Tag: Hong Kong

Hong Kong – Game software and venture capital company Animoca Brands Corporation Limited, a company advancing digital property rights for gaming and the open metaverse, has announced that it has received binding commitments for a funding round totaling US$20m to accelerate its ‘Mocaverse’ project. 

Mocaverse is one of the company’s marquee projects that is building on Web3-native tooling to empower products in the gaming, culture, and entertainment verticals. 

With Mocaverse, users will be allowed to create their own digital identity, accrue reputation, earn and spend loyalty points, and use their digital identity to access the Mocaverse ecosystem, seeded by Animoca Brands’ 450+ portfolio companies and partner network with over 700 million addressable users. 

The new capital secured by Animoca Brands will be used to advance the Mocaverse project, including product development, facilitating Web3 adoption, and securing partnerships to expand the gaming, culture, and entertainment ecosystems of the company’s expanded portfolio of investments in Web3 companies and projects.

Among the plans for Mocaverse is the soon-to-launch Moca ID, a non-transferrable NFT collection designed to enable users to craft their on-chain identities and participate in the Mocaverse ecosystem. 

Moca ID holders will gain exclusive access to Mocaverse ecosystem experiences and will have the unique opportunity to earn loyalty points through active engagement. These loyalty points will power a permissionless and interoperable loyalty system that will be progressively decentralised to enable third-party adoption and integration of Moca ID, with the aim of advancing the accessibility and growth of Web3.

Animoca Brands was able to raise US$20m or approximately A$31.3m  via the issue of new ordinary shares at a price per share of A$4.50. As part of the raise, the company has also granted the investors in the round a free-attaching utility token warrant on a 1:1 dollar basis.

The funding round was led by CMCC Global, with other investors including Kingsway Capital, Liberty City Ventures, GameFi Ventures, Aleksander Larsen (founder of Sky Mavis), Gabby Dizon (founder of Yield Guild Games), institutional investors at Koda Capital, and others. Yat Siu, the executive chairman and co-founder of Animoca Brands, also participated in the round.

CMCC Global is one of Asia’s first venture capital companies focused solely on blockchain and Web3 investments. As a pioneer investor in the space, CMCC Global has an enviable record of investing early in leading projects such as Ethereum (ETH) at US$7, Solana (SOL) at US$0.20 and Cosmos (ATOM) at US$0.10.

Speaking on the funding raise, Yat Siu commented, “We are deeply honoured by investors’ support for Animoca Brands and its vision of decentralisation. The ongoing evolution of the Internet involves a shift from hierarchical power structures to autonomous ones, and the DAO-based approach of Mocaverse ensures that its community will be focused on driving innovation and collaboration across the broader Animoca Brands ecosystem.”

He added, “In addition to empowering users to participate in a vibrant community that generates new economic opportunities, Mocaverse will also serve as the digital identity, reputation, and loyalty system for other decentralised organisations.”

Meanwhile, Martin Baumann, co-founder of CMCC Global, said, “Having built a long-term relationship with Animoca Brands, we are thrilled to be leading this first round of funding into Mocaverse. The project will unify the unique portfolio of companies within the Animoca Brands umbrella and will become a portal for hundreds of millions of new users to access Web3 and metaverse ecosystems. At CMCC Global, we look to support innovative founders that are pushing the boundaries of our industry. Yat Siu has proved time and again his ability to lead Web3 in creative new directions, and we are excited to be supporting him and the Animoca Brands team once again as they venture into the Mocaverse.”

Hong Kong – KFC Hong Kong has unveiled a series of billboards throughout the city to promote the release of their newest product, the “FING FING Cajun Chips,” with the goal of capturing the curiosity of bystanders and causing them to shake their heads in wonderment to discover the product.

The marketing campaign makes engaging reference to the product’s name and defining characteristic (where “FING FING” stands for “shake” in Cantonese). Customers are urged to combine the chips and the Cajun seasoning sachet for an improved version of the Finger Lickin’ Good flavor and overall experience.

The billboards use a creative optical illusion that requires viewers to shake their heads in order to see a hidden message hidden within black lines. The simultaneous publication of other announcements about FING FING Cajun Chips in various press and media outlets throughout the city takes place at the same time as this strategy.

Speaking about the advertisement, Ms. Janet Lau, marketing director of KFC Hong Kong, said, “Our mission for this product is to get the whole of Hong Kong in the FING FING spirit and what better way to get the ball rolling than with the ads.” 

“It’s a simple way to connect the ads with the product incorporating the fun spirit of our brand,” Lau added. 

Meanwhile, John Koay, regional executive creative director of Edelman Hong Kong, said, “We want to get as many eyeballs on the new FING FING Cajun Chips launch as we possibly can – and playing with the product identity felt like the perfect way to do this in a playful and engaging way.” 

