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“AI with HKPC” Smart AI Solutions Showcase Series Grandly Opens Focusing on SMEs, Education, and Smart Property Nearly 100 AI Solutions Lead Industrial Transformation
To expand AI application scenarios and enhance enterprises’ competitiveness, the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is hosting the inaugural “AI with HKPC” Smart Solutions Showcase Series, which officially opens today. Professor SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, HKSAR Government, and the Hon Sunny TAN, Chairman, Hong Kong Productivity Council, officiated at the opening ceremony, underscoring the Government’s and the industry’s shared determination to drive the broader adoption of AI applications. Registration for the event has been enthusiastic, with over 3,000 representatives from the Government, industry, academia and research communities expected to attend, reflecting the “AI for all” trend and strong market demand for digital solutions.
The three-day event focuses on three major themes, including empowering SMEs, digitalised education, and smart property, showcasing nearly 100 ready-to-deploy AI solutions covering diverse scenarios such as operations management, customer interaction, school administration and teaching, and building maintenance. It marks AI’s shift from concept demonstrations to real-world deployment, injecting practical momentum into Hong Kong’s new industrialisation and smart city development.
Professor SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, HKSAR Government, said: “AI is transforming the world at an unprecedented pace. Hong Kong, with its unique strengths in research foundation, international talent pool and open market environment, provides the ideal soil for advancing the industrialisation of AI. The HKSAR Government has been promoting the development of AI in a comprehensive manner across research, computing power, data, talent and funding. HKPC also actively assists enterprises in mastering AI technologies and enhancing AI governance, not only laying a solid foundation for application by businesses, but also nurturing digitally skilled talent with a vision for the future and driving the continuous upgrading of industries. HKPC has long supported and worked closely with the HKSAR Government in advancing innovation and technology development. Let us continue to work hand in hand and seize opportunities, and jointly propel Hong Kong to become a leading pioneer of smart transformation in Asia”.
The Hon Sunny TAN, Chairman of Hong Kong Productivity Council, said: “HKPC actively responds to the national ’15th Five-Year Plan’ recommendation and fully supports the HKSAR Government’s direction of promoting the deep integration and application innovation of AI across various industries. This showcase aims to build a transformation bridge from ‘seeing’ to ‘doing’, not only demonstrating the broad potential of AI technologies, but also providing actionable and scalable pathways to help enterprises extend pilot projects into full-scale deployment, thereby realising AI-driven industry transformation.” He further noted, “As AI adoption accelerates, robust cyber security protection is the foundation for responsible AI use. According to the latest report from the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre, local cyber security incidents in 2025 rose by 27% year-on-year, reaching a record high. HKPC will continue supporting enterprises in building a secure and trustworthy AI application environment, so the industry can innovate with confidence and transform with assurance.”
The “AI with HKPC” Smart Solutions Showcase Series focuses on four common pain points enterprises face during AI transformation, which is “integration challenges, insufficient funding, security concerns, and talent shortage”. Guided by the philosophy of “technology as a bridge, industry as the foundation,” HKPC promotes the popularisation and industrialisation of AI applications. Through the showcase, local SMEs can gain deeper understanding of practical AI use cases across business operations, while also accessing a series of technical solutions and services. HKPC’s self-developed multipurpose AI platform “HKPC Picasso,” aims to respond to the “integration challenges” commonly faced by most enterprises in AI transformation, with “ease of use” as the core concept, providing an end-to-end and executable AI transformation support system for the common needs of different industries. It currently offers six large language model (LLM) modules, over 30 commonly used functional modules, and around 40 applications, supporting rapid development and deployment of smart solutions. This significantly lowers development costs and technical barriers, enabling enterprises to deploy and launch customised AI systems within several weeks. The platform makes AI more accessible, empowering SMEs to kick-start smartification transformation with ease.
HKPC also provides AI Governance and Testing Services to help enterprises address “security concerns”. The services cover AI governance framework design, ethics and compliance review, data privacy assessment, AI content and model security testing, as well as enhancements to model transparency, supporting enterprises in optimising AI systems to meet international standards and establishing a sustainable and responsible AI application framework. In addition, to tackle the “talent shortage” pain point, HKPC offers supporting AI-related training courses to strengthen enterprises’ understanding and practical capabilities in AI application. This helps build a solid foundation for AI transformation while ensuring safety, compliance and public trust throughout technological development.
