"E-commerce Innovation Expo 2026 - Expanding
Brand Horizons" (Expo) for two consecutive days coorganized by the
Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, the Hong Kong Productivity Council's
(HKPC) SME ReachOut and the Trade and Industry Department from 25th
to 26th Jun 2026. It aims to assist small and medium-sized
enterprises (SMEs) in developing cross-border e-commerce business, keeping
abreast of the latest market trends and broadening their e-commerce sales
network. I went to CityU to have breakfast.
The day 2 morning event entitled “Asia-Pacific
Economic Cooperation (APEC) Seminar: Assisting Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises (MSMEs) to Expand Business Opportunities in APEC Region through
E-commerce”.
The first speaker was Mr. Nicholas Fu (Senior
Economist (Global Research Team), HKTDC) and his topic was “Latin America
E-commerce Market”. In the beginning, he reviewed key economic indicators in
Latin America 2025 such as GDP, GDP growth & GDP per capita, Inflation rate
and Population, etc.
Then he compared the e-commerce characteristics across
Latin American countries. They have different online applications based on
their different behaviors and habits.
After that Mr. Fu introduced the Peru e-commerce online
survey and found that customer would focus on value for money, attractive
price/promotions and unique product features or functions.
Finally, Mr. Nicholas Fu gave summary of recommendations
included brand awareness, discounts, innovative product, fast delivery,
customer support and fulfill regulatory requirement.
The second speaker was Mr. Bruce Pan (Cross-border
Industry Operations Manager, TikTok) and his presentation named “Seller
Self-Service Model”. Firstly, he briefed his company background and with 1 billion
monthly active users globally.
He said Content x Marketplace drives new sales growth
and brand recognition. And then he introduced three key components of GMV
(Gross Merchandise Value/Volume) which is the total dollar value of all goods
sold through an ecommerce platform over a specific period. They were Shop Tab,
Short Video and Livestream.
Lastly, he gave some tips for seller growth including
product selection and pricing strategy, team-building and content design, identify
GMV components, etc.
The third speaker was Mr. Liu Qi (Head of Cross-Border
Incubation, Lazada) and his topic named “Partnering to Grow in Southeast Asia
Helping Sellers Go Global with Quality”. Lazada is under Alibaba International
Digital Commerce Group (AIDC) and founded in 2012. They focused on Southeast Asia
market.
Lazada integrated logistics solutions for diverse
seller needs both cross-border and local fulfillment modes.
Mr. Liu Qin introduced their one-stop logistics closed
loop from order issuance to delivery confirmation.
The fourth speaker was Mr. Andy Huang (Senior Account
Manager, Alibaba.com Hong Kong Limited) and his topic entitled “AI-powered
Digital Tools fro E-commerce Market Entry”.
In the beginning, Mr. Andy Huang mentioned four
e-commerce challenge included market complexity, rising cost, AI automation and
strategic focus that many are repetitive tasks.
After that he introduced Alibaba strategies including
AI-Driven and Localization.
And then he demonstrated the channels of buyer actions
from enter the App, to search the product and click the product, as well as purchase
at the end. He introduced their Accio Work (AI agent) times OKKI (all-in-one
toolkit).
The fifth speaker was Mr. Zhao Yang (Deputy Director,
Research Fellow, China General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC)) and his presentation
title was “Lower the barriers. Raise the quality. Reach the world.” He said over
the past two years, he visited 109 enterprises and he observed how China
supports small business in e-commerce.
Then he mentioned 15th Five-Year Plan that
digital economy core industries equal to 12.5% GDP by 2030. Thus, government is
sustained support for SME transformation.
Finally, Mr. Zhao Yang supported institutional reform plus
regional cooperation that need to lock into the value chain and dormant data as
living assets. He would like to build an open, inclusive and mutually trusted
regional digital trades ecosystem.
The six speaker was Ms. Usanisa Khun-ekanan (Expert from
the Electronic Transaction Development Agency (ETDA)) and her topic entitled “Supporting
SMEs’ E-commerce Readiness through Digital Transformation”.
Ms. Usanisa shared the overall digital maturity in Thailand’s
SMEs e-commerce. Lack of digital skills and understanding that SMEs need
practical capability to use digital tools effectively.
She concluded that their program focused on three priorities
sectors and they are trade, services and manufacturing so as to enhance the
digital readiness to real implementation and stronger business growth.
The seventh speaker was Mr. Kenneth Poon (Assistant General
Manager, Business Division, Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation) and
his presentation title was “HKECIC Support measures in assisting Hong Kong,
China MSMEs to tap the e-commerce”.
Firstly, he introduced HKECIC that is a statutory organization
of the HKSAR Government as an export credit agency.
Their key missions protect HK and Mainland Enterprises
both going global and e-commerce merchants.
The eighth speaker was Ms. Cheung Pui-shan (Customs
Inspector, Customs and Excise Department) and her presentation topic named “Hong
Kong Authorized Economic Operator Programme (HKAEO)”.
