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InnoEX cements Hong Kong’s status as an I&T hub

International participation at region’s premier event for AI and tech


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 April 2024 – The second edition of InnoEX, the region’s premier I&T event, wrapped up successfully at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (April 13-16).

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This year’s InnoEX expanded its international reach, attracting exhibitors from 13 countries and regions, including pavilions from Canada, France, United Kingdom, India and Thailand. The ASEAN Roundtable at the event brought together government representatives from Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia and the Philippines. Officials from Mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government also participated to share experiences and discuss smart-city development needs. Mainland China was well-represented with 20 pavilions from 16 provinces and cities.

“We found brilliant opportunities,” said Stephanie Li, Associate Director, Science, Innovation and Technology at the British Consulate-General in Hong Kong. “We brought nine British companies and we found this platform very beneficial to showcase the UK’s specialities and an opportunity to explore potential collaborations. These conversations could not have happened without this event.”

InnoEX provided a productive platform for international and local participants to share insights and explore business opportunities in AI and tech.
InnoEX provided a productive platform for international and local participants to share insights and explore business opportunities in AI and tech.

“We met people coming from all around the world for this exhibition,” said Stéphane Monsallier, Founder & CEO of System in Motion. “We got great feedback on the AI solutions we are offering in the field of education. We got very promising leads. We are delighted. We will definitely be back next year.”

Hong Kong innovations in focus

The HKSAR Government’s Smart Hong Kong Pavilion showcased over 100 home-grown innovations to enhance life, while the Innovation and Technology Commission presented AI and robotics achievements by 16 research centres under InnoHK, a platform that fosters collaboration among esteemed researchers from Hong Kong, Mainland China and overseas communities.

The pavilion, with a focus on artificial intelligence applications, featured six smart areas – Smart Living, Smart Mobility, Smart Environment, Smart People, Smart Government and Smart Economy. It showcased innovative solutions adopted by more than 20 government bureaux and departments and a series of winning entries from local innovators and students.

A survey revealed that 31% of the local exhibitors at InnoEX consider AI to be the strongest I&T field in Hong Kong, followed by Fintech (27%).

Signature event of Business of Innovation and Technology Week

Co-organised by the HKSAR Government and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), InnoEX, along with the 20th HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) gathered some 3,000 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions and about 88,000 buyers from 139 countries and regions to share insights and explore business opportunities in the AI and tech industry.

Under the theme ‘Innovations for a Smarter World’, the event presented global next-generation smart solutions to promote innovation, while showcasing Hong Kong’s strengths as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub.

InnoEX was a signature event of the Business of Innovation and Technology Week, which included the Digital Economy Summit. It boosted Hong Kong’s status as an emerging international I&T hub.
Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #Innovation #AI #Tech #Fintech





Wechat: 香港 亚洲国际都会

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

Laos Faces Second Month of Trade Deficit Despite Cassava Export Boom

Cassava (Photo: Bangkok Post)

In February, cassava continued to dominate Laos’ export market, maintaining its position as the top export product for the month. However, for the second consecutive month, Laos experienced a trade deficit, amounting to USD 40 million. The March report is yet to be published.

Healthsprings Group Launches New Telemedicine App With Aesthetic Medicine Feature


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 April 2024 – Healthsprings Group announces its launch of Healthsprings Connect, a telemedicine app designed to bring professional medical consultation and personalised treatment plans, including aesthetic medicine services, directly to patients’ fingertips.

The Healthsprings Connect App

What To Expect On Healthsprings Connect

Users can expect a comprehensive range of services designed to cater to diverse healthcare needs. They include:

  • Online GP Consultation for Non-Urgent Symptoms
  • Teleconsultation for Skin Conditions
  • Book FDA-Approved Slimming Treatment
  • Professional Diet and Weight Management Programme
  • Book Health Screening Packages and Vaccinations
  • Consultation for Female Intimate Wellness and Contraceptive Care
  • E-Shop for Supplements, Skincare, and More

Receive Aesthetic Care with Healthsprings Connect
Healthsprings Connect was inspired by Healthsprings Group’s desire to make medical skin health more accessible for everyone, regardless of their life stage. Recognising that many patients struggle with acne treatment, often requiring repeated visits for medication, Healthsprings aim to streamline care and save patients the trouble of travelling for appointments by offering aesthetic medicine services through a digital app. Individuals can now receive personalised treatment for conditions ranging from acne to skin ageing conveniently.

