วัน: 7 สิงหาคม 2025

HONG KONG, Aug 6, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) announced today the appointment of Sophia Chong as the Executive Director with effect from 1 October succeeding Margaret Fong, who is to retire.  Ms Chong is currently a Deputy Executive Director of HKTDC.Professor Frederick Ma, Chairman of HKTDC, stated, "Sophia is an innovative, resolute and wise leader.  Over the years, she has worked closely with small- and medium-sized enterprises (“SMEs”) with a view to enhancing Hong Kong's commercial and trade influence with remarkable achievements.  I firmly believe that she will lead the HKTDC to a new chapter upholding the enterprising spirit of innovation and pragmatism to further consolidate Hong Kong's advantage as a global trading hub, help enterprises seize and explore unlimited business opportunities".Professor Ma also expressed his gratitude to Margaret Fong for her outstanding contributions over the years, praising her for helping the industry expand its global reach, deepening international connections, overcoming various challenges and laying a solid foundation for HKTDC.  He also wished her a fulfilling and happy retirement life.Ms Chong, Executive Director (designate), said, "I am honoured and fully aware of the responsibility on my shoulders.  The global economy is changing rapidly.  Together with the HKTDC team, I will continue to keep pace with the times and leverage Hong Kong's unique advantages as a global hub, drive transformation through innovation and fully connect the local, mainland and international business communities.  This will create broader business opportunities for enterprises and inject inexhaustible impetus into Hong Kong's economy".Ms Chong has served HKTDC for more than 30 years.  She was promoted to Deputy Executive Director in 2022 overseeing exhibition and digital businesses.  She has successfully turned several exhibitions into world-leading sourcing and marketing events, led the innovation of digital commerce, created opportunities for SMEs, connected global buyers and guided HKTDC to become a leading trade promotion organisation.The appointment was unanimously approved by the Council and announced after obtaining the consent of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in accordance with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council Ordinance.Photo download: http://bit.ly/4of4WjQSophia CHONG, Executive Director (designate), Hong Kong Trade Development CouncilSophia CHONG will assume the role of Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) with effect from 1 October 2025.  In that position, Ms Chong will lead HKTDC to support Hong Kong small- and medium-sized enterprises to explore business opportunities internationally via its global network.From 2001 to 2003, she was the Regional Director for Southern China based in Guangzhou, spearheading the Council’s promotional programmes in Guangdong, Guangxi and Fujian. From 2004 to 2009, she was responsible for promoting Hong Kong’s creative industries covering film & entertainment, design & licensing, and information technology.In 2010, Ms Chong was appointed as Director, Exhibitions to oversee Visitors Promotion for HKTDC international fairs and forged close collaboration with industry multipliers and global buyers via the network of HKTDC worldwide offices. She was Director, Publications & E-Commerce from 2011 to 2014, overseeing the Council’s online marketplace and the mobile applications of over 20 product magazines and industry supplements.Ms Chong graduated from the University of Hong Kong with an honours degree in Arts. She attended the Stanford Executive Program of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business in 2016.Media enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Sam HoTel: (852) 2584 4569Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org   About HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

HONG KONG, Aug 6, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - A major breakthrough in surgical embodied intelligence in Robot-Assisted Surgery (RAS) has been achieved in Hong Kong, China. At a press conference held on 5 August, the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) officially announced that its multidisciplinary research team, in collaboration with Cornerstone Robotics, a leading global innovator and unicorn enterprise in surgical robotics, has successfully developed the world’s first embodied intelligence platform for multitask surgical automation. The team also completed the world’s first clinical validation of autonomous surgery using this platform on Cornerstone Robotics’ self-developed Sentire® Endoscopic Surgical System.The research paper, titled “Surgical Embodied Intelligence for Generalized Task Autonomy in Laparoscopic Robot-assisted Surgery”, has been published in Science Robotics, a prestigious research journal in the field of robotics and a flagship publication under the Science family. With a current impact factor of 27.5 and a five-year impact factor of 32.9, Science Robotics is one of the most influential journals in the global robotics field. This marks the first successful in vivo animal testing using a Chinese-developed laparoscopic surgical robot equipped with AI-powered embodied intelligence, validating its multitask autonomy and human-robot collaboration capabilities. It demonstrates the generalisability of the algorithms and the system’s clinical feasibility, paving the way for a future of smarter, more collaborative, and more accessible robotic surgery.A Breakthrough Framework: VPPV Embodied IntelligenceThe research introduced a novel paradigm for surgical task automation, encompassing visual parsing, a perceptual regressor, policy learning, and a visual servoing controller (VPPV). This framework combines robust visual foundation models, the generalisation capability of reinforcement