Hong Kong – Global media agency iProspect Hong Kong has been appointed by KFC, Pizza Hut and PHD, the food brands under Jardine Restaurant Group as their official media partner to spearhead their communication strategies.

The agency’s appointment comes as KFC, Pizza Hut, and PHD continue to stand by their shared objective of strengthening their e-commerce, dine-in, and takeaway businesses. 

The household food brands aim to grow their e-commerce effectively as an answer to the need to transform and evolve with time and current trends. 

iProspect will offer a comprehensive communication strategy that can seamlessly connect top, middle, and lower funnel initiatives to unlock the full potential of media investments and deliver tangible online and offline business results.

With their resources, they are expected to solve the brands’ common challenge of reinforcing connections from upper to lower funnels as a way to optimize media efficiency and ultimately reflect on their return on investment (ROI). 

Wai-Chung Au, managing director of media business at iProspect Hong Kong, said, “We are proud to become the trusted media partner for the three iconic names. We look forward to working with them and achieving their vision effectively.”

Commenting on the appointment, Renee Chan, customer experience and marketing director at Pizza Hut and PHD, also said, “We are excited to work with iProspect Hong Kong. iProspect has demonstrated a strong strategic point of view that helped to realize our vision and business goals, not to mention proactively providing solutions and recommendations that go beyond our scope and helped to innovate and optimize our effectiveness.”

Janet Lau, marketing director at KFC, further shared,  “We are looking forward to working with iProspect Hong Kong to optimize our e-commerce business. In this era of constant change and transformation, we need to tighten up our O2O communication strategy to offer truly seamless experience for consumers constantly. We believe iProspect can offer the solution to us.”

Hong Kong – TBWA\Hong Kong has been appointed by biomass utilisation compani EcoCeres as its agency partner. The wiin coincides with the launch of the agency’s specialty unit PLEX, a suite of B2B-focused services, and solidifies its commitment to driving transformative, innovative, and disruptive solutions in the sustainability sector.

TBWA assembled a team of experts between Hong Kong, Europe, and Australia for the partnership. TBWA\Hong Kong will lead the development of brand strategy and design system, while European partners will bring category knowledge and insights, turbocharging the partnership with their deep understanding of the industry, while Sustain by TBWA, headquartered out of Melbourne, expertise in sustainability ensures the overarching strategy is tightly aligned with sustainable practices.

By combining TBWA’s strategic and creative approach with EcoCeres’ ground breaking technologies, the collaboration aims to redefine industry perceptions and promote the adoption of sustainable practices.

Philip Siu, CEO of EcoCeres, said, “EcoCeres’ unique proposition lies in our innovative approach to exploring how the future advanced biorefinery should look like. We are pioneering the conversion of biomass into renewable products to help the world attain carbon neutrality.”

He added, “This partnership will leverage TBWA’s deep knowledge and expertise in the B2B space and sustainability territory, helping EcoCeres to communicate our value proposition with clarity and impact. Together, EcoCeres and TBWA are poised to make a real difference.”

Meanwhile, Jerome Ooi, chief creative experience officer at TBWA\Hong Kong, commented, “The partnership between TBWA and EcoCeres, is an exciting one, and we’re confident this transformative journey will unlock new possibilities, paving the way for advancements in sustainable solutions.” 

He added, “Our partnership also presents an opportunity to further draw on PLEX, our B2B-focused expertise and creative capabilities to develop a compelling brand strategy and corporate identity, which truly reflects EcoCeres’ pioneering work in sustainable solutions. With a shared commitment to transformation and innovation, TBWA\Hong Kong and EcoCeres are poised to redefine the boundaries of what is possible and inspire others to embrace sustainability as a core driver of progress.”

Hong Kong – TBWA\Hong Kong has announced key role elevations across its team. They include executive creative director Jerome Ooi as chief creative experience officer; business director Jan Lee as general manager; head of digital Anne Chan as head of growth and product; managing director Jan Cho as global head of product and delivery.

Under the leadership of Jan and the management team, TBWA\Hong Kong has been an innovation beacon across the global collective, successfully reshaping its capabilities from communications to brand experience through to innovation product offerings including the design and experience offering DxD, in-house film content studio BOLT, business consulting service Disruption® Consulting and more recently PLEX, a global product with a B2B focus.

Joanne Lao, chief executive officer, TBWA\Greater China: “It’s with great pride we’re in a position to announce the elevation of key members of our Hong Kong team who have been instrumental in driving the strategy to reshape our Hong Kong operation to create impact for our clients’ businesses, securing them a greater share of the future.”

