Tag: in style

  • “In Style Hong Kong” Promotion Coming to Bangkok

    “In Style Hong Kong” Promotion Coming to Bangkok

    The mega promotion, “In Style Hong Kong”, is making its debut in the Thai capital Bangkok, starting this month. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the campaign will engage business leaders and entrepreneurs, as well as consumers in Thailand to showcase Hong Kong’s vibrant lifestyle and creativity and explain how the city’s world-class services can help Thai companies expand overseas, especially to the Chinese mainland.

    “Thailand is the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia. As the country’s capital, Bangkok is a commercial hub in Asia with a thriving retail market,” said Dannie Chiu, Regional Director, Southeast Asia & India, HKTDC, at today’s press conference. “With the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), we can expect to see greater potential for cooperation between Hong Kong and Thailand. “In Style Hong Kong” aims to strengthen economic and trading ties between Hong Kong and Thailand, capitalising on all forms of growth opportunities. We look forward to bringing the best of Hong Kong’s services and products to Thailand as the HKTDC celebrates its 50th anniversary.”

    The “In Style Hong Kong” Symposium, on 6 October, will highlight Hong Kong’s advantages as a trendsetting hub, and reveal the potential of Hong Kong services sectors as partners for Thai companies. An invitation-only Gala Dinner will be held for 450 members of the business community, while a citywide promotion will combine retail and gourmet specials at venues across Bangkok for the public.

    The promotion aims to deepen the already strong trade links between Thailand and Hong Kong, which is consistently rated as the world’s freest economy by the United States-based Heritage Foundation. In 2015, bilateral trade between the two economies reached US$17.18 billion.

    Services under the spotlight

    Rimsky Yuen, Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, will officiate at the opening session of “In Style Hong Kong” (6 Oct) at the Plaza Athenee Bangkok. Following the opening session, Hong Kong business leaders including Royce Yuen, CEO, MaLogic; Jason Chiu, CEO, cherrypicks; Dr King Fai Pang, Group President and Executive Director, VTech Holdings Ltd; and Chansak Fuangfu, Senior Executive Vice President and Director, Bangkok Bank Public Company Ltd, will offer insights on how Hong Kong can facilitate the business expansion of Thai companies.

    Services sector leaders and professionals from Thailand and Hong Kong will speak at five thematic sessions:

    – The Fast Track to E-commerce Logistics

    The establishment of the AEC is helping to fine-tune Asia’s supply chain network. Meanwhile, cross-border trade, particularly e-commerce development, is also driving huge changes in the traditional logistics industry and distribution networks. Hong Kong can facilitate Thai companies to tap these opportunities. Participants of this session will include moderator, Ruth Banomyong, Associate Professor, Department of International Business, Logistics & Transport, Thammasat University; and speakers Gary So, Deputy Managing Director, Kerry Logistics; Vincent Cheung, President, BPS Global Group; Michelle Leung, Senior Vice President, Fung Omni Services; and James Chang, Chief Operations Officer, Cross-border, Lazada Hong Kong.

    – RMB Internationalisation and Corporate Treasury

    As the premier offshore renminbi centre with proximity to the Chinese mainland, the session will explain Hong Kong’s advantages to attract companies to set up their corporate treasury centres in the city, in turn deepening the offshore renminbi capital markets. Speakers will include Yuthadej Putamanonda, Managing Director and Head of Transaction Banking, Standard Chartered Bank Thailand; Chen Shuang, Executive Director and CEO, China Everbright Ltd; Council Member, Financial Services Development Council, Hong Kong; and Kanit Si, Executive Vice President, Bangkok Bank Public Company Ltd.

    – The Belt and Road Initiative: Digital Framework for Connecting Smart Cities

    At this seminar, experts will share the latest developments in cross-border payment instruments, smart identity, smart-city infrastructure, interoperability and legal framework, which are essential in strengthening connectivity among smart cities. Eva Chan, Vice Chairperson, Hong Kong Public Key Infrastructure and Surangkana Wayuparb, Executive Director & CEO, Electronic Transactions Development Agency, Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Thailand will deliver remarks. Speakers will include Clarence Hui, Senior Manager, Financial Infrastructure Development, Hong Kong Monetary Authority; Chaichana Mitrpant, Deputy Executive Director, Electronic Transactions Development Agency, Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Thailand; and Eric Yeung, Convener, Smart City Consortium.