learning, and integration of data-driven policy and classic controller to achieve breakthroughs in autonomous performance of robot-assisted surgery, particularly regarding stability, flexibility, and repeatability. Unlike traditional methods in autonomous surgery that rely on additional sensors or pre-defined models and rules, this research is the world’s first purely vision-based surgical embodied intelligence framework, featuring full perception, multitask applicability, precise closed-loop servo control, and human-robot cooperation functions. It significantly lowers the barrier for R&D and clinical adoption, setting a new benchmark for next-generation intelligent surgical assistants.The research team trained multiple AI frameworks with generalized task autonomy using their independently developed open-source surgical embodied intelligence simulator, SurRoL, and successfully achieved zero-shot sim-to-real transfer. SurRoL integrates multimodal sensing, built-in physics engine modelling, and multi-task operation training, encompassing the robot-assisted surgery control interface, simulation environment, and reinforcement learning engine.Ex and In Vivo Validation on the Sentire® Endoscopic Surgical SystemTo simulate real surgical settings, the research team conducted rigorous experiments using ex vivo porcine stomach tissue (preserving the left and right gastroepiploic arteries) and an in vivo ~30kg pig. Both tests were completed using the Sentire® Endoscopic Surgical System, fully developed by Cornerstone Robotics. During the in vivo validation phase, an innovative supervised autonomy safety mode was adopted. Without any external sensors and relying solely on the Sentire® Endoscopic Surgical System’s high-definition stereoscopic endoscope system, the robot autonomously executed several surgical assistive tasks, such as gauze picking, soft tissue retraction, and blood vessel clipping. The system demonstrated robust adaptability to environmental changes, reliable control stability, and clinical translation potential, offering tangible support for the surgical embodied intelligence mode driven by human-robot collaboration.A Vertically Integrated, AI-Ready Robotic PlatformDr. Jerry Wang, Co-Founder, Chief Technology Officer, and Chief Operating Officer of Cornerstone Robotics, and the corresponding author of the study, stated, "The Sentire® Endoscopic Surgical System, as a core platform in this research, is built on a fully self-developed infrastructure-including mechanical, electrical, software architecture, robotic algorithms, imaging systems, and advanced energy control. This commercial-grade integrated robotic system provides the technical robustness and precision needed for stable deployment of AI autonomy in dynamic surgical environments."He added, "At Cornerstone Robotics, we remain committed to the R&D strategy of full-stack independent research and vertical integration. Our proprietary technology, independently developed software, hardware and system integration, benefits our core platforms with exceptional scalability, with built-in AI-readiness and AI-friendly architecture. This not only enables rapid adaptation and deployment of AI algorithms but also allows the system to flexibly address diverse surgical tasks and scenarios, laying a solid foundation for the evolution of intelligent surgery."From Lab to Operating Room: A Leap Toward Clinical TranslationAs a key technology partner in the research, the Cornerstone Robotics team worked closely with CUHK researchers to complete the successful deployment of algorithms and their in vivo validation on the Sentire® Endoscopic Surgical System. This achievement not only validates the open-source infrastructure and high compatibility of Cornerstone Robotics’ platform but also marks a significant advance in accelerating AI-powered surgical assistance from the lab to the forefront of clinical translation.Professor Samuel Au, Founder and CEO of Cornerstone Robotics, commented, "We firmly believe that deep integration between research and industry is the driving force behind breakthroughs in advanced medical technologies. This collaboration not only validates the real-world application of embodied AI on a commercial robotic surgical platform but also showcases their vast potential in surgical automation. We will continue to work with international researchers and clinical partners to explore new eras in task automation, human-robot collaboration, and intelligent system monitoring mechanisms, to accelerate the path toward real clinical application of smart surgical robots."About Cornerstone Robotics Limited (CSR)Cornerstone Robotics (CSR) is a unicorn enterprise, leading medical innovations to create a healthier world. It advances surgical care with cutting-edge robotic systems that make high-quality healthcare more accessible and efficient globally. Founded in 2019, CSR has assembled a global team of surgical robotics experts, clinical professionals, and multidisciplinary innovators, driving rapid growth with key hubs in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Beijing, Shanghai, and Boston (US), alongside an R&D collaboration hub in Portsmouth (UK). With multiple development pipelines, we are pioneering robotic solutions for soft tissue and other surgical specialties.To find out more information, please visit our website at https://en.csrbtx.com/. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

