Media OutReach
Optimistic Hong Kong Ecommerce Merchants Report Growth, But Hidden Payment Friction Is Eroding Up to 10% of Revenue, Aspire Report Finds
Despite 64% reporting revenue growth, 91% of merchants face payment friction
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 December 2025 – Aspire, the all-in-one finance platform for modern businesses, today released its Hong Kong Ecommerce Pulse Check for 2025, revealing that while 100 Hong Kong merchants (with HKD 1–10 million annual business revenue) remain optimistic about growth even amid macroeconomic challenges, hidden financial friction is quietly eroding margins.
Developed in collaboration with Stripe, the report identifies payment friction as the most significant — and least visible — drag on ecommerce performance, with 91% of merchants losing 1-10% of revenue every month due to payment failures, hidden fees, chargebacks and disputes, settlement delays, and integration complexities with multiple payment vendors. These losses sit on top of rising processing costs, with 93% of merchants reporting that they now spend at least 2-4+% of revenue on payment fees alone.
“The data tells a remarkable story of Hong Kong merchants navigating macroeconomic challenges with speed and agility. They are reshaping product lines, adjusting pricing, and leaning into discovery-led commerce — yet payment friction continues to undercut these gains.” said Andrea Baronchelli, CEO and Co-founder of Aspire. “As merchants scale across markets, they need financial infrastructure that is transparent, integrated, and cross-border ready to unlock even more growth.”
Macroeconomic pressures drive strategic shifts
Hong Kong merchants continue to operate in a high-cost environment shaped by a consumer spending slowdown (32%), rising rents and logistics costs (32%), and inflation (31%). Despite this, growth expectations remain relatively positive: 32% expect up to 10% revenue growth, another 32% expect 10–20%, and only a minority foresee significant declines.
Instead of passing rising costs directly to consumers, merchants are recalibrating how they price and position their products:
- 31% are moving from mass categories into more defensible niches
- 73% are broadening their price architecture through a premium-to-value shift
- 44% are transitioning from physical to digital channels
- 23% are expanding physical touchpoints such as pop-ups and hybrid formats
Social commerce and cross-border expansion powers momentum
Discovery-led commerce continues to reshape Hong Kong’s ecommerce landscape. Social shops now account for 62% of merchants’ primary sales channels (TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Xiaohongshu), followed by livestreaming (15%) and traditional ecommerce platforms (23%). These channels also show the fastest acceleration, with 93% of merchants reporting an uplift in social commerce sales, underscoring a rapid shift away from traditional ecommerce platforms.
Beyond domestic demand, cross-border remains the clearest path to scale. The top regional markets for Hong Kong merchants are Southeast Asia (100%), Mainland China (83%), and Japan and Korea (63%). However, scaling regionally brings friction of its own. Merchants cite logistics complexity (51%), local marketing barriers (28%), and duties (18%) as the biggest obstacles.
“When 91% of merchants are losing revenue to payment friction, it’s not just an operational cost—it’s a growth blocker,” said Sarita Singh, Regional Head and Managing Director for Southeast Asia, India, and Greater China at Stripe. “Improving payment performance via a strong financial infrastructure is one of the fastest ways for Hong Kong businesses to unlock immediate revenue and scale more confidently across markets.”
Hashtag: #Aspire
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About the Report
Aspire’s Hong Kong Ecommerce Pulse Check 2025 is based on survey responses from 100 Hong Kong ecommerce businesses, collected in November 2025. Respondents typically fall within the HKD 1–10 million annual revenue range and represent a wide mix of categories, including beauty, fashion, home and living, lifestyle, pet care, baby and kids, creative goods, sporting goods, and F&B.
All insights are self-reported and focus on five areas shaping their operating environment: macroeconomic pressures, pricing and product strategies, social commerce growth, cross-border expansion, and the operational and financial friction influencing profitability and scale.
The full report will be revealed on 17th December, 2025.
Visit: 
https://aspireapp.com/hk/ecommerce-pulse-check-2025
About Aspire
Aspire is the all-in-one finance platform for modern businesses globally, which has helped over 50,000companies save time and money with international payments, treasury, expense, payable, and receivable management solutions – accessible via a single, user-friendly account. Headquartered in Singapore, Aspire has 600+ employees across nine countries, clients in 30+ markets and is backed by global top tier VCs, including Sequoia, Lightspeed, Y-Combinator, Tencent and Paypal.
Media OutReach
Public Invited to Tour New Phnom Penh Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The First Presidency of the Church has announced that open house tours will run from Saturday, 15 August 2026, to Saturday, 22 August 2026, except on Sunday. The open house provides all people of all faiths the opportunity to tour the temple’s beautiful interior and grounds and learn about the purpose of this sacred structure.
Open house tours will be conducted:
- Saturdays, 15 & 22 August: 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
- Monday–Friday, 17–21 August: 4:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
- Sunday, 16 August: No tours available.
