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HKPC Launches “The Cradle – Going Global Service Centre” Partners with Three National Innovation Centres Achieves Three Early Going Global Success Cases
Empowering Enterprises in Global Expansion and Reinforcing Hong Kong’s Position as an International Innovation and Technology Hub
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 April 2025 – The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) officially launched “The Cradle – Going Global Service Centre” (The Cradle) today, supported by the Zhongguancun Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Youth Innovation Centre, the National Innovation Centre par Excellence (NICE), and the Greater Bay Area National Centre of Technology Innovation. The Cradle will assist enterprises in expanding into international markets. The launch coincided with the “Enterprises Going Global Conference”, which gathered over 500 leaders from government, industry, academia, research and investment sectors to explore internationalisation strategies and global market opportunities.
Located at the HKPC Building, The Cradle offers one-stop professional support for Hong Kong and mainland tech innovation enterprises, including international standards alignment, product localisation and internationalisation support, intellectual property management and protection, and overseas regulatory compliance. It is designed to empower more Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises succeed in the global market.
This year’s Government Work Report from the “Two Sessions” emphasised Hong Kong should “deepen international exchanges and cooperation”. With the distinctive advantages of “One Country, Two Systems“, enjoying strong support of the Motherland and being closely connected to the world, Hong Kong serves as an ideal launchpad for both Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises to pilot new products and business models before entering international markets. Leveraging HKPC’s technical expertise and international networks, The Cradle will enable enterprises to navigate global standards and enhance their international competitiveness.
To mark its launch, The Cradle is showcasing three early Going Global success cases from UISEE Technology (Beijing) Ltd, Beijing Tashan Technology Co., Ltd, and Beijing Yunji Technology Co., Ltd. Drawing on HKPC’s extensive experience in standards testing, applied R&D, scenario-based deployment, and smart manufacturing, The Cradle will also leverage Hong Kong’s strengths in intellectual property protection, supply chain management, trade finance, and ESG to support enterprise upgrades in smart manufacturing, green transformation, and digitalisation. HKPC will join hands with its partners to explore new global opportunities for enterprises and forge a comprehensive support network for going global.
The “Enterprises Going Global Conference” and the inauguration ceremony of “The Cradle” were officiated by Professor SUN Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, and Hon Sunny TAN, Chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council.
In his opening remarks, Professor SUN Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, stated: “The country has been vigorously advancing technology development in recent years, with a growing number of tech enterprises emerging and seeking new breakthroughs and business opportunities. As global competition intensifies, going global has become a key development strategy for enterprises. With our unique position as an international financial and trading hub, Hong Kong is accelerating the development into an international I&T centre and is well-placed to serve as a launch pad for enterprises. The establishment of The Cradle – Going Global Service Centre will enhance cross-regional collaboration, accelerate the integration of technology and industry, and support more enterprises in expanding globally through Hong Kong. This further reinforces Hong Kong’s status as an international I&T hub.”
Hon Sunny TAN, Chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, stated in his welcome remark, “HKPC has long been committed to driving new industrialisation and supporting enterprise transformation and upgrading. In alignment with the national innovation-driven development strategy, we are collaborating with three major innovation hubs — in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area — which together serve tens of thousands of enterprises. Over the past decade, HKPC has completed over 1,400 smart projects in the Greater Bay Area, and launched the ‘9+3+1 Development Plan’ to establish service bases and R&D centres, empowering SMEs to expand globally with high quality. As economies in the Global South continue to rise, we look forward to working across sectors through ‘The Cradle’ to forge a strong and sustainable outbound ecosystem for both Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises.”
Mr Zhang Kai, Executive Deputy General Manager of the Zhongguancun Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Youth Innovation Centre highlighted the significance of The Cradle’s establishment as a major milestone. He said that this initiative will provide Beijing’s technology enterprises with comprehensive internationalization support to accelerate the global deployment of cutting-edge innovations. He added that his team anticipate strengthening its collaboration with HKPC to enhance cross-border partnerships, develop high-potential projects, and empower Beijing-based companies to succeed internationally.
Professor LIU Qing, Director of National Innovation Center par Excellence (NICE) said, “National Innovation Centre par Excellence(NICE)has always been committed to building an open and integrated innovation ecosystem to facilitate the globalization of enterprises, manifested by nurturing numerous joint innovation centres, internationally competitive R&D platforms, and project companies. Looking forward, we will continue to deepen our cooperation with HKPC, taking full benefits of Hong Kong’s regional advantages offered through Cradle, to help the Yangtze Delta enterprises overcoming the bottlenecks of global expansion. We will further leverage the industrial and innovation advantages of the Yangtze Delta, and work together with HKPC to create a new paradigm of ‘Yangtze Delta Cultivation + Hong Kong Services + Global Market’, so as to promote more enterprises to go global.”