HONG KONG, Aug 6, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Phoenitron Holdings Limited ("Phoenitron" or the "Company", together with its subsidiaries, the "Group"; stock code: 8066) is pleased to announce that the Group’s e-commerce business has continued to grow rapidly, achieving groundbreaking results. Based on the unaudited management accounts of each of the Group’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Shanxi Dongchuang Digital Entertainment Technology Group Company Limited ("Shanxi Dongchuang") and CyberMirage (HK) Limited ("CyberMirage"), the e-commerce business and the artificial intelligence (“AI”) business recorded unaudited aggregated revenue of approximately HK$60.9 million and unaudited aggregated profit before taxation of approximately HK$55.6 million for the six months ended 30 June 2025, respectively. This reflects the rapid growth of the Group’s e-commerce business and the success of its forward-looking deployment in the artificial intelligence sector.The Group's e-commerce business encompasses the operation of the Dongchuang E-Commerce App Service Platform, a membership e-commerce platform that operates within a pan-entertainment digital ecosystem, and the provision of speech technology-related services via AI platform. The Group has been consistently pursuing the diversification of its business portfolio to capitalize on new development opportunities in the booming digital economy and AI applications. To promote business expansion, the Group acquired Shanxi Dongchuang in 2024, which not only introduced an Internet operations team with rich experience and strong customer resources, but also established a competitive advantage in private domain traffic operation, injecting strong momentum into the Group’s entry into the AI field and its business upgrading and transformation.The successful operation of the private domain e-commerce platform has not only driven rapid performance growth for the Group, but also accumulated over 100,000 loyal members. In CyberMirage’s AI speech technology data collection and annotation business, these members will contribute over 100,000 speech material contributors, accelerating the Group’s upgrade and transformation into an AI data service enterprise.The outstanding performance of the e-commerce business and the AI business marks a milestone in the Group’s business development and has laid a foundation for the Group to seize opportunities in the growing e-commerce platform industry and the expanding AI business. Looking ahead, the Group will continue to enhance the operation of its private e-commerce platform and AI business, comprehensively expand its e-commerce business, continue to strengthen its core advantages, and strive to achieve high-quality business development. The Group will also continue to seek suitable investment opportunities to further enhance its growth potential and remain committed to generating sustainable returns for its shareholders.About Phoenitron Holdings LimitedThe mission of Phoenitron Holdings Limited is to provide shareholders with an optimum steam of steady income and gains by best leveraging the Company’s access to capital and unique investment opportunities. Phoenitron is comprised of six primary business segments, including smartcard manufacturing services, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, financial consulting, recycled resources investment and media and entertainment investments. Its principal activities are manufacturing and sale of smart cards, provision of customised smart card application systems, operation of private domain e-commerce platform, AI speech technology data service, provision of financial and management consultancy services, sale and trading of scrap metals and investment in the media and entertainment industry. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the Company has primary holdings and investment across Greater China. About Shanxi Dongchuang Digital Entertainment Technology Group Company LimitedShanxi Dongchuang Digital Entertainment Technology Group Company Limited (formerly known as “Hainan Dongchuang Digital Entertainment Technology Group Company Limited”) operates a pan-entertainment digital ecosystem membership e-commerce platform, which primarily provides entertainment e-commerce with private domain traffic, including the provision of digital products and services.About CyberMirage (HK) LimitedCyberMirage (HK) Limited (formerly known as "PMIS Limited") provides artificial intelligence voice services. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

SAN DIEGO, Aug 6, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - International Land Alliance, Inc. (OTCQB: ILAL), a leading international land investment and development firm, announced today the launch of a series of live Zoom webinars designed to provide prospective homebuyers and investors with an immersive, real-time look at the Company’s flagship development, Rancho Costa Verde, located in the scenic San Felipe region of Baja, Mexico.The inaugural webinar, hosted by ILAL’s Vice President of Marketing Robert Rios, will be held Thursday, August 6 at 7:00 p.m. PDT (10:00 p.m. EDT). Attendees can register in advance at: Zoom Registration Link“There has been so much interest nationwide, and not everyone can travel to San Diego and then Baja—so we decided to bring Baja to them,” said ILAL President Frank Ingrande. “This is the first of many events, and we’re excited to eventually broadcast future sessions directly from the resort community itself.”The webinars aim to bridge the gap between lifestyle homebuyers and the investment community by offering both groups a transparent look into ILAL’s unique vision. Rancho Costa Verde is a sustainable, solar-powered residential resort development offering affordable, high-quality homes along the Sea of Cortez.“Why can’t we create crossover excitement between intelligent homebuyers and savvy pubco investors” Ingrande added. “The Zoom webinars are a vehicle for transparency and engagement. Our goal is to show—not just tell—what makes our company and properties so unique.”As a special incentive, participants who complete the post-event survey will receive a complimentary 3-day, 2-night Baja Weekend Getaway, which includes transportation from San Diego, accommodations, and most meals.In a further strategic development, ILAL has secured an exclusive agreement to become the sole licensed reseller in Mexico for a popular U.S.