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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For High resolution photo and presentation deck, please click here

Hashtag: #HKPC

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

About the Hong Kong Productivity Council

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Pak Tak Credit Pioneers FinTech “No-Trace Loan Query” System —— Committing to Zero Credit Rating Impact, Redefining Tier-1 Financial Standards with “Technology + Empathetic Service”

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 July 2026 – In direct response to the rapid evolution of digital finance, profound transformations in the credit market, and the escalating demand from clients for personal privacy and asset security, Pak Tak Credit, a premier licensed money lender in Hong Kong, proudly announces the launch of its newly upgraded FinTech “No-Trace Loan Query” System.

This milestone innovation is specifically engineered to address a critical pain point in the traditional lending market: the compromise of a client’s credit rating (TransUnion/TU score) with every single financing inquiry. By leveraging cutting-edge financial technology to streamline processes and combining it with “1-on-1 empathetic, human-centric service,” Pak Tak Credit enables Hong Kong citizens and SME owners seeking a premium financing experience to explore optimal financial solutions with zero burden and zero risk. The company firmly states that rather than engaging in blind interest rate price wars, it will redefine the service benchmarks for tier-1 financial companies through its core values of “integrity, absolute confidentiality, and a premium client experience.”

Addressing Market Pain Points: Traditional Inquiries Penalize Credit Health
In today’s complex and volatile economic environment, maintaining an excellent credit rating is paramount to securing financing, whether for personal wealth planning, property mortgages, or enterprise working capital. However, market observations reveal that traditional financial institutions or banks frequently perform a “Hard Inquiry” on a client’s credit bureau profile during the preliminary inquiry or quotation stage.

This conventional approach leaves a permanent footprint on the client’s credit report. When clients attempt to shop around and compare rates across multiple institutions within a short period, these inquiries accumulate rapidly, leading to a sharp decline in their credit score (commonly known as a “damaged credit profile”). This not only erodes the credit health that clients have meticulously maintained over the years but can also severely jeopardize future bank mortgage approvals or commercial loan applications.

Pak Tak Credit firmly believes that a tier-1 brand’s duty lies in prioritizing the client’s peace of mind and anticipating their needs. The newly introduced “No-Trace Loan Query” system dismantles these traditional barriers. By utilizing advanced financial technology to conduct “Soft Evaluations,” clients can obtain highly accurate credit evaluations and interest rate proposals with absolutely zero impact on their credit ratings and full peace of mind.

Technical Analysis: What is the FinTech “No-Trace” Soft Evaluation Mechanism?
Unlike traditional institutions that immediately request a formal credit report at the outset, Pak Tak Credit’s “No-Trace Loan Query” system utilizes an advanced big data risk control model. During the preliminary evaluation and pre-approval stage, the system only conducts a “Soft Inquiry” using partial information authorized by the client alongside proprietary internal algorithms.

The distinct advantage of this mechanism is twofold: it empowers the risk management team to accurately assess repayment capabilities and deliver genuine quotes, while guaranteeing that absolutely no footprint visible to other financial institutions is left on the individual’s TransUnion (TU) report. In other words, whether or not the client ultimately proceeds with the application or accepts the approved credit line, their credit rating remains 100% intact and perfectly protected.

Four Core Advantages: Smart Big Data Fused with Personalized Human Service
The launch of this new service represents more than just a technological upgrade; it is a revolution in “human-centric” financial experience, featuring four key pillars:

  • “No-Trace” Soft Inquiries to Safeguard Credit Assets: We guarantee zero adverse impact on the client’s credit rating during the preliminary consultation and pre-approval phases, making the process of exploring financing options as worry-free as online shopping.
  • Big Data Intelligent Pre-Approval for Instant Quoting: By integrating modern FinTech, clients simply input basic information online. The system automatically performs a multi-dimensional risk assessment, bypassing the traditional, tedious submission of preliminary documents to deliver instant reference credit lines, significantly accelerating capital turnover.
  • Rejecting Cold AI Responses for 1-on-1 Empathetic Service: Pak Tak Credit firmly believes that while technology drives efficiency, the core of financial service remains human connection and understanding. We refuse to rely solely on cold, automated responses. Every client inquiring through the system is assigned an experienced, dedicated account manager for “1-on-1 personalized follow-up,” crafting the most flexible and customized repayment structures tailored to the client’s true circumstances and pain points.
  • Ultimate Privacy Protection to Eliminate Industry Nuisances: The dignity of a tier-1 institution is built upon its respect for clients. Pak Tak Credit strictly enforces the highest standards of data encryption and privacy protection regulations. We pledge that all inquiry data is strictly restricted to internal evaluation purposes, will never be disclosed to third parties, and completely eliminates any form of telemarketing nuisance, restoring financial experiences to true prestige and confidentiality.


