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Exploring New Paradigms for AI-Empowered Finance, “Phoenix Financial Forum for the Greater Bay Area Financial Summit” Held in Shenzhen
Hosted by Phoenix TV and co-organized by Phoenix New Media and Phoenix Show, the summit was rooted in Shenzhen’s role as a core hub of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and a center of financial innovation. Government officials, business leaders, and financial experts gathered to assess evolving global dynamics and explore new opportunities for development.
At the opening ceremony, keynote speeches and panel discussions focused on hot topics including the deep integration of finance with technology, industry, and cross-border collaboration.
Luo Huanghao, Member of the Party Leadership Group and Vice Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal Government, stated in his opening remarks that Shenzhen’s financial sector should capitalize on its strengths in technological innovation, industrial development, and Shenzhen-Hong Kong connectivity, while adhering to the development logic of deep integration between industry and finance. He emphasized that finance must fundamentally serve the real economy by strengthening industrial foundations, enhancing financial capacity, expanding opening-up, safeguarding financial security, and promoting the mutual advancement of finance and the real economy, thereby accelerating the development of Shenzhen into a globally influential industrial finance center.
Xu Wei, Chairman and CEO of Phoenix TV, noted in his speech that holding the forum alongside the Financial Expo represented not only platform innovation but also a resonance of values, demonstrating Phoenix TV’s comprehensive upgrade in serving the Greater Bay Area’s international communication capabilities. “The collaboration between the forum and the Financial Expo vividly reflects the Greater Bay Area’s momentum toward integrated cooperation,” Xu said. “It also shows that the vitality of the Greater Bay Area lies not only in geographic proximity and industrial connectivity, but also in the mutual empowerment and coordinated integration of technology, talent, information, and rules.”
Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government, pointed out in his speech that the deep integration of Hong Kong’s international financial capabilities with Shenzhen’s technological innovation has already enabled 160 Shenzhen enterprises, including Tencent and BYD, to list in Hong Kong. “This deep integration of ‘finance + technology’ has not only promoted the high-quality development of the financial industries in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, but also helped the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area become one of the world’s most dynamic fintech hubs,” he said.
Zhang Weizhong, Chairman of Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, remarked that technology is redefining the value logic of capital, while capital is reshaping the growth path of technology. He stressed that financial innovation is playing an increasingly important role and that China must absorb the core principles of global “innovation collaboration” while building a development system suited to local industries and national conditions.
During the keynote speech session, Wang Suwang, Chairman of SDIC Securities Co., Ltd.; Zheng Jun, CTO of Financial Account Dept, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.; Jia Jiaya, Chair Professor and Director of Von Neumann Institute, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Founder and Chairman, SmartMore Corporation Limited; and Ginger Cheng, Chief Executive Officer, DBS Bank (China) Limited, shared forward-looking insights and practical experiences on topics such as digital finance development, industrial digital transformation, intelligent technology deployment, and innovation in foreign-funded financial services.
Wang Suwang stated that securities firms should serve as important discoverers of value growth by evaluating technology enterprises from a full life-cycle perspective and recognizing their long-term value through asset securitization.
Using Huawei’s proprietary computing ecosystem as an example, Zheng Jun introduced the large-scale application prospects of AI agents in the financial sector. He noted that AI has moved beyond experimental innovation and entered a stage of “returning to business fundamentals,” where scalable deployment and real value creation are becoming possible.
Jia Jiaya outlined a vision in which the integration of artificial intelligence and robotics will drive the transformation and upgrading of manufacturing industries. He predicted that industrial intelligent agents would bring dramatic changes to the industrial sector over the next five to ten years.
Ginger Cheng emphasized that cross-border finance has become an unavoidable challenge for enterprises pursuing globalization, adding that foreign banks possess unique network advantages in supporting Chinese companies’ overseas expansion.
The afternoon roundtable discussions centered on three core themes in finance, bringing together leading experts for in-depth dialogue and exchanges of ideas.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the boundaries of financial services and value creation, the roundtable titled “AI Empowering Technology Finance — New Scenarios, New Paradigms” featured a keynote speech by Liu Xiaochun, Vice President, Shanghai Advanced Institute for Financial Research. He analyzed the compliance boundaries and transformation pathways for AI implementation in finance, stressing that financial innovation must always preserve the essential nature of finance rather than focusing solely on technology.
During the “Industrial Chain Finance: Breaking Boundaries Through Innovation and Capital Empowerment” roundtable, Sean Randolph, Senior Director of the Bay Area Council Economic Institute in San Francisco, shared mature experiences from internationally advanced bay areas via video speech. He observed that AI is rapidly being adopted across global financial institutions and predicted that AI literacy and capabilities will become fundamental factors influencing recruitment, employment, and corporate competitiveness in the future.
As a pioneer in cross-border financial innovation, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area continues to achieve breakthroughs in areas such as cross-border payments, wealth management, investment and financing connectivity, and offshore finance.