She added, “The growth of our people has a direct correlation with the growth and success of our agency. The elevation of these roles reflects our determination to lead in creative brand experience, backed by a strong team with an unwavering commitment to innovation that delivers unique solutions for clients. These are well-deserved promotions with a highly talented team who have a strong and proven track record.”

Meanwhile, Sean Donovan, president at TBWA\Asia, commented, “It’s incredibly rewarding to witness not only the growth and adaptability of our Hong Kong operation, but the growth of our people who have been imperative in shaping our agency for the future by embracing and thriving through the disruptive challenges of the last few years.

Hong Kong – The 113-year old Moroccan coffee chain Bacha Coffee has officially unveiled its inaugural boutique and takeaway experience chain in Hong Kong, located at the IFC mall. 

Guests on the go may indulge in the unique Bacha Coffee takeaway experience, where they can choose from over 200 coffees prepared to order either hot or iced, alongside an assortment of 8 varieties of multi-coloured signature sweet and savoury croissants in addition to other house-made kouglof, brioche and pound cakes.

Moreover, beyond the takeaway experience, the immersive boutique revives the time-honoured luxury of traditional, slow-roasted beans and bespoke grinds for a new generation of coffee lovers. Offering exclusively Arabica coffees from farms in 35 countries, Bacha Coffee features over 200 varieties of coffees which can be purchased in-store.

Taha Bouqdib, president and CEO at V3 Gourmet, parent company of Bacha Coffee, said, “Bacha Coffee is the product of a rich legacy, a brand that has ripened over storied brews since 1910. This first opening in Hong Kong at ifc mall will ignite the imagination of our guests in the same way that coffee transports us to faraway destinations.” 

He added, “The boutique reflects the voyage from the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia, to the rest of the world. It also reflects that moment when time stops, when you take your first sip of Arabica. Bacha Coffee is not just another coffee, it is another world.”

Hong Kong – PRHK,  a Hong Kong based public relations and communications services association, has appointed its new board and sub-committees for the year of 2023-2024,with the new board members complementing the continuity provided through the re-appointment of thirteen board and sub-committee members from last year.

The new board and sub-committees of PRHK are namely: 

  • Carol Yeung, managing director at Golin (chairperson) 
  • Penn Leung, account director at CCG (deputy chairperson) 
  • James Hacking, APAC brand and marketing leader at EY and Carbo Yu, regional executive director at Sinclair (digital co-chairs) 
  • Kevin On, general manager at Hoffman and Natalie Siu, HK general manager at Sandpiper (education & mentorship programme co-chairs)
  • Rachel Lau, PR director at MSL Group and Cody Roberts, partner at MCG Talent (events co-chairs)
  • Kiri Sinclair, founder and CEO of Sinclair (honorary secretary & ESG committee)
  • Stephan Engel, director and market lead at APCO Worldwide and Ben Evetts, head of brand at Cigna (membership co-chairs)
  • Jesa Amparo, account manager at CCG and Cheryl Pan, SVP and general manager at BlueCurrent Group (next gen co-chairs)
  • Elizabeth Lui, senior account manager at Sandpiper (young lion chair)
  • Fran Tam, associate director at Edelman and Katie Forster, managing director at Amara Communications (partnerships & sponsorships co-chairs)
  • David Croasdale, managing director at Newell (treasurer)
  • Adam Chow, senior executive at Sinclair and Camille Thoreau, former public relations associate at Sinclair (young professional representatives)

With its new board members, PRHK’s focus remains to enable active and emerging professionals to navigate the dynamic communications landscape of Hong Kong, while also supporting their members and the wider PR community to gain meaningful connections and facilitate knowledge sharing. 

PRHK’s agendas will also continue to be supported with initiatives including the Annual Hong Kong PR Young Lions Competition, as well as extensive engagement programmes with Hong Kong academic institutions and universities to support and nurture the next wave of professionals. 

Yeung, the newly appointed chairperson of PRHK said, “As the market opened up, we look forward to bringing back our signature events and knowledge sharing initiatives in the coming board year. In addition to innovation across the industry, we also set up an ESG Committee to demonstrate the evolving role of strategic PR and communications across various sectors.” 

“This year we see an even wider board representation with talent acquisition expertise joining us. We believe this will further elevate PRHK as the leading association for public relations and communications professionals in Hong Kong,” she added. 

Hong Kong – Sanrio Hong Kong, a lifestyle company featuring the pop icon Hello Kitty and other well-known characters, partners up with MetaGaia, an AI-enhanced open metaverse, to unveil a new metaverse destination known as ‘Hello Kitty Seven Wonders’.

Through this, Hello Kitty fans will have the opportunity to create their own communities and connect with their favourite characters in a brand-new virtual world by visiting the digital destination within the MetaGaia app.