“AI with HKPC” Nearly 100 Hands-on, Ready-to-Deploy AI Use Cases Across Three Themes
1) Empowering SMEs for the AI Era Solution Day (5–6 February)
Aligned with the 2025 Policy Address direction of supporting SMEs in digitalisation and smartification transformation, the showcase features five exhibition zones, presenting “ready-to-use, fast-impact, low-barrier” AI solutions such as AI-powered accounting, process automation, intelligent customer service, and collaboration tools. These solutions cover operations, infrastructure, security, marketing and talent management. The showcase also introduces AI applications incubated through the “HKPC Picasso” platform and HKPC’s AI governance services, helping SMEs explore transformation pathways based on their needs.
All solutions are sourced from HKPC’s free platform Digital DIY, which integrates trusted AI solutions from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. Addressing SMEs’ pain points of “limited channels and difficulty in choosing,” the platform provides efficient matching and clear adoption guidance—accelerating transformation and enhancing competitiveness.
2) AI in Education Forum Series & Showcase (5–6 February)
To support the HKSAR Government’s push for digital education and the Education Bureau’s AI for Empowering Learning and Teaching Funding Programme, HKPC co-organises the AI in Education Forum Series & Showcasewith the Education Bureau and Hong Kong Education City, helping schools grasp policy directions, technology solutions and AI teaching planning.
The event features over 60 AI education solutions, including language learning, SEN support and smart assessment, and for the first time centrally showcases 22 projects under the Quality Education Fund (QEF) e-Learning Ancillary Facilities Programme (eLAFP) developed by universities and institutions. The seminar series includes a principals’ forum themed “Achieve More with Less: AI Integration Strategies for Hong Kong Schools,” where primary and secondary school principals share hands-on experience. HKPC Academy will also introduce how schools can leverage Government funding to effectively integrate AI into school-based teaching, learning and administration to improve efficiency.
3) AI Driven Solutions for Smarter Property Sharing Session (9 February)
The AI-Powered Smarter Property Management Sharing Sessionon 9 February will align with the smart building development blueprint under Smart City Blueprint 2.0, as well as the HKSAR Government’s advocacy for deeper AI integration across industries. It aims to help the industry understand emerging AI applications in property management.
The session will feature multiple AI technologies developed by HKPC, including Water Tank Cleaning Robot successfully piloted with Jones Lang LaSalle, Pureland Drone Facade Cleaningwith advantages for high-altitude work safety, Recycling Bin Transporter utilising automation, AI, and sensor technologies, and anAutonomous Wheelchair suitable for elderly and persons with disabilities, demonstrating how innovation can enhance building management efficiency, improve resident experience, and advance sustainable urban development.
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Photo caption:
1. The Hon Sunny TAN, Chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony, encouraging SMEs to adopt AI to enhance competitiveness and operational efficiency.
2. Professor SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, HKSAR Government, attends the opening ceremony of the “AI with HKPC” Smart Solutions Showcase Series, supporting the popularisation and practical deployment of AI.
3. Mr Edmond LAI, Chief Digital Officer of HKPC, delivers a keynote speech explaining the core value of HKPC’s self-developed multipurpose AI platform “HKPC Picasso” and how it addresses enterprises’ transformation pain points.
4. The officiating move guests and industry representatives take a group photo to witness the grand opening of the three-day “AI with HKPC” Smart Solutions Showcase Series, marking AI’s toward broader adoption and industrialisation.
5. The showcase features multiple AI application solutions tailored for SMEs, covering smart operations, data analytics and customer experience, attracting many industry visitors for exchanges.
Hashtag: #HKPC
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About the Hong Kong Productivity Council
The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a statutory body established in 1967, dedicated to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Hong Kong enterprises through world-class applied R&D, innovative technology services, and integrated manufacturing solutions. As a market-oriented, international R&D organisation, HKPC leverages its deep expertise and extensive industry experience in key areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing, life and health technology, green technology and new energy to drive new industrialisation and support the growth of emerging and future industries.
HKPC focuses on addressing businesses challenges and industrial technology needs, promoting the full integration between technological and industrial innovation. Through technology transfer, product innovation, intellectual property protection and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, the Council fosters collaboration with the local business community as well as top global R&D institutions, delivering added value to industries and advancing the development of new productive forces. HKPC’s world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning an array of local and overseas accolades, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an international innovation and technology centre and a smart city.
To help enterprises capitalise on Hong Kong’s strengths in international connectivity to expand into global markets, HKPC offers comprehensive overseas expansion services tailored to critical areas including product development, technology, manufacturing, and management, enabling businesses to successfully go global from Hong Kong.
HKPC is also committed to providing timely and practical support to SMEs and startups with timely and practical, assisting them in accessing Government funding programmes. Through its FutureSkills training initiatives, HKPC helps both industry and academia stay ahead in latest digital and STEM technologies, nurturing a future-ready talent pool for Hong Kong.
