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Japan-Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Forum Ushers in a New Chapter for Bilateral Innovation and Technology Collaboration
Among the distinguished guests were Ambassador Jun Miura, Consul-General of Japan in Hong Kong; Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of HKSAR; Ambassador George Hara, founder of DEFTA Partners and advisor to HKSTP; Mr Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP; and global AI expert Professor Yutaka Matsuo of the University of Tokyo.
Amb Jun Miura, Consul-General of Japan in Hong Kong, said: “The increasing importance of Hong Kong and HK-Shenzhen-Guangzhou cluster as a hub for innovation and technology based on their capital, information, universities and talent is becoming clear, especially as the pace of technological advancement, including AI, and changes in the business environment, accelerates.” He added: “Now is the time for Japan and Hong Kong to explore opportunities of collaboration in innovation and technology, based on their longstanding relationship. “,” I hope that the startups of Hong Kong will visit various parts of Japan and deepen their understanding of the various opportunities that Japanese local cities provide. Likewise, I would like to see more Japanese startups come to Hong Kong to seize opportunities. By doing so, hopefully both Japan and Hong Kong can grow together in the field of innovation and technology.”
Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR, said that the Government has spared no efforts in devising support measures to promote the development of start-up ecosystem in Hong Kong, citing the $10 billion Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme, the launch of the $180 million Pilot I&T Accelerator Scheme as well as the setting up of a $10 billion Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund and the relaxation of application threshold for the New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme. She expressed confidence that Japanese I&T enterprises can benefit greatly from setting up footholds in Hong Kong with a view to tapping the vast Mainland and overseas markets.
Mr Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said, “Our forum today exemplifies this spirit, bringing together Japan’s deep tech strength and Hong Kong’s global platform to unlock a new era of collaboration. At HKSTP, we are committed to enabling startups to go global while attracting international innovation leaders to land and scale in Hong Kong. To date, more than 150 tech enterprises have participated in nine major innovation events across Japan, generating over USD 5 million in commercialisation value through increased exposure and strategic partnerships.”
He added that HKSTP is fast-tracking the development of INNOPOLE, a new 20-hectare San Tin Technopole campus within the Northern Metropolis. This strategic initiative is designed to create a powerful economic engine, providing expansive space for AI development and Greater Bay Area collaboration. INNOPOLE will solidify Hong Kong’s position as the world’s premier gateway for innovation.
Amb George Hara, Group Chairman & CEO, DEFTA Partners, shared insights at the keynote speech, and said: “The momentum from today’s forum is a clear signal that the future of tech will be written through collaboration. We are committed to bring strategic alliance with Japanese corporates, leveraging DEFTA’s expertise to turn the promising sciences and technologies out of Hong Kong into the groundbreaking enterprises of tomorrow.”
As Chairman of the Alliance Forum Foundation, he said “Hong Kong serves as a pivotal junction between Japan, China and the United States, holding significant geopolitical importance. Should Japan’s industrial sector contribute to growth by commercialising new technologies emerging in Hong Kong universities and establishing technology industries, while introducing the concept of public-benefit capitalism to cultivate a prosperous middle class, Hong Kong could become a model city for the 21st century and set an example for many Asian cities. Fostering a prosperous middle class also contributes significantly to building democracy and peace. Everything hinges on what kind of city Hong Kong’s business leaders envision for its future”.
At the forum, panel discussions explored topics including artificial intelligence, investment, business collaboration, and bio-related technologies. These sessions brought together entrepreneurs, scientists, and industry leaders from Japan and Hong Kong to share insights and explore opportunities for mutual growth.
The Japan-Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Forum laid a strong foundation for future bilateral engagement, fostering ongoing collaboration and shared success. HKSTP continues to drive global expansion for Hong Kong startups through its “Attract In and Expand Out” strategy, and remains committed to deepening its alliance with Japanese stakeholders, leveraging collective strengths to drive innovation and co-create a dynamic I&T ecosystem that addresses global challenges and supports sustainable growth.
Hashtag: #HKSTP #HongKongScienceandTechnologyParksCorporation
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Swiss-Belhotel International Unveils Mobile App, Advancing its Integrated Digital Ecosystem
The launch of the Swiss-Belhotel International Mobile App completes a strategic technology upgrade initiated last year, which included the implementation of a new booking engine, the transition to an enhanced website, and the introduction of an advanced Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. With the addition of the mobile app, Swiss-Belhotel International now offers a fully connected digital ecosystem, ensuring a seamless journey from discovery to booking and beyond.
Commenting on the launch, Matthew Faull, Executive Director and Senior Vice President – Information Technology, E-commerce and Distribution, said: “The launch of the Swiss-Belhotel International Mobile App represents the completion of a carefully structured digital transformation programme. By aligning our booking engine, website, CRM and now mobile platform into one connected ecosystem, we are able to deliver a more efficient, responsive and guest-centric experience. This is not simply about technology adoption, but about creating meaningful value through integration.”
Adding to this, Priyanka Kapoor, Group Director – Sales, Marketing, Branding and Communications, said: “At the heart of this launch is our commitment to our loyal guests. The Swiss-Belhotel International Mobile App allows us to offer greater value, more personalised engagement, and exclusive member benefits. It reinforces our focus on direct relationships with our guests, ensuring they receive the best rates, the best privileges, and a seamless brand experience.”