-based tiny home product line, furthering its commitment to sustainable living. Full details will be released in a separate announcement scheduled for pre-market Tuesday, August 12.For more information about ILAL and its properties, visit www.ila.company About International Land Alliance, Inc. International Land Alliance, Inc. (OTCQB: ILAL) is an international land investment and development firm based in San Diego, California. As its’ core mission, the Company has embraced technology for sustainable and socially responsible solutions, in addition to using proptech and construction tech advanced applications to meet these goals. The Company is focused on acquiring attractive raw land primarily in Northern Baja California, often within driving distance from Southern California. The Company serves its shareholders by allotting considerable resources to seek out the finest sites available and obtaining the necessary development permits to build a compelling portfolio of properties, which provide a diversity of investment and living options. Please visit: www.ila.companyMedia Contact:Investor RelationsInternational Land Alliance, Inc.Email: info@ila.companyPhone: (877) 661-4811Safe Harbor StatementThe press release may include certain statements that are not descriptions of historical facts but are forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements may include the description of our plans and objectives for future operations, assumptions underlying such plans and objectives, and other forward-looking terminology such as "may," "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "intends," "projects,” or similar terms, variations of such terms or the negative of such terms. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements made herein. Such information is based upon various assumptions made by, and expectations of, our management that were reasonable when made but may prove to be incorrect. All such assumptions are inherently subject to significant economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies beyond our control and upon assumptions with respect to the future business decisions which are subject to change. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that actual results will meet expectations, and actual results may vary (perhaps materially) from certain of the results anticipated herein. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

MyFintech Week 2025 Highlights Transformative Forces in FinanceMyFintech Week 2025 (MyFW 2025) highlights the forces reshaping the financial sector through digitalisation, sustainability and demographic shifts.The event features experts on key issues in finance, such as digitalisation and innovation, financial inclusion and sustainability.The four-day event showcases transformational insights from thought leaders and masterclasses by industry experts.KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - MyFW 2025 spotlights the forces reshaping the financial sector – digitalisation, sustainability and demographic shifts. Emerging technologies such as generative AI and blockchain are transforming business models and redefining consumer expectations. Malaysia’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions is also driving demand for innovative financial solutions. In addition, the challenges posed by an ageing population stress the need for inclusive policies in long-term welfare, healthcare and social protection.Reflecting these realities, MyFW 2025 is structured around three thematic tracks. From closed-door dialogues to expert-led masterclasses and in-depth focus sessions, these themes form the week’s conversations:‘Finance for the Future’ focuses on building a digitally enabled and forward-looking financial system;‘Finance for Change’ supports sustainability and social impact; and‘Finance for a Resilient Ecosystem’ aims to strengthen financial system resilience.Held from 4 to 7 August 2025 at Sasana Kijang and AICB Centre of Excellence, MyFW 2025 is co-organised by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB), Fintech Association of Malaysia (FAOM) and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). The event brings together regulators, financial institutions, digital banks, fintech innovators, technology providers, policymakers, investors and academia for bold conversations, practical insights and regional alignment.The event was officiated by Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Minister of Finance II. “The financial sector must play a more active role in shaping outcomes that matter to society in the years ahead, supporting these new growth areas, broader entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as fostering economic resilience and social mobility,” he said during his Special Address.The event started with a series of high-level keynotes exploring innovation, inclusion and regulatory clarity. In his opening remarks, BNM Governor Dato’ Sri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour outlined the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of finance, which requires a whole-of-ecosystem solution. “The future we are building demands that policymakers, regulators, technologists, investors and innovators sit at the same table,” he said.Former central banker and Chairman of George Town Institute of Open and Advanced Studies Tan Sri Andrew Sheng, in his keynote themed “Unlocking Tomorrow: Transformative Innovations in Financial Services”, explored how pivotal technologies, including cloud computing, AI and open data are rapidly transforming the financial landscape. Douglas Feagins, President of Ant International explored the mobile interoperability between different countries and how AI is redefining cross-border transactions and user experiences in digital payments, in his keynote on “Beyond Borders: Mobile Payment in AI Era”.The flagship panel session, “Navigating the Fintech Frontier: Bridging Innovation and Regulation”, gathered central bank governors and financial regulators from across the region. Moderated by Erik Feyen, Head of Global Macro-financial Monitoring at the World Bank, the panel featured Dato’ Sri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour, Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi, Executive Chairman of SC, Eddie Yue, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and Chia Der Jiun, Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore. The discussion focused on balancing innovation with consumer trust and the growing need for cross-border collaboration to ensure coherent, future-ready policy frameworks.