For more information, please visit HKPC’s website: www.hkpc.org/en.
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Skyro Rolls Out Reusable Digital Credit Across the Philippines, Explores Opportunities in Southeast Asian Markets
SkyroCredit is a reusable, revolving digital credit line that provides access to a fixed credit limit without a plastic and without relying on the Visa or Mastercard networks. Once approved, a customer’s credit is available within the Skyro app and can be used instantly by scanning any QR Ph code, the Philippine QR payment standard accepted at more than 90% of merchant outlets nationwide. Leading merchants include SM, Mercury Drug, Watsons, Jollibee, McDonald’s, and DALI Supermarket. Customers can borrow, repay the amount they have used, and reuse the same credit limit without reapplying.
NasimAliev, Skyro co-founder, said:
“Our goal is to provide access to affordable credit for underserved communities across Southeast Asia at a time when everyday expenses continue to rise and consumers’ financial priorities are evolving.
“Today’s consumers need financial solutions built around real-life spending needs and changing financial priorities. With SkyroCredit, we bring flexible financial solutions to our customers’ fingertips. The credit line offers all the benefits of flexibility, including an interest-free grace period. This provides customers with maximum convenience for everyday use while even allowing them to save money through cashback.
“By expanding our portfolio of point-of-sale loans, cash loans, and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) products to include flexible credit lines, we are building long-term customer relationships based on everyday use, responsible borrowing, and trust.”
Eligible customers receive initial credit limits of PHP 1,000 to PHP 10,000 (approximately USD 17 to USD 170), with the opportunity to increase their limit to as much as PHP 100,000 through regular, responsible use. Purchases carry 0% interest for up to 45 days. Every purchase also earns 1% cashback, which customers can redeem on future purchases through the app.
Skyro’s expansion into reusable digital credit addresses one of Southeast Asia’s largest financial inclusion opportunities by enabling sustained customer engagement. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the central bank of the Philippines, only half of Filipino adults have a formal financial account. As QR-based payment networks continue to expand across the region, Skyro can leverage this infrastructure to deliver accessible digital credit products that meet growing consumer demand.
Hashtag: #Skyro #SkyroCredit #DigitalCredit
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About Skyro
Skyro is a high-growth, digital-first fintech group delivering scalable, responsible access to financial services across high-potential emerging markets. Powered by proprietary data science, AI-driven credit decisioning and alternative data scoring, the company combines a mobile-native experience with modular fintech architecture to serve underserved customer segments at scale.
In just three years, Skyro has grown to serve over one million active customers in the Philippines, underpinned by a robust credit portfolio exceeding $200 million. The company’s strategic ambition is to establish itself as the preeminent full-spectrum financial services group across dozens of emerging markets worldwide.
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Peach Garden Celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival with Singapore Flyer-Inspired Mooncake Keepsake Gift Set
The Singapore Flyer design roots the collection in a recognisably local identity, with the launch timed to the National Day period as the city moves into the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival gifting and reunion season. Pre-orders open from 13 July to 10 August at $61 nett inclusive of GST (usual price: $91.11).
A Keepsake Built Around the Singapore Skyline
Designed around a circular silhouette that echoes the Singapore Flyer’s iconic form, the Graceful Showstopper is crafted to hold its place in a home well beyond the festival.
Rooted in a recognisably Singaporean aesthetic, it functions as a decorative display piece as much as a festive gift, whether set out for a family gathering, presented to a business client, or kept as a personal memento of the season. Logo customisations are available on corporate orders of 50 boxes or more.
Handmade Daily, in a Range Built for Modern Palates
Returning alongside the centrepiece is Peach Garden’s low-sugar mooncake range, available in baked and snowskin varieties. The Deluxe Combination of Four spans four flavours across eight miniature pieces:
- Mini Lemon Yuzu Snowskin
- Mini Pandan Lotus Snowskin with Melon Seed
- Mini Low Sugar White Lotus Snowskin with Macadamia
- Mini Lychee Snowskin with Lychee Martini Truffle
Every mooncake in the range is handmade fresh daily across Peach Garden’s six outlets, a practice the group has maintained amidst an industry where production has shifted increasingly toward automation.
The collection will be available at more than 20 festive kiosks across Singapore for the first time, including Takashimaya from 20 August and VivoCity from 25 August, both through 25 September. Collection is available from 11 August to 25 September at all six Peach Garden outlets, from 11am to 3pm and 6pm to 10pm.