The temple is located on Russian Federation Boulevard Phnom Penh 12040, on a 1.3-hectare site. Tours are free, and no reservations are needed. More information is available at https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/featured/phnom-penh-cambodia-open-house?lang=eng
Elder Eng Bunhuoch, an Area Seventy and senior leader of the Church in Cambodia, said, “The Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple is a testament to the enduring faith of our Cambodian members and will serve as a focal point of spiritual growth for many years to come. It is more than a building; it is a sacred space that symbolizes our commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the eternal nature of families.
“We invite all to come, learn, and walk with us in our holy temple. You can experience our impression of heaven on earth and the special feelings that exist in the House of the Lord. In this temple, you will feel peace, receive inspiration, feel His love, and draw closer to Him. Our members open their arms to you and invite everyone to share the joy we feel in the temple.”
Following the public open house, the temple will be formally dedicated on Sunday, 30 August 2026. The open house presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all members of the public to enter and tour the temple prior to its dedication. After the dedication, the temple grounds will remain open to visitors; however, entry into the temple itself will be reserved for faithful members of the Church.
There are nearly 18,000 members of the Church in Cambodia. The temple will serve Church members in Cambodia and parts of Vietnam.
The architecture of the temple is inspired by traditional Khmer design elements and cultural heritage, with a central spire surrounded by four smaller spires.
The temple was announced by Church President Russell M. Nelson on 7 October 2018. Groundbreaking was held 18 September 2021, with the dedicatory prayer offered by Cambodia Phnom Penh Mission President Veasna Kuonno Neang.
Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints differ from meetinghouses or chapels, where members gather for Sunday worship services. Each temple is considered a House of the Lord, where Jesus Christ’s teachings are reaffirmed through sacred ceremonies that unite families eternally.
In the temple, Church members learn more about the purpose of life. They learn where we came from before birth, why we are on this earth, and what will happen after we die. In the temple, members make promises to follow Jesus Christ and to serve others.
Hashtag: #PhnomPenhCambodiaTemple #CambodiaTemple #TempleOpenHouse #HouseOfTheLord #ComeAndSee #ChurchofJesusChrist #LatterDaySaints #JesusChrist #LDS
https://news-kh.churchofjesuschrist.org/
https://www.facebook.com/ChurchofJesusChrist.kh
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a worldwide Christian faith of nearly 18 million members, centered on the belief that all people are children of a loving God and that Jesus Christ is the Savior of mankind. Its mission is to bring people to Christ through learning His gospel, making special promises, and practicing love and service.
Members help others by living Christ’s teachings, caring for those in need, inviting all to receive the gospel, and uniting families eternally through temple work. Members are encouraged to be law-abiding, patriotic citizens who love and support their families, creating strong communities and a peaceful society.
The Church has more than 30,000 congregations in more than 160 countries, led by volunteer local leaders.
The Church offers resources in more than 110 languages, operates universities, and has a large humanitarian aid program. It has completed more than 670 humanitarian projects in Cambodia. The Church was restored in 1830 by Joseph Smith after a divine visitation. The Book of Mormon, a sacred record, complements the Bible, testifying of Jesus Christ’s divinity.
Media OutReach
Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia Draws First-Time Exhibitors from Four Continents as Asia’s Growing Seafood Demand Brings Global Industry to Singapore
New national pavilions, first-time exhibitors spanning wild-capture fisheries to smart aquaculture technology, and a dedicated Seafood Processing Asia showcase the growing appetite for global suppliers to build strategic relationships across Asia
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 August 2026 – Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia, organized by Diversified, will take place 2–4 September 2026 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore. Seafood suppliers from around the world and across the supply chain will converge to debut products, build relationships and learn about the industry’s most timely opportunities and challenges. First-time exhibitors and new national and regional pavilions spanning four continents signal the importance of the event in positioning them strategically at the center of Asia’s growing marketplace.
“Seafood Expo Asia is an important platform for the B.C. Dive Fisheries to continue to strengthen our relationships with buyers across Southeast Asia,” said Lawrence Anderson, Director of Pacific Sea Cucumber and Urchin Harvesters Associations (Canada). “It’s an excellent platform to showcase our sustainably harvested premium quality seafood products.”
New Regional and National Pavilions Demonstrating Global Influence
New regional and national pavilions with a growing number of companies will take advantage of the growing demand for seafood across Asia and connect suppliers across the supply chain with buyers in Asia. New pavilions to this year’s event include British Columbia Government (Canada), Jeju Technopark (South Korea), Ministero dell’Agricoltura della Sovranità Alimentare e delle Foreste (MASAF) (Italy) and The French Chamber of Commerce Singapore (France/Singapore).
Returning pavilions include Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (United States), Beijing Yinqicheng International Exhibition Co., Ltd. (China), CAPPMA (China), Dalian Huihetong Exhibition & Display Co., Ltd (China), Food Export USA – Northeast (United States), Hainan Fuchang Exhibition Service Co., Ltd (China), Japan Farmed Fish Export Association (Japan), Kochi Seafood Export Promotion Association (Japan), National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives (South Korea), Seafood Industries Association Singapore (Singapore), Southern United States Trade Association – SUSTA (United States) and Valuedshow Management LLC (China).