Application Scenarios: Meeting Diversified High-Value Asset Allocation Demands

This system upgrade comprehensively strengthens support for large-scale financing scenarios, precisely covering premium client segments:

  1. Property Owners & Investors: Prior to initiating property first mortgages, second mortgages, or refinancing for cash-out purposes, owners can utilize the no-trace system to evaluate property appreciation space and loan-to-value ratios without affecting subsequent bank mortgage refinancing approvals.
  2. SME Owners & Startup Founders: Facing market operational turnovers, short-term payroll obligations, or expansion needs, business owners can rapidly test large commercial loan approval limits without jeopardizing their personal credit lines.
  3. High-Net-Worth Individuals: For clients possessing diversified asset portfolios (such as precious metals or marketable securities), we provide professional, customized financing consultations featuring cross-asset synergy.


Strategic Vision: Winning the Market Through Integrity and Professionalism over Price Wars

Financial experts at Pak Tak Credit point out that the Hong Kong lending market is currently flooded with promotional slogans advertising “exceptionally low interest rates.” However, such schemes often conceal hidden handling fees, expensive consulting charges, or highly restrictive application thresholds that are practically unattainable for average applicants.

Pak Tak Credit refuses to engage in blind, malicious low-price competition. We deeply believe that true “tier-1 service” is anchored in absolute transparency of fees and the impeccable integrity and compliance of the process. Through “No-Trace Queries,” savvy borrowers no longer need to run into walls or risk a drop in their credit scores just to “test” the market. They can clearly understand their financial capabilities in the safest and most respected environment, enabling them to make the most rational wealth decisions.

Conclusion: Doing Our Duty, Standing as Your Most Reliable Financial Anchor
Financial service is more than the circulation of capital; it is a long-term commitment built on a foundation of trust. Pak Tak Credit’s brand-new FinTech “No-Trace Loan Query” System is dedicated to providing the most professional and dependable backing for every Hong Konger who pursues high efficiency, intelligence, and values privacy. Experience true tier-1 financial services starting today—begin with a no-trace query and secure your financial future with complete peace of mind.

Hashtag: #PakTakCredit

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

About Pak Tak Credit

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Pak Tak Credit is a leading professional licensed money lender in the region. The company consistently adheres to the principles of compliance, transparency, and integrity, operating strictly under the regulatory oversight of the Money Lenders Ordinance of Hong Kong to guarantee a fair and transparent transaction environment. Armed with exceptional financial technology (FinTech) capabilities and deep industry experience, Pak Tak Credit specializes in delivering property financing, large-scale commercial loans, and customized multi-asset financing solutions for individuals and SMEs. Rejecting malicious low-price competition within the industry, we steadfastly uphold “doing our duty, providing top-tier service, and ensuring ultimate confidentiality” as our core mission, striving to become the most trusted tier-1 financial partner for Hong Kong citizens and business owners alike.

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The Purest Co Launches PurestLabs, Bringing Supplement Manufacturing In-House to Strengthen Quality Control

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Singapore-founded wellness brand brings powder production in-house with new Johor Bahru facility, strengthening product development, quality control and end-to-end batch traceability

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 July 2026 – Most supplement launches begin with a new ingredient, flavour or product claim. The Purest Co’s latest move starts somewhere less visible, but increasingly important to consumers: the factory floor.

The Singapore-founded wellness brand has launched PurestLabs, its proprietary manufacturing facility in Johor Bahru, bringing its powder production fully in-house for the first time. The facility gives The Purest Co greater control over key stages of manufacturing, from ingredient handling and blending to filling, quality checks and batch traceability.

The move comes as wellness consumers become increasingly discerning, not only about ingredients and health claims, but also about where products are made, how they’re produced and how consistently quality is maintained.

In Singapore, health supplements are not subject to mandatory pre-market evaluation, approval or licensing by the Health Sciences Authority before they are imported, manufactured or sold. This places greater responsibility on brands to ensure that products are consistently produced, clearly labelled and responsibly managed.

For The Purest Co, PurestLabs represents more than a manufacturing investment. It reflects the company’s belief that trust isn’t built only through ingredients listed on a label, but through every step of how a supplement is developed, produced and quality checked before reaching consumers.

“As our community grew, so did our responsibility to deliver a consistently great product. Bringing production in-house allows us to have much closer oversight over every batch and continually improve based on what our customers tell us.” said Justin Chiam, Chief Executive Officer, The Purest Group.

At PurestLabs, The Purest Co now manages every key stage of powder production — from ingredient handling and blending to filling, quality assurance and batch traceability, all within a single facility.

