Connect with us

Media OutReach

HKPC Releases “AI Readiness in Workplace Survey 2025” AI Adoption Approaches 90%, Talent Shortage is the Biggest Challenge; Eight Key Recommendations to Deeply Integrate AI with Industry Digital Transformation

Published

on

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 October 2025 – The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) today released the results of the “AI Readiness in Workplace Survey 2025”, which delves into the overall readiness, actual needs, challenges and future development opportunities of local enterprises in the application of artificial intelligence (AI). Building on these insights, HKPC set out eight strategic recommendations to drive broad and deep integration of AI across industries and to accelerate enterprise digital transformation.

As AI emerges as the core engine of a new wave of industrial transformation, the HKSAR Government’s latest Policy Address explicitly designates AI as a pillar industry for Hong Kong’s future development. In light of this trajectory, local enterprises face mounting urgency to accelerate AI deployment, embed AI into core operations, and build sustainable, AI-driven competitiveness. To assess the current state of adoption, the HKPC Academy, under HKPC, conducted a survey in September 2025, successfully interviewing around 800 local companies. The major findings are as follows:

AI Applications Enter a New Phase: From Tool Trials to Full Integration

AI technology is moving from initial trials to comprehensive integration and has become an important support for enterprises’ digital transformation and strategic upgrades.

  • Widespread use of AI tools: 88% of employees in surveyed companies have already used AI tools in their day-to-day work, mainly in customer service, data analysis, and marketing.
  • Integrating AI into Formal Workflows: 92% of respondents plan to gradually introduce AI into related workflows in the future, with 24% planning to fully implement it within one year, indicating a strong willingness to drive adoption.
  • Institutional and Governance Framework Development: 45% of the surveyed enterprises already have officially recognised AI platforms for employees to use, and more than half (54%) of them said they do not have a complete or ongoing AI governance framework or policy for the time being.
  • Recognition of application benefits: Respondents believe that AI can help increase productivity, reduce production costs, improve decision-making, and enhance customer experience.

Enterprises Face Five Major Challenges in AI Application: Talent Gap and Data Security as Core Obstacles

Despite the increasing popularity of AI technology applications, enterprises still face multiple challenges in practice:

  1. Lack of AI Expertise and Training: Talent development lags technology, becoming the top hurdle to AI rollout.
  2. Data Privacy and Security Concerns: Enterprises have concerns about data handling, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
  3. Difficulty in Integrating with Existing Systems: Incompatible technical architectures leads to complex and costly deployments.
  4. Employee Resistance or Readiness Gaps: Weak digital culture and limited awareness of transformation contribute to slow implementation.
  5. High Implementation Costs: Cost pressures are particularly significant for SMEs with limited resources, impacting their willingness to adopt.

“Three Directions and Eight Actions” Lead Enterprises to Accelerate the Implementation of AI Applications

To address the above challenges, HKPC has put forward eight recommendations to plan a systematic AI transformation roadmap for enterprises, from human resources, strategic layout to organisational culture:

Establishing AI Foundations:
1. Develop a clear AI development strategy and long-term plan.
2. Strengthen leadership from the top and cross-departmental collaboration to establish a top-down transformation promotion mechanism.
3. Establish a data governance and security compliance framework, along with a trusted AI application foundation

Deepening Operational Integration:
4. Implement AI skills training for all employees and cultivate a digital organisational culture.
5. Promote the integration of AI systems with internal corporate systems to lower technical barriers.
6. Deeply embed AI tools into business processes to improve operational efficiency.

Achieving Sustainable Impact:
7. Implement the “One Enterprise, One AI Coach” Scheme to empower AI professionals to continuously promote AI training and application within the organisation.
8. Establish an AI investment return assessment and optimization mechanism.