    – Integrating Creativity with Innovation

    Unlock Asia’s Business Success in the Digital Era with Jason Chiu, CEO, cherrypicks Ltd as the moderator and Tommy Li, Creative Director, Tommy Li Design Workshop Ltd; Keith Lam, co-founder, Dimension Plus; and Francis Kwok, founder and CEO, Radica Systems Ltd as speakers, Thai companies will gain insights into digital marketing, including innovative branding strategies, big data and new media with art and design.

    – Legal Risk Management: Key to International Trade and Investment

    Experts will share tips on how Thai enterprises can protect their intellectual property and settle cross-border business disputes through arbitration in Hong Kong. Speakers will include Denis Brock, Council Member, The Law Society of Hong Kong; Pui-Ki Emmanuelle Ta, Counsel of the Secretariat, International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce – Asia Office; Winnie Tam, SC, Barrister-at-law, Arbitrator and Mediator, Chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association.

    Gala Dinner showcasing Hong Kong: “Day and Night”

    An invitation-only gala dinner, to be held on the evening of 6 October, at the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, will welcome about 450 business leaders from Thailand and Hong Kong. Under the theme, “Hong Kong: Day and Night”, a “Thai Silk Crossover” fashion parade will be a highlight of the gala dinner. Six Thai silk-themed fashion collections by celebrated Hong Kong designers, Doris Kath Chan, Bonita Cheung, Koyo William Cheung, Polly Ho, Henry Lau and Mountain Yam will be showcased during the parade. Miss Hong Kong 2015, Louisa Mak has been invited to be among the models in the fashion parade. The gala dinner will also feature “Lifestyle Chemistry”, an interactive display window graced by live models, to present selected lifestyle brands from the HKTDC Design Gallery. A unique culinary experience featuring Hong Kong and Thai star chefs: Albert KK Au, Group Executive Chef (Chinese Division), Lai Sun F&B Management Ltd and James Norman, Executive Chef, Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, who will collaborate on a fusion menu with dedicated wine-pairing by the Hong Kong Sommelier Association.

    Hong Kong lifestyle for everyone

    The centrepiece of the citywide promotion is a Hong Kong galleria at the Siam Paragon shopping mall (3-9 October), spotlighting Hong Kong fashion, and lifestyle and gourmet products. Thai consumers can try on collections presented by the six Hong Kong designers and take photos using an e-wardrobe. Selected lifestyle products from the HKTDC Design Gallery via Lazada.co.th and hktdc.com Small Orders will also be featured, bringing a convenient O2O shopping experience to Thai consumers.

    Complimentary tea tasting by Hong Kong’s premium tea brands – Contact Design, Gianna, MingCha and OrTea(TM) – and food tasting sponsored by Lee Kum Kee, will also be available. As part of an extended In Style Hong Kong campaign, a range of products from the HKTDC’s Design Gallery will be sold at Betrend and The Selected from September to December 2016, offering local consumers a chance to experience Hong Kong’s design and creative excellence in lifestyle and household products.

    Meanwhile, a “Hong Kong Lifestyle Products” promotion is underway in Bangkok, with well-known Hong Kong fashion brands Bossini, Episode, Esprit, Giordano, G2000 and Jessica, as well as popular retail watch brand City Chain and optical boutiques eGG and Optical 88 offering discounts and other consumer incentives. To enjoy these offers, simply pick up a Citywide Promotion coupon booklet at more than 100 participating outlets across Bangkok, featuring over 30 Hong Kong and local brands from 1 September to 31 October, or visit Hong Kong Galleria in Siam Paragon from 3 to 9 October. More exciting Hong Kong products and gourmet can also be found at online retailer Lazada Thailand and gourmet website Openrice Thailand.

