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Smiles SuperApp partners with Tencent Cloud to enable smarter digital commerce in the UAE

  • Cloud integration will allow partner brands to seamlessly onboard as ‘mini apps’ 
  • Consumers will benefit from a plethora of services, deals and rewards across global & local brands

BARCELONA, Spain, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Smiles, e& UAE’s SuperApp, has partnered with Tencent Cloud, the cloud business of Tencent – the global technology powerhouse behind Weixin/WeChat, the world’s largest SuperApp –to enhance digital commerce in the UAE. Announced during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, this partnership reinforces Smiles’ commitment to driving customer-centric innovation.

Smiles SuperApp partners with Tencent Cloud to enable smarter digital commerce in the UAE
Smiles SuperApp partners with Tencent Cloud to enable smarter digital commerce in the UAE

As part of the agreement, Smiles will leverage Tencent Cloud Super App as a Service (TCSAS) solution to create an open, dynamic digital ecosystem, making it the first in the region to leverage this technology. This integration will allow partner brands to seamlessly onboard as “mini apps” within Smiles, mirroring the highly successful WeChat model. By doing so, businesses can establish a digital presence with ease, whereas consumers can choose from a broader selection of services and rewards, all within a unified SuperApp experience.

With 5.5M+ registered users Smiles is the UAE’s leading rewards-driven SuperApp, offering a vast range of deals and services across food and grocery delivery, home services, dining, retail, entertainment, travel, and more. By adopting Tencent’s proven cloud-based solution, Smiles is set to transform into a fully-fledged “Super-Mall,” allowing brands to quickly and efficiently onboard their services.

“Our partnership with Tencent marks a strategic moment in Smiles’ evolution from a rewards platform to becoming a full-scale digital commerce enabler in the UAE,” said Khaled Elkhouly, Chief Consumer Officer, e& UAE. “We’re bringing the expertise behind the world’s largest SuperApp, WeChat, to create a more accessible digital ecosystem with Smiles. This means businesses, from global brands to local merchants, can integrate faster and reach customers more effectively without heavy investment or complexity. For consumers, it’s about making everyday life simpler—whether it’s discovering great deals, completing everyday chores, accessing services, or enjoying rewards—all in one place. Ultimately, this integration is set to reshape digital commerce in the UAE, a market driven by speed and convenience, by seamlessly connecting businesses and consumers in a more frictionless economy.”

Dan Hu, Vice President of Tencent Cloud International for the Middle East, shared, “We are thrilled to partner with e& UAE to power Smiles as it is evolving into an everyday app for millions, whether it is for accessing essential services, retail, shopping or gaming entertainment. TCSAS is a proven, modular platform designed to be versatile and intuitive, supporting our partners to meet their user expectations for a seamless experience.”

TCSAS is powered by Tencent Cloud’s Mini Program framework, which has been instrumental in the success of Weixin/WeChat, one of the world’s largest digital ecosystems with over 1.1 billion monthly active users. Through this partnership, Smiles aims to replicate that success in the UAE, offering partner brands a plug-and-play solution to enhance engagement, boost customer retention, and drive higher returns on investment.

For businesses, the integration will allow brands to swiftly onboard their services into the Smiles ecosystem, driving customer engagement and revenue growth without extensive development costs.  Whereas Smiles’ consumers will have access to an even wider network of businesses – ranging from top global brands to local favorites- offering deals, services, and rewards. Whether it’s shopping, dining, entertainment, online food or grocery ordering or booking services, consumers will benefit from a seamless, all-in-one experience within the Smiles SuperApp.

With a network of 6,500 participating brands and 15,000 partner outlets, Smiles continues to evolve as the go-to SuperApp, delivering value, convenience, and rewards to millions of users.

About Tencent Cloud:

Tencent Cloud, one of the world’s leading cloud companies, is committed to creating innovative solutions to resolve real-world issues and enabling digital transformation for smart industries. Through our extensive global infrastructure, Tencent Cloud provides businesses across the globe with stable and secure industry-leading cloud products and services, leveraging technological advancements such as cloud computing, Big Data analytics, AI, IoT, and network security. It is our constant mission to meet the needs of industries across the board, including the fields of gaming, media and entertainment, finance, healthcare, property, retail, travel, and transportation.

