Activity
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HKCBA National created a groupHKCBA Directors Group
This group is for all national and regional directors to stay in the loop on HKCBA initiatives and updates.
August 04, 2016 -
HKCBA National posted an articleHKCBA hosts first gaming sector event in Montreal. see more
By Technoculture, Art and Games (TAG)
On November 4th, the Hong Kong Canada Business Association held the first of a (potential) series of conferences surrounding investment in the gaming industry in Hong Kong. The keynote speaker was Jose A. Rueda from Sheridan College; a phenomenal speaker who focuses on Game Design at their Faculty of Animation, Arts and Design. He brought his experience of working with the industry in Hong Kong (prior to his time at Sheridan) and his expertise in game design to highlight the benefits of gamification of business in general, Hong Kong as an ideal gateway to the Asian market, and the environment in the market itself.
His description of gamification was as simple as you would expect; the demographics of the conferences were a mix of people from the industry, and people who saw potential in creating opportunities between Quebec and Hong Kong business. He showed two case studies that emphasized the importance of psychologizing and designing for the clients in a way that engaged curiosity in a positive feedback loop. The case studies he chose were specifically outside of the gaming industry, to emphasize the benefits of employees that understand game design – he made a quip about helping his students get jobs, while I noticed most of the documents received on entry were documents about Sheridan’s Bachelor of Game Design Program.
Rueda moved on to Hong Kong as an ideal gateway to the Asian market, and two concepts that – if you know much about the business world – didn’t particularly surprise me. The first was the ideal strategy for approaching the market: Set up a joint venture with a business in Hong Kong that already has operations within the Mainland. For those who don’t know, Hong Kong and Mainland China have two different systems of government; Mainland China only asserts control in specific areas like the military. During the QA session Jean-Philippe Mikus (a partner and trade-mark agent at Fasken Martineau) also highlighted Hong Kong having its laws previously established by the British, made it a lot easier to understand and navigate than attempting to approach the mainland directly. In addition, Shirley Wong from InvestHK (Canada) emphasized the beneficial corporate tax rate.
Rueda’s second point was to avoid innovation at all costs, and to transfer established expertise. From an outside perspective, that likely sounds a bit unprogressive, but trying to enter a market with something new is not easy. At the end of the day these are businesses and they want to work with what makes money, and it’s hard to make a convincing argument on a potential bet.
He ended his keynote with a section on engaging the market, focusing primarily on building relationships and partnerships in Hong Kong and how it was fundamentally different than in North America. He highlights the importance of establishing trust not just on a business level, but most importantly on a personal level. Therefore networking, and knowing the right people are the most important asset to entering the market successfully. Shirley Wong also pointed out the various support available to businesses both large and small interested in engaging in international business opportunities, not just with her company Invest Hong Kong, but also the often unrecognized support offered within our own federal government.
Through all this, some people might be wondering what does this mean for us? As indie game designers, writers, creators or game scholars? For some of you, this might not seem like the most critical thing in the world; but it’s important to recognize this shift in interest among the business elite – their interest to learn and engage with the industry here in Montreal, and spread that out into the international market is significant. As mentioned before, the demographics of the conference was wide spread from people in the industry and community like Jason Della Rocca, to academics like Jose Rueda, and representatives of several businesses. The event and reception afterwards was a learning opportunity for everyone involved. It also opened my eyes to the growing community of small game developers in Hong Kong – Rueda described how many of his students there now develop indie games and encouraged people to take interest in these rapidly growing groups.
Geoffrey Bush, Executive Director at HKCBA- Montreal further stated after the event that “HKCBA-Montreal was pleased with its first gaming sector event, and more important so were those in attendance. We look forward to further exposing the opportunities that Hong Kong offers the Montreal business community.” I was very impressed with the organizers of the conference and was pleased with their genuine curiosity and growing interest in the industry and its potential in Hong Kong. Although most of the information didn’t particularly surprise me, I wasn’t necessarily the audience they were attempting to entice; regardless, I look forward to how their interests and messaging develops as they continue to research the industry and potential opportunities.