  • Hong Kong Expo And Symposium Open In Jakarta

    Hong Kong Expo And Symposium Open In Jakarta

    Chief Executive of Hong Kong CY Leung and Minister of Tourism of Indonesia Arief Yahya officiate at event promoting closer ties

    “In Style – Hong Kong”, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opened today at the Jakarta Convention Center in Indonesia. Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) CY Leung and Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia Arief Yahya officiated at the joint opening of the one-day business symposium and the products expo, which continues through 19 September.

    Speaking at the opening reception, Mr Leung highlighted Hong Kong’s role as a gateway for trade between the Chinese mainland and the ASEAN region, adding that a Hong Kong-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would be concluded within the coming year. “It (the FTA) will, I know, strengthen economic ties and cooperation between Hong Kong and Indonesia,” said Mr Leung. “With our [Hong Kong’s] help, it will encourage more Indonesian exports to the mainland of China. Inevitably, more Hong Kong and mainland investment will also find its way to Indonesia.”

    Meanwhile, Mr Yahya said “In Style – Hong Kong” was an important business gathering for Indonesia. “It is enhancing the partnership between Indonesia and Hong Kong, especially in trade, investment and tourism,” he said.

    Chairman of the HKTDC Vincent HS Lo explained that “In Style – Hong Kong” is an expansion of previous expo’s organised by the HKTDC in Jakarta. “This event is bigger and better. In addition to products, we have added today’s business symposium where you can find and network with core business leaders and find out how to take advantage of Hong Kong’s world-class services to grow your business,” said Mr Lo.

    Also speaking at the opening reception, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs of the Republic of Indonesia Agus Muharram said Hong Kong was a gateway for Indonesian companies, “not only to the Hong Kong and China markets, but also the global market as well as [providing] potential for Indonesian cooperatives and small and medium-sized enterprises products.”

    “By maintaining a good relationship between Indonesia and Hong Kong, we hope that this will present good results in export market expansion and promotion of Indonesian cooperatives and small and medium-sized enterprises products,” said Mr Muharram.

    Services under the spotlight

    The services symposium features five thematic sessions highlighting ways Hong Kong services, including financial services, legal and arbitration, design and branding services, digital marketing and ICT services, can help Indonesian companies expand their business in Asia, and especially the Chinese mainland.

    Product expo features lifestyle themes

    In addition to showcasing Hong Kong’s services, more than 190 participating companies are also presenting Hong Kong lifestyle products in four major themed zones; fashion and fashion accessories, jewellery and watches, gifts and houseware, and consumer electronics. There is also a display of award-winning pieces.

    An invitation-only gala dinner will be held this evening for some 500 businesspeople from Hong Kong and Indonesia. The “In Style – Hong Kong” citywide campaign continues through 20 September, the centerpiece of which is a Hong Kong galleria at the Skybridge in Grand Indonesia Shopping Town.

  • “In Style – Hong Kong” Promotion Opens in Jakarta

    “In Style – Hong Kong” Promotion Opens in Jakarta

    The mega “In Style – Hong Kong” campaign kicked off in Jakarta today with the launch of a citywide promotion at the Grand Indonesia Shopping Town mall, showcasing a range of Hong Kong fashion, food and lifestyle attractions until 20 September.

    Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), “In Style – Hong Kong” also includes a Hong Kong branded product expo (17-19 September) for trade buyers and a services symposium (17 September) featuring business insights, networking, business matching and consultation services. An invitation-only gala dinner will be held on 17 September for 500 members of the business community.

    The multilayered promotion aims to enhance the already strong trade links between Hong Kong and Indonesia. Hong Kong is consistently rated as the world’s freest economy by the United States-based Heritage Foundation while Indonesia is the world’s fourth-most populous nation. In 2014, bilateral trade between Hong Kong and Indonesia reached US$5.16 billion.

    “In Style – Hong Kong” is an expansion of the successful Lifestyle Expos held by the HKTDC in Jakarta over the past three years, whereby Hong Kong’s innovative and quality products were featured to Indonesian buyers. This year’s event will highlight ways Indonesian companies can partner with Hong Kong to capitalise on the new business opportunities in Asia, especially China. It also showcases Hong Kong’s unique, vibrant lifestyle trends to local consumers through the citywide promotion.

