Commentary

Omni-channel opportunities in Hong Kong's retail market

There is no doubt that Hong Kong is a digital city. Our ever-increasing interconnectedness, deep smartphone penetration rates, and eager acceptance of digital solutions points to the fact that we are increasingly comfortable in the offline and O2O environments.

Omni-channel opportunities in Hong Kong's retail market

There is no doubt that Hong Kong is a digital city. Our ever-increasing interconnectedness, deep smartphone penetration rates, and eager acceptance of digital solutions points to the fact that we are increasingly comfortable in the offline and O2O environments.

Will your skills be in demand in 2015?

Commercial Banking Credit Approvers, Bancassurance specialists, and Construction Lawyers are just three of the professionals in high demand in 2015 as Hong Kong's employers continue to recruit and candidates look for new career opportunities.

Breaking the $HK link to the $US -- this time it's different?

The ancient Chinese curse "May you live in interesting times" seems to be applying to most of us these days. Of course the Chinese symbols for crisis and opportunity are the same, suggesting the terminal decline of the $US will also bring with it an inter-generational opportunity.

How to attract and retain highly-skilled talent in Hong Kong

The most recent Hays Quarterly Report for the period October to December 2014 showed that it's not only the banking and IT industries that are experiencing healthy jobs growth in Hong Kong.

Why Santa is delivering Hong Kong's Christmas gifts online this year

It's 4 weeks until Christmas and retail is about to become more serious business than ever. Much of our shopping this year will be done online, be strongly influenced by digital or supported with a digital element here in Hong Kong.

Better together? Social enterprises want to be partners with corporates

Hong Kong is abuzz with all things social enterprise. This month we have seen the Social Enterprise Summit (now in its seventh year), UnLTD's Hong Kong Jam, and CityU's Project Flame Symposium bring together the latest ideas with the budding social entrepreneurs of the future.

Defeating identity fraud in Hong Kong banks

Identity (ID) theft and fraud are on the rise in Hong Kong. The recent news, reported by a local newspaper, about the gentleman whose identity had been stolen to apply for a loan of HK$ 300,000 from a major local bank has brought the issue to the forefront.

Optimising touchpoint feedback in Hong Kong

As one of the best places to do business in the world, Hong Kong is a paradise for buyers and sellers, producers and consumers. In general, Hong Kong customers are smart, savvy and know how to shop, and they instinctually know what good – and bad – customer experiences feel like.

Hong Kong must embrace talent of all ages

If Hong Kong is to remain competitive in the global economy it must find a balance between embracing its ageing workforce and continuing to develop new entrants to the labour market.

Fraud 101: How to spot a fraudulent Hong Kong company

Fraud among companies operating in Hong Kong is prevalent, like it is in many cities across the Asia region, but unfortunately it can seem rife in Asia's world city given the jurisdiction's strong connection to businesses in mainland China.

Mistakes organisations make when developing people -- and how to avoid them

I was interested to read recently of the difficulties RTHK were having in selecting a new Director of Broadcasting. Having tried unsuccessfully to promote internally, they've been forced – for the fourth time since 2007 – to select a new leader from outside the organisation, with all the delay and difficulties this entails.

Make sure your social media campaign works

Not many people would argue that Hong Kong is becoming a 'social media city' – with our social circles and business lives increasingly revolving around online engagements. This is opening new doors and creating incredible opportunities, not only for people but also for businesses.

All aboard the Shanghai-Hong Kong 'through train'

As Hong Kong prepares to allow cross-border stock trading with Shanghai this