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PRHK 2026 Benchmark Report highlights how Hong Kong’s IPO revival, AI, and the GBA are reshaping the SAR’s PR industry

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The Image-Makers Look in the Mirror, and Like What They See (Mostly)

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 June 2026 – The Hong Kong public relations industry has a renewed sense of optimism, driven by the revival of the IPO market and expanding opportunities in technology and travel, according to the results of the 2026 PRHK Benchmark Survey. While agency leaders rated the 2025 business environment as a muted 2.50 out of 5, sentiment for 2026 climbed significantly to 3.08 out of 5.

Some key findings:

  • The “GBA Paradox”: While there is a lot of talk about the Greater Bay Area’s promise, an overwhelming 73.3% of Hong Kong PR agencies currently generate no revenue at all from the GBA. The Hong Kong government’s recent launch of the GoGlobal connect platform, which can also connect agencies to Chinese companies, is one example of an opportunity to redress the situation.
  • AI Adoption Gap: The PR sector has moved quickly to adopt AI: 81.3% of agencies now use ChatGPT, but 75% of agency leaders still flag AI as a top industry issue, struggling to bridge the gap between experimenting with tools and building disciplined, enterprise-wide operational workflows.
  • Culture Trumps Cash: Defying the “revolving door” stereotype of agency life, the industry boasts a remarkably healthy median retention rate of 84.5%. When asked what keeps talent from leaving, 87.5% of leaders cited company culture as their number-one retention driver, completely eclipsing base compensation (43.8%).

Produced by Public Relations Hong Kong (PRHK) in collaboration with the Centre for Communication and Public Opinion Survey at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, the report captures an industry successfully navigating structural challenges while keeping a firm eye on renewed growth.

Financial Services, Tech, and Tourism Lead Growth
When forecasting growth for the next 12 months, 75.0% of agency leaders identified financial services, specifically banking, insurance, and fintech, as the sector with the most potential. This optimism is largely fueled by the anticipated revival of Hong Kong’s IPO market, which is expected to generate significant communications mandates. Technology and travel/tourism tied for second, each cited by 56.3% of respondents as key growth drivers for the year ahead.

Penn Leung, Chairperson of PRHK, noted: “The Hong Kong PR industry is demonstrating remarkable resilience. While budget pressures and talent challenges remain, our agencies are adapting and showing a renewed sense of cautious optimism for 2026. The expected return of financial market activity and the structural expansion of tech and tourism prove that strategic communications counsel is more relevant than ever.”

Budget Pressures and the Threat of Fee Discounting
Pricing and client budgets remain the industry’s most pressing vulnerabilities. An overwhelming 81.3% of agency leaders cited shrinking client budgets as their number-one challenge for the coming year. Consequently, 68.8% of Hong Kong PR agencies admitted to discounting their professional fees in the last financial year to win assignments. The report warns that discounting at this scale carries compounding consequences, pushing down market fees and threatening the perceived value of strategic PR as a premium service.

David Ketchum, Research Chair of PRHK, commented: “The data reveals critical insights that agency leaders must address head-on. The disparity between ambitions in the Greater Bay Area and actual revenue generation is stark. Furthermore, the prevalence of fee discounting poses a structural threat to our industry. Agencies that will thrive in 2026 are those that firmly defend their value and operationalize new technologies to enhance their consulting-led strategies.”

Download the full 2026 PRHK Benchmark Report HERE
Download the Summary Infographic HERE

Infographic Benchmark Survey page 2
Infographic Benchmark Survey page 3
Infographic Benchmark Survey page 4

Hashtag: #PRHK

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About PRHK

Public Relations Hong Kong (PRHK) is the city’s premier network for PR and communications professionals, dedicated to driving industry standards and representing the voice of the local market.

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Greenworks Deepens Its Localisation Strategy in Europe, Building a New Pillar for Global Growth

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FLORENCE, ITALY – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 June 2026 – At the Greenworks European Dealer Conference, Greenworks announced the rollout of its 24V PowerAll power tool range across Europe, marking the completion of its rollout across the United States, Asia-Pacific and Europe. It marks a new phase in its strategy, with power tools becoming a core pillar alongside its established garden tool business. According to Grand View Research, Europe accounted for 23.5% of global power tool revenue in 2025. A German dealer noted that the shift to integrated battery systems has changed customer purchasing behaviour, reflecting broader industry evolution.