Dr Lawrence CHEUNG, Chief Technology Officer of HKPC, said, “In the digital economy era, AI has become an indispensable core pathway driving digital transformation for enterprises. Its application has shifted from being the domain of the technical department to a necessary skill for all employees. We encourage enterprises to craft a clear AI development blueprint and systematically plan their future technological roadmap and talent strategy. Top-level design should lead business innovation to build sustainable competitiveness. HKPC will continue to play the roles of ‘promoter, connector, implementer, and gatekeeper’ to facilitate the deep integration of AI with industry. In the future, we will connect the four key elements of ‘standards, technology, talent, and scenarios’ to ensure that AI applications are responsible, scalable, and sustainable. Through demonstrative guidance, we aim to drive intelligent upgrades in the industry and help Hong Kong become a global AI+ model city, achieving dual enhancements in the economy and people’s livelihoods.”

HKPC Empowers Enterprises Digitally Transformation with the “AI for All” Initiative

To accelerate the adoption of AI technology, HKPC has officially launched the “AI for All” initiative, which comprehensively enhances the AI application capabilities of enterprise employees and the public through training empowerment, technical support and industry collaboration, and assists enterprises in their digital transformation. Internally, HKPC is leading the way in cultivating an AI culture, providing over 6,000 hours of AI training to employees, with an average of 5.5 hours of training per person. Various departments have actively promoted over 100 internal AI application projects and developed the innovative AI tool “HKPC Picasso”, which has effectively improved internal work efficiency and provided a transformation model for the industry.

In terms of enterprise AI skills support, HKPC assists enterprises in establishing AI governance frameworks and compliance guidelines, providing clear standards for data security, privacy protection, and ethics across the industry. On the other hand, the HKPC Academy systematically promotes talent cultivation, provides professional courses, qualification certifications, and capacity improvement programs, and continues to provide AI professionals to the industry to improve the industrial ecosystem. Over the past two years, HKPC Academy has provided over 500 AI-related training activities, training approximately 22,000 people, reflecting the high demand for AI skills in the market. Currently, HKPC Academy offers more than 20 AI courses, teaching practical AI combat skills from simple to deep. In order to support the learning of corporate employees, those who enroll in designated online courses can receive an additional nine online courses. HKPC Academy will also collaborate with leading technology companies to invite instructors with practical experience to teach and launch a series of free AI activities to help corporate employees and the public master AI skills.

In terms of industrial applications, HKPC actively aligns with Government policy objectives, formulates a clear roadmap for AI+ development for enterprises, and verifies the effectiveness of the technology through scenario pilots. To lower the entry threshold for enterprises, HKPC not only provides “lightweight, low-threshold” AI solutions covering applications such as customer service automation, document intelligence, and demand forecasting, but also integrates around 250 digital solutions from the Mainland and Hong Kong , along with numerous application cases through the “Digital DIY” platform, providing SMEs and individuals with around intuitive technical references and implementation paths, helping enterprises quickly achieve initial transformation. At present, AI technology has achieved concrete results in three major areas: the introduction of visual inspection and predictive maintenance in the field of smart manufacturing to improve production capacity and yield; In the field of cyber security, AI attack and defense drill platforms are used to strengthen enterprise protection capabilities; In the field of smart city, data analysis is used to optimise the efficiency of transportation, environment, and public services.

In conjunction with the release of this survey, the HKPC Academy held the “HR + L&D Mixer” event on the same day, with the theme of “Redesigning Work and Employee Experience in the Age of AI”. The event invited 100 leaders from human resources, technology, and industry to discuss the impact of AI on job design, talent development, and future skills, promoting companies to strengthen employee experience and cultural construction during transformation.

For High resolution photo and presentation deck, please click here

Hashtag: #HKPC

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About the Hong Kong Productivity Council

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a multi-disciplinary organisation established by statute in 1967, to promote productivity through relentless drive of world-class advanced technologies and innovative service offerings to support Hong Kong enterprises. As a nationwide leader in innovative, market-driven research and development (R&D), specialising in leading technologies and all-rounded manufacturing services, HKPC promotes new industrialisation in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland and facilitates the development of new productive forces, leveraging innovation and technology (I&T), as well as bolstering Hong Kong to be an international innovation and technology centre and a smart city. The Council offers comprehensive innovative solutions for Hong Kong industries and enterprises to enhance competitiveness. To further support businesses in expanding into global markets, HKPC has established “The Cradle – Go Global Service Centre”, providing essential services to address businesses’ needs in product development, technology, manufacturing, and management, empowering enterprises to successfully go global. The Council partners and collaborates with local industries and enterprises and world-class R&D institutes to promote technology transfer, product innovation, and commercialisation through product innovation, technology transfer, creating value for industries. HKPC’s world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning an array of local and overseas accolades.