About Smiles:

Smiles is e&’s full-service lifestyle SuperApp and one of the largest one-stop shops for the everyday needs of UAE residents and visitors. With 6,500 participating brands and over 15,000 partner outlets in the UAE, Smiles offers deals and rewards on food and grocery deliveries, home services booking, e& services as well as dining, shopping, entertainment, wellness and travel benefits, making it a premier lifestyle SuperApp. Smiles is currently one of the most downloaded apps in UAE on both the playstore as well as the app store.

Smiles currently has over 5.5 million registered members and is open to all UAE citizens, residents, and visitors. New customers can download the Smiles SuperApp from the iOS app store, Android Play store, or Huawei AppGallery to enjoy great benefits immediately.

No More Limits to Dreaming Big – uFinance Unveils New Student Loan Option for Hong Kong Tertiary Students


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 March 2025 – Hong Kong tertiary students are eager to seize their youth and chase bold dreams—whether it’s studying abroad on an exchange program, mastering new skills, or launching a startup to earn their first fortune. Yet, financial constraints often force many to hesitate, unwilling to burden their families, leaving them torn between dreams and reality. To ease the financial pressures of college life, uFinance, the Hong Kong student loan platform, introduces a tailored loan service for students, making borrowing simple and stress-free. Unlike traditional banks and financial institutions, uFinance prioritizes student privacy and offers a worry-free loan experience. For those struggling with tuition fees, uFinance University Student Tuition Loan comes with Hong Kong’s first-ever “Lowest Interest Rate Guarantee,” empowering students to tackle financial challenges with ease.

uFinance Safeguards Privacy: Student Loan Records Kept Strictly Confidential

Many tertiary students worry about personal data leaks when applying for loans. uFinance understands these concerns and, with over 20,000 student loan applications processed, pledges never to disclose applicants’ details or loan records to schools or third parties. Unless under exceptional circumstances, no letters will be mailed—communication is handled entirely by phone, ensuring a discreet borrowing process and peace of mind for students.

Borrowing Made Easy: uFinance Offers Fully Online Applications

For first-time borrowers, asking for a loan can feel daunting, and complicated procedures often deter students from pursuing their dreams. uFinance student loan breaks the mold with a fully online application process—no face-to-face meetings required. Simply fill out the online form and upload the necessary documents to kickstart your student loan application. Our customer service team will reach out via phone to handle approval and identity verification. Once approved, students can sign contracts and receive funds online, resolving financial woes quickly and conveniently.

True Low-Interest University Tuition Fee Loans with Hong Kong’s First “Lowest Interest Rate Guarantee”

When applying for Grant Loan/Non Means and other government subsidies, students often face lengthy processes, missing tuition deadlines and incurring penalties. To address this, uFinance offers an exclusive University Tuition Fee Loans that deposits funds directly into school accounts upon approval, bypassing unnecessary delays. Featuring Hong Kong’s pioneering “Lowest Interest Rate Guarantee,” this loan boasts a market-leading annual percentage rate of just 6%. Students can borrow up to $21,050 per semester, with flexible repayment terms from 6 to 48 months. After receiving government aid, borrowers can settle the balance anytime without extra fees, offering unmatched flexibility.

Student Loan Information Platform – Preparing Students for Social Challenges

In addition to relieving students of financial burdens during their studies, uFinance hopes that students can obtain more helpful information for their life planning on the platform, such as internship job vacancies, living encyclopedias, and financial information. uFinance believes that the few years of undergraduate life have a significant impact on the future development of students. Therefore, it hopes that students can equip themselves well before entering society to meet future challenges. Also, uFinance will also cooperate with different businesses to provide students with exclusive discounts, so the tertiary students can develop financial management habits during their studies.