“Regulatory clarity is essential for fostering responsible innovation, but equally important is the ability to stay agile. Our experience with crypto asset regulation highlights the need for an iterative approach to address fast-paced innovation and market evolution,” Dato’ Faiz said.“We are advancing the next iteration of our approach to digital assets to build a stronger regulated market, boosting competitiveness, resilience, and investor protection. Through regulatory support and ecosystem partnership, we are also facilitating blockchain use cases like bond tokenisation to broaden retail access and democratise wealth creation."The conference features an exciting lineup of sessions on topics including open finance, digital assets and sustainable finance. Participants can also look forward to focused sessions delivered by key partners and industry experts, which will provide in-depth exploration of issues, such as asset tokenisation, generative AI and cybersecurity resilience.About MyFintech WeekMyFintech Week (MyFW) is Malaysia’s flagship finance and innovation event co-organised by Bank Negara Malaysia, Securities Commission Malaysia, Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB), Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Fintech Association of Malaysia. The event brings together leaders, policymakers and innovators to shape the future of finance and serves as a launchpad for collaboration and progress toward a more inclusive, innovative and resilient financial ecosystem.For media enquiries (The appointed PR agency of MyFW 2025):Nazira Yusof, Client ExecutivePRecious Communications+6 011 6230 3806nazira@preciouscomms.com Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

- Food Expo, Food Expo PRO, Hong Kong International Tea Fair, Beauty & Wellness Expo, and Home Delights Expo will be held from 14 August at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre - Featuring some 1,890 exhibitors, the five exhibitions present global gourmet foods and lifestyle products- The Hong Kong International Tea Fair fully opens to both the public and trade buyers for the first time, promoting tea culture- Five theme days including Shall We Tea (14 August), Flavours of Intangible Cultural Heritage (15 August), Asian Delights (16 August), Body, Mind & Soul (17 August), and Taste of HK (18 August) - offer engaging activities and highlight trending products- To celebrate Food Expo’s 35th edition, there are more than 100 special offers provided by the exhibitors including products priced at HK$35.HONG KONG, Aug 6, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 35th  Food Expo, 9th Beauty & Wellness Expo, and 11th Home Delights Expo will take place from Thursday, 14 to Monday, 18 August 2025 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in Wan Chai. Running concurrently, the trade-focused 3rd Food Expo PRO and the 16th Hong Kong International Tea Fair will be held from 14 to 16 August, with the Tea Fair opening to both trade and public visitors for all three days for the first time. Together, these five fairs feature some 1,890 exhibitors, showcasing a diverse global gourmet foods and wines, teas, health and beauty products, and innovative home appliances, providing a one-stop sourcing and shopping experience for trade buyers and the public. Additionally, the International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products (ICMCM), co-organised by the HKTDC, the Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association (MCMIA), and 10 research institutions, will be held on 14 and 15 August, offering industry professionals the latest insights into Chinese medicine.At today’s pre-event press conference, Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, commented: “The 35th Hong Kong Food Expo and its concurrent events are key highlights in Hong Kong’s event calendar. There are five curated theme days across the fairs, each delivering diverse experiences for visitors seeking gourmet delights, wellness, and elevated lifestyles. This year, exhibitors will present a comprehensive line up of products and special deals, complemented by interactive activities and special celebrations for the 35th Food Expo, including lucky draws and engaging games with prizes. These initiatives aim to create a memorable experience for visitors and stimulate local consumption.”The five fairs bring together exhibitors from 35 countries and regions, including first-time participants such as Brazil, Mongolia and Zimbabwe, and representatives from nine ASEAN countries highlighting diverse culinary cultures. With 45 regional pavilions – an increase from last year – the events showcase an extensive international presence, featuring provinces from Mainland China, as well as Macao, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Poland, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.Food Expo PRO and Tea Fair Showcase Diverse Products – Halal Food, and Food Science and Coffee in Focus (14-16 August) The 3rd Food Expo PRO opens exclusively to trade buyers for the first two days, with both public and buyers welcome on the final day (16 August). Global