After consultation, users will have the option to schedule in-clinic aesthetic treatments and receive prescribed medicine delivery if needed.

Aesthetic consultation services offered on the app include:

  • Skin consultation for various skin concerns such as acne, ageing, rosacea, eczema, hair loss, skin allergies, skin rashes, skin infections and mole removal.
  • Weight management consultations for personalised dietary plans and medical-grade slimming treatments.

“We are thrilled to connect with more users through Healthsprings Connect and offer guidance and solutions to help more individuals take control of their skin health journey,” said Dr. Soh Lea Sar, Founder and Director of Healthsprings.

Hashtag: #aesthetictreatment #healthsprings #aestheticclinic #telemedicineapp

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

About Healthsprings Group

Healthsprings Group is a Singapore-based medical group consisting of family and corporate medicine clinics, women’s health and . Over the years, they’ve added over 30 aesthetic procedures for the treatment of the skin, body and hair, and they aim to provide ladies in Singapore with comfortable and personalised treatment options in Singapore.

Scammers Prey on WhatsApp, Facebook Users with Fake Lottery Offers

Representational image (Photo: The Sun Daily)

Xieng Khouang Provincial authorities have issued a public warning following reports of individuals falling victim to a fraudulent lottery scheme. The provincial Public Security Office has expressed concern over the scam, which has allegedly been orchestrated through social media platforms.

Lao Government Advises Heat Safety Measures for Schools Amid Sweltering Temperatures

Lao Government Advises Heat Safety Measures for Schools Amid Sweltering Temperatures
FILE: Lao students gather outside to salute the national flag (photo: TARGET Magazine)

As the extreme heat from the sun shines upon Southeast Asia, many countries in the area have been heavily affected by the sweltering temperature, and Laos, with the daily thermometer reading at 40 degrees Celsius, is no exception. To safeguard Lao students from heat-related risks, the government has introduced new measures.

United States, WHO Launch USD 10 Million Initiative to Boost Maternal, Child Health in Laos

(Photo supplied)

The United States and WHO recently unveiled a new multi-year partnership aimed at enhancing maternal, and child health, and nutrition in Laos.

CapBridge Shares Insights on the Recent Launch of Digital Asset ETFs in Hong Kong


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 April 2024 – CapBridge, a leading investment syndication and financial products platform based in Singapore, has shared their comments on Hong Kong’s recent approval for the launch of spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs. The following insights were shared by Johnson Chen, CEO & Founder of CapBridge.

On April 15, Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) gave the nod for the launch of spot Bitcoin and Ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs), seemingly catapulting the city into the forefront of Asia’s push to integrate digital assets into mainstream investment portfolios.

Following the HK SFC’s approval, several offshore Chinese asset managers — including Bosera Asset Management, Harvest Global Investments and China Asset Management — are set to launch their spot digital asset ETFs. This regulatory development, riding the tailwind of digital asset ETF developments in the US, will potentially accelerate greater adoption of digital assets in the APAC region. It potentially grants investors direct access through specified brokers, eliminating the need to buy through specialized crypto exchanges and to manage self-custody, instead utilizing regulated entities for the needed safekeeping.

Hong Kong has now knowingly set a precedent for other Asian markets, many of which have been still cautious thus far. Over the past year, Hong Kong has doubled down its efforts to drive digital asset innovation while trying to enhance its regulatory framework. This progressive approach is expected to ripple across APAC markets, including Singapore, Korea, and Japan, by drawing significant capital inflows and investments. With a combined ETF assets under management (AUM) in the APAC region said to be totaling $1.2 trillion, the APAC region presents sizable opportunities that can be further unlocked through the introduction of digital asset ETFs.

Institutional involvement

Historically, the broader adoption of digital assets like Bitcoin has been hindered by traditional finance (TradFi) players’ reluctance to venture beyond their conventional investment portfolios due to complexities in acquiring, securing, managing, and transferring Bitcoin, along with regulatory uncertainties.

However, a transformative shift now seems underway, propelled by the entry of TradFi behemoths, including Blackrock and Fidelity, whose filing for a spot bitcoin ETF triggered a bullish surge in bitcoin prices. Approval of spot Bitcoin ETF applications from 11 issuers in January 2024 not only facilitates investors’ access to Bitcoin without the need for direct management but also signals a new juncture for the market. The foray of TradFi players into digital assets underscores a well-trodden narrative: the imperative for market participants to engage fueled by irresistible FOMO.