Hashtag: #uFinance #StudentLoan #學生貸款 #香港學生貸款



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

About uFinance

uFinance Hong Kong Limited (“uFinance”) was established in 2018 to provide the most suitable financial support for tertiary students in Hong Kong, enabling them to manage their own finances and take advantage of every learning opportunity. Compared to traditional financial institutions, uFinance does not require income proof as an approval criterion, nor does it require students to provide proof of address. Students are required to upload 2 documents (ID card and student card) to apply for the offered by uFinance. Since its inception, uFinance has served more than 20,000 students and has worked with over 200 societies from tertiary institutions.

Beyond financial support, uFinance also provides a one-stop information platform for tertiary students, including information on job hunting, internships, sponsorship and further studies, so that they can have a solid foundation to face different challenges before starting their careers. uFinance, Right After You!

For more information, please visit the uFinance website:

Discover World of Japanese Arcades and Many Ways to Enjoy Them on SEGA Fave’s New Website

TOKYO, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SEGA FAVE CORPORATION, headquartered in Tokyo and a group company of SEGA CORPORATION, is thrilled to announce the release of the Japanese Game Centers Guide, a website covering everything visitors need to know about Japan’s unique arcades.

Please visit: https://gamecenter-guide.sega.com/
*The website is available in English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese and Korean.

Image1:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108578/202502284939/_prw_PI1fl_62EmVqZa.jpg 

What are Japanese game centers?
Game centers are amusement facilities in Japan that offer fun for people of all ages. They feature iconic video games, eye-catching token games, prize-filled crane games, stylish photo booths, and more.

Uncover a rich collection of arcade games and learn how to play them
The Japanese Game Centers Guide highlights over 10 arcade games from 6 different genres. On top of that, each game has its own step-by-step instructions available.

Image2:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108578/202502284939/_prw_PI2fl_D7oL1NOR.jpg 

Improve crane game skills and win fabulous prizes
Japan’s crane games offer various prizes from beloved anime, manga, films and more. The site also includes tutorials on how to win figures, plush toys, and other goodies.

Image3:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108578/202502284939/_prw_PI3fl_vU929ZCR.jpg 

Familiarize with Japanese arcade rules and etiquette
The website also covers accepted payment methods, how to use e-money, and correct etiquette. Read up before visiting game centers for a worry-free experience.

Image4:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108578/202502284939/_prw_PI4fl_24Bzi0Yk.jpg 

Japanese game centers offer a fun-filled experience for all. Whether alone, with friends or family, everyone is bound to have a great time. It is highly recommended for those who plan a trip to Japan to use the website as their guide to have a blast at the arcades.

(C) Shuichi Shigeno/KODANSHA All Rights Reserved.
Manufactured and produced by SEGA under license from Kodansha Ltd.
(C) SEGA
All manufacturers, cars, names, brands and associated imagery featured in this game are trademarks and/or copyrighted materials of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
The trademarks Porsche, Porsche Crest, Porsche Logotype, Carrera, 911, 718 and Cayman are used under license of Porsche AG.

Beijing Review: Governance need not be the same, as long as it benefits the people

BEIJING, March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The annual “Two Sessions,” a highly anticipated event on China’s political calendar, began on March 4.


“Footwear need not be identical, as long as it fits; governance need not be the same, as long as it benefits the people”

Every March, the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature, and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country’s top political advisory body, convene for their annual sessions in Beijing, commonly referred to as the Two Sessions. This is the most important annual event in China’s political landscape and a dynamic demonstration of the country’s whole-process people’s democracy.

A key agenda item at the Two Sessions is the review and discussion of the government work report. The drafting of this report includes soliciting public opinions from all sectors of society, ensuring a broad range of voices is considered.

During the Two Sessions, NPC deputies and CPPCC members deliberate on the report, discussing their feedback and suggestions. The report is then revised accordingly before being put to a vote at the NPC plenary meeting for final approval.

“Footwear need not be identical, as long as it fits; governance need not be the same, as long as it benefits the people,” President Xi Jinping quoted this phrase during a conference commemorating the 65th anniversary of the CPPCC on September 21, 2014.

This insightful perspective comes from Mogu, a philosophical work by Wei Yuan, a prominent Chinese thinker during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The analogy here is clear: Just as people’s shoe sizes differ but must fit their feet, the governance of each country can vary as long as it serves the interests of its citizens.