    Citywide promotion – connecting with Indonesian consumers

    The centerpiece of the citywide promotion is a Hong Kong galleria at the Skybridge in Grand Indonesia Shopping Town (14-20 September), spotlighting Hong Kong fashion, food and lifestyle products. Some of these offerings were showcased at two product parades during today’s on-site press conference.

    A unique combination of Indonesian batik and Hong Kong design will also be on display at the Skybridge from 18-20 September. Under the title of “Batik Crossover”, and sponsored by leading Indonesian textile and garment company Sritex, this innovative programme features six batik fashion collections by renowned Hong Kong designers; Lulu Cheung, Walter Kong and Jessica Lau, Walter Ma, Aries Sin, Harrison Wong and Cecilia Yau.

    The citywide promotion also includes retail and gourmet specials at venues across Jakarta. A “Hong Kong Gourmet” campaign, with a webpage featuring more than 10 Hong Kong-style restaurants in Jakarta, has been launched on OpenRice Indonesia’s portal. The “OpenSnap Photo Competition” (www.opensnap.com/hktdc) is also being organised to encourage patrons to dine at participating restaurants.

    Indonesian-operated bistro chain Hong Kong Cafe is offering a three-course gourmet menu created by Hong Kong celebrity chef Walter Kei for “In Style – Hong Kong”. Dim sum specialist Tim Ho Wan is offering complimentary desserts while traditional Hong Kong-style milk tea is also available at the Chatime Indonesia takeaway beverage chain. The tea is brewed using blended tea leaves from Hong Kong beverage company Kampery.

    Meanwhile, a “Hong Kong Lifestyle Products” promotion is underway in Jakarta, with Hong Kong fashion brands such as G2000, Giordano and Staccato offering discounts and other consumer incentives.

    Main events to open 17 September

    The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr C Y Leung and Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia Mr H M Jusuf Kalla are expected to be guests of honour at the Opening Ceremony of the “In Style – Hong Kong” expo and symposium on 17 September.

    The expo is expected to attract about 10,000 trade buyers, importers, distributors, retailers, brand agents, franchisees, department stores and specialist vendors. It will be held at the Jakarta Convention Center from 17 to 19 September, presenting myriad opportunities for buyers to source the hottest styles and trends from Hong Kong.

    More than 190 participating companies will feature Hong Kong lifestyle products in four major themed zones as well as a display of award-winning pieces. The four themed zones are; fashion and fashion accessories (including Bossini, Cocomojo and Mastermind), jewellery and watches (including Chow Tai Fook, TSL Jewellery, Memorigin, Cosi Moda, Saga, Edwin and Charles Hubert), gifts and houseware (including Lexington, PO: Selected, Biba Toys, Kid Galaxy and Kinox), and consumer electronics (including Goodway, Gold Peak and SAS Lighting). Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Design Award Display Zone, titled “Fame – In Style” will showcase a range of award-winning products to highlight Hong Kong’s creative and design capabilities, while buyers can place low-volume orders of five to 1,000 pieces at the hktdc.com Small Orders display.

    Symposium provides global business insights

    The day-long symposium will be held at the Jakarta Convention Center for an expected 1,000 participants, mainly Indonesian businesspeople. It will feature a main symposium and five thematic sessions highlighting ways Hong Kong services, including financial services, legal and arbitration, design and branding services, digital marketing and ICT services, can help Indonesian companies expand their business in Asia, and especially the Chinese mainland.

    Distinguished speakers at the symposium include the Secretary for Justice of the HKSAR, Mr Rimsky Yuen SC; Armando Tolomelli, CEO, Prada Asia Pacific; Y K Pang, Director, Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd; Royce Yuen, Founder & CEO, New Brand New Ltd; Kent Wong, Managing Director, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd; Peter Lo, Chief Country Officer, Deutsche Bank AG Hong Kong; Tommy Li, Creative Director, Tommy Li Design Workshop Ltd; Peter Mack, Executive Director, Marketing, Landor Hong Kong; and Jason Chiu, CEO, Cherrypicks.

