencers, journalists, and valued Cathay members. The hangar was transformed to reflect the suite’s warmth and elegance, showcasing a ‘Gallery in the Skies’ featuring artworks from Hong Kong artists that transport viewers to another world. Soon, out-of-home billboards will extend this gallery experience to a wider audience.

Hong Kong – Pizza Hut Hong Kong has teamed up with iProspect Hong Kong for a Halloween-inspired campaign that brings a spooky twist to their menu, featuring a special-edition product and an interactive experience to engage customers throughout the season.

In this campaign, Pizza Hut and iProspect Hong Kong invite customers to embark on a fun, interactive search for hidden spooky faces nestled within the pizza crust and melted cheese. 

This creative approach not only showcases Pizza Hut’s delicious offerings but also lets customers rediscover their favourite food in a playful way, turning each bite into a delightful surprise.

The campaign is live on social media, with OOH advertisements strategically placed in high-traffic areas across Central from October 26 to November 1, drawing attention and inviting passersby to join in the Halloween festivities.

Embracing the Halloween spirit, Pizza Hut has also introduced special edition ‘spider-shaped cheese sticks.’ These fun and festive treats are the perfect addition to any Halloween gathering, making it easy for fans to celebrate the spooky season.

The name of the cheese sticks, “藍芝蛛點點棒,” is a playful pun: “藍芝” refers to the blue cheese dip, while “芝蛛” sounds like “spider” in Cantonese. Additionally, Pizza Hut has also launched a “spider-catching” game on social media, where participants can win free garlic bread, adding an extra layer of excitement to the spooky season.

Huey Wong, creative director at dentsu Hong Kong, said, “Halloween is all about embracing the unexpected, and we wanted to turn every pizza into a canvas of spooky delight. By encouraging customers to discover their own surprises, we aim to transform their usual food experience into something extraordinary. It’s not just about enjoying delicious food; it’s about creating memorable moments that celebrate the spirit of the season.” 

Renee Chan, director of customer experience & marketing at Pizza Hut Hong Kong, added, “At Pizza Hut, we love to playfully push the boundaries of pizza-making and spark conversations. Our aim is to keep things fun and eye-catching, ensuring that  our products leave a lasting impression. We want our customers to enjoy our food in the most innovative ways possible, making every bite an exciting experience.” 

Hong Kong – Maxim’s Group (Maxim’s) has unveiled its collaboration with 7-Eleven to create the innovative canned ‘Coffee BOB,’ a craft beer crafted from upcycled coffee grounds sourced from daily operations at 7CAFÉ.

In this collaboration, Maxim’s repurposes surplus bread from its facilities and coffee grounds from 7CAFÉ’s daily operations to produce the new canned ‘Coffee BOB.’ By utilising its award-winning recipe, this initiative guarantees exceptional quality and design while infusing the beer with the unique flavour profile of 7CAFÉ.

BOB, short for ‘Bottle of Bread,’ is a key step in Maxim’s commitment to a circular economy. This craft beer series replaces traditional barley with surplus bread and crusts from Maxim’s facilities. So far, BOB has upcycled 3.5 tonnes of bread and 300 kg of coffee grounds, producing variants like the pale ale ‘Original BOB’ and the coffee-infused stout ‘Coffee BOB.’

This partnership utilises 7-Eleven’s extensive retail network to promote sustainable practices like waste reduction and upcycling. Maxim’s and 7-Eleven aim to enhance audience engagement with BOB through integrated online and offline marketing strategies.

Coffee BOB will initially launch at 70 selected 7-Eleven stores, with plans to expand to nearly 800 in Hong Kong and Macau. Lin Min-chen will continue as the spokesperson for BOB, and yuu members can redeem a can for just 2,200 points plus HK$5—a 66% discount, limited to 10,000 redemptions. 

Keith Siu, chief operating officer (Hong Kong and Macau) of Maxim’s Group, said, “This partnership sets a precedent for cross-sector collaboration and paves the way for more sustainable initiatives in the industry.” 

Alex Liu, managing director of 7-Eleven HK & Macau at DFI Retail Group, also commented, “Our shared vision for sustainable development brought us together for this collaboration, expanding our ‘Grounds to Green’ project with the introduction of the new canned coffee BOB, further promoting environmental protection and a sustainable lifestyle.”

Maxim’s Group remains committed to sustainability through initiatives such as the WeGen farming regenerative agriculture project and its efforts to transform pre-consumer food waste into premium products.

Meanwhile, 7-Eleven’s “Grounds to Green Coffee Grounds Upcycling Program” has been repurposing coffee grounds from 7CAFÉ into fertilisers for local charity farms since July, supporting vegetable cultivation for 10 charities. The next phase introduces BOB canned coffee craft beer, further transforming used coffee grounds. This initiative promotes food waste recycling and raises environmental awareness, reinforcing the “food wise” message.