Hashtag: #PeachGarden #GracefulShowstopper #MoonCakeFestival #MidAutumnFestival
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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Peach Garden
Peach Garden is one of Singapore’s leading Chinese restaurant brands, renowned for its contemporary Chinese cuisine, exceptional hospitality, and award-winning festive creations. With six outlets across Singapore, the brand continues to bring families, friends, and businesses together through meaningful dining and gifting experiences.
For much of the past century, urban development followed a relatively straightforward equation: build housing, expand infrastructure and accommodate population growth. This formula is now showing its limitations. As climate risk intensifies, biodiversity declines and cities compete not only for investment but also for talent, developers around the world are now forced to redefine the very nature and purpose of what they build.
From the Gulf to Singapore, and from Scandinavia to Southeast Asia, large-scale urban projects are evolving into integrated ecosystems where mobility, green infrastructure, education, healthcare, digital services and environmental restoration are planned together. The industry paradigm has shifted from constructing buildings to designing places capable of sustaining both economic growth and quality of life over generations.
Vinhomes has initiated a comprehensive repositioning to navigate this global transition.
Known as Vietnam’s largest residential developer, the company is increasingly recognized not merely as a builder of housing projects, but as a creator of large-scale lifestyle ecosystems, communities where urban planning, technology, ecology and public services are conceived as parts of the same system.
When Nature Becomes Urban Infrastructure
For decades, environmental considerations were often introduced after a city’s masterplan had already been completed.
The emerging model reverses that sequence. Across many of its recent developments, Vinhomes operates on the principle that natural systems should become the starting point of planning. Hydrology, coastal conditions, biodiversity and existing vegetation are treated as design inputs that shape the urban layout from the earliest stages.
This philosophy marks a notable departure from conventional large-scale development, particularly in rapidly urbanising markets where natural landscapes have frequently given way to intensive construction.
With more than 30 developments across Vietnam and a land bank equivalent to roughly two-thirds the size of Singapore, Vinhomes has the unusual opportunity to test this planning approach at a metropolitan scale.
Rather than replicating identical urban formulas, each project is designed around the ecological characteristics of its location.
The company maintains that the long-term success of a city should ultimately be measured not by how much has been built, but by whether natural ecosystems continue to thrive decades after residents have moved in. That perspective aligns with an increasingly influential school of urban planning in which green infrastructure is viewed as essential public infrastructure.
Factors Compelling Cities Toward Regeneration
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks have become standard across global investment. Urban planners, however, are beginning to question whether sustainability alone is sufficient.
Maintaining today’s environmental conditions may no longer be enough if tomorrow’s cities must also respond to rising temperatures, sea-level change and growing demographic pressures.
Vinhomes’ strategic response is crystallized in its ESG++, a framework that extends beyond conventional ESG principles by introducing two additional objectives: Regeneration and resilience.
The distinction is subtle but important.
Regeneration implies restoring ecological systems rather than simply reducing environmental impact. Resilience focuses on designing cities capable of adapting to changing climatic, technological and social conditions over many decades.
Projects such as Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio and Vinhomes Global Gates Ha Long are intended to demonstrate how these concepts can be incorporated into large-scale urban planning, combining renewable energy, smart infrastructure and ecological restoration within a single development model.
This shift highlights a growing global consensus: the success of next-generation cities will ultimately be measured by their ability to adapt to increasingly complex environmental challenges.
Vietnam’s Urban Story Is Becoming Part of a Global Conversation
For many international audiences, Vietnam remains associated primarily with its cultural heritage and natural landscapes. Urban development may become an equally important part of that story.
Rapid urbanisation, expanding infrastructure investment and a national commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 have created conditions in which entirely new urban models can be planned without many of the legacy constraints facing older cities.
This developmental opportunity is capturing increasing global interest.
Commenting on Vinhomes Green Paradise’s participation in the global 7 Wonders of Future Cities initiative, Jean-Paul de la Fuente, Director of the New7Wonders Organisation, described Vietnam as undergoing a “transformative step change” in its national identity and global positioning. He pointed to the country’s progress in reducing the carbon footprint of urban mobility as an example of coordinated action between government and the private sector that offers valuable insights extending beyond Southeast Asia.
For Vinhomes, participation in international platforms such as 7 Wonders of Future Cities is therefore less about showcasing a single project than about contributing to a broader discussion on how rapidly developing economies might approach urban growth differently. The company’s evolution mirrors a wider shift taking place across the global property sector.
Increasingly, the core value proposition for developers is no longer anchored in how many buildings they can deliver. Instead, it centers on whether they can create cities that remain economically competitive, environmentally resilient and socially relevant long after construction has ended.
Hashtag: #Vinhomes
https://vinhomes.vn/enThe issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
