วัน: 28 พฤศจิกายน 2025

Some 760 participants attended Milan symposium to explore opportunities in finance, innovation, supply chain and creative industriesA flagship event featuring high-level dialogues and more than 260 on-site business matching meetings connected Hong Kong and Italian companiesMilan, Italy, Nov 28, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) –  The Think Business, Think Hong Kong (TBTHK) signature promotion organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) was held on 27 November in Milan to promote bilateral trade and investment with Italy.Returning to Italy for the first time since 2014, the TBTHK event attracted over 1,000 participants. The TBTHK symposium was held at Palazzo Mezzanotte – home of the Italian Stock Exchange – and attended by some 760 participants, reaffirming the strong and growing relationship between Hong Kong and Italy. Over 240 leaders of the Italian, European and Hong Kong business communities joined the Hong Kong Dinner.TBTHK Milan gathered over 90 delegates from Hong Kong, including government officials, business and creative industry leaders, financial and professional services providers, investors and start-up entrepreneurs, as well as executives from Chinese Mainland companies based in Hong Kong for a day of dialogue, networking and partnership building with Italian companies keen to expand into Asia. The event highlighted Hong Kong’s role as a superconnector and super value-adder, enabling both Hong Kong and mainland enterprises to go global and seize opportunities in Italy and across Europe.At the symposium’s Opening Session, Paul Chan, Hong Kong SAR Government Financial Secretary, and Prof Frederick Ma, HKTDC Chairman delivered remarks. Valentino Valentini, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy, delivered a video speech.In his opening remarks, Mr Chan said: “For long, Hong Kong and Italy have much in common. We share a passion for creativity, craftsmanship, and elegance. Italian style has captured our hearts. Our two cities (Hong Kong and Milan) are gateways connecting continents, blending Eastern and Western ingenuity. And we both thrive on openness, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.”Mr Chan mentioned that the economic partnership between Hong Kong and Italy is flourishing and remarkably diverse: “In 2024, bilateral merchandise trade reached €7.2 billion. Some 200 Italian companies, from world-beating brands to leading players in banking, insurance, logistics and chocolate, have their regional headquarters, offices or operations in Hong Kong.”In his welcome remarks, Prof Ma said: “At the HKTDC, facilitating partnerships is at the core of what we do. Partnerships lead to innovation. And innovation drives growth and expansion. We help businesses, large and small, realise their growth and expansion plans, wherever they may be – China, Asia and beyond.”Prof Ma added: “Renowned as one of the world's leading international financial hubs, many opportunities await Italian businesses in Hong Kong – in traditional and newer sectors. Just like Italy, Hong Kong is focused on I&T. This covers fintech, greentech, AI and smart city development, the creative sector and more. I see great potential for collaboration.”Mr Valentini said: “Italian companies that have been present in Hong Kong for many years now play a leading role in sectors such as fashion, luxury, design, food, manufacturing and logistics, and are also paving the way in more innovative fields.”Mr Valentini added that Hong Kong is an ideal platform for Italian companies that wish to grow in the Chinese Mainland and the wider Asian region, while Italy is moving to further enhance its attractiveness to new investment. The relationship between Italy and Hong Kong is built on decades of exchange and close ties. Now is the time to turn this experience into new, successful partnerships for the benefit of Italian businesses and entrepreneurs.High-level exchanges highlight new areas of collaborationThe plenary session explored global economic trends, the evolving role of Hong Kong's financial markets and the deep integration with the Chinese Mainland that continues to provide international companies, including Italian ones, with a competitive advantage in accessing Asia. The session brought together leading figures from the international business community to discuss how Hong Kong continues to serve as a strategic gateway to Asia.Chaired by Hans Michael Jebsen, Chairman of the Hong Kong-Europe Business Council and Jebsen Group, the discussion featured insights from Bernard Chan, Chairman of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and President of Asia Financial Holdings Limited; Bonnie Chan, CEO of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited; Claudio de Bedin, Partner at Justin Chow & de Bedin Solicitors LLP; Fabio De Rosa, Head of Global Transaction Banking, Banco BPM; and Alex Zhavoronkov, Founder and CEO of Insilico Medicine.Reflecting the evolving priorities of both economies, the five thematic sessions covered four strategic areas. The Digital Trade and Finance session, co-organised with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, explored how technology is reshaping cross-border trade and financial flows. It also showcased how platforms, such as distributed ledger-based trade solutions and commercial data exchange systems, are enhancing efficiency, transparency and access to financing – offering new pathways for Italy-Hong Kong trade collaboration.The Innovation and Technology session, supported by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, focused on smart city innovation and the rapid rise of AI-powered technologies in Asia, illustrating how Italian companies can engage with Hong Kong’s burgeoning innovation ecosystem.After a networking luncheon, the Global Supply Chain session, co-organised with Invest Hong Kong, examined how Hong Kong’s capital markets and corporate treasury frameworks are driving transformation in global supply chains. The discussion highlighted