“Europe is one of the world’s core markets for power tools and a key pillar of Greenworks’ globalisation strategy. We will continue to improve our local operating system, deepen collaboration with partners and, through the Greenworks Power ecosystem” said Chen Yin, CEO of Greenworks.

The 24V PowerAll platform is built around a unified battery ecosystem designed for both DIY and professional users. It includes a Home DIY product line for everyday household tasks and a Pro line for high-intensity professional applications, serving users from homeowners to electricians, builders and maintenance professionals. The platform covers more than 200 compatible products, enabling one battery to power drills, saws, lawn mowers, pressure washers and vacuum cleaners across multiple categories. It also enables cross-category energy sharing, strengthening long-term user retention and brand engagement.

Based on 24V lithium-ion technology and brushless motor systems, the platform delivers stronger power, longer runtime and higher efficiency. A shared battery architecture also reduces user costs while increasing convenience and cross-category usability. Greenworks has also introduced USB-C fast charging with advanced GaN technology, improving charging efficiency for tools and portable devices.

In Europe, Greenworks is strengthening localisation across channels, supply chain, product portfolio and brand operations. The company continues to expand its European presence while enhancing its Greenworks Commercial offering for professional landscaping and urban maintenance. The European Operations Center in Florence, Italy, plays a key role in improving logistics efficiency and supporting faster response times across regional dealer networks.

Greenworks will continue investing in lithium-ion battery innovation and brushless motor technologies to support sustainable electrification across global markets.

Hashtag: #Greenworks

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Sri Lanka Bar Smoke & Bitters Honoured With Coveted Michter’s Art Of Hospitality Award As Part Of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026

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The acclaimed island bar becomes the first Sri Lankan venue to receive this prestigious hospitality award

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 June 2026 – Sri Lanka’s celebrated coastal venue Smoke & Bitters has been named winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award in the run-up to Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026.

Voted for by more than 300 members of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars Academy, this award recognises an establishment that has delivered exceptional hospitality over the past 18 months, setting a new benchmark for guest experience across the region.

Located on Pehembiya Beach in Dikwella on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Smoke & Bitters has risen steadily since opening in January 2020. In 2025, it ranked No.14 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars and No.67 on the extended list of The World’s 50 Best Bars, becoming the first bar in Sri Lanka to feature on the global ranking. The venue has also been named The Best Bar in Sri Lanka on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list for four consecutive years.

The brainchild of co-founders Don Ranasinghe and Lahiru Perera, Smoke & Bitters was created to showcase Sri Lanka’s culinary heritage and ingredients through a contemporary cocktail and dining experience. Their commitment to authenticity means all dishes are cooked using traditional wood fire – either smoked or chargrilled – as signified by ‘Smoke’ in the name, while ‘Bitters’ reflects bitters from indigenous Sri Lankan herbs and spices which dominate a cocktail menu inspired by myriad global cultures.

Beyond its culinary and cocktail philosophy, hospitality lies at the core of the Smoke & Bitters experience. Reflecting Sri Lanka’s culture of warmth and generosity, the team delivers service that is relaxed yet attentive, creating an easy-going beachfront setting where guests feel genuinely welcomed. This balance of informality and care has become a defining feature of the bar and underpins its recognition with the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award.

The drinks menu draws inspiration from early Tiki pioneers while integrating local ingredients and techniques. Signature serves such as the Bananarama combine smoked wild bee honey with Rockland arrack, banana peel, falernum and smoked hellfire bitters, reflecting the bar’s flair for layering smoke and spice. The playful Mai Chai blends Ceylon chai tea with rum, triple sec, spiced orgeat and chai syrup, lifted by elemakule tiki bitters, while Pani Like Dodang balances Sri Lankan sweet orange and gin with ginger honey, triple sec, salt and pepper, mint and orange bitters. The bar has become recognised for its ingredient-led cocktails built around seasonal local produce such as rambutan, mangosteen and woodapple, underscoring its commitment to celebrating Sri Lanka’s natural bounty.

Emma Sleight, Director of Content & Creative for Asia’s 50 Best Bars, says: “Smoke & Bitters has played a pivotal role in redefining perceptions of Sri Lanka’s bar scene. Its commitment to local ingredients, open-fire cooking and heartfelt hospitality creates an experience that feels both deeply personal and globally relevant. Congratulations to Don, Lahiru and the entire team on this well-deserved recognition.”