    The symposium will also feature a mini-exhibition where 18 Hong Kong services providers and trade organisations will provide on-site business consultations. The CreateSmart Initiative*, administered by Create Hong Kong of the HKSAR Government, sponsors the participation of some of these exhibitors from various creative sectors in the symposium and their market visit in Jakarta on 18 September.

  • Hong Kong + Indonesian Fashion Meet at “Batik Crossover”

    Hong Kong + Indonesian Fashion Meet at “Batik Crossover”

    “In Style – Hong Kong”, a large-scale promotion organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), is coming to Jakarta 14-20 September 2015. The promotion will showcase a range of Hong Kong lifestyle products as well as business services to Indonesian entrepreneurs and consumers.

    The innovative “Batik Crossover” display is a highlight of the week-long “In Style – Hong Kong” promotion, which also includes a product expo for trade buyers at the Jakarta Convention Center 17-19 September 2015, a citywide retail and gourmet promotion at venues across Jakarta for consumers and a symposium with various business networking activities as well as a high-level Gala Dinner for Indonesian businesses.

    Symbol of Collaboration

    Six collections by renowned Hong Kong designers will feature in “Batik Crossover”, with works created from the traditional Indonesian fabric. The designs by Lulu Cheung, Walter Kong with Jessica Lau, Walter Ma, Aries Sin, Harrison Wong and Cecilia Yau will be unveiled at the Fashion Hong Kong catwalk show during the Gala Dinner (by-invitation only) on 17 September, before going on public display at Grand Indonesia Shopping Town.

    “‘Batik Crossover’ is about combining a fine Indonesian craft with Hong Kong fashion design talent, symbolising the ‘In Style – Hong Kong’ theme of style, creativity, and collaboration between Indonesia and Hong Kong. We believe this initiative would be inspirational to Indonesian consumers,” said HKTDC Director of Product Promotion, Stephen Liang.

    Lulu Cheung – Indonesian Roots

    Bandung-born Hong Kong fashion designer Lulu Cheung’s love of batik dates back to her early childhood, when she wore casual clothing made from the material. Today, the renowned designer’s bond with the fabric is being rekindled through her “Batik Crossover” collection.

    “This is my first try at batik design. I will mix Hong Kong and Indonesian fashion cultures to create a contemporary look. I hope I can also give the cloth a new, impactful look,” said Ms Cheung, who, at the age of five, moved to Hong Kong with her family. “I’ve long been fascinated with batik, even keeping two batik moulds for many years as art pieces.

    “Batik is one of the core elements of Indonesian art and culture. The printing and colour represent part of the country’s culture and contemporary arts trends. In the past, the most natural dyes and colours and the most original methods were used to make the patterns. My mum told us batik colours would never fade.”

    Ms Cheung designs a wide range of womenswear, from casual to formal wear, Her clients include Hong Kong models such as as Kathy Chow, Eunice Chan, Vanessa Yeung and Janet Ma. Since her first runway show at Hong Kong Fashion Week in 1989, she extended her catwalk rounds internationally and has received multiple awards, including the International Fashion Editors’ Best Hong Kong Collection Award at Hong Kong Fashion Week in 1996, and the Certificate of Merit for Excellence in Fashion Design at Hong Kong Fashion Week in 1992 and 1994. Ms Cheung was named one of the Ten Outstanding Designers at the Hong Kong Art & Design Festival in 2006.

    Walter Kong and Jessica Lau – Fairy-tale Fantasy

    “Batik is something new to us. The fabric has a strong cultural element, but we’d like to integrate different cultures into our collection as well. The fabric is quite light, colourful and energetic. Because of its colour, it actually is quite feminine,” said Jessica Lau.

    “Our batik pieces will be based on our latest collection inspired by the Nutcracker. They are surreal, colourful and comfortable and flatter the female body. Our target customers are career women,” Walter Kong added.