exhibitors present premium food products, services, and technologies, highlighted by the new “Coffee Zone”, featuring coffee products, accessories, and machines from various countries and regions. Mainland China’s leading coffee bean producer, Yunnan Province, presents enterprises from Pu’er City showcasing Kunlu Mountain and Jinpaoshan roasted beans, alongside other specialty products. On 16 August, the Hong Kong Specialty Coffee Association hosts a coffee cupping competition, challenging professional baristas’ taste and smell, fostering exchange among coffee enthusiasts.Building on last year’s introduction of halal food and beverage label, Food Expo PRO and Food Expo feature more than 120 exhibitors from Mainland China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam and beyond, showcasing premium halal products and strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international food hub. A seminar on the halal food market will feature Kowloon Shangri-La, the first Hong Kong hotel to earn a Level 5 Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Certification from Crescent Rating, alongside experts discussing opportunities in the halal industry and promoting Hong Kong as a Muslim-friendly destination. In partnership with the Islamic Trust Fund of Hong Kong, the city’s recognised halal certification body, halal certification certificates will be awarded to local restaurants during the event, supporting businesses in tapping into the Islamic market.The “Food Science and Technology” zone highlights health-focused and future foods tailored for the silver economy, featuring innovative products like soft-textured mooncakes and cognitive health supplements developed by local exhibitors. The Food Technology Seminar will explore the development of additive-free foods in Hong Kong and advocate for a “Clean Label” standard.The 16th Hong Kong International Tea Fair welcomes trade buyers and the public over three days, promoting tea culture through health-focused tea and tea-related activities. Visitors can sample premium teas, including Bai Hao Yin Zhen (Silver Needle Tea), mild-acidity German fruit teas, cherry blossom black tea made from Yunnan’s century-old tea trees, raw Pu-erh tea from 1,500-meter-high ancient trees, award-winning Bai Yun Chun Hao tea, Iranian black and herbal teas, Kenyan orthodox tea, antioxidant-rich Sri Lankan purple tea, paired with exquisite teaware from various regions. The fair also features innovative tea beverages, such as Hong Kong-style Yuan Yang Tea capsules, herbal wellness tea capsules, sparkling tea, kombucha champagne tea, non-alcoholic ice wine tea, and matcha beverages. The “Friends of Tea” zone offers tea-infused snacks and perfumes, blending traditional and modern tea culture.In collaboration with the Chinese Tea Culture International Exchange Association, the fair hosts the inaugural Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Youth International Tea Art Competition 2025, with the theme of “Bridging Eras in Greater Bay Area’s Tea Culture”, fostering cultural exchange among youth in Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangdong. The judging panel for the “Hong Kong International Tea Competition” will select the winners for the “Best Taste” and “Best Aroma” across six categories, with free tastings of the winning teas available to the public on 16 August. Additional event highlights include the “China & Greater Bay Area KamCha Competition 2025 (HK Milk Tea) - Hong Kong Final”, “2025 Hong Kong International Tea Culture Forum and China Tea Tourism City Brand Ceremony”, and the “International Tea Event Space Design Competition 2025”.Food Expo: A Global Culinary Adventure with New Taste Experiences (14-18 August) The 35th Food Expo presents a five-day celebration of global gourmet foods and beverages. The “Gourmet Zone” features seven themed areas, covering fine dining, craft beverages, and indulgent desserts. Highlights include first-time exhibitor Meigetsudo, an 80-year-old Taiwanese confectionery brand offering wagashi and souvenirs, alongside award-winning beef noodles, tea gelato blended with locally made nut butter, specialty coffee, plum-lemon honey soda, Dubai chocolate, and Chinese sake. Local brand  Mezzanine Makers  has collaborated with six Hong Kong brands to create the “Mezzanine Pub”, featuring Kowloon Spirits (Hong Kong’s  first locally crafted whiskey brand), N.I.P. Gin , and Magnolia Lab , a liqueur brand blending Western mixology with Chinese herbs.The “Gourmet Zone” invites 10 star chefs, including Dong Lai Shun’s Sze Chiu Kwan, Fook Lam Moon (Kowloon Bay)’s Chan Chun Hung, The Royal Garden Le Soleil’s Do Thi Thuy Linh, OOAK LAMMA’s Stefanie Leung, and Deli Labo’s Nancy Fung, to demonstrate exquisite dishes using premium ingredients. The “Premium Food” zone showcases more than 30 renowned brands, including Chewy, CHOYA, Kee Wah, Lee Kum Kee, Maxim’s, Nissin, On Kee, Original Taste Workshop, Wing Wah, and first-time exhibitor Häagen-Dazs.The China National Agricultural Pavilion, organised by the Agricultural Trade Promotion Centre, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Mainland China, will present a thousand agricultural and food products from 13 provinces, including Anhui, Guangdong, Hainan, Xinjiang, and Shandong. This will fully showcase the distinctive regional characteristics of agriculture in Mainland China.Beauty & Wellness Expo: Embracing Natural Beauty and Nurturing Mind and Body (14-18 August) The 9th Beauty & Wellness Expo presents premium skincare, haircare, health supplements, and slimming products. A new Polish pavilion introduces high-quality caviar essence creams, natural essential oils, and hair-growth serums.The new “Scentsation” zone focuses on perfumes and aromatherapy, featuring over 20 renowned brands, including Eternal Group, and first-time exhibitor Lush with its hit product Deep Sleep Magnesium Massage