Don Ranasinghe & Lahiru Perera, Co-Founders of Smoke & Bitters say: “It’s honestly pretty crazy to receive the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award and see Sri Lankan hospitality being recognised on this level. We’ve always believed there’s something really special about the way people welcome and look after you on our island, so this means a huge amount not just to our team, but to the wider hospitality community in Sri Lanka as well. From day one, Smoke & Bitters has been about creating a warm, relaxed space genuinely rooted in our culture—so to be recognised for our hospitality is incredibly meaningful.”

Matt Magliocco, Executive Vice President for Michter’s, says: “Congratulations to Don Ranasinghe, Lahiru Perera, and the entire Smoke & Bitters team on winning the Art of Hospitality Award. Smoke & Bitters has become recognised as a destination for thoughtful hospitality, and we’re delighted to celebrate this well-deserved achievement.”

The Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award is the first of two special accolades to be announced ahead of the 11th edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier. The 2026 edition will culminate in a live awards ceremony at Wynn Palace, Macau on 28 July, featuring a red-carpet celebration and the official unveiling of The Best Bar in Asia 2026.

This year’s programme is designed to encourage dialogue and creative exchange within the drinks industry, with curated events such as the Bartenders’ Feast, highlighting Macau’s vibrant food and beverage culture, and Meet the Bartenders, an intimate media roundtable. The ceremony will also be livestreamed on the 50 Best YouTube channel, allowing bar professionals and enthusiasts around the world to take part virtually.

About Asia’s 50 Best Bars

Asia’s 50 Best Bars is the first regional event of The World’s 50 Best Bars brand, created in 2016 with the purpose of showcasing the best and most innovative talent in the drinks industry in this region. The annual ranking is based on the votes of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars Academy, comprising the most knowledgeable and travelled members of the bar industry, drinks media and mixology experts from across Asia. The Academy spans dozens of cities across the continent, reflecting the relative development and importance of bar scenes in different locations and the diversity of the drinking scene in Asia. Asia’s 50 Best Bars, The World’s 50 Best Bars, North America’s 50 Best Bars and Europe’s 50 Best Bars are owned and organised by William Reed, the group behind The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, The World’s 50 Best Hotels and The World’s 50 Best Vineyards.

About the host destination partners Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace

Wynn Macau is a luxury integrated resort in Macau with two iconic towers featuring a total of 1,014 spacious rooms, luxury retail, 11 food and beverage outlets, two spas, a salon and a pool. The resort proudly boasts three distinct entertainment experiences, including the choreographed Performance Lake, blending lofty plumes of water, gracefully choreographed, powerful LED lights and fire effects.

For more information, visit press.wynnmacau.com.

Wynn Palace is Wynn’s second luxury integrated resort. Located in the Cotai area, it features a 28-storey hotel with 1,706 exquisitely furnished rooms, versatile meeting facilities, renowned luxury retail, 12 food and beverage outlets, an upmarket food hall featuring 6 standalone restaurants and a variety of additional food offerings, Macau’s largest spa, a salon and a pool. The resort also features a variety of entertainment experiences, including the dazzling eight-acre Performance Lake, the unique SkyCab, an immersive entertainment center, largescale floral sculptures and an extensive collection of Western and Asian art displays.

For more information, visit press.wynnpalace.com.

About the Award Sponsor Michter’s:

Based in Louisville, Kentucky, Michter’s celebrates an extraordinarily rich heritage tracing back to 1753. The Michter’s team spares no expense in its efforts to produce the greatest American whiskey possible, with tremendous attention given to every step in the production process. Michter’s has received extensive critical acclaim for its line of Bourbon, Rye, Sour Mash, and American whiskeys.

Our Partners

  • Wynn Resorts Macau – Official Host Destination Partner
  • Perrier – Official Water Partner, sponsor of The Best Bar in Asia
  • SevenRooms – Official Booking Platform Partner, sponsor of SevenRooms Best Bar Design Award
  • Doordash – Official Delivery Partner
  • Michter’s – Official American Whiskey Partner, sponsor of Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award
  • Nikka Whisky – Official Whisky of the World Partner, sponsor of Nikka Highest Climber Award
  • Ketel One – Official Vodka Partner, sponsor of Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award
  • Three Cents – Official Mixers Partner, sponsor of Three Cents Best New Opening Award
  • Siete Misterios – Official Mezcal Partner, sponsor of Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award
  • NOAM – Official Beer Partner
  • Roku Gin – Official Gin Partner, sponsor of Roku Industry Icon Award
  • Altos Tequila – Official Tequila Partner, sponsor of Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award
  • Cointreau – Official Orange Liqueur Partner, sponsor ceremonial scarves
  • Rémy Martin – Official Cognac Partner, sponsor of Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award
  • Langjiu – Official Baiju Partner
  • Torres Brandy – Official Brandy Partner, sponsor of a Best in Destination Award
  • Monkey Shoulder – Official Scotch Whisky Partner, sponsor of a Best in Destination Award
  • Disaronno – Official Italian Liquor Partner, sponsor of a Best in Destination Award
  • Amaro Lucano – Official Amaro Partner
  • Campari – Official Bitters Partner
  • Mancino Vermouth – Official Vermouth Partner
  • Back to the Roots – Official Root Beer Liqueur Partner