Additionally, outdoor installations to promote Hello Kitty Seven Wonders were opened last week at Citygate Outlets, an outlet mall in Hong Kong. This temporary pop-up event enables visitors to enjoy augmented reality experiences through the MetaGaia app as well as to browse Hello Kitty merchandise and participate in mini-games. The pop-up event is scheduled to run until August 31, providing an exciting opportunity for fans to immerse themselves in the Hello Kitty universe.

Commenting on the partnership, Gordon Kwok, CEO of MetaGaia, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Sanrio Hong Kong and bring the beloved characters of Hello Kitty and her friends into the world of MetaGaia. The MetaGaia metaverse offers endless possibilities for exploration and socialisation, and the addition of Hello Kitty will enhance that experience for our users.”

Hong Kong – The Marketing Society’s Hong Kong board has announced the addition of three people to its staff in 2023. They include Andreas Krasser, CEO of DDB Group Hong Kong, Geraldine Chew, general manager of branding and corporate communications at K11 Concepts Limited, and Nixon Cheung, head of commercial and brand at Hong Kong Tramways. This addition supports the board’s aim of developing The Marketing Society in Hong Kong by giving it new life and a distinct purpose.

Krasser, a marketing leader, possesses over 15 years of industry experience, with 13 years dedicated to DDB Group, including 10 years in Hong Kong and three in Korea.

“It is a great honour to become a board member of the Marketing Society. I hope that my background will contribute to bringing marketers and agencies closer together in a unified pursuit to showcase Hong Kong’s creativity on the world stage. This city is brimming with creative energy, waiting for the chance to demonstrate its potential to the world,” Krasser said

Meanwhile, With over two decades of experience in various roles spanning Singapore, Mainland China, Malaysia, London, and Hong Kong, Chew spent eight years at Uniplan before joining K11 a year ago.

“I am thrilled to be joining the board of The Marketing Society. It is an honour to be part of an organization that has been at the forefront of the dynamic marketing industry for many years. I recently had the chance to meet with some of our members, and I left feeling totally energized. It’s clear that the next five years is certainly going to be more interesting than the last five,” Chew said

Lastly, Cheung brings 14 years of experience in the transportation sector, including five years as Head of Commercial and Brand at HK Tramways and General Manager at tramplus, where he holds dual roles.

“Joining the board of The Marketing Society Hong Kong fills me with immense pride. Here, we are the melting pot of dynamic ideas, shaped by the unique rhythm of Hong Kong – its energy, its diversity, its spirit. I am excited to be a part of the vision of The Marketing Society to make a meaningful impact, resonating with the heartbeat of Hong Kong,” he said.

The newly appointed board members will work together with the current Hong Kong staff to pursue the Society’s purpose of fostering leadership and raising the bar for marketing practices in the wider region.

Natalie Truong, The Marketing Society Hong Kong chair, said, “These are very exciting times for us in the energetic melting pot that is Hong Kong, and I am thrilled to have these three brilliant new board members join The Marketing Society Hong Kong. I am confident in their collective expertise and passion that will help to shape The Marketing Society Hong Kong – not only on the world stage, but one that will embody the spirit and aspirations of this vibrant city.”

Meanwhile, Sophie Devonshire, CEO at The Marketing Society, remarked, “Together, with our new leadership and expanded board, The Marketing Society are committed to driving positive change, promoting thought leadership, fostering collaboration, and embracing diversity within our community. We aim to create an inclusive platform that empowers marketers and propels Hong Kong’s marketing industry to new heights.”

Hong Kong – Hang Seng Bank has recently launched a service concept branch depicting what the future of banking looks like. Said concept branch opened at the Festival Walk shopping centre.

The new branch features Hong Kong’s first smart teller, which combines a personalised service model with leading-edge digital technologies. Customers can use the smart banking counter located in the lobby of the new branch to conduct most types of banking services, including Hong Kong dollar, Renminbi and US dollar cash deposits of banknotes. 

Moreover, it also features a digital branch service executive, which can provide assistance with most personal account-related enquiries, which enables customers to save time by removing the need to wait for traditional teller counters.

In addition, the ‘Future Banking’ concept puts strong emphasis on the ability to personalise e-banking services.

Diana Cesar, executive director and chief executive at Hang Seng, said, “Our ‘Future Banking’ service concept has been developed to meet the future needs of our customers. Our innovative approach, coupled with the adoption of advanced technologies and a sustainable development philosophy, allows us to offer our diverse customer base with creative, caring and forward-looking banking services.”

She added, “The opening of our new branch in Festival Walk also marks the beginning of our ‘Future Banking’ service commitment, which is fully aligned with Hang Seng’s brand values. We will continue to innovate and reinforce our position as a customer-centric industry leader, reflecting our vision to be ‘Ever Growing, Ever Innovating’ in the service of our clients.”