Hong Kong’s role as a hub for supply chain digitalisation, green logistics and advanced manufacturing partnerships.Two Creative and Design sessions were held. One brought together celebrated architects and designers from Hong Kong and Italy, including Steve Leung, Founder of Steve Leung Design Group; Andrea Ponti, Founder and Design Director of Ponti Design Studio Limited; and Dr Rocco Yim, Principal of Rocco Design Architects Associates Limited. The second one, co-organised with the Hong Kong Design Centre and Hong Kong Designers Association, explored how Hong Kong and Italy – two global centres of creativity – can co-design new opportunities in architecture, lifestyle, luxury and cultural innovation. Participants discussed how the fusion of Italian craftsmanship and Hong Kong’s cultural vibrancy can unlock new markets across Asia.Networking and strategic dialogue reinforce long-term tiesAlongside the symposium, TBTHK facilitated over 260 on-site business matching meetings, one-on-one consultations and dedicated networking opportunities. During the event, participants also browsed the InnoVenture Salon and Business Support Zone, an exhibition area featuring over 20 exhibitors from Hong Kong, including start-ups and representatives from government agencies, accounting firms, corporate services companies, logistics specialists, legal firms and many other sectors. The zones provided a practical platform for Italian companies to connect with Hong Kong-based experts, pursue innovative services, solutions and technologies and strengthen cross-border collaboration.Following the symposium, the Hong Kong Dinner was held at Palazzo Parigi. It was attended by over 240 business leaders, government officials and representatives of the Hong Kong and Italian business communities, further promoting bilateral economic and cultural exchanges.Photo Download: http://bit.ly/44xYBrqThink Business, Think Hong Kong Milan organised by the HKTDC was held on 27 November at Palazzo Mezzanotte, attracting some 760 participants. The plenary session brought together leading figures from the international business community to discuss how Hong Kong continues to serve as a strategic gateway to AsiaPaul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR Government, talked about deepening economic ties between Hong Kong and ItalyProf Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, highlighted opportunities for greater collaboration between Hong Kong and Italian companiesValentino Valentini, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy, addressed participants at TBTHK MilanThe TBTHK symposium featured an InnoVenture Salon exhibition with Hong Kong start-ups showcasing their innovationsWebsites:Think Business, Think Hong Kong:https://thinkbusinessthinkhk.com/2025-milan/symposium/en/index.html  Media enquiriesHKTDC’s Communication & Public Affairs Department:Jane CheungTel: +852 2584 4137Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.orgWeber ShandwickNadia LauriaTel: +39 3356962981Email: hkmedia@webershandwickitalia.itMarco PedrazziniTel: +39 3470369222Email: hkmedia@webershandwickitalia.itInes BaraldiTel: +39 3428650498Email: hkmedia@webershandwickitalia.itAbout 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 the Chinese Mainland, 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. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Highlights (relevant audited data for the year ended 31 August 2025)- Revenue increased by 7.7% YoY to approximately RMB2,489 million;- Number of student enrolments increased by 4.4% YoY to approximately 99,800;- Cash and cash equivalents amounted to RMB2,463 million, with ample cash reserves;- Payment of a final dividend of HK7.4 cents per share; dividend payout ratio of 30% for the year.HONG KONG, Nov 28, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – Edvantage Group Holdings Limited (“Edvantage Group” or the “Group”, stock code: 0382.HK) has announced its audited FY2025 Annual Results for the year ended 31 August 2025 (the “Reporting Period”). During the Reporting Period, the Group continued to deepen its investment in high-quality education and achieved fruitful results in talent cultivation, significantly enhancing the value of the education brand and laying a solid foundation for the long-term sustainable development.During the Reporting Period, the Group achieved steady growth, recording revenue of approximately RMB2,489 million, representing an increase of 7.7% as compared with the corresponding period of the preceding year. This increase was mainly attributable to the rise in student enrollments at the Group’s two higher vocational colleges and the higher average tuition fees recorded by the schools in China. The Group’s cash and cash equivalents amounted to RMB2,463 million, demonstrating its ample cash reserves. The number of students enrolled in the Group’s schools continued to expand annually, reaching approximately 99,800, representing a year-on-year growth of approximately 4.4%. Meanwhile, to reward shareholders for their consistent support, the Board of Directors has recommended the payment of a final dividend of HK7.4 cents per share for the year ended 31 August 2025, which, along with an interim dividend of HK6.6 cents per share, equates to a total annual divided of HK14.0 cents per share, and a dividend payout ratio of 30% for the year. This also marks the Group’s 13th consecutive dividend distribution since its listing.From left to right: Ms. Liu Wenqi, Chief Operating Officer; Ms. Liu Yi Man, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer; Mr. Liu Yuk Tung, Chief Financial Officer.Policies and geographical advantages together lay a strong development foundation, driving steady business growthIn recent years, national policies have continued to promote the high-quality development of vocational education. Outline of the Plan for the Construction of China into an Education Powerhouse (2024-2035) clearly proposes establishing an industry-education integration vocational education system, injecting