hong kong

Media OutReach

InvestHK visits Middle East to attract business investment to Hong Kong

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 April 2025 – ​Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) Mr Charles Ng will commence his duty visit to the Middle East from today (April 6) to April 10, with key engagements in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The visit underscores Hong Kong’s commitment to deepening economic ties with these dynamic markets and promoting the city as a premier gateway for Middle Eastern businesses seeking opportunities on the Mainland and in the broader Asia-Pacific region. Hong Kong has a strong, long-standing and ever-growing relationship with the Gulf region including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, marked by increasing co-operation in finance, trade, and investment. The city’s merchandise trade with the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf reached US$21.6 billion in 2023. These partnerships are further strengthened through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, which fosters greater connectivity and economic opportunities. “Amid an increasingly complex global landscape and geopolitical uncertainties, countries in the Middle East are actively diversifying their investments. Hong Kong, as a global financial centre and a ‘super connector’ between the Mainland, Asia, and the rest of the world, is uniquely positioned to support this shift,” said Mr Ng. “Under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, our city offers a robust legal system, free flow of capital and information, and internationally aligned regulations. Beyond finance, Hong Kong is also a hub for trade, logistics, innovation and professional services. It serves as a gateway for Middle Eastern partners to tap into the Mainland and the broader Asia-Pacific region.” As part of its commitment to financial diversification, the city has developed a supportive platform for Islamic finance, including sukuk issuance and tax law amendments to ensure a level playing field with conventional bonds and the successful launch of three government sukuk. It continues to welcome more Islamic financial institutions and products to leverage Hong Kong’s international financial platform and tap into opportunities across Asia and the Mainland. During his visit to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dubai, Mr Ng will participate in numerous high-level business roundtables co-organised with Asia House, bringing together representatives from prominent businesses, family offices, and investors. He will also meet with representatives from leading Middle Eastern companies and discuss how establishing a presence in Hong Kong can drive their global expansion strategies. These engagements aim to strengthen economic ties, foster collaboration, and attract more businesses from the Middle East to invest and expand through Hong Kong. By leveraging Hong Kong’s unique position as a global financial and multinational supply chain management hub, InvestHK seeks to facilitate mutually beneficial partnerships that drive innovation and growth across regions. Hashtag: #InvestHK The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Property

Grade A office rents on Hong Kong Island down 4.3% in February

According to a Knight Frank report, in February, the overall average Grade A rent in Hong Kong Island continued to decline, dropping by 0.5% MoM and 4.3% YoY to HK$60.8 per sq ft. There has been notable activity in smaller office spaces, particularly those ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 sq ft. The legal sector is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing complexity of financial markets, said Knight Frank, resulting in heightened demand for specialised legal services. This trend has led to new entries and expansions by law firms focusing on private equity funds, investment trusts, exchange traded funds (ETFs) and other finance-related matters. “Recently, two UK law firms have set up their new outposts in Hong Kong: one firm leased the entire 21st floor of Gloucester Tower, Central, covering 12,600 sq ft, while the other secured 3,000 sq ft in K11 ATELIER, Quarry Bay,” the report added. Here’s more from Knight Frank: Meanwhile, the finance sector remained active. For instance, a multinational company providing commercial insurance brokerage services leased 23,000 sq ft on the 25th floor of Two Taikoo Place, relocating from Causeway Bay; while a large-scale transaction involving an alternative investment firm leasing 55,049 sq ft was recorded in The Henderson. On another front, there has been an increase in inspections and inquiries from the crypto sector, which typically prefers smaller office spaces and co-working environments. Government’s investments in Web3 infrastructure and talent development, coupled with tax relief on crypto profits for hedge funds and private equity firms, are anticipated to attract investment. The office leasing market is currently facing significant challenges, including declining rents, high vacancy rates and an oversupply of space. We expect that the measures announced in the Budget—specifically, the halt on releasing new commercial sites for sale in the coming year and the rezoning of some commercial properties for residential use—will stabilise the supply-demand dynamics of the office market and mitigate further rental pressures.–REAL ESTATE ASIA

Media OutReach

Sony Hong Kong Named Official Imagery Partner for the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2025