Bar. In collaboration with the Hong Kong Association of Flower Arranging Societies, a “Scentsation” showcase explores the power of fragrances in nurturing mind, body, and soul, alongside more than 30 artistic floral displays with the theme of Brilliant Floral Banquet.The Body Mind Spirit zone offers stress-relieving activities such as gong baths, sand painting, and hand massages. Industry partners, including the Hong Kong China Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness, Federation of Beauty Industry (H.K.), Hong Kong Hair & Beauty Merchants Association, International Beauty & Health General Union, and the Cosmetics & Perfumery Association of Hong Kong, present the Beauty Salon, providing complimentary eyebrow trimming, manicures, body painting, and hairdressing services with limited availability.Home Delights Expo: Future Homes for Elevated Lifestyles (14-18 August) The 11th Home Delights Expo showcases products such as home technology, massage chairs, kitchen appliances, bedding, furniture, and interior design services. New exhibitors include EMMAS, KuKa, Leung So Kee and Maxell. The “Avenue of Delights” showcases over 35 lifestyle brands, including LAURASTAR, Osim, Owell, Tiger, and Zwilling.Featured home tech includes Towngas’ steam washing machine with smart stain treatment, German Pool’s Induction Cooker Food Warmer Turntable for simultaneous cooking and heat retention, and Thermomix’s multifunctional kitchen appliance, combining over 30 appliances in one compact unit, saving time and space. Celebrating Snoopy’s 75th anniversary, the “Snoopy Hide & Seek” activity invites visitors to snap photos with Snoopy and friends for a chance to win special prizes.Five Theme Days: Unique Activities Every Day The fairs feature cross-exhibition theme days, each offering curated experiences: 1.Shall We Tea (14 August): The opening day includes Northern and Southern dim sum demonstrations, tea therapy workshops, and talks such as The Legacy and Contemporary Dialogues of Chinese Tea Culture and The Beauty of Tea, Where Small Things Reveal Greatness.2.Flavours of Intangible Cultural Heritage (15 August): Highlights include Hakka Sau Fan making, and demonstrations of traditional steamers and bamboo crafts. Master Choi Wing-kei share some behind-the-scenes stories related to floral plaque craftsmanship, alongside Tai Chi and Wing Chun performances. 3.Asian Delights (16 August): Showcases Asian cuisine and culture with Chinese sake brewing demonstrations, Vietnamese and molecular Thai cooking demonstrations, Japanese shamisen performances, and Thai yoga massage experiences.4.Body, Mind & Soul (17 August): Focusing on the silver economy, exhibitors like Mannings offer a Smart Health Station with free health tests for seniors. Seminars explore immunity-boosting diets, therapeutic soups, and cross-border medical trends in Hong Kong.5.Taste of HK (18 August): Partnering with DRAGONS' DEN, the Vegetable Marketing Organization, and the Fish Marketing Organization, the event promotes local produce, inspiring healthy, delicious home-cooked meals that embody the farm-to-table dining.ICMCM: Experts Discuss Trends in Chinese Medicine and Health Products (14-15 August) The Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association (MCMIA) is partnering with the HKTDC, and ten scientific research institutions to present at the latest International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products (ICMCM). Under the theme “Latest Research Progress in Preventing and Treating Tumors, Inflammation, and Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases with Traditional Medicine”, the conference features 21 prominent speakers from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and abroad, sharing insights on innovations, global trends, challenges, and successful case studies. Conducted in a hybrid format to enable global participation, the conference also offers Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits for Hong Kong-registered Chinese medicine practitioners.Food Expo Celebrates 35th Edition with Exclusive Offers To celebrate the 35th Food Expo, free admission tickets are available each day before noon, with 350 each at Halls 3FG and 5FG entrances respectively and redeemable with the designated advertisement. Over 100 promotions are priced at HK$35 to tie in the 35th Food Expo. The “Food Expo 35th Edition – Treasure Hunt” game engages visitors in Hall 3, where they can hunt for ‘treasure’, scan QR codes, answer questions correctly, and redeem gifts. Together with daily lucky draws, prizes are worth over HK$1 million, including kitchenware, furniture, beauty products, gourmet foods, health items; a lucky draw entry is granted for a single transaction of HK$300 or more. The “Smart Bidding” session allows visitors to bid on favourite items starting at 10% of their original price. Visit the “August Happy Buy” promotional website for flash sales and exclusive discounts.Physical ticket sales are unavailable at the venue. E-tickets can be purchased in advance through AlipayHK, Alipay, 01 Space, 7-Eleven, Circle K, Octopus app, or The Club app, or at venue entrances using AlipayHK, Alipay, or Octopus. Discounted “Morning Admission” and “Evening Admission” are offered on select dates.Photo download: http://bit.ly/3HlVfiXThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will host a series of events in August, including the 35th Food Expo, 9th Beauty & Wellness Expo, 11th Home Delights Expo, 3rd Food Expo PRO, and 16th Hong Kong International Tea Fair. These five exhibitions, along with the International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products, will commence on 14 August at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). At a press conference today, Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, announced the exciting details of these eventsThe Food Expo PRO empowers industry