In addition, HKPC offers SMEs and startups immediate and timely assistance in coping with the ever-changing business environment, and strengthens talent nurturing and Hong Kong’s competitiveness with FutureSkills training for enterprises and academia to enhance digital capabilities and STEM competencies.

For more information, please visit HKPC’s website: .

About HKPC Academy
The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) has established the Productivity Training Institute in 2004 and upgraded to the HKPC Academy in 2018 to nurture local talent with FutureSkills. By offering innovative, diversified and value-added industry training activities, exhibitions, events and seminars, so as to upgrade the knowledge and skills of practitioners in the industry, enlarge the I&T talent pool, and accelerate Hong Kong’s transformation into an international I&T hub and a smart city.

To promote the I&T culture and overall I&T atmosphere in the community, HKPC Academy works closely with the academia and TechEd partners to offer a wide range of FutureSkills and TechEd training programmes.

For more information on training programmes, please visit: or contact the HKPC Academy.

Advertisement

Media OutReach

FikaGO Debuts in SoHo, Blending Pet Stroller with Modern Lifestyle Design

Published

on

The Taiwan-born pet mobility brand opens its first SoHo pop-up inside Flying Solo, bringing its Nordic-designed pet stroller collection to the heart of New York City.

NEW YORK, USA – Media OutReach Newswire – 02 April 2026 – FikaGO, the design-led pet mobility brand recognized across Asia and Europe, has opened its first New York City pop-up store inside Flying Solo in SoHo. The opening marks a deliberate move for a pet brand into one of the world’s most competitive retail districts.

FikaGO Blending Pet Stroller with Modern Lifestyle Design

Since entering the online American market in 2025, FikaGO has built a growing community of pet parents who see their animals as a central part of everyday life. Positioned as lifestyle essentials rather than conventional pet gear, FikaGO’s range of products is designed for people who want the best for their fur babies.

“We’ve always believed that pet products should not only be functional, but also beautifully integrated into everyday life.” — Eric Guu, Co-founder, FikaGO

SoHo was a considered choice: Flying Solo, with locations in New York and Paris, is known for championing independent design with a distinctly global sensibility.

The pop-up showcases FikaGO’s auto-folding Free To Go 2 in Sandy Beige, the brand’s bestselling product. All FikaGO’s products are manufactured using eco-friendly fabrics made from recycled materials, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. This includes their large-capacity Agile 2 pet strollers to their airline-approved Truffle carriers and the heavy-duty Kross pet wagon.

“Launching in SoHo is a meaningful milestone for us; it allows customers to truly experience the quality, design, and intention behind every FikaGO product.” — Eric Guu, Co-founder, FikaGO

As pet ownership rises globally, particularly among urban millennials and Gen Zs, demand for products that combine functionality, design, and lifestyle integration continues to grow. FikaGO was built for precisely this moment, and SoHo is precisely where that moment lives.

Visit the FikaGO pop-up at Flying Solo, 419 Broome Street, New York, or explore the full collection at https://us.fikago.com/.
Hashtag: #FikaGO #petmobilitybrand #petstroller #petcarrier #petwagon #petkennel #petbiketrailer




YouTube:

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About FikaGO

FikaGO is a pet mobility brand founded in Taiwan, dedicated to crafting products that blend functionality, comfort, and modern aesthetics. With a presence across Asia and growing reach in Europe and the U.S, FikaGO is redefining everyday experiences between pets and their humans.

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

Lee Kum Kee Celebrates Culinary Excellence at the Historic Hong Kong Debut of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026

Published

on

HONG KONG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 April 2026 – Lee Kum Kee Sauce (“Lee Kum Kee”), a global leader in sauces and condiments, proudly served as the Official Sauce and Condiment Partner for the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 awards ceremony in Hong Kong, China. The event marked the first time the celebrated culinary award had taken place in Hong Kong, making the occasion especially significant for the city and the wider Asian dining community.