Empowering Photographers to Capture Breathtaking Moments with the Latest Camera Gears HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 April 2025 – Sony Hong Kong is proud to be the Official Imagery Partner of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, successfully held from 28 to 30 March 2025 at Kai Tak Sports Park. As an official sponsor, Sony Hong Kong provided top-tier support to photographers covering the highly anticipated rugby event, offering them access to cutting-edge imaging technology and unmatched service at the event. Sony Hong Kong Named Official Imagery Partner for the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2025 In line with the commitment to supporting creators’ success, Sony provided professional sports photographers with hands-on experience using the latest digital imaging products to capture breathtaking moments from the action-packed matches. By offering the very best in photography gear, Sony ensures that all professionals can document the excitement of the Hong Kong Sevens with exceptional clarity and precision. On-Site Services for Media and Photographers Sony’s service depot at the venue offered a comprehensive range of services to meet the needs of photographers on-site. Over 100 photographers benefitted from the instant support including: Gear Loans: Access to a wide variety of top-tier Sony gear, including latest lenses and cameras, tailored to meet the demands of sports photography. Instant Cleaning Services: Keeping equipment in prime condition for optimal performance throughout the event. Technical Support: Dedicated on-site expertise provided prompt troubleshooting and assistance to ensure photographers’ seamless experience. “We are thrilled to be supporting the Hong Kong Sevens as the Official Imagery Partner this year. Our goal is to empower photographers and content creators by providing them with top-quality tools to capture stunning moments with excellence,” said Mr. Norihiko Sakura, Division Managing Director, Sony Corporation of Hong Kong. “At Sony, we always aim to support the success of creators, helping them showcase the spirit of the event in ways that are truly remarkable.” “The first Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens at Kai Tak Sports Park drew huge media interest. We accredited 250 photographers from 100 media organisations across 20 countries, and bringing in Sony as our Official Imagery Partner was a key part of our hosting in the new venue.” added Mr. Jon Pallett, Head of Communications, Hong Kong China Rugby (organisers of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens). “We would like to thank the team at Sony Hong Kong for their professional service, which was well-received by all photographers, and their hard work across a very busy event weekend. Mr. Conrad Yu, a professional sports photographer and Sony Curators Elite, expressed his appreciation for Sony’s continued commitment to the sports photography community. “Sony’s service depot makes a significant difference in the field. The combination of the latest technology and exceptional support creates a powerful environment for photographers. The gear and technical assistance provided are truly unparalleled, setting the industry standard for excellence,” he shared. Throughout the event, Sony’s professional photographers had access to the very best tools to capture the high-energy action of the rugby games, ensuring that iconic moments are immortalized with precision and clarity. Experience the highlights of Hong Kong Sevens through the lens of Sony’s latest cameras. For customer enquiries, please contact Sony hotline service at (852) 2833-5129. Hashtag: #SonyHongKong The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Sony Hong Kong About Hong Kong Marketing Company Hong Kong Marketing Company (HKMC), a division of Sony Corporation of Hong Kong Limited, provides sales, marketing and after sales services for Sony’s consumer electronics products as well as broadcast and professional products in Hong Kong and Macau. For more information on Sony’s products and services, please visit our website at http://www.sony.com.hk

Energy & Technology, Investment & Market Trends

Computime Enters EV Charger Market in Hong Kong Through Strategic Partnerships

HONG KONG: Technology brand and manufacturing solutions provider, Computime Group Ltd ventures in the electric vehicle (EV) charger market through collaboration with key charge point operators (CPOs) among the Hong Kong EV charging service industry. This move signifies the company’s first stride into the fast-growing Hong Kong EV charger market. The CPOs hold a commanding lead in Hong Kong’s market share, primarily serving key public facilities, shopping malls and residential estates. Having that in mind, Computime will tailor and customise EV chargers to meet diverse needs and applications. In the initial phase, over 100 units will be deployed within public facilities on Hong Kong Island. Following that, Computime targets to supply more than 2,000 EV chargers. The collaboration with key CPOs has made the company’s EV chargers accessible to the Hong Kong market, which also marks the official launch of Computime’s own EV chargers made for commercial use. The EV chargers to be supplied are based on the VERDI EV Charger model, which was honoured with the prestigious Red Dot Design Award for Product Design in 2023. The chargers, offering personalised connection options, provide flexibility for various use-case scenarios, meeting the demanding needs for fast-charging solutions among local users in Hong Kong. Computime Group Chairman, CEO and Executive Director, Auyang Pak Hong Bernard said, “As a company rooted in Hong Kong, we are eager to deliver an excellent charging experience to local users. Our partnership with Hong Kong’s key CPOs enables direct engagement with users and the delivery of smart and advanced solutions, showcasing our dedication to promoting smart and sustainable living. Additionally, Hong also mentioned that the company is looking forward to strengthening the collaborations and drive innovation in eco-friendly products tailored for Computime’s customers in Hong Kong. “Hong Kong marks the beginning of our journey, and our sights are set on a broader horizon. We aim to expand into overseas markets in the next quarter. “As we look to the future, we plan to seize the opportunities presented by globalisation to introduce our products to a wider market and contribute to global advancements in green technology,” he added.

News

HEARTS ON FIRE Names Johan Ye as President, APAC

HONG KONG: HEARTS ON FIRE, the renowned jewellery brand celebrated for its dazzling signature cut diamonds, has named Johan Ye as President, of Asia-Pacific. Johan, a French citizen based in Hong Kong, brings extensive luxury retail experience with a successful history of regional leadership roles. Previously, he held senior positions across leading brands in the Richemont Group in Asia Pacific, most recently serving as Managing Director, of Asia Pacific for MESSIKA. In this role, he was responsible for developing the brand across the region, overseeing key markets, and managing profit and loss. In his new capacity at HEARTS ON FIRE, Johan will supervise business and operations across the Asia Pacific region, focusing on Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and Taiwan. He will lead efforts to drive growth and performance, directing business development, retail and wholesale operations, customer engagement, and brand marketing strategies. This appointment is part of Hearts On Fire’s commitment to bolstering its leadership in Hong Kong, aligning with a multi-year brand transformation initiative. Rita Maltez, Global President of HEARTS ON FIRE, expressed enthusiasm about Johan’s appointment, highlighting his expertise and extensive understanding of the luxury market, which will be vital for advancing the brand’s transformation and growth in Asia Pacific. Johan commented on his new role, stating, “I am excited to join HEARTS ON FIRE at this pivotal moment in the brand’s journey. The Asia Pacific region offers significant growth opportunities, and I am eager to collaborate with our team and partners to enhance our presence.”

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