professionals to seize opportunities, with the Food Science and Technology zone as a key highlight, showcasing innovative advancements shaping the future of diningThis year’s Food Expo PRO and Food Expo feature more than 120 exhibitors with the halal food and beverage label, showcasing premium halal productsFor the first time, The Hong Kong International Tea Fair opens to both trade professionals and the public for all three days. Visitors can sample premium teas and teaware from various regions and explore innovative tea beverages, including Bai Hao Yin Zhen (Silver Needle Tea), the finest Chinese white tea, and Canadian ice wine tea crafted from grapes grown below -8°CThe Gourmet Zone offering fine food and wine that will surely satisfy the taste buds of every food lover, including chocolates by five-star hotel chocolatiers using famous wines from across AsiaThe Premium Food Zone featuring a wide range of renowned brands highlighting the quality flavours This year, the Beauty & Wellness Expo introduces a new zone: Scentsation with a focus on perfumes and aromatherapy, featuring over 20 renowned brands, allowing visitors to explore the charm of different scents and experience the benefits of aromatic products for physical, mental, and spiritual healthThe Home Delights Expo showcases innovative products including a multifunctional kitchen appliance of a German brand that combines over 20 appliances in one compact unit, saving time and spaceArtist Chan Ka-sin unboxing the highlighted products from the five theme days at today's press conferenceThe theme of ICMCM this year is “Latest Research Progress in Preventing and Treating Tumors, Inflammation, and Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases with Traditional Medicine”. Last year's conference is shown in the photoOpening dates and times of the exhibitions:DateHKTDC Food Expo PROOpen to trade buyers only: 14-15 August (Thursday to Friday)Open to trade buyers and public: 16 August (Saturday)Hong Kong International Tea FairOpen to trade buyers and public: 14-16 August (Thursday to Saturday)HKTDC Food Expo, HKTDC Beauty & Wellness Expo, HKTDC Home Delights Expo14-18 August (Thursday to Monday)International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products14-15 August (Thursday to Friday)TimeHKTDC Food Expo PRO, Hong Kong International Tea Fair14-15 August: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm16 August: 10:00 am to 5:00 pmHKTDC Food Expo, HKTDC Beauty & Wellness Expo, HKTDC Home Delights Expo14-17 August: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm18 August: 10:00 am to 6:00 pmVenueHong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan ChaiAdmissionFood Expo Public Hall, Home Delights Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo and Hong Kong International Tea Fair 2025 single ticket: HK$30 per person (Ticketholders can pay a top-up fee of HK$10 for admission to the Gourmet Zone on the same day)Food Expo Public Hall and Gourmet Zone, Home Delights Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo and Hong Kong International Tea Fair 2025 combo tickets: HK$40 per person**HK$36 per person during the pre-sale period from 31 July to 13 August (Tickets are available for pre-sale and walk-in at all 7-Eleven and Circle K convenience stores for HK$36 per person.)Remarks: Holders of 16 August single ticket & combo ticket can visit the Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea FairMorning admission tickets: Entry before noon on 14, 15 and 18 August, Thursday, Friday and Monday, to the Food Expo Public Hall, Home Delights Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo and Hong Kong International Tea Fair on the same day: HK$10 (pay directly by AlipayHK, Alipay or Octopus card for admission at the hall entrances only)Night admission tickets: Entry after 6:00 pm on 14 to 17 August, Thursday to Sunday, to the Food Expo Public Hall, Home Delights Expo, Beauty and Wellness Expo on the same day: HK$10 (pay directly by AlipayHK, Alipay or Octopus card for admission at the hall entrances only)Concessionary price for persons with disabilities: HK$10 (top-up fee for the Gourmet Zone on the same day is HK$10)Note: Persons with disabilities need to present a “Registration Card for Persons with Disabilities”, issued by the Labour and Welfare Bureau (pay directly by AlipayHK, Alipay or Octopus card for admission at the hall entrances only)Tourist tickets: HK$20 (HK$30 including admission to the Gourmet Zone)Note: Tourists need to present valid travel documents at the fairground to purchase tickets.Free admission is available for children aged three and under and senior citizens aged 65 or above (presenting valid age proof).TicketsE-tickets are available for sale at AlipayHK and Alipay, the 01 Space e-ticketing platform, all 7-11, Circle K convenience stores, Octopus app and The Club app.HKTDC Food Expo PROfoodexpopro.hktdc.comHKTDC Hong Kong International Tea Fairhkteafair.hktdc.comHKTDC Food Expohkfoodexpo.hktdc.comHKTDC Beauty & Wellness Expohkbeautyexpo.hktdc.comHKTDC Home Delights Expohomedelights.hktdc.comThe International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products (ICMCM)icmcm.hktdc.comAugust Happy Buy websiteecoupon.hktdc.com/food/Media EnquiriesOgilvy Public Relations:Rex CheukTel:(852) 5618 9908email:rex.cheuk@ogilvy.comLeanne PokTel:(852) 9379 9694 email:leanne.pok@ogilvy.comDaisy LeungTel:(852) 9275 7704email:daisy.leung@ogilvy.comHKTDC’s Communications and Public Affairs Department:Stanley SoTel:(852) 2584 4049email:stanley.hp.so@hktdc.orgSerena CheungTel:(852) 2584 4272email:serena.hm.cheung@hktdc.orgClayton LauwTel:(852) 2584 4472email:clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.orgMedia Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.comAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit:www.hktdc.com/aboutus.  Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.