    Mr Kong and Ms Lau design contemporary east-west fusion womenswear that can be easily mixed and matched for various occasions. They have dressed Hong Kong actresses including Aimee Chan and Grace Chan, both former “Miss Hong Kong” winners. Mr Kong was the 2007 Overall Winner of the HKTDC-organised Young Designers’ Contest. Ms Lau, a Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design graduate, was named “Best Emerging Fashion Designer 2009” in London by Artstalker creative group.

    Walter Ma – Attention to Detail

    Veteran designer Walter Ma will use batik in his evening gown designs. “The material is very comfortable, but it needs adapting to be used in evening gowns, so my collection will feature batik detail rather than being made totally with batik. The design concept is mainly beading and embroidery,” said Mr Ma.

    Mr Ma designs a wide range of fashion, including womenswear and menswear. He was honoured with the Merit Award at the Design Gallery show staged at the Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 1996. In 1997, he was awarded the “Energetic and Creativity Award” of Porsche Design and the “Artist of the Year Awards 1997 – Fashion Designer”. His clientele has featured internationally acclaimed Hong Kong actors and actresses, including Maggie Cheung, Andy Lau and Aaron Kwok.

    Aries Sin – Futuristic & Fun

    Aries Sin aims to give batik a modern twist. “I’m still learning about batik. There’s lots of potential in using this fabric in different ways. I have picked one that has a picture on it. I think it will match my collection,” said Ms Sin.

    “I will try to make it more international. I will use a contemporary way to present the material, and use the fabric in a more futuristic way, so maybe you can see something fun in the collection. And it’s going to be unisex.”

    Ms Sin’s unisex pieces have been worn by renowned Hong Kong singers including Miriam Yeung, Denise Ho and Andy Hui. In 2013, she was named by Perspective magazine as one of “40 under 40” design talents, and won the bronze award at the “Design for Asia Awards 2013” organised by the Hong Kong Design Centre.

    Harrison Wong – Casual Charm

    Harrison Wong is getting creative with the traditional material. “The batik technique of wax-resistant dyeing gives the cloth a beautiful pattern and colour, and it feels good, too. I will turn this traditional fabric with traditional pattern, into a contemporary street fashion look for men, which is a challenge. I guess the design will be interesting,” said Mr Wong.

    The menswear specialist was Overall Winner at the Hong Kong Young Designers’ Contest and captured a Special Award at the Asian Fashion Grand Prix Contest (organised by Association of Total Fashion in Japan) in 1996. With a Master’s degree with distinction from the London College of Fashion, Mr Wong has designed women’s and men’s seasonal collections for international runways in New York, Milan, Shanghai, Taipei, Sydney and Hong Kong.

    Cecilia Yau – Creative Classic

    Cecilia Yau’s inspiration came from her childhood journeys. “The theme for my collection will be ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, inspired by my Southeast Asian travels as a child when, during the hot evenings, I would imagine myself being part of Shakespeare’s play, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’,” said Ms Yau, a young yet experienced and well-known award-winning designer specialising in bridal wear and haute couture.

    “The batik I am going to use features deep blue, purple and golden yellow colours, with the latter resembling moonlight. Batik is versatile and I will use it in an unconventional way. My design will feature 3D cutting, representing a romantic and elegant rendition of the Shakespearean classic.”

    Graduating with a degree with distinction from ESMOD International in Paris, Ms Yau was Overall Winner of the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest and winner of the Hong Kong Fashions Association Creative Award in 1999. The Hong Kong Communication Art Centre recognised her as one of The Ten Outstanding Designers in 2008, and the Outstanding Greater China Designs Winner in 2013 and 2014. She was named among the “Ten Outstanding Young Persons” in 2013. Ms Yau has participated in various large-scale fashion shows including the Fukuoka Asia Fashion Festival, the Shanghai Fashion Festival and New York Fashion Week. Her celebrity clients include former Miss Hong Kong Michelle Reis, Hong Kong singer Linda Wong, and Chinese mainland actresses Huang Yi and Irene Wang.

    In addition to “Batik Crossover”, Mr Kong and Ms Lau, as well as Ms Sin and Mr Wong will also be exhibitors at the “In Style – Hong Kong” Expo (17-19 September).