All 56 ethnic groups in China are represented by their own deputies in the NPC and members in the National Committee of the CPPCC, collaborating across regions and industries. Through motions and proposals, they articulate the public’s concerns and contribute suggestions for the country’s progress.

Many national policies, such as fostering new-quality productive forces, emphasizing the transition to innovation-driven growth, technological advancement, and high-quality development across various economic sectors, promoting comprehensive rural revitalization, a strategy to enhance economic prosperity and overall development in rural areas, and improving the business environment for private enterprises, have integrated the insights and recommendations of NPC deputies and CPPCC members.

The system of people’s congresses fosters a connection between the populace, their representatives and different levels of state organs. The CPPCC, as the most inclusive patriotic united front organization, harnesses the collective wisdom and strength of all Chinese citizens.

Whole-process people’s democracy ensures that the voices of the people are heard and that their aspirations are reflected in all aspects of China’s political and social life.

This system not only echoes the will of the Chinese people but also protects their rights, sparks creativity across the nation, and unifies efforts to advance Chinese modernization.

China has achieved remarkable successes through this governance system, including maintaining rapid economic growth, eradicating absolute poverty, and ensuring long-term social stability.

There is no one-size-fits-all model for democracy. What matters most is that it aligns with the national context and represents the interests of the overwhelming majority.

China’s approach to democracy is practical and successful, and the Chinese people will continue to confidently pursue their unique path forward.

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MooneyBird and HKUST Startup to Launch Cantonese “AI Voice Concierge,” Delivering a Barrier-Free Property Search Experience


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 March 2025 – MooneyBird, a real estate technology company focusing on property marketing and AI applications, has officially introduced Hong Kong’s first Cantonese-focused AI Voice Concierge tailored for the real estate industry. Developed in partnership with AIVOICE, a startup nurtured by the HKUST Entrepreneurship Center, this innovative solution combines Cantonese voice technology with AI agent features. By speaking Cantonese, users can instantly access up-to-date property listings, empowering real estate agents to deliver more seamless and human-centric digital interactions.

The AI Voice Concierge enables consumers to instantly access the latest real estate listings via Cantonese voice-based interaction.
The AI Voice Concierge enables consumers to instantly access the latest real estate listings via Cantonese voice-based interaction.

Ensuring Digital Inclusion and a Barrier-Free Property Search Experience
As Hong Kong citizens fully embrace property search habits online, real estate agents often struggle to respond to a high volume of customer inquiries, risking potential buyer loss if they fail to respond promptly. Meanwhile, to fulfill social responsibilities, many agencies have begun integrating barrier-free elements into their websites, ensuring all user segments can access property information equally.

The AI Voice Concierge allows agents to interact with customers more naturally while instantly managing tasks such as property purchase inquiries, rental queries, and listings. It delivers personalized recommendations, mortgage calculations, analyses estate and neighborhood advantage, and information about nearby transportation or facility, all via voice-based interactions that transcend traditional text-based limitations.

Empowering Real Estate Agent for Professional Customer Support
The AI Voice Concierge leverages a multimodal AI model developed by AIVOICE. By integrating Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR), Text-To-Speech (TTS), and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), it seamlessly processes Cantonese or mixed Chinese-English queries. Additionally, the solution connects to MooneyBird’s industry-specific database and large language models to generate more specialized, human-like responses.

At its core, the system employs an Agentic AI infrastructure to support multi-turn, context-aware conversations. By learning user data and predictive analytics, it delivers highly precise property suggestions based on past interactions, helping agents effectively target potential buyers.

Accelerating Customer Interactions by 30% with Voice AI
Century 21 Property Agency (Pak Shek Kok) in Tai Po has implemented the AI Voice Concierge into its website to streamline its customer service. According to the branch manager, client engagement rates have increased by 30% within three months, enabling more precise outreach to potential buyers and boosting sales opportunities. For more information, please visit: https://c21psk.com.hk/

Furthermore, based on practical needs, the AI Voice Concierge can integrate seamlessly with CRM systems and can incorporate AI voice-cloning technology. Agents only need to record around one minute of audio to create a custom AI voice model that delivers personal responses, enhancing brand image and reinforcing customer relationships.