In the beginning, she briefed the background of WCO
SAFE Framework of standards (2005) and Implementation of HKAEO programme
(2012). HKAEO programme covered around 100 economies worldwide.
All local enterprise engaging in the international
supply chain activities is eligible. Accreditation standards covered 12 items
where the first 10 items belong to tier 1. The last two additional items plus
tier 1 items to be tier 2.
The MRA developed from 2013 to 2025 roadmap was
demonstrated.
The last speaker was Mr. Sunny Chan (Assistant
Director-General of Trade and Industry, Trad and Industry Department) and his
presentation entitled “Hong Kong, China’s Support Measures for MSMEs in Tapping
into the E-commerce Market”.
Firstly, he introduced the history and objectives of
E-commerce development task force which found in Jan 2024.
Then he introduced the dedicated fund on Branding,
Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund) to assists SMEs in developing brands
upgrading and restructuring, and promoting sales. Finally, he said they would
continue to support HKC MSMEs in venturing into the e-commerce market and
expand their business opportunities.
The Q&A session
The second forum named “The IP Alchemist: From
Creative Licensing to Global Success” was performed afterward. Dr. Alex Lau
(Honorary Advisor, Asia Pacific Creativity Industries Association) is session
chair and guests included Ms. Constance Li (Executive Director, SIA Hong Kong),
Mr. Petto Ng (Director, FX Creations International Ltd), Mr. Vincent Cheung
(General Manager (Oversea Licensing) B. Duck Semk Holdings International
Limited) and Ms. Wing Li (Founder, SHIBAINC Limited). Before start the forum,
all guests took a group photo.
In the beginning, Dr. Alex Lau compared building
owners to intellectual property (IP) owners and licenses to leases, making it
easier for participants to understand. Ms. Constance Li said riding the wave of
Hong Kong's popularity, showcases an IP exhibition that incorporates Hong Kong
elements, leverages the IP's existing fan base, and includes hidden surprises
and touches. Since 2019, Mr. Petto Ng has discovered that traffic acquisition
is the most expensive aspect, accounting for 30% of his costs. The IP itself
generates traffic; securing an IP depends on how much business it can bring. A
single contract involves 8-9 products and is non-exclusive. It needs to make
predictions. Retail accounts for 6% revenue. IP cross-industry
collaborations—one contract signed in seven countries are common. His own band
is overshadowed by others; innovation is key. Mr. Vincent Cheung said B. Duck
used to make gifts, then retail, and then licensing. Initially overseas is in
2014-15, China promoted IP, so they expanded overseas in mainland again, but
with appropriate agents. Ms. Wing Li ran his IP for 13 years. In the first 6-7
years, they used their own website and then licensing rights for Europe and
America.
The third forum entitled “Always on eCommerce: Unlock
24/7 Key to Smart Business”. Mr. Richie Yung (Founding Chairman, The Asian
General Chamber of New Retail) is session chair and guests included Mr. Lucas
Chua (Executive Assistant, Reunite Limited), Mr. Sunny Yaury (Director, United
Technologies (Int’l) Ltd.), Mr. Marco Lau (Sales Manager, Fresh Up Group
Limited) and Ms. Stella Cheng (Senior Manager, Product Growth KPay).
Firstly, Mr. Richie Yung introduced each guests and
also mentioned ERP employed AI. Then Mr. Lucas Chua introduced their 3D web
engine for product design and 3D display your product online for e-commerce.
Mr. Sunny Yaury introduced their product “abss” (previous MYOB for 30 years),
AI Tech had been integrated into their product. Their team used AI to generate
first level code, and development team amended it so as to reduce development
time. Mr. Marco Lau’s company had 5000 machines on the street. He proposed
Three “One”: One vending machine, One location, and One person to manage. AI
vending machines used refrigerator mode. Ms. Stella Cheng shared that Kpay,
24/7 payments and instant customer service. Based on 2025 Citibank survey,
local currency pricing, payment connectivity, security and risk management are
most important. How depth of your payment platform reflects how far you can go.
After the forum, we continued the discussion and took
a photo with Mr. Sunny Yaury and Mr. Richie Yung.
The next session is “Go Global: Backed by Government
Funding”.
The first speaker was Mr. Forrest Ngo (Manager
(Technical Advisory), Funding Schemes Division, HKPC) and his topic entitled “Pilot
Manufacturing and Production Line Upgrade Support Scheme (“Manufacturing+”).
The second speaker was Mr. Patrick Tham (Consultant,
Mechatronics Engineering, New Industrialization Division, HKPC) and his presentation
title was “Introduction to the New Industrialisation Funding Scheme (NIFS) and
how HKPC supports the development of new industrialisation industries”.
The third speaker was Mr. Barry Chan (Senior Manager,
Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD), HKPC) and his
topic named “Introduction to BUD Dedicated Fund”.
Then next session is “TECH Go: HKPC Procurement
Connect”
The first speaker in this session was Ms. Candis and
her presentation title was "Navigating with Technology" —
"Listen to Needs · Seize Opportunities" HKPC Procurement Matchmaking
Sharing Session.