The trend now echoes in Hong Kong as institutional participation gathers pace. Notably, the three asset managers granted spot digital asset ETF approval are among Greater China’s largest, with a combined AUM exceeding USD $700 billion. The increased involvement of such large major institutional players is widely expected to prompt others to follow and incorporate digital assets into their portfolios.

Innovation At The Forefront

Hong Kong’s recent move also showcases innovative practices. It took a step further than its US counterparts by becoming the first jurisdiction to approve spot Ether ETFs. By opening access to regulated and secure investment products tracking the price of Ether, Hong Kong’s decision can potentially channel substantial investments into the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency. With Ether’s market value at around USD $385 billion and a market share of about 16% in the cryptocurrency market, this move could unlock further institutional participation and access, while the US SEC’s current stance is still unclear on ETH ETFs.

Notably, the launch of spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs in Hong Kong has been said to allow for in-kind creation, as opposed to just the cash-create model favored by US authorities. ETF issuers can exchange the fund’s underlying assets (e.g. Bitcoin and Ether) directly with the broker dealer for ETF unit creation and redemption. As highlighted by some asset managers, the use of cash creations and redemptions, together with the in-kind model, may cause problems in keeping share prices aligned with Bitcoin’s Net Asset Value (NAV) in some situations.

Currently, Asia-based investors eyeing US BTC ETFs encounter hurdles like currency conversion requirements, as these ETFs exclusively accept USD for subscriptions, along with the inconvenience of trading across different time zones. Hence, if digital asset ETFs in Hong Kong offer advantages like multi-currency subscription options and allow trading in Asia time zones, these features will streamline access to digital assets and unlock vast investment opportunities for investors based in Asia. With these HK spot ETFs potentially paving the way for additional digital asset investment products unavailable elsewhere, it’s interesting to see how Hong Kong’s decision influences the US’s stance on digital asset ETFs and regulators in other jurisdictions.

Potential Chinese Investment

To fully grasp the implications of HK’s ETF approval, one must consider its impact on mainland China investors. If access is granted to Chinese mainland investors, many of whom are actively seeking alternative havens to store their wealth alongside gold and overseas assets, it could substantially impact the influx of investment into these ETFs, keeping in mind the scale of Mainland China’s ETF AUM is nearly six times that of Hong Kong.

Not all are optimistic about digital asset spot ETFs in Hong Kong. Senior Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas noted that Chinese retail investors may lack access. Given that the Stock Connect program — typically used by mainland Chinese investors to access eligible shares listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange — still excludes them from digital asset ETFs, this potentially questions and casts doubt on the prospects of spot counterparts in Hong Kong. However, this doesn’t necessarily diminish the significance of Hong Kong’s ETF approval. While the market awaits clarity on access for mainland Chinese investors, developments in Hong Kong indicate a growing acceptance of digital assets as a legitimate asset class and governments’ proactive exploration of their use cases, marking a significant step forward. Hong Kong sets a commendable example by championing innovation, which is likely to reverberate across Asia’s financial ecosystem.

Johnson Chen further commented, “As we stand on the brink of a new financial era, the combination of TradFi via ETFs with digital underlying assets (instruments like Bitcoin and Ether, also affectionately bundled together and conveniently known as Web3) illustrates the convergence of two worlds. These developments exemplify how innovation, embraced by regulatory bodies and market leaders, can lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and dynamic financial future.”

Disclosures: The author of this opinion article does not hold any positions in the ETFs mentioned.

Hashtag: #CapBridge #1exchange #ETFs #VirtualAsset #DigitalAsset

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

BioMed Technology Among Pioneering Recipients of Investment from CUHK Innovation Limited for Microbiome-based Healthcare Solutions


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 April 2024 – BioMed Technology Holdings Limited (“BioMed“), a start-up founded by CUHK professors and alumni, announced an investment received from CUHK Innovation Limited.

CUHK Innovation Limited has announced its investment in BioMed, marking its first investment since its establishment. Pictured are Mr. Vincent Tsang, CEO and Co-founder of BioMed (second from the left), Dr. Norman Chan, Chairman of CUHK Innovation Limited (third from the left), Ms. Cindy Chow, Director of CUHK Innovation Limited (second from the right), and Professor Stephen Tsui, Co-founder of BioMed and Associate Director (Research) of School of Biomedical Sciences, CUHK (first from the right).
CUHK Innovation Limited has announced its investment in BioMed, marking its first investment since its establishment. Pictured are Mr. Vincent Tsang, CEO and Co-founder of BioMed (second from the left), Dr. Norman Chan, Chairman of CUHK Innovation Limited (third from the left), Ms. Cindy Chow, Director of CUHK Innovation Limited (second from the right), and Professor Stephen Tsui, Co-founder of BioMed and Associate Director (Research) of School of Biomedical Sciences, CUHK (first from the right).