Hashtag: #Asia’s50BestBars


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Save the Children Hong Kong’s Play to Thrive: Prioritising Personal Growth Over Competitive Success

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World Cup Fever Returns: Learning Emotional Management on the Pitch

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 June 2026 – The four-yearly World Cup is in full swing, and the football fever once again sweeps the globe. The pitch has long been known as a “proving ground” for heroes; even for world-class players with years of experience, the joy of scoring a goal is often balanced by the sight of others in tears, frustrated by a defeat. The prowess of these players will be etched into the hearts of countless children, inspiring a lifelong love for the sport.

Save the Children Hong Kong firmly believes that the football pitch is more than just a venue for competition—it is an ideal classroom for Social-emotional Learning. For eight-year-old Kai-long, the setbacks and failures experienced on the pitch have proven far more vital to his personal growth than mastering technical skills or perfecting “step-overs”.

The Play to Thrive programme empowers children to master emotional management and communication skills while staying active in sports. Compared to a “Zidane turn”, these are the skills that will truly serve them for a lifetime.

On the training ground, eight-year-old Kai-long’s skills are clearly “a cut above the rest”. From the way he carries the ball to the power of his strikes, he already carries himself like a mini professional. During internal matches, he frequently finds the back of the net, scoring multiple goals for his side.

However, the moments that truly bring a smile of approval to the coaches and teachers are not Kai-long’s technical displays, but his small yet heart-warming gestures. For instance, he is seen helping teammates by steadying the inflatable goalposts during shooting drills. Even when knocked down during a match, if the coach does not blow for a foul, Kai-long doesn’t complain; he simply brushes it off with a smile and gets straight back to chasing the ball.

When Excellence Becomes a Burden: Children Trapped by the Need to Win

“He has a personality that tends to be quite fixated on winning and losing. Because of his own performance, or because his classmates’ performance didn’t meet his expectations, he would sometimes experience emotional ups and downs,” explains Mr. Lui, the PE teacher. He admits that while Kai-long’s football skills are outstanding, his stubborn nature previously caused friction with teammates and classmates. Mr. Lui noted that since Kai-long was already a member of the school’s reserve team, he recommended him for the Play to Thrive programme not to “learn football”, but in the hope that he would learn how to get along with others.

Consequently, what moved Mr. Lui the most was not Kai-long’s “goal-scoring show”, but his reaction during a match when other students deliberately moved the inflatable goalposts. Instead of complaining or losing his temper as he might have done in the past, Kai-long continued to play with a smile on his face. “Previously, he might have called it unfair or had an emotional outburst, but today he didn’t complain; he even found it quite funny. He is no longer fixated on winning or losing.”

In the eyes of his father, Chung, Kai-long has been a child with extremely high expectations of himself and a drive for perfection since he was young. “Whether it is schoolwork or his behaviour, he hopes to be a good role model and be very well-behaved.” However, Chung also mentioned that this perfectionist streak serves as a source of pressure for Kai-long.

Interpersonal Skills Are More Important Than Footballing Ability

Chung admits that Kai-long used to be very fixated on winning and losing: “In the past, if he lost a game of football against his elder brother, he would be resentful; when he was younger, he even tried to hit him.” While it is natural to crave goals and seek victory on the pitch, Chung also believes that how one treats others and interacts with peers is a vital part of growing up, which is why he enrolled Kai-long in Play to Thrive.

“Football is a natural educational tool,” says Ms. Wong Shek Hung, Director of Hong Kong Programmes at Save the Children Hong Kong. She explains that experiencing victory, defeat, and frustration is inevitable in sports, providing the perfect opportunity for children to learn emotional management. She adds that Play to Thrive originated from a community football programme developed by Save the Children UK for children in Jordan and Indonesia.

The core of the programme lies in integrating Social-emotional Learning into football training to help children build five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Furthermore, the programme is open to all children regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background, allowing them to master self-awareness, emotional regulation, and team communication skills within a diverse and inclusive environment.