New Exhibitors From Around the World
Beyond pavilions, first-time exhibitors are arriving from Ecuador, Chile, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia and China, adding new voices, products and solutions to the exhibit hall. Blumar Asia Ltd, the Asia arm of Chile’s Blumar, will exhibit fresh and frozen Chilean Atlantic salmon alongside its jack mackerel and fishmeal lines. Jeju Technopark, a South Korean government-backed research and innovation center, develops smart land-based aquaculture technology for seaweed and laver cultivation using Jeju Island’s mineral-rich lava seawater. Xinjiang Tianyun Organic Agriculture Co., Ltd. farms salmon and trout at a base fed by glacial water in the Tianshan Mountains and holds BRC Global Food Safety and NSF antibiotic-free product certifications. Foodman Optoelectronic (Zhongshan) Co., Ltd. specializes in food safety and quality-control equipment for seafood processing, including X-ray inspection systems that detect fish bones and foreign objects on the line.
From Ocean to Table: A Full Supply Chain Event
Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia is deliberately designed to reflect the full breath of the seafood industry. Alongside the new exhibitors, returning participants include AquaChile, Austral Fisheries, Vinh Hoan Corporation, Marennes Oleron Oyster PGI and Omarsa S.A., among others. Processing equipment and solutions companies — including BAADER, Gucheng Shouan New Material Technology, Guy Cotten and Silikal GmbH — ensure that buyers sourcing automation, packaging, cold chain and aquaculture infrastructure reach their business goals in one location.
The 2026 exhibit hall will feature all types of seafood products — fresh, frozen, canned, preserved, value-added, processed and packaged — alongside solutions spanning processing and automation, aquaculture systems, cold chain infrastructure and advanced packaging. This full-spectrum lineup means that a hotel procurement manager, a supermarket buyer, a processing plant manager and a hatchery operator can each attend the same event and leave with new suppliers and new partnerships.
Business Matchmaking, New Products and Educational Opportunities
Beyond the exhibit hall, the event delivers a full program of business opportunities. Qualified high-volume importers and retail/foodservice buyers can participate in the Business Matchmaking Program, which facilitates structured, pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings with exhibiting suppliers. The Seafood Excellence Asia Awards, the expo’s product competition, celebrates the best new seafood products on the market, giving innovative suppliers direct visibility with buyers and press at an evening reception.
An educational conference will bring together industry leaders to address seafood consumption trends and market outlook, AI in the supply chain, sustainability certification, RAS fish farming, processing trends across Asia and more. Rounding out the experience, live culinary demonstrations and open product tastings will bring seafood to life on the event floor, connecting buyers directly with the products they are sourcing.
Learn More & Register to Attend
Seafood industry professionals can learn more about Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia, find information on the conference program and other special events, and register to attend for free by visiting www.seafoodexpo.com/asia.
To register as media/press, please visit the press center.
Hashtag: #SEASIA26
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia
Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia is a trade event where buyers from across Asia and industry suppliers from around the world come together to network and conduct business in the lucrative Asian market. The event is produced by Diversified and takes place annually in Asia. SeafoodSource is the exposition’s official media covering industry news year-round.
Follow on Social
LinkedIn @Seafood Expo Asia
Instagram @seafoodexpoasia
Facebook @SeafoodExpoAsia
About Diversified
www.divcom.com.
Media OutReach
High Gold Prices Drive Demand for Jewelry Appraisals as Jewel Cafe Opens Tsuen Wan Store
Newly opened Tsuen Wan OP Mall store offers free appraisals of gold, jewelry, luxury watches, and branded goods with no obligation to sell
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 August 2026 – Following a record-breaking year for gold prices in 2025, more people are seeking to understand the value of jewelry, precious metals, luxury watches, and branded goods. Against this backdrop, Japanese-founded specialty buying brand Jewel Cafe has opened its Tsuen Wan OP Mall store, expanding its presence in Hong Kong.
According to the World Gold Council, the LBMA afternoon gold price set 53 new all-time highs during 2025. The annual average gold price reached a record USD 3,431 per ounce, up 44% from the previous year.
In Hong Kong, gold jewelry has traditionally been associated with weddings, Lunar New Year celebrations, and family occasions. Many households own jewelry that is no longer worn. As interest in understanding the value of these items grows, more consumers are seeking appraisal services before deciding whether to keep or sell them.
At Jewel Cafe, customers are welcomed with Japanese-style hospitality. Friendly and experienced staff clearly explain each appraisal, helping customers make informed decisions at their own pace. Every consultation is free of charge, with no obligation to sell.
The Tsuen Wan store joins Jewel Cafe’s existing locations in Mong Kok and North Point, making it the brand’s third store in Hong Kong. Combining Japanese appraisal expertise with customer-first hospitality, Jewel Cafe provides a trusted buying experience across Hong Kong.
Store Information
Website:
https://jewel-cafe.hk
Hashtag: #JewelCafe #Gold #HongKong #TsuenWan #GoldPrice #Jewelry #LuxuryResale #FreeAppraisal
https://jewel-cafe.hk/
https://www.facebook.com/JewelCafe.hk/
https://www.instagram.com/jewelcafe.hongkong?igsh=eWdrYzYzMnl6dA%3D%3D
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Jewel Cafe
https://jewel-cafe.hk 
