Tag: Hong Kong

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].

Hong Kong – OCBC Hong Kong has announced that it has entered into an agreementto sell its entire 33.33% stake, represented by 290,000,000 ordinary shares in the capital of Hong Kong Life Insurance to Yue Xiu Enterprises.

The net asset value of the entire Hong Kong Life was HK$1,024m as at 31 December 2023 (approximately S$180m). The consideration for the sale shares is HK$589.3m (approximately S$103m), payable upon completion and will be satisfied wholly in cash. 

“The consideration was arrived at following arm’s length negotiations on a willing-buyer, willing-seller basis, taking into account among others, factors such as the net asset value and the embedded value,” OCBC said in a statement.

The completion of the transaction will be conditional upon customary closing conditions including but not limited to regulatory approvals. 

Upon completion of the sale of the Sale Shares, Hong Kong Life will cease to be an associated company of OCBC Hong Kong and OCBC Bank. 

The transaction is not expected to have a material impact on the net tangible assets or earnings per share of OCBC Group for the financial year ending 31 December 2024. 

Hong Kong – Canon Hong Kong Company Limited has announced the immediate appointment of Gary Lee as its new chief executive officer, ushering in a new chapter of leadership for the company.

Lee brings more than 30 years of expertise in accounting and finance, having joined Canon Hong Kong in 1997. Throughout his tenure, he has held several senior management roles across diverse business units and regions, establishing a strong foundation of leadership and strategic insight.

In his new role, Lee will lead Canon’s business operations across Hong Kong, Macau, and the Greater Bay Area, driving strategic growth and innovation in these key markets.

Lee holds a Business Administration degree from Hong Kong Baptist University (1992) and an Executive MBA from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (2012). Renowned for his forward-thinking approach, he advocates for leveraging advanced technologies to drive operational efficiency and digital transformation.

In 2011, Lee was promoted to senior director of managing finance, IT, supply chain, and legal across Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Mongolia. From 2017 to 2024, he served as vice president and CFO of Canon India, overseeing finance, legal, corporate communication, government relations, and procurement. With his global perspective and strategic insight, Lee is poised to drive Canon’s growth and competitiveness in a fast-evolving industry.

“Canon Hong Kong has had a deep bonding with Hong Kong people for over 50 years. Leveraging the city’s unique geographical advantage as a gateway to Macau and the Greater Bay Area, we have achieved remarkable growth in both local and cross-border business with the immense support of our customers and business partners,” Lee shared. 

He added, “I look forward to striving for new heights with the talented team. We will continue to drive digital transformation for our customers through innovative imaging technologies and intelligent business solutions. At the same time, we remain committed to our corporate philosophy of “Kyosei” to create greater value for society and move towards a sustainable future with other stakeholders.”

Hong Kong – McDonald’s Hong Kong has partnered with DDB Group Hong Kong to launch a nostalgic 50th-anniversary campaign, featuring the iconic Ronald McDonald benches popping up at 50 locations citywide, kicking off a year-long celebration of the brand’s enduring legacy.

As part of the campaign, DDB Group HK and McDonald’s HK have launched a citywide treasure hunt spotlighting 50 beloved Ronald McDonald benches. The hunt extends online via social media and the McDonald’s app, where participants can scan QR codes at each bench to register their finds and unlock fun facts, along with access to over 500,000 giveaways, including menu items and downloadable digital assets.

The treasure hunt’s grand prize offers a free Big Mac meal every day for a year, awarded to the first 50 participants who successfully collect all 50 stamps.

Additionally, a video featuring Softhard, the iconic Hong Kong rap duo associated with McDonald’s in the early 90s, showcases the pair placing benches in iconic locations across the city, serving as a captivating invitation for Hongkongers to join the treasure hunt. Complementing this, eight shorter videos will be released daily during the first week of the year, each spotlighting the historical significance of these locations while promoting a special daily value menu offer for customers.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, beloved McDonald’s characters like Grimace, Birdie, and Hamburglar will also make a grand return, appearing prominently across major outdoor media throughout the city. Adding to the festivities, a special Star Ferry wrapped in the campaign’s iconic imagery offered free rides to all passengers on the launch day, further amplifying the celebratory spirit.

Speaking on the campaign, Tina Chao, chief marketing and digital experience officer, said, “We are so excited to be celebrating 50 years in Hong Kong in a way that we hope will provide both some comfort of the past and optimism for the future. The fun treasure hunt will be a great way to kickstart our celebration. I’m really looking forward to everyone experiencing what we have planned for further festivities; it’s going to be a fantastic year!”

Andreas Krasser, CEO at DDB Group Hong Kong, added, “This is a very important milestone for one of Hong Kong’s most beloved brands, and we wanted to do something that really connected emotionally with customers. We know from social listening that for many Hong Kongers, the Ronald McDonald bench is somewhat like a time machine, allowing them to walk down memory lane. So, it was a no-brainer to start the 50th anniversary celebration with the bench.”

The Ronald McDonald bench, a globally recognised icon, embodies the cherished familiarity McDonald’s holds in the hearts of its customers. The treasure hunt and anniversary launch campaign will run until February 5th, spanning outdoor, TVC, print, in-store, social, and online media.