Pioneering Smart Property Technology, Redefining the User Experience
Eddie Lee, Founder of Synergy Marketing Technology and CEO of MooneyBird, shared, “The AI Voice Concierge helps agents quickly identify potential clients. Once customers obtain initial property insights, they can engage in deeper discussions with agents, fostering mutual trust. We’re excited to see the real estate sector advancing into a new era of smart solutions, and we believe this technology will empower agents to reach broader audiences while strengthening their brand equity.”

AIVOICE was founded by students from HKUST. Wilson Wong, Co-founder of AIVOICE, said, “As Cantonese voice-over tools are in short supply, we developed our own AI technology to capture nuances like tone, diction, and accent. After 20,000 hours of Cantonese voice-data training, our model achieves a 95% accuracy rate. Through the AI Voice Concierge, we aim to showcase the adaptability of Cantonese AI and expand its use across multiple industries.”

Looking ahead, Lee added, “We plan to roll out the AI Voice Concierge to more than 50 real estate agencies and are currently exploring additional collaborations with developers. We are also working on interactive virtual avatars and other innovations to continuously enhance the digital property experience.”
Hashtag: #MooneyBird #Proptech #AI #CSR #Tech #Property


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

About Synergy Marketing Technology Limited

Founded in 2021, Synergy Marketing Technology is dedicated to enhance marketing performance by fusing the power of cutting-edge technology for big data analytics with AI to produce a synergy impact for companies.

Its flagship project, MooneyBird, is an innovative real estate marketing system tailored for real estate agents, providing revolutionary digital marketing solutions to help the real estate sector achieve digital transformation. The company currently serves over 50 agencies in Hong Kong and Macau, including Century 21 Property Agency, Sunrise Property, Imperial Properties, and Gamway Property.

About AIVOICE

AIVOICE is a Hong Kong-based AI voice technology research company specializing in the development and application of Cantonese voice models. By leveraging advanced voice technologies, AIVOICE aims to enhance dubbing efficiency and break language barriers, enabling businesses and individuals across various industries to enjoy smoother, more natural speech interactions.

Official Website:

Wells Home Café launches the First 2-in-1 Solution for Coffee and Tea


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 March 2025 – Wells Singapore is proud to introduce the Wells Home Café, the world’s first Tea X Coffee capsule machine designed to elevate the home beverage experience in Singapore. This innovative appliance seamlessly integrates with the Wells The One water dispenser, providing users with a convenient and premium solution for brewing both tea and coffee using purified water.

Wells Home Café
Wells Home Café

The Wells Home Café features a unique dual extraction system with separate channels and capsule drawers for tea and coffee, ensuring that flavours remain distinct and untainted. This design allows users to switch effortlessly between beverages without the risk of cross-contamination. By connecting directly to the Wells The One water purifier, the Home Café eliminates the need for a water container, supplying mineral-rich, purified water directly to the machine for every brew.

The Wells The One water dispenser plays a key role in this dual-unit system, providing purified water and added functionality. Consumers can also access six different temperatures, providing more convenience, whether they need hot water for tea, warm water for baby formula, or cold water for refreshing drinks.

With a 19-bar high-pressure extraction system, the Wells Home Café delivers rich, aromatic coffee with a golden crema, rivalling the quality found in cafés. For tea lovers, its rapid extraction system allows users to enjoy a perfectly brewed cup in just 60 seconds. The machine is designed with a user-friendly slide-touch interface and a sleek sliding capsule drawer, making it effortless to operate. Its slim and stylish design ensures that it enhances any kitchen interior while saving space.

The Wells Home Café has been recognised for its exceptional design, earning finalist positions at prestigious international competitions such as the Red Dot Design Award and the iF Design Award. As a leading provider of water dispensers in Singapore, Wells is committed to delivering products that combine functionality with aesthetic appeal. Established in 2002, Wells is a Korean lifestyle brand known for its premium water purifiers and lifestyle appliances, all designed and manufactured in Korea to ensure top-quality standards. The company’s mission is to enhance daily living through innovative solutions that prioritise health, convenience, and sophisticated design.