Read more: http://tag.hexagram.ca/hkcba-business-of-play-whos-game-conference-overview/?utm_source=hootsuite
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HKCBA National posted an articleBilateral Collaboration Boosted by new Mutual Cooperation Arrangement see more
By Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)
More than 1,500 business people from across Canada took part in the largest-ever international business conference held in Toronto. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), "Think Asia, Think Hong Kong" helps companies from Canada, Hong Kong, and the Chinese mainland explore business opportunities using the Hong Kongplatform.
HKTDC-Canada Sign Commercial Arrangement
As part of the main symposium, the HKTDC signed an Arrangement on Mutual Cooperation with Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD) to facilitate collaboration in promotion of commercial activities in areas of mutual interest. The arrangement was signed by the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, Canada and Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the HKTDC.Minister Fast said: "Canada and Hong Kong have a long-standing partnership, strengthened by our people-to-people ties. Hong Kongis an important hub for Canadian exports of goods and services to Asia, and this trade promotion arrangement will help our companies work together to take advantage of the rapid growth in the Asia-Pacific region."
Ms. Fong added, "We are pleased to conclude this arrangement with Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada. Based on an already robust trade relationship between Canada and Hong Kong, this arrangement further promotes business opportunities in financial services, logistics, food, technology and intellectual property."
Strong Connections
Guests of honour at the "Think Asia, Think Hong Kong" symposium were Minister Fast and Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive, C.Y. Leung.Speaking at the symposium, Mr. Leung said Canada and Hong Kong are extended business partners. "I'm here today, leading a delegation of more than 100 high-profile business leaders and government officials, including 27 from the Mainland of China. We're here, because we believe that our strong and longstanding connections, in business and in culture, offer the promise of a far more rewarding future for our two economies and the companies that drive them," Mr. Leung said.
In his welcome remarks, HKTDC Chairman Vincent H.S. Lo highlighted the mainland's "One Belt, One Road" initiative and Hong Kong'scompetitive edge as a gateway to mainland and the region.
"The Chinese mainland is committed to market-driven growth, and no-one knows the mainland markets better than we do in Hong Kong," Mr. Lo said.
"Our strategic position – not only as the gateway to mainland China but also as the global trade hub in Asia – also gives us a natural advantage as a springboard for international companies entering the Asian market."
Explore + Connect = Opportunities
More than 150 business leaders from Hong Kong and the mainland interacted with delegates and businesses from Canada. Networking activities were also arranged and free onsite consultation services were provided by Hong Kong professional service providers. In total, more than 860 business-matching sessions were organised to connect Canadian entrepreneurs with business partners from Hong Kong and the mainland.Videos:
Think Asia, Think Hong Kong: https://youtu.be/2BAoxSgqsZYDownload photos: http://filesharing.tdc.org.hk/hktdc/download.php?fid=_phpKXBpiy
About the HKTDC
A statutory body established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based traders, manufacturers and services providers.
Read more: http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/think-asia-think-hong-kong-toronto-attracts-1500-517908521.html
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HKCBA National posted an articleCathay Pacific is focusing its Canadian operations on Vancouver and Toronto. see more
BY JENNY LEE, VANCOUVER SUN
As airline competition intensifies to meet growing demand for travel between Asia and North America, Cathay Pacific is focusing its Canadian operations on Vancouver and Toronto.
“The growth in seats from mainland China alone into Canada (during 2013) is about 70 per cent,” Cathay’s incoming chief operating officer Rupert Hogg told a Hong Kong-Canada Business Association luncheon on Tuesday.
Delta Air Lines is preparing to launch Seattle-to-Hong Kong flights, and last summer, China Eastern Airlines increased flights between Vancouver and Shanghai to twice daily.
“Our Canadian ambitions will be to increase frequency when the market merits it,” Hogg said. “We would love to be (twice) daily in Toronto, and we keep close watch on the Vancouver market.”
Cathay flies twice-daily non-stop Vancouver-Hong Kong, and 10 times a week between Toronto and Hong Kong. The airline employs 700 in Canada, 500 of whom are in Vancouver, which is also Cathay’s call centre for North America.
“Inevitably, more carriers will come into this market,” Hogg said. “Our strategy is very clear: We are a full-service carrier and we provide a premium product because we believe that people value that premium product. They are prepared to pay for it.