At the “Cross-Border Finance: From the Greater Bay Area to the World” roundtable, Larry Li, Founder and Managing Partner of Amino Capital, shared his views on investment logic and entrepreneurial opportunities in the AI era. He argued that entrepreneurs can seize opportunities in traditional industries that have yet to adopt digital technologies and transform them into platform-based businesses.
Renowned economist Hong Hao called for a rational perspective on market bubbles. He remarked that financial markets have always relied on bubbles to create life-changing opportunities, and that social progress itself is often driven by humanity’s aspirations and imagination.
At the conclusion of the summit, Victor Gao, Deputy Director of the Center for China and Globalization (CCG), and noted economist Fu Peng delivered a closing dialogue, offering in-depth analysis of new global economic trends and key issues in capital markets.
Hashtag: #PhoenixTV
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CUHK’s Academic Excellence and Global Research Impact
CUHK’s academic rigour is further recognised in the 2026–27 Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report, where it ranks 28th globally and 5th in Asia, remaining Hong Kong’s top university for the fourth consecutive year. The University features 15 subjects in the global top 50, including five in the top 10, such as Education and Educational Research (#1), Gastroenterology and Hepatology (#2), Computer Science (#7), and Arts and Humanities and Artificial Intelligence (both ranked #9).
CUHK: Where Bold Ideas Become Impactful Research
CUHK provides an exceptional environment for impactful research, supported by approximately 300 research institutes and centres, alongside four state key laboratories approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China. Reflecting on the academic environment, Zhamilya Zhirenova, a PhD student in Biomedical Science from Kazakhstan, has deepened her expertise through her involvement with the Centre for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine (CNRM), an InnoHK research centre CUHK established with Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet.
Unlike traditional research pathways, where students are often confined to a single university laboratory, Zhamilya gained extensive experience at Hong Kong Science Park, a dynamic setting that closely resembles industry. “It feels more like an industrial company,” she reflected, “and that experience has been invaluable.” For researchers with ambitions beyond academia, such early exposure to the pace and expectations of the biotech industry provides a distinct advantage.
Nurturing the Next Generation of Scientific Innovators
Many of CUHK’s scholars are globally renowned experts who have made significant breakthroughs in their respective fields. These experts provide valuable mentorship, cultivating an intellectually stimulating environment for innovative research.
At the Centre for Novostics, an InnoHK research centre dedicated to advancing molecular diagnostics, Yasine Malki, a Chemical Pathology PhD student from Hong Kong, highlighted mentorship as a defining aspect of his experience at CUHK. Benefiting from the mentorship of Professor Dennis Lo, CUHK’s Vice-Chancellor and President, and a pioneer in molecular diagnostics, Yasine collaborates with specialists in molecular technologies, bioinformatics, and clinician-scientists, exemplifying CUHK’s dynamic, multidisciplinary approach to medical science.
Through the latest global rankings, CUHK continues to demonstrate the impact of its research and scholarship. The University offers robust financial support to attract top-tier global talent, such as the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) for the 2027–28 intake, which provides over HK$1.81 million (approximately US$232,420) in funding. Applications open on 1 September 2026.
Hashtag: #CUHK
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About CUHK
Founded in 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is a leading comprehensive research university with a global reputation and world-leading rankings. Located in the heart of Asia, CUHK has a vision and a mission to combine tradition with modernity, and to bring together China and the West. The University has eight faculties: Arts, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science, and Social Science. Together with the Graduate School, the University offers over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. All faculties are actively engaged in research in a wide range of disciplines, with an array of research institutes and research centres specialising in interdisciplinary research of the highest quality.
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HKDL’s Immersive Interactive Experiences Win Guests’ Hearts Lucky Nugget Spin at Grizzly Gulch Surpasses 30,000 Participations
Immersive experiences fuel collectible merchandise craze and extend magical memories
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 July 2026 – In tune with the growing popularity of experiential travel and guests’ desire for participation and immersive experiences throughout their journeys, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) has been integrating retail with storytelling at the park through an endless flow of innovative interactive experiences and distinctive merchandise offerings. Emotional connections with guests are strengthened as merchandise is transformed into meaningful souvenirs interwoven with their Disney memories.
Launched in April this year at Grizzly Gulch, the Chip ‘n’ Dale Lucky Nugget Spin has recorded more than 30,000 participations as of the end of June, becoming one of the park’s most popular activities. Combining storytelling, live interactions, and surprises, the experience has been warmly received by guests and has further enhanced the atmosphere throughout the land.
David Koo, director of merchandise at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, shared: ‘Today’s guests are looking for more than products; they want keepsakes that capture the stories and memories of their visit. Through interactive experiences, we hope to make merchandise a natural extension of the Disney park journey. Whether it is a plush toy, a pin or an accessory, the true value lies not only in the item itself, but in the magical moments and personal memories it represents.’