The second speaker was Mr. Rex Mu (Consultant, Smart
Machinery and Equipment, HKPC) who introduced the Smart Manufacturing Division.
The third speaker was Mr. Gary Ho (Deputy Head, AI and
Data Science, HKPC) and he introduced the Digital Trust and Transformation
Division.
The fourth speaker was Mr. Jack Chu (Consultant, ESG
and Intelligent Solution, HKPC) and his presentation title named “Introduction
to the Development of the Green Living and Innovation Division”.
The last speaker was Mr. Ralph Xu (Head, Green
Transportation) and his topic entitled “Introduction by Centre of Advanced
Power and Autonomous Systems (APAS)”.
After the session, I visited APAS and took a photo
with autonomous vehicle.
I met Mr. Ben Wong and we both are member of CityU
Eminence Society.
I also visit Mr. Terry Chan booth again.
Got the HKPC souvenir.
The last forum named “Powering the Global Pulse:
Smart Trade & Logistics”. Prof. Henry Ko (President, Hong Kong E-commerce
Logistics Association) is session chair and guests included Mr. Simon Fan (Head
of Services, Global Trade Solutions, Hang Seng Bank), Mr. Dicky Wong (Founder,
DealerSend Logistics Limited), Mr. Andy Lai (Senior Business Development Manager,
Noatum Logistics) and Ms. Stephanie Lin (Manager, Partner Engagement, Tradelink
Electronic Commerce Limited).
Firstly, Prof. Henry Ko talked about the flow of
funds, logistics, information flow, and AI+ to Hong Kong+ that covered all
topics of guests. Mr. Simon Fan briefed bank guarantee, supply chain financing,
data-driven product such as Tradepay, transaction authenticity. Data is a
critical asset he said. Dicky said DealerSend founded in 2019, helps e-commerce
businesses expand overseas. It combines reliable logistics with smart
warehousing, operating warehouses in the US and Europe, and utilizes WMS
(Warehouse Management System) for all-in-one stock and ERP (Enterprise Resource
Planning) pricing. Mr. Andy Lai said Noatum is Spanish company. Where factory
located, the local regulation compliance is first. They covered air, sea, and
land transportation using smart logistics system and predict the e-commerce
trend. Ms. Stephanie Lin mentioned TradeLink is from electronic customs
declaration to AI-powered customs declaration, reducing time from 1 hour to 5
minutes. Data-driven trade finance. Make good use of it.
Reference
E-commerce Innovation Expo 2026 - https://ecommexpo2026.com/?lang=en
HKPC - https://www.hkpc.org/en
20260626: E-commerce Innovation Expo 2026 –
Day 2 - https://qualityalchemist.blogspot.com/2026/06/e-commerce-innovation-expo-2026-day-2.html
20260625: E-commerce Innovation Expo 2026 –
Day 1 - https://qualityalchemist.blogspot.com/2026/06/e-commerce-innovation-expo-2026-day-1.html
20250613: HKSQ Technical Visit to HKPC
laboratories - https://qualityalchemist.blogspot.com/2025/06/hksq-technical-visit-to-hkpc.html
20250516: HKSQ and HKPC Cooperation Meeting
- https://qualityalchemist.blogspot.com/2025/05/hksq-and-hkpc-cooperation-meeting.html
E-commerce related events:
20250925: Guest Sharing for COMP 2121
e-Business by Ir. Matthew Tsui - https://qualityalchemist.blogspot.com/2025/09/guest-sharing-for-comp-2121-e-business.html
20210622: HKTDC T-box X HKSME Workshop –
WeMedia & WeChat Mini Program - https://qualityalchemist.blogspot.com/2021/06/hktdc-t-box-x-hksme-workshop-wemedia.html
20190409: AI and E-Commerce: Ethical
Conflicts《人工智能與電子商貿：倫理對弈》 - https://qualityalchemist.blogspot.com/2019/04/ai-and-e-commerce-ethical-conflicts.html
20150202: An Evening with Jack Ma (馬雲與青年有約) - https://qualityalchemist.blogspot.com/2015/02/an-evening-with-jack-ma.html
20150129: HKSTP & Alibaba B2B Export
e-Commerce Business Seminar - https://qualityalchemist.blogspot.com/2015/01/hkstp-alibaba-b2b-export-e-commerce.html
20140115: HKSTLA's BUD Project Conclusion
Workshop for the 8 Industries - https://qualityalchemist.blogspot.com/2014/01/hkstlas-bud-project-conclusion-workshop.html
20130317: HKSTLA Seminar of Sharing on
Social Media Adoption - https://qualityalchemist.blogspot.com/2013/03/hkstla-seminar-of-sharing-on-social.html
20111216: Digital Media Marketing
Conference 2011 - https://qualityalchemist.blogspot.com/2011/12/digital-media-marketing-conference-2011.html
20100918: China Business Strategy with
Internet - https://qualityalchemist.blogspot.com/2010/09/china-business-strategy-with-internet.html