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards Ceremony 2026. Photo credit: Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant

From 23-25 March, Lee Kum Kee brought together top chefs, diverse cultures and industry communities through a range of thoughtfully curated experiences, bringing authentic Asian flavours to the global stage. As well as reaffirming the brand’s Asian roots and international perspective, its involvement reflected an enduring commitment to preserving culinary heritage and driving gastronomic innovation.

Asian Flavour Duet: A Culinary Journey Through Heritage and Innovation

Helping to build momentums for this year’s awards, Lee Kum Kee collaborated with Vicky Cheng, the acclaimed Executive Chef and owner of WING, to co-create the “Asian Flavour Duet”, a Hong Kong-style late-night supper party on 24 March. Hosted at two Hong Kong culinary landmarks, the experience unfolded in two chapters – “Paying Tribute to Heritage” and “Innovative Fusion” – and invited guests to explore the limitless possibilities of Asian flavour.

The evening began at the century-old Lin Heung Lau teahouse, a space filled with nostalgia and memories for generations of Hong Kongers. Chef Vicky reinterpreted classic Hong Kong late-night dishes using signature Lee Kum Kee sauces, while guests were immersed in the warmth of the historic venue.

(Left) Chef Vicky presents classic Hong Kong late-night dishes at Lin Heung Lau; (Right) Guests enjoying the nostalgic flavours.
(Left) Chef Vicky presents classic Hong Kong late-night dishes at Lin Heung Lau; (Right) Guests enjoying the nostalgic flavours.


The celebration then moved to Medora, Chef Vicky’s Western dining space, where an “Innovative Fusion” was revealed. He showcased his modern culinary philosophy by incorporating Lee Kum Kee sauces with contemporary techniques to create bold, unexpected dishes. Guests also enjoyed specially crafted cocktails infused with Lee Kum Kee sauces, alongside a delightful yet refined sauce-inspired gelato, demonstrating a harmonious interweaving of savoury, umami, sweetness and spice.

The multisensory journey seamlessly blended tradition with innovation, exploring the future of cuisine while highlighting Lee Kum Kee’s role as a global gateway to Asian culinary culture.

At the event, Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs at Lee Kum Kee, commented, “Tonight, we are honoured to celebrate Hong Kong’s late‑night food culture with Chef Vicky and the global culinary community. From the legacy of Lin Heung Lau to the forward‑looking spirit of Medora, we are proud to be part of the creative journey and help showcase the depth of Asian flavours on the world stage.”

Celebrating a Gastronomic Brilliance with the Highest Climber Award Sponsored by Lee Kum Kee

During the awards ceremony on 25 March, Lee Kum Kee’s booth showcased a range of the brand’s acclaimed classic sauces and innovative products. Guests sampled specially crafted bites featuring Lee Kum Kee sauces, engaging directly with the flavours and techniques that have made the brand a trusted partner in both home and professional kitchens worldwide.

Guests taste creative canapes: beef cheek guabao and shrimp dumpling with egg white; and exchange culinary insights at the Lee Kum Kee booth.
Guests taste creative canapes: beef cheek guabao and shrimp dumpling with egg white; and exchange culinary insights at the Lee Kum Kee booth.


As part of the evening’s celebration of the region’s most exceptional culinary talents, the Highest Climber Award sponsored by Lee Kum Kee was presented to Lamdre in Beijing by Chef Park from Atomix (No.1 in North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025). Lambre was applauded for its pioneering plant-based dining space that promotes healthy, sustainable living while honouring Chinese biodiversity in its menus.

Lamdre claims the Highest Climber Award sponsored by Lee Kum Kee. Photo credit: Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants
Lamdre claims the Highest Climber Award sponsored by Lee Kum Kee. Photo credit: Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants


In addition, WING, led by Chef Vicky, achieved an impressive second place in 2026 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The restaurant had also previously ranked No. 11 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2025, underscoring its continued international acclaim.