strong momentum into the development of higher vocational education. Leveraging the geographical advantages of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle, the Group has established a professional system that resonates with regional economic development, and proactively launched multiple cutting-edge majors in strategic emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, new energy, and big health. By deepening industry-education integration and school-enterprise cooperation, the Group has built a complete closed-loop from talent cultivation to industrial application, forming a virtuous development cycle where education and industry mutually promote each other. With the dual impetus of policy support and regional development, the Group has significantly enhanced its talent cultivation outcomes and brand value, while maintaining steady business growth.Comprehensive investment has solidified the foundation of education, achieving fruitful results in innovative educationAdhering to the philosophy of “governance by renowned principals and teachers”, the Group has continued to strengthen its teaching team by introducing many education experts, high-quality teachers and industry mentors, while enhancing teachers’ professional competence through systematic training. In terms of campus environment and training facilities, the Group has continued to increase its investment in building modern teaching venues and advanced practical bases, providing strong hardware support for talent cultivation. In developing an innovative curriculum system, the Group has established a diversified curriculum system covering areas such as AI, industry-education integration, internationalization, innovation and entrepreneurship, and ESG. It has also actively promoted innovation in teaching methods by bringing real industry projects into the classroom, enabling students to enhance their professional skills through practical experience.Remarkable results in talent development, with graduates achieving diversified and high-quality developmentThe Group centers its core mission on high-quality student employment and sustainable development, establishing an integrated support system of “further education – employment – entrepreneurship”, which has delivered exceptional results in graduate development. In recent years, many graduates have had the opportunity to pursue further studies at prestigious domestic and international institutions owing to their exceptional comprehensive qualities and professional capabilities. In terms of employment, the industry-education integration platform and school-enterprise cooperation network have enabled students to gain access to domestic and overseas employment opportunities via CO-OP programme and corporate internships. The Group has also established an “Innovation and Entrepreneurship Incubation Fund” and developed a campus incubator to provide full-chain support for student entrepreneurship. In recent years, several groups of students from affiliated institutions have obtained overseas internship and employment opportunities, with some student teams successfully incubating innovative projects. Additionally, an alumni network of over 300,000 members continues to support graduate development, with alumni contributing to their alma mater by serving as industry mentors and providing job referrals. The exemplary performance of the graduates fully demonstrates the significant effectiveness of the Group’s applied talent training system, validating the Group’s educational investment effectiveness.Looking ahead, the Group will remain committed to upholding its founding mission of “building a century-old prestigious school”, persistently deepening the integration of industry, academia and research, and striving to transform the campus into an incubator for cultivating innovative talents. The Group will also leverage the strategic location of the Greater Bay Area to further deepen international education, actively expand the vocational training and lifelong learning markets, and build an education brand with global influence, creating an open and diversified educational ecosystem. Through ongoing strategic investment and innovative education, the Group is committed to advancing steadily in the field of high-quality vocational education and cultivating more application-oriented talents for society.About Edvantage Group Holdings LimitedEdvantage Group Holdings Limited (“Edvantage Group” or the “Group”, stock code: 0382.HK) is the largest private business higher education and vocational education group in the Greater Bay Area, and an early mover in education sector in pursuing international expansion, listed in Hong Kong Main Board on 16 July 2019. The total number of full-time student enrolments of the Group was approximately 99,800 as of 31 August 2025. Operated 9 private education institutions, namely, Guangzhou Huashang College (Applied Undergraduate), Guangzhou Huashang Vocational College (Higher Vocational Education) and Guangdong Huashang Technical School (Secondary Vocational Education) located in Guangdong Province, the PRC; Urban Vocational College of Sichuan (Higher Vocational Education) and Urban Technician College of Sichuan (Secondary Vocational Education) in Sichuan Province, the PRC; GBA Business School (GBABS) in Hong Kong, the PRC; Global Business College of Australia (GBCA) and Edvantage Institute Australia (EIA) in Australia; as well as Edvantage Institute (Singapore) (EIS) in the downtown of Singapore.While focusing on school operations, the Group also actively fulfils corporate social responsibility by proactively launching social welfare programmes in areas including charitable causes and people's livelihood, rural revitalization, and educational support, in order to repay society through concrete actions. Since its listing, the Group has made outstanding contributions in the field of ESG and has won the “ESG Social Responsibility Excellence Enterprise” from Gelonghui in 2025. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com