The Wells Home Café is now available in Singapore, offering households the opportunity to enjoy café-quality beverages with the convenience of home brewing. By integrating this dual-function capsule machine with the Wells The One water dispenser, users can experience the perfect blend of taste and purity in every cup.

For more information, visit www.wellssingapore.com.
Hashtag: #WellsSingapore



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

ACT Genomics and mProbe Announces Strategic Integration of Proteomics to Elevate Precision Medicine in Asia

ACT Genomics expands its offerings by exclusively introducing mProbe’s OncoOmicsDX, bridging genomics and proteomics for more comprehensive cancer care insights.

TAIPEI, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ACT Genomics Co. Limited, Asia’s foremost provider of next-generation sequencing (NGS) precision oncology, is proud to announce a new milestone in its mission to improve cancer patient care: the exclusive integration of OncoOmicsDX, an innovative proteomics clinical service developed by mProbe Inc. in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

ACT Genomics and mProbe Announces Strategic Integration of Proteomics to Elevate Precision Medicine in Asia
ACT Genomics and mProbe Announces Strategic Integration of Proteomics to Elevate Precision Medicine in Asia

This collaboration marks a major advancement in integrating genomics and proteomics—also known as proteogenomics—to enhance molecular insights into cancer biology. By combining NGS-based genomic profiling with proteomics-driven biomarker discovery, this approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of tumor biology, uncovering critical mechanisms of disease progression and treatment response.

With these enhanced molecular insights, physicians can make more precise and personalized treatment decisions, optimizing therapy selection based on a patient’s unique molecular profile. This proteogenomics approach strengthens the foundation of precision oncology, helping clinicians to identify targeted and effective treatment strategies for cancer patients across the region.

“We are excited to partner with mProbe Inc. to deliver a new dimension in precision oncology,” said Dr. Hua Chien Chen, CEO of ACT Genomics. “With OncoOmicsDX, healthcare providers gain a holistic view of cancer biology, allowing them to make data-driven decisions that can significantly improve patient cares.”

OncoOmicsDX harnesses advanced mass spectrometry and AI-driven analytics to identify protein biomarkers linked to cancer progression and treatment response. This additional layer of information complements genomic data, creating a more complete patient profile and potentially increasing the effectiveness of personalized treatments. ACT Genomics aims to offer physicians a more holistic picture of their patients’ cancer. This integrated approach can better support therapy selection, predict drug resistance, and uncover new therapeutic targets, ensuring that patients receive the most effective, tailored treatment plans.

“This collaboration underscores the critical role proteomics plays in understanding how tumor biology evolves,” said Peter Chen, CEO of mProbe Inc. “ACT Genomics’ proven track record and extensive network in Asia make them an ideal partner to accelerate the adoption of OncoOmicsDX, ultimately improving patients care across the region.”

Through the combined expertise and resources, ACT Genomics and mProbe Inc. are committed to driving the future of precision oncology forward, championing research, clinical innovation, and the integration of multi-omic data for better patient outcome scares. Interested clinicians and researchers can learn more about OncoOmicsDX by contacting ACT Genomics directly.

About ACT Genomics

ACT Genomics is a leading precision medicine company specializing in genomic profiling and advanced molecular diagnostics. Based in Taiwan with operations across Asia, the company provides cutting-edge genomics solutions that empower oncologists to make informed treatment decisions and improve patient care. For more information, please visit https://www.actgenomics.com/.

About mProbe

mProbe Inc. is a global precision diagnostics company specializing in proteomics. Through its advanced mass spectrometry and AI-based platforms, mProbe delivers actionable insights that enhance cancer treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes. For more information, please visit https://www.mprobe.com/.

Seafood stakeholders call for a level playing field for Sustainability


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 March 2025 – A consortium of civil society organisations today called on the Hong Kong government to urgently address critical gaps in the city’s seafood import regulations. The coalition warns that Hong Kong’s current regulatory framework dates back to the 1940s and fails to ensure the safety, sustainability, and traceability of seafood products entering the city, posing risks to public health, marine ecosystems, and consumer trust.