Building the Future Together: Deepening Global Partnerships

With the success of this prestigious awards ceremony in Hong Kong, China, Lee Kum Kee looks forward to deepening its collaboration with leading talents in the global culinary community. By continuing to champion Asian flavours and foster meaningful dialogue and exchange, the brand will continue to bring the spirit of Asian cuisine to kitchens and dining tables around the world.
Hashtag: #LeeKumKee #LKK

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Lee Kum Kee

Lee Kum Kee is the global gateway to Asian culinary culture, dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Since 1888, it has brought people together over joyful reunions, shared traditions and memorable meals. Beloved by consumers and chefs alike, Lee Kum Kee’s range of more than 300 sauces and condiments sparks creativity in kitchens everywhere, inspiring professional and home chefs to experiment, create and delight. Headquartered in Hong Kong, China and serving over 100 countries and regions, Lee Kum Kee’s rich heritage, unwavering commitment to quality, sustainable practices and “Constant Entrepreneurship” combine to enable superior experiences through Asian cuisine for people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.LKK.com.

About Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants

Launched in 2013, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants aims to showcase the outstanding achievements and diverse culinary landscape of the region. The list is determined by the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, a panel of over 350 culinary experts from across Asia who vote independently based on their specialised knowledge of the local dining scene. The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants series includes the awards ceremony and list announcement, creating a premier networking platform for restaurateurs, media, seasoned travelers and culinary connoisseurs to celebrate the exceptional service, passion and talent in the dining industry.

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

DHL Express appoints new commercial lead for Asia Pacific

Published

on

  • Herbert Vongpusanachai takes on the role of Senior Vice President for Commercial for the region, effective April 1, 2026

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 April 2026 – DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has appointed Herbert Vongpusanachai as Senior Vice President, Commercial for Asia Pacific, effective April 1, 2026. Herbert, who currently serves as Managing Director for DHL Express Thailand & Indochina, will be based in Singapore for his new role.

Herbert Vongpusanachai, Senior Vice President – Commercial for Asia Pacific, DHL Express

Herbert brings more than two decades of leadership experience within DHL Express, having successfully helmed multiple key markets across the region. He first joined the company in 2003 as Managing Director for Thailand & Indochina, later taking on leadership of Singapore in 2008, followed by Hong Kong & Macau in 2016. Since returning to lead Thailand & Indochina in 2020, he has driven sustained year‑on‑year profitable growth, transforming the cluster into one of the region’s key engines of expansion.

“Herbert has an exceptional track record of delivering strong business results while nurturing highly engaged teams across diverse markets. His deep understanding of our customers, collaborative leadership style, and ability to unearth opportunities in complex environments make him the ideal leader to drive our commercial agenda for Asia Pacific. I am confident that under his guidance, we will continue to accelerate sustainable growth across the region,” said Ken Lee, CEO for Asia Pacific, DHL Express.

In his new regional role, Herbert will shape and accelerate the commercial strategy for DHL Express across Asia Pacific by working with other functions to assess new sectors, routes and trade lanes with high potential for growth. He will focus on deepening customer engagement and supporting their expansion, while driving sustainable volume growth and advancing the adoption of new technologies to enhance commercial execution across markets. With his extensive country expertise and people‑first leadership style, Herbert is well‑positioned to support both regional and country teams in raising commercial performance to new levels.

“Asia Pacific remains an important anchor in global trade as seen in the latest DHL Global Connectedness Report, and this indicates the unwavering role of logistics to facilitate the flow of goods. With the newly introduced Heavyweight Express solution, which enables customers to ship heavyweight shipments with speed, certainty and reliability, I look forward to working alongside our talented teams to contribute to shaping the next chapter of DHL Express’s commercial success,” said Herbert Vongpusanachai, Senior Vice President – Commercial for Asia Pacific, DHL Express.

The latest DHL Global Connectedness Report shows that the region remains a major anchor of global commerce, with multiple economies rising in global connectedness rankings and Southeast Asia firmly establishing itself as a fast‑growing trade corridor. This also mirrors one of DHL Group’s strategies to better support 20 markets globally to accelerate growth; eight of them rest in Asia Pacific – underscoring the region’s critical role in DHL’s global network. As trade flows diversify and intra‑Asia integration deepens, this leadership appointment further strengthens DHL Express’s position in Asia Pacific.
Hashtag: #DHL


The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 389,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 82.9 billion euros in 2025. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

Continue Reading

Trending