David Koo, director of merchandise at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, is pictured in the center
This story- and interaction-driven strategy has been incorporated into various guest experiences across the resort. For example, in an engaging experience at the Popcorn Pop-Up Shop on Main Street, U.S.A., guests can reach into a giant popcorn bucket-themed installation to catch a “popcorn” and reveal the hidden Pixar pals plushie together with Disney cast members on the spot. Meanwhile, the Snow White Grotto, located beside the Castle of Magical Dreams, has introduced a new “Lock of Dreams” experience, offering guests a sense of ceremony and a souvenir to cherish.
Disney’s Classic Pin Trading Tradition Extends the Magic Beyond the Visit
Disney’s iconic Pin Trading tradition has long been an important part of how guests explore the park and connect with others. Reopened in June, Main Street Collectibles now features dedicated pin display areas designed to celebrate and elevate this beloved tradition. Guests can discover unexpected treasures while searching for favorite designs as they trade pins with Disney cast members and fellow collectors. More than just an addition to a collection, each pin carries unique memories and extends the guest journey.
More Than 3.5 Million 20th Anniversary Merchandise Items Snapped up
New Pixar and Marvel Experiences on the Way
Merchandise sales grew continuously during Hong Kong Disneyland’s 20th anniversary celebrations, which attracted a large number of local, mainland, and international visitors and concluded with fanfare in June. Since late June last year, the resort has sold more than 3.5 million 20th Anniversary-themed merchandise. Among them, about 600,000 units of the SouvenEARS collection have been snapped up. Meanwhile, the blind-box series inspired by attractions and themed lands achieved sales of more than 500,000 units during fiscal year 2025, demonstrating the continued popularity of merchandise with strong storytelling elements and collectible appeal.
Looking ahead, HKDL will continue to enrich the guest experience across the resort. New Pixar-themed and Marvel-themed experiences will be introduced, further expanding both entertainment and retail offerings. Through ongoing innovation, HKDL remains committed to meeting guests’ demand for more immersive experiences, enhancing its appeal to local, mainland, and international visitors, and strengthening its position as a leading travel destination in the region.
Hashtag: #HongKongDisneylandResort
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The HR Asia Awards are among Asia’s most prestigious annual human resources awards, recognizing organizations that demonstrate excellence in workplace culture and sustainable people development. Winners are evaluated using the TEAM (Total Engagement Assessment Model), which measures employee engagement, organizational trust, and workplace experience, drawing on benchmarking data from more than 2.5 million employees across 20,000 organizations throughout the region.
According to the independent assessment conducted for the HR Asia Awards 2026, Green SM significantly outperformed market benchmarks in the “Best Companies to Work for in Asia” category, achieving outstanding scores across several key dimensions, including technology enablement in the workplace (4.8/5), workplace sustainability (4.71/5), and diversity, equity, and inclusion (4.72/5).
A defining element of Green SM’s workplace culture is its unwavering commitment to the principle that “Every Voice Counts.” This commitment is embedded through comprehensive employee engagement initiatives, including regular internal surveys, 360-degree performance evaluations, and multiple feedback channels that transform employee insights into tangible improvements in policies, workplace practices, and operational excellence.
At Green SM, talent development is viewed not merely as an HR function but as a strategic driver of service excellence. The Company continues to invest comprehensively in recruitment, professional training, operational standardization, workplace culture, and structured career development pathways for its Green Drivers. In parallel, Green SM delivers continuous capability-building programs for managers and employees, combining practical learning with digital learning platforms to strengthen leadership and management capabilities and organizational agility in an evolving business environment.
Alongside its investment in people, Green SM has been progressively building a unified organizational culture across its international markets. Rooted in values established in Vietnam while embracing the diversity of local cultures and communities, the Company fosters an environment that encourages collaboration, continuous learning, and empowerment. This enables teams across different countries to uphold consistent service standards while remaining responsive to the unique needs of local customers and communities.
Green SM also received the Technology Empowerment Awards in recognition of its continued digital transformation in human resource management. Through the digitalization of HR processes, the development of competency frameworks, the expansion of digital learning ecosystems, and the integration of data-driven people management, the Company has streamlined repetitive administrative tasks, enhanced decision-making efficiency, and enabled employees to devote greater focus to innovation, customer experience, and superior service delivery.
Mr. Nguyen Quoc Tuan, Global Chief Executive Officer of Green SM, said: “Our people have always been the cornerstone of Green SM’s sustainable growth. We believe that when individuals are empowered by technology and united by shared values, our teams across every market can deliver exceptional experiences for our customers. These two awards affirm the direction we have taken and further strengthen our commitment to building a truly multinational organization with its roots in Vietnam.”
In 2026, Green SM aims to expand its global workforce and partner network to approximately 400,000 people worldwide. As the Company continues to accelerate its international expansion, it will further invest in talent development and technology-driven people management to build a highly capable global workforce, maintain consistent service excellence across markets, and advance its vision of becoming the world’s leading green mobility platform.
Hashtag: #GreenSM
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