Photograph credit: Paul Hilton / Earth Tree Images
Photograph credit: Paul Hilton / Earth Tree Images

“Our call for action responds to the findings of research released over decades by different academics and NGOs, that continue to point to the same systemic issues which remain unresolved today,” said Sophie le Clue, CEO of ADM Capital Foundation.

The most recent research released in December 2024 found that of all the data necessary to ensure sufficient traceability, the Hong Kong authorities are only requiring collection of 12% of such data, in stark contrast to other countries. The call for action comes at a time when many of Hong Kong’s trading partners (Mainland China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, the EU and the USA) are making substantial efforts to develop and implement measures to facilitate traceability—benefiting both suppliers and buyers who wish to source responsibly and sustainably, as well as consumer health and well-being.

“To remain competitive, Hong Kong must align with international standards and best practices by strengthening import controls,” said Benjamin So, Founder of 178 Degrees, a seafood importer. “While certain leading businesses in the industry have been promoting sustainable seafood for years, and expending resources to ensure their seafood is sourced responsibly and sustainably, the issue is ignored by many in the sector–and without government intervention and support, there is no level playing field or motivation for the industry to change,” he added.

Both the Hong Kong Sustainable Seafood Coalition (HKSSC) and WWF-Hong Kong’s Sustainable Seafood Business Membership Programme are at the forefront of driving changes in industry practices and promoting seafood sustainability. As HKSSC Secretariat Mandy Wong explains, “The HKSSC was established by industry leaders to advance sustainable seafood practices in Hong Kong and Macau. Our corporate members are deeply committed to responsible sourcing and are dedicated to mainstreaming sustainable seafood. However, without government policies and legislation to address unethical practices and encourage responsible procurement, there are limits to what we can achieve.”

Echoing these concerns Lydia Pang, Head of Oceans Conservation at WWF-Hong Kong explains that “whilst some businesses are proactive and engaged, without sufficient traceability requirements, we continue to risk consuming seafood that may be harmful to our health, sourced through illegal fishing practices, or contributing to the depletion of global fish stocks.”

Hong Kong ranks among the top importers of seafood by value and volume. The city serves as a major hub for seafood trade in Asia, with a substantial portion of its imports being re-exported to mainland China and other regional markets. Its seafood consumption is exceptionally high due to its dense population, affluent economy, and cultural preference for fresh seafood. This makes Hong Kong a critical player in the global seafood supply chain.

The city is also a hub for high-demand luxury products such as live reef food fish, shark fin, and fish maw, but traceability for these imports is insufficient. A study by the University of Hong Kong (HKU) iterated the finding of previous research on significant data gaps in the live reef food fish trade, valued at over USD 2 billion. “Such gaps lead to a multitude of issues – environmental harm through overfishing and ecosystem damage, economic losses, and illegal fishing. They also give rise to ethical concerns, such as labour exploitation, health risks, and present a slew of regulatory challenges.” Said Prof. Celia Schunter from HKU.

The consortium has submitted a formal letter to the Hong Kong government and is calling on it to consider their concerns and prioritise a review of Hong Kong’s existing legislation and policy developments in relation to the seafood trade. Recommendations include traceability, health and safety, port measures and stakeholder collaboration.

1. Traceability:
a. Add Key Data Elements (KDEs) like species’ scientific name, catch/farming method, and location.
b. Develop digital traceability standards and align with Global Dialogue for Seafood Traceability (GDST).
c. Amend the Fish Marketing Ordinance to include live fish, crustaceans, and molluscs.
d. Require all Class III fish carrier vessels to comply with Marine Department clearance.

2. Health & Safety:
a. Mandate health certificates and stricter import checks.
b. Land all seafood at designated ports for quarantine and monitoring.

3. Port Measures:

a. Require Hong Kong-registered vessels to report entry/exit.
b. Align with FAO’s Transshipment Guidelines.

4. Stakeholder Collaboration:

a. Promote best practices through coalition or business networks such as the Hong Kong Sustainable Seafood Coalition.
b. Foster collaboration among government, industry, and NGOs.
Hashtag: #ADMCapitalFoundation

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