BioMed Technology Holdings Limited, a startup nurtured by Hong Kong Science Park, was founded by a group of CUHK professors and alumni. The company specializes in microbiology and bioinformatics and is dedicated to promoting precise and personalized microbiome-based interventions. These interventions are designed to restore the balance of the oral, skin, and gut microbiomes, thereby improving both physical and mental health.

Up to now, BioMed has successfully built a microbiome database comprising over 10,000 data points gathered from diverse regions across Asia. This valuable database continues to grow and serves as a promising cornerstone for the company’s future R&D endeavors.

Commercially, BioMed has established collaborations with over 200 healthcare service providers in Hong Kong and directly markets its products like E3 probiotics and EC Cream to consumers through more than 260 retail outlets under the PGut Brand. Furthermore, the company has also expanded its operations to Macau, Mainland China, and Thailand.

Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of CUHK Innovation Limited, Ms Joyce Ng, ” People are essential building blocks for business success. The founders of this company comprise professionals from diverse fields who have strong ties to CUHK. These include Professor Tsui Kwok-Wing Stephen, a professor in the School of Biomedical Sciences and director of the Hong Kong Bioinformatics Centre and the Centre for Microbial Genomics and Proteomics at CUHK, Dr. Steven Loo, a dermatologist and Clinical Assistant Professor (honorary) at CUHK, and Vincent Tsang, a serial entrepreneur and CUHK alumnus. By combining their expertise, we believe they can drive innovation and commercialisation to deliver next generation of customerized solutions to consumers.”

Medical director and co-founder of BioMed, Dr. Steven Loo stated, “We are honored to be the first company to receive investment from the newly established CUHK Innovation Limited. This partnership will provide us with invaluable support and access to CUHK’s robust ecosystem, enabling us to accelerate our research and development initiatives and expand our market presence. With the backing of the CUHK Innovation Limited, we are confident in our ability to take BioMed to new heights of innovation and empower individuals with personalized and effective healthcare solutions that harness the potential of the microbiome.”

As part of its strategic expansion, BioMed has recently launched a pioneering initiative in the rapidly growing pet healthcare market. It has joined forces with PetSpace, the leading veterinary group in Hong Kong, to conduct a large-scale research project recruiting a total of 500 felines and canines. This collaboration has positioned BioMed as the primary repository of pet microbiome data in Hong Kong. BioMed and PSG Vivet, a veterinarian-led product development company, have formed a strategic partnership to develop gut microbiome tests and personalized probiotics for pets. The products are expected to launch in Q3 2024.

Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of BioMed, Mr. Vincent Tsang said,”Through the support of the CUHK Innovation Limited, BioMed has fortified its capabilities in providing microbiome-based solutions for human and veterinary healthcare. Our unwavering commitment to advanced technology, scientific research, and personalized health management positions us with utmost confidence to drive innovation and deliver exceptional outcomes.”
Hashtag: #BioMedTechnology #BioMed #SciencePark #microbiome #probiotics #CUHKInnovation



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

About BioMed Technology Holdings Limited

BioMed Technology Holdings Limited (BioMed), a startup nurtured by Hong Kong Science Park, was founded by a group of CUHK professors and alumni. It advocates precise and personalised microbiome-based healthcare solutions based on DNA testing results, to restore the balance of oral, skin and gut microbiome.

BioMed has raised funds in its oversubscribed seed round from Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund (AEF), Gobi Partners GBA, The International Medical Co. Ltd. (TIMC) and Human Health Holdings Limited (1419.HK). DSS (NYEX: DSS), a US listed company is also a shareholder of BioMed.

About CUHK Innovation Limited

CUHK Innovation Limited is a newly established company wholly owned by CUHK to make investments in innovative business and impact ventures related to CUHK’s technological innovations. CUHK Innovation Limited will start with an early-stage fund, with a focus on seeking matching funds from venture capital investors.

The Company is committed to supporting CUHK’s spin-off companies as they commercialise their innovative research and development achievements, and furthering the University’s mission in promoting and enhancing entrepreneurial culture.