Built around the principle of ‘One App, Many Benefits,’ the Swiss-Belhotel International Mobile App enables guests to book directly at the best available rates while unlocking exclusive member privileges. Users can easily sign up or log in to access personalised offers, ensuring that loyal guests are consistently recognised and rewarded.
More than a booking tool, the app is designed to simplify the entire travel journey, offering a streamlined, intuitive interface that enhances both convenience and engagement. By integrating its core digital platforms into a single environment, Swiss-Belhotel International strengthens its ability to deliver a consistent and elevated guest experience across all touchpoints.
As digital expectations continue to evolve, Swiss-Belhotel International remains focused on investing in technologies that enhance accessibility, strengthen guest relationships, and support long-term growth. The Swiss-Belhotel International Mobile App stands as a key step in this direction – bringing together innovation, efficiency, and guest-centricity within a single, unified platform.
Hashtag: #SwissBelhotelInternational #HospitalityTechnology #Hospitality
https://www.swiss-belhotel.com/
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Swiss-Belhotel International
Swiss-Belhotel International operates in 20 countries, managing 165+* hotels, resorts, and projects across New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, with regional offices in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, China, Indonesia, UAE, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand. Committed to delivering world-class hospitality, the group also offers the Swiss-Belexecutive Card (SBEC), a loyalty program providing many benefits, discounts from 10% to 35% on rooms, dining, and other services, plus priority check-in, complimentary upgrades, and late check-out. No collecting points, no waiting for redemption, with the free-to-join Green Global tier, members can enjoy instant discounts from their first stay! Book stays and access special offers tailored for SBI guests and SBEC members through the Swiss-Belhotel International App – available in App Store and Google Play Store. Stay connected with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and exclusive benefits. Visit swiss-belhotel.com for more information.
*Numbers may fluctuate
From September 2025 to April 2026, the program combined consistent distributions with practical assistance. During this time, more than 1,700 food boxes were delivered, helping ensure access to essential nutrition for elderly residents.
The initiative also included healthcare support. Around 300 people received vision checks, with 152 of them receiving eyeglasses based on the results. In addition, approximately 300 people received medicines each month, supporting the management of common health conditions.
Additional assistance included the distribution of first aid kits, hygiene kits, and prepared meals, helping cover both daily needs and immediate care.
Members of the Olymptrade community also took part in the initiative, joining two distribution days to help with the process and spend time with elderly residents.
The eight-month program marks an important milestone in the partnership, but not its conclusion. Olymptrade plans to continue supporting local communities through similar initiatives, guided by a simple principle: Care that counts.
Hashtag: #Olymptrade
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Paymentology and Change Financial join forces to fast-track next-generation payments in Australia
The collaboration combines Paymentology’s cloud-first processing platform with Change Financial’s local BIN sponsorship, regulatory expertise and in-market presence – enabling fintechs, digital banks and programme managers to launch and scale debit, credit and prepaid programmes more efficiently in the Australian market.
Change Financial is a Mastercard Principal Issuer in Australia, providing local scheme connectivity and compliance support. Together with Paymentology’s real-time, multi-cloud processing infrastructure, the partnership creates a streamlined pathway for fintechs looking to enter or expand in the country.
Australia represents one of the world’s most advanced digital payments markets. The national payments market was valued at USD 849.1 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 1.35 trillion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.09% between 2026 and 2034. Cards and mobile wallets now sit at the centre of everyday transactions, as digital adoption continues to accelerate. Australians made approximately AUD 160 billion in mobile wallet payments in the past year alone, with billions of transactions recorded annually, highlighting strong demand for digital-first, contactless and mobile-enabled payment experiences.
Minh Ha Truong, Head of Growth Asia Pacific at Paymentology commented: “Australia is one of the most sophisticated payments ecosystems globally, with strong consumer adoption of digital, contactless and mobile-first experiences. By partnering with Change Financial, we’re combining next-generation issuing infrastructure with trusted local BIN sponsorship and expertise, unlocking faster payment method adoption for fintechs and helping them scale confidently in the Australian market.”
Change Financial brings deep experience supporting fintechs and financial institutions through local sponsorship, scheme relationships and programme enablement.
Jennifer Mateer, Chief Commercial Officer at Change Financial added: “We collaborate closely with fintechs and programme managers every day to launch innovative payment solutions with speed and confidence. Our partnership with Paymentology combines our local market expertise with global-scale issuing infrastructure, enabling innovators to accelerate time to market and deliver compelling card payment experiences to Australian consumers and businesses.”
Hashtag: #Paymentology #Fintech
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About Paymentology
Paymentology is the leading next-generation issuer processor, empowering fintechs, digital banks and retail banks to effortlessly launch and manage innovative payment solutions on a global scale. The company drives greater customer choice and value through easy-to-use, integrated platforms and services that help clients to disrupt the status quo, accelerate time to market, and achieve growth.
With a superior multi-cloud platform offering a vast global footprint, and enhanced real-time data, Paymentology distinguishes itself as a leader in the payments industry. Its team of payments experts, with deep local market knowledge, operates across 50 countries and 14 time zones, providing 24/7 support. Paymentology is deeply committed to expanding financial inclusion globally, changing lives and positively impacting the communities in which it operates.
For more information, visit https://www.Paymentology.com.
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