Mr Wang Debao, Deputy Director of the Greater Bay Area National Centre of Technology Innovation stated that The Cradle leverages the international platform advantages of HKPC to provide the whole chain support for enterprises from technical verification to overseas implementation, serving as a critical bridge for their global expansion. The Greater Bay Area National Center of Technology Innovation will actively deepen collaboration with major innovation hubs, assisting mainland enterprises in overcoming technical barriers and challenges in international markets, and accelerating the high-quality development and global application of new quality productivity achievements.
Enterprises Going Global Conference Explores Global Innovation Opportunities
The Enterprises Going Global Conference featured in-depth discussions with leading industry speakers on global market trends, technology innovation, and policy-capital synergy. Key topics included global expansion strategies, overcoming internationalisation challenges, and leveraging professional services, technology collaboration, and regulatory frameworks to support sustainable global growth.
Hashtag: #HKPC
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC)
The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a multi-disciplinary organisation established by statute in 1967, to promote productivity excellence 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) internationally, specialising in leading technologies and all-rounded manufacturing services, HKPC promotes new industrialisation in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area 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, enabling them to achieve resources and productivity utilisation, effectiveness and cost reduction, and enhance competitiveness in both local and overseas marketplace. The Council partners and collaborates with local industries and enterprises and world-class R&D institutes to develop applied technology solutions for value creation. It also benefits a variety of sectors through product innovation, technology transfer, and commercialisation, bringing enormous business opportunities ahead. 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: www.hkpc.org
Media OutReach
Asian Smart Medical Online Exhibition 2026: Connecting Smart Medical Suppliers with Global Buyers
Organized by AsianNet and TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com), Medical Asia has been successfully facilitating international medical trade since its launch in 2024 , earning a strong reputation for high-quality participation and tangible business outcomes. In 2026, Medical Asia extends its exhibition period to strategically align with major global healthcare and medical industry events, including Medical Design & Manufacturing West, Arab Health, HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition, MEDICAL JAPAN [Osaka], and Hospitalar Sao Paulo. This extended timeline enables international buyers to engage with multiple key events simultaneously, creating a more efficient and streamlined sourcing experience.
By participating in Medical Asia 2026, exhibitors can expect enhanced global exposure, broader networking opportunities, and increased potential for sustainable business growth, all while reaching a larger and more diverse international buyer base through a flexible and cost-effective hybrid exhibition model.
Medical Asia 2026 features a robust lineup of respected Taiwanese manufacturers, including industry leaders such as Perfect Medical and many more. These companies will present thousands of the latest smart medical industry products and technologies, covering a wide array of sectors crucial to modern manufacturing and production.
The event will feature an extensive selection from top manufacturers, covering categories such as Medical Devices & Clinical Equipment, Medical Supplies & Nursing Consumables, Healthcare Facility Furniture & Logistics Equipment, Emergency & Clinical Patient Monitoring Equipment, Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy Equipment / Consumables, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Packaging & Inspection Machinery, Medical-grade Wearables & Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Devices, Clinical Laboratory & IVD Analyzers, Medical-grade Materials & Components (Plastics / Rubber / Silicone, etc.), and Home Health Care Products. With thousands of the latest products, accessories, and equipment on display, the exhibition promises to be both comprehensive and highly professional. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest innovations and developments across the smart medical industry.
Visit the Online Exhibition:
https://www.etradeasia.com/online-show/42/Asian-Smart-Medical-Online-Exhibition-2026.html
In today’s rapidly evolving global environment, online platforms play a crucial role in breaking geographical barriers and extending marketing reach. In response to this growing demand, Medical Asia 2026 offers a comprehensive suite of innovative digital exhibition solutions, including dedicated exhibitor pages, electronic catalogs, and virtual exhibition halls. These digital tools are seamlessly integrated with TradeAsia, enabling international buyers worldwide to effortlessly discover exhibitors and explore products in depth. Through the platform, buyers can visit individual manufacturer pages, review detailed product information, submit inquiries, and communicate with exhibitors via real-time messaging. This highly interactive and user-friendly experience facilitates smooth communication, enhances buyer engagement, and fosters meaningful business connections between exhibitors and global buyers, ultimately creating valuable commercial opportunities.
TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com) has been providing comprehensive B2B international trade services for buyers and sellers worldwide since 1997. With nearly three decades of industry experience, TradeAsia is recognized as one of the most established and professional global trade platforms. Today, the platform serves millions of members worldwide, featuring more than 600,000 verified suppliers and millions of up-to-date product listings across diverse industries. Every day, thousands of professional buyers from around the world use TradeAsia to source products, connect with suppliers, and explore new business opportunities. As a leading trade promotion channel in Asia, TradeAsia continues to facilitate efficient cross border trade and foster long term partnerships between global buyers and suppliers.