“Over the last two or three years, we’ve gone entirely to (Boeing) 777 services here, and every cabin in that aircraft is new. So if you take the economy cabin, where most people travel, we’re nine abreast (with) inflight entertainment in every seat. Many of our competitors are 10 abreast.”
As cities such as Guangzhou vie to become large international flight hubs, Hogg emphasized Hong Kong’s geographic advantage and the importance of Cathay Pacific’s (and its subsidiary, Dragonair’s) role as Hong Kong’s home-base carrier.
“Only a home-base carrier has the wherewithal to create the banks of incoming flights and make them connect to the banks of outgoing flights — once, twice or three times a day — and that’s what allows you to connect efficiently across a hub,” Hogg said.
This year, 30 million mainland Chinese are expected to travel by air.
Cathay is addressing the challenge of increasing fuel costs by rejuvenating its fleet of 180 aircraft. It has ordered 95 aircraft and taking possession of 15 to 16 new aircraft a year.
“Our fleet is rapidly becoming younger and rapidly becoming more fuel efficient, and that is the key way you have to address this issue. You have to invest in advance.”
Hogg, a longtime Cathay and Swire Group executive, has been Cathay’s director of sales and marketing since 2010 and will become COO in March.
“If you look at Cathay Pacific we have very long-term plans, and we have great continuity of management. All my colleagues, I’ve worked with for decades. So when a new man comes in, most of the challenge is making sure we keep running the ship as normal.”
© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun -
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HKCBA National posted an articleTravel & business professionals gather for Hong Kong Canada Business Association luncheon in Vancouv see more
Cathay Pacific Airways and the Hong Kong Canada Business Association held a luncheon event attended by over 200 travel and business professionals at the Four Seasons hotel in Vancouver yesterday.
The theme of the event was "Hong Kong and Cathay Pacific: Continuing a Successful Journey". Last year marked the 30- year anniversary of Cathay Pacific’s Vancouver- Hong Kong service, which launched in 1983.
Vancouver was the first gateway Cathay Pacific opened in North America, with 747 service across the Pacific to Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Canada Business Association is also celebrating it's 30 year anniversary in 2014.
Top Cathay Pacific executives were on hand to introduce the airline’s current director of sales and marketing Rupert Hogg. Hogg has also been appointed Cathay’s new chief operating officer, effective in March.
"[It’s] great to see such a large turnout at today's Hong Kong Canada Business Association lunch," said Chris Vandenhooven, Cathay Pacific's general manager, sales, Western Canada.
"Being Rupert Hogg's first North American speaking engagement since his announcement to chief operating officer underlines the importance YVR [and] Western Canada plays in the airline's global success," Vandenhooven added.
Hogg’s keynote address focused on the ever-strengthening aviation and business ties between Vancouver and Hong Kong.
“Vancouver has a very special place in the heart of those of us based in Hong Kong,” said Hogg. “Vancouver is important to us, and Canada has placed an incredible role in the evolution of Cathay Pacific.”
The address emphasized a “20 year view” on Hong Kong and Cathay Pacific’s path to continuing their successful partnership.
Hogg emphasized that Cathay Pacific’s Vancouver service contributed to the growth of Hong Kong international airport, and the airline’s commitment to the future of Hong Kong aviation.
“When [we] first started Vancouver- Hong Kong service, we carried 3.2 million passengers per year, we now carry 30 million passengers per year and connect to 40 points in mainland China,” Hogg said.
With sister airline Dragon Air, Cathay Pacific now flies to 60 destinations in China and India.
“The Hong Kong hub carried 56 million people last year, it’s the largest aviation hub in Asia the third largest international aviation hub in the world, and the largest cargo hub in the world,” Hogg said.
108 airlines now fly in and out of Hong Kong, which is home to 3,500 regional and international business headquarters.
Cathay Pacific also has its sights set on new destinations, and plans on introducing new product.
“We do intend to continue to grow in Canada, we want to be the preferred airline in Canada on the aviation side of the Pacific Rim, and we want people to choose us above all other airlines because of the standard of service, and that’s our commitment for the next 20 years,” said Hogg. -