No Ordinary Football Training

As this is unlike conventional football training, every coach is required to undergo professional training covering “Child Safeguarding” and emotional support knowledge. Ms. Wong Shek Hung notes that during the “debriefing” session at the end of each practice, coaches guide the children to reflect on their experiences on the pitch, attempting to translate these moments into emotional literacy. The ultimate goal is “to let children learn how to become ‘masters of their own emotions’.”

Demonstrating Personal Growth and Cultivating Leadership Skills

Mr. Lui noticed that after joining the programme, Kai-long not only showed progress in his personal emotional management but also learned how to consider things from others’ perspectives. During PE lessons, Kai-long has become more willing to take the initiative to help his classmates and has learned to accept teammates with different abilities, even proactively coaching others. “He gets along with his classmates much more harmoniously now; the barriers that existed before have disappeared,” Mr. Lui remarked. He further revealed that Kai-long’s form teacher, having observed this growth, officially appointed him as a class monitor for the second term.

His father, Chung, observed that since joining the programme, Kai-long has demonstrated a level of resilience rarely seen before. He recalled a match where Kai-long served as both captain and goalkeeper; even when facing conceded goals and falling behind, “his first instinct wasn’t to feel discouraged, but rather to keep encouraging his teammates from the back to keep running and keep attacking.”

Ms. Wong Shek Hung reaffirmed that this is precisely the philosophy of Play to Thrive: “We emphasise ‘Football Second, Growth First’, ensuring that even if children lose a match, they learn to handle their emotions, communicate, and cooperate throughout the process.”

Building Resilience: Transforming Lives Through Football

Ms. Kalina Tsang, CEO of Save the Children Hong Kong, stated that she has always believed football is a powerful tool for building resilience in children: “We have always been concerned about children’s physical and mental well-being. Football is more than just a sport; beyond honing technical skills, it can be used to build a child’s resilience. By combining football training with Social-emotional Learning, and under the guidance of professionally trained coaches, Play to Thrive ensures that the sweat shed by children on the pitch is transformed into self-awareness and emotional management skills.” Ms. Tsang also noted that Kai-long’s growth perfectly embodies the programme’s success. She said, “We are deeply gratified to see Kai-long progress from initial emotional fluctuations to confidently cooperating with teammates and facing victory or defeat positively—improving both on a personal level and in his interactions with peers.”

As for Kai-long himself, it is difficult for an eight-year-old to describe his transformation in detail. But when asked what was different about him, he said with an innocent smile, “I used to blame my teammates for not passing the ball, but now I’ve learned not to. I tell them: ‘It’s okay, pass it again next time. We’ll win the ball back together.'”

Launched in Hong Kong in 2023, the Play to Thrive programme is a service that integrates Social-emotional Learning with football training. It aims to create a safe and supportive space for schoolchildren, promoting their physical, social, and mental health through sport. The programme currently operates across various districts in Hong Kong, including community teams in areas such as Sham Shui Po and Tin Shui Wai. The school-based project collaborates with over 30 primary schools across the territory, integrating football training into school life to help students recognise and manage their emotions, build healthy interpersonal relationships, and enhance their confidence and resilience. In response to the current situation where up to 39% of primary and secondary students in Hong Kong face mental health challenges, the programme places special emphasis on SEL to help children master effective communication and emotional management both on and off the pitch.

In 2025 alone, the community and school projects of Play to Thrive held a total of 744 training sessions, with total service hours exceeding 1,000 hours. The programme reached 1,120 children and their families across Hong Kong, establishing close partnerships with 32 schools and 4 non-profit organisations. In terms of impact assessment, participant satisfaction was high, with satisfaction rates for the community and school projects reaching 80% and 75%, respectively.

Interview Video: https://savethechildren.click/PTT-KaiLong-Video-2026
Hashtag: #SavetheChildrenHongKong #香港救助兒童會 #mentalhealth #精神健康 #football #足球 #WorldCup #世界盃





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Save the Children Hong Kong

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In Hong Kong and around the world, we do whatever it takes – every day and in times of crisis – so children can fulfil their rights to a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. With over 100 years of expertise, we are the world’s first and leading independent children’s organisation – transforming lives and future.

Established in 2009, Save the Children Hong Kong is part of the global movement which operates in around 100 countries. We work with children, families, schools, communities and our supporters to deliver lasting change for children in Hong Kong and around the world.

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