While much of the production process happens behind the scenes, its impact is felt in the product details consumers notice most: how smoothly a powder mixes, how consistent it tastes, how pleasant the texture feels and whether it is easy enough to keep taking daily.

PurestLabs’ quality-control process includes raw material verification, blend homogeneity testing, moisture monitoring, microbiological testing where applicable, and batch retention samples for traceability. The facility is also being structured in line with GMP, HACCP and HALAL compliance frameworks, with certification processes currently underway.

Previously, The Purest Co worked with third-party manufacturing partners to scale its production. By bringing powder production in-house, the brand can now bring product development and manufacturing closer together, allowing it to test smaller batches, refine formulas more quickly and respond more directly to customer feedback on taste, texture and mixability.

That feedback loop has become a key part of The Purest Co’s growth. Its flagship Collagen Glow Berries has accumulated 5,343 customer reviews, while its Sicilian Orange Slimming Elixir carries 4,733 customer reviews, giving the brand a steady stream of insight into what customers expect from their daily supplements.

“Consumers today are not just buying into a product claim. They want to know wbut how it’s made and whether they can trust the process behind it,” added Chiam. “PurestLabs allows us to take greater ownership of that responsibility, from how a product is developed to how it is made, checked and improved for our customers.”

As consumer expectations around wellness continue to evolve, PurestLabs will underpin The Purest Co’s next phase of product innovation, supporting future functional supplements while giving the brand greater agility to refine formulations based on customer feedback.

The Purest Co’s full product range and more information are available at thepurest.co.

Hashtag: #purestco #purestgroup #collagen #supplement #wellness #lifestyle #singapore #health

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

About The Purest Co

is a Singapore-founded wellness brand offering a range of natural, science-backed health supplements formulated for everyday use. Spanning collagen, gut health, weight management, and women’s wellness, the brand serves health-conscious urban consumers seeking products that are transparent, convenient, and enjoyable to take daily. With the launch of PurestLabs, its proprietary manufacturing facility in Johor Bahru, The Purest Co now oversees production in-house from blending to quality assurance.

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Swire Coca-Cola and Fu-Rui-Shi Forge Long-Term Strategic Partnership

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Coca-Cola Products Introduced Across All Subway Hong Kong and Macau Outlets Starting July

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 July 2026 – Swire Coca-Cola and Subway’s Hong Kong and Macau franchisee, Fu-Rui-Shi Hong Kong Corporate Development Limited, jointly announced the signing of a seven-and-a-half-year strategic partnership agreement. Starting in July 2026, all Subway stores and online platforms in Hong Kong and Macau will fully introduce beverages from under the Coca‑Cola portfolio , offering customers a more diverse and enhanced meal pairing experience.

Swire Coca-Cola and Subway’s Hong Kong and Macau franchisee, Fu-Rui-Shi Hong Kong Corporate Development Limited, jointly announced the signing of a seven-and-a-half-year strategic partnership agreement.

Omnichannel Supply with Diverse Beverage Choices

Richard Gould, Director and General Manager of Swire Coca-Cola HK, said the company is pleased to form a long-term partnership with Subway. He noted that meaningful partnerships go beyond brand collaboration — they respond to consumer needs and enhance everyday experiences.

He added that the collaboration not only elevates the dining experience but also reflects our commitment to creating more relevant, refreshing and enjoyable meal occasions for consumers .

Richard Zhu, Chief Executive Officer of Subway China, also welcomed the collaboration, highlighting the combined strengths of both brands in delivering more diverse choices to consumers in Hong Kong and Macau.

Under the agreement, Subway outlets and online platforms in Hong Kong and Macau will offer a range of beverages from the Coca-Cola portfolio, including Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Schweppes, Authentic Tea House, Aquarius and more, along with pairing recommendations and upgrade options. Seasonal and limited-time promotions will also be introduced.

Driving Innovation to Enhance Consumer Experience

With 44 outlets across Hong Kong and Macau, this partnership combines the respective strengths of both companies to further enhance market competitiveness. Leveraging Coca-Cola’s strong brand portfolio and platforms such as Foodmarks and Coke+, the collaboration will enable more diversified partnership models.

Looking ahead, both parties aim to explore integrated promotions to drive bundled sales, as well as closer integration of physical stores and digital channels to boost consumer interaction and conversion, setting a new benchmark for cross-industry collaboration and sustainable growth. With customer experience at its core, the partnership aims to inject new energy into cross-sector collaboration within the local food and retail industry, creating long-term value for the Hong Kong and Macau markets and achieving a win-win-win outcome for brands, merchants and consumers.

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

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