TradeAsia also collaborates with hundreds of trading organizations around the world to exchange marketing and promotional opportunities. As a result, suppliers who showcase their products on TradeAsia gain the chance to be featured across the publicity channels of multiple trade platforms and exhibition organizers worldwide, greatly enhancing their international visibility and marketing reach. In addition, during the period of Medical Asia 2026, promotional messages will be broadcast globally, further amplifying exposure for participating suppliers and connecting them with a wider international audience.
Hashtag: #TradeAsia
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Carbyne Fitness and IFPA Singapore Publish Study Revealing the Gender Gap Between Personal Training and Home Gyms
The findings, based on Carbyne Fitness’ customer data and an online database of personal training enquiries compiled by IFPA Singapore’s personal trainers, point to two fundamentally different approaches to exercise motivation and engagement between men and women.
A Tale of Two Fitness Journeys
The data suggests that men overwhelmingly prefer self-directed fitness, buying equipment such as adjustable dumbbells, benches, and racks for home use. Women, on the other hand, are more inclined toward guided training experiences led by certified professionals.
According to Brian Chang, founder of Carbyne Fitness and IFPA Singapore, this split reveals not just gender preferences, but deeper social and psychological factors shaping how Singaporeans exercise.
“Men often see fitness as something they should be able to handle on their own, like asking for help somehow means they’re not strong enough,” said Chang. “That’s why many men would rather train themselves than work with a coach. Ladies, on the other hand, are usually more open to learning and getting guidance. They see working with a coach not as weakness, but as a smart way to improve safely and effectively.”
The Male Home Gym Boom
The pandemic sparked a surge in home gym investments, and Carbyne Fitness has been at the forefront of this trend. Its adjustable dumbbells and adjustable kettlebells have become popular among working professionals looking to save time and train efficiently at home.
Carbyne Fitness’ customer data revealed that four in five customers are male. “The home gym trend among men is here to stay,” Chang explained. “They appreciate the convenience, privacy, and long-term savings. For many, it’s not just fitness equipment, it’s a personal investment in staying strong and independent as they age.”
However, with about 58% of Carbyne Fitness customers living in HDB flats, 26% in condominiums, and 16% in landed properties, many still hold the misconception that home workouts, especially in smaller HDB or condo spaces, aren’t practical or effective. Landed property owners make up less than 5% of Singapore’s dwellings, yet account for 16% of Carbyne Fitness’ customers.
| Dwelling Type | National Share (SingStat) | Carbyne Customer Share | Index (Representation) |
| HDB (Public Housing) | 72.0% | 58.5% | 0.81 (Under-indexed) |
| Condominiums | 23.3% | 25.6% | 1.10 (Over-indexed) |
| Landed Properties | 4.7% | 15.9% | 3.38 (Heavily Over-indexed) |
“One of the most common reasons people give for not buying home gym equipment is that they ‘don’t have the space,'” said Chang. “But in reality, a proper home setup doesn’t need much room; a good pair of adjustable dumbbells and a bench can fit comfortably within just one square meter if you choose the right equipment.”
Why Women Seek Trainers
In contrast, IFPA Singapore’s training enquiries show that a majority of personal training clients are female. Of the 392 Singapore-based individuals who sought personal training, 63% were women, even though men still represent the majority of gym members nationwide.
| Category | Male % | Female % | Dominant Characteristic |
| Home Gym Buyers (Carbyne) | 80% | 20% | High Autonomy |
| PT Seekers (IFPA) | 37% | 63% | Guidance Seeking |
| Population (DOS 2025) | 49.3% | 50.7% | Balanced |
“This reflects a growing confidence among women to take charge of their fitness journey,” said Chang. “But it also shows that women tend to prioritize safety and proper form. They are more willing to invest in expert guidance rather than risk injury from unguided workouts.”
Many female clients, Chang adds, have goals that extend beyond appearance: postnatal recovery, strength for caregiving, or functional fitness for daily life.
“It’s not just about aesthetics anymore,” he said. “Women are recognizing that strength training builds long-term resilience, both physically and mentally.”
Implications for Singapore’s Fitness Industry
The gender divide uncovered by Carbyne Fitness and IFPA Singapore also points to structural gaps in how Singapore’s fitness ecosystem is organized, particularly the limited avenues for personal trainers to operate independently.
Most commercial gyms and public facilities, including ActiveSG gyms, do not permit outside personal trainers to conduct sessions within their premises. Trainers who are not employed directly by these gyms are often barred from coaching clients on-site, regardless of their certification or insurance coverage.
This restriction limits both consumer choice and career opportunities within the industry. For clients, especially women who prefer guided training but may not want to commit to an expensive gym membership, the policy creates a barrier to accessing affordable, flexible coaching. For freelance trainers, it restricts their ability to build a sustainable practice or serve niche communities such as seniors, postnatal women, or first-time exercisers.
“Many independent trainers tell us their biggest challenge isn’t finding clients; it’s finding space,” said Chang. “There’s a clear demand for affordable, accessible training environments, but the system hasn’t caught up yet.”
As a result, more trainers have turned to parks, void decks, or private studios, and a growing number of clients are exploring home-based personal training, sometimes with only a pair of resistance bands. This shift reflects broader lifestyle preferences: Singaporeans want convenience, privacy, and trust, not just a gym membership.
The study suggests that expanding access to personal training across shared and public fitness spaces could help Singapore move toward a more inclusive, community-driven fitness culture, one that empowers both male and female participants to train safely, confidently, and sustainably at every stage of life.
Volunteering for the Silver Generation
Both Carbyne Fitness and IFPA Singapore are working to build a more inclusive fitness culture through the Silver Strength volunteer program, which runs weekly strength sessions for seniors using resistance bands, adjustable dumbbells, and other small equipment at Active Ageing Centers across Singapore.
The initiative, funded by the National Youth Council, empowers older adults to stay strong, mobile, and independent, while giving volunteers the chance to make a direct impact in their communities.
“Silver Strength is more than fitness. It is about bridging intergenerational gaps and helping seniors live confidently and age with strength,” said Chang.
To sign up as a volunteer, visit getcertifiedpt.com/silver-strength.
About the Study
The gender distribution insights were derived from:
- Carbyne Fitness customer data, representing over 1,000 unique customer interactions across Singapore between January 2024 and September 2025.
- IFPA Singapore’s independent observation of 392 prospective client profiles compiled between October 2025 and December 2025.
While the sample sizes differ, both data sets converge on a clear narrative: Singapore’s home gym market is predominantly male, while personal training demand is female-driven.
The full research can be accessed on https://carbyne.sg/blogs/articles/revealing-the-gender-gap-between-personal-training-and-home-gyms.
Hashtag: #CarbyneFitness
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Carbyne Fitness
Carbyne Fitness is a Singapore-based fitness equipment company focused on delivering space-efficient, performance-driven home gym solutions for modern lifestyles. Best known for its space-saving gym equipment such as adjustable dumbbells and foldable treadmills, Carbyne helps professionals, families, and seniors train effectively at home without compromising on quality or safety.
Learn more at: https://carbyne.sg
About IFPA Singapore
IFPA Singapore, operated by Get Certified PT, is the official Singapore operator of the International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA), delivering internationally accredited personal training education and professional development. IFPA Singapore focuses on producing industry-ready practitioners through competency-based, real-world training.
Learn more at: https://getcertifiedpt.com
Media OutReach
Luyuan Group Participates in Key Event Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of China–Thailand Diplomatic Relations, Promoting Youth Exchange
As part of the program, Luyuan Group co-launched the “Ride with Panda, Toward the Future Together” China–Thailand Youth Friendship Ride. Young participants from both countries rode Luyuan motorbike featuring the panda mascot “A Pu” through iconic Bangkok landmarks, symbolizing the vitality and enduring friendship between China and Thailand.
As an invited corporate representative, Luyuan Group donated a panda-themed motorbike to Dhurakij Pundit University, encouraging youth to document cultural and exchange stories through action. This appearance highlighted Luyuan’s commitment to social responsibility and cultural influence, while also showcasing the Group’s progress in accelerating global expansion through its brand LYVA. Currently, Luyuan’s business footprint spans over 80 countries and regions.
Looking ahead, Luyuan Group will continue to collaborate with global partners to explore new paths in green mobility and contribute to sustainable development worldwide.
In addition, the event also featured the “Gifts from China” exhibition, themed around the 50th anniversary of China–Thailand friendship. Organized with the support of the China National Arts and Crafts Society’s Pattern R&D Center, the Pattern Museum, and Qilin Co-creation, the exhibition brought together numerous Chinese heritage brands, attracting significant interest from young attendees from both countries.
Among the highlights was the debut of the “The Eight Horses of Contemporary Prosperitye” — a horse-themed pattern co-created by the Pattern Museum and artist ZHENG CHONG in celebration of the Year of the Horse — adding rich cultural depth to the event. Contemporary artworks by Xu Shanxun from Mogu Gallery, along with leading Chinese brands such as GELASIGE, Beyond Home Textiles, and Youji Jewelry, further embodied the vibrant reach of Chinese culture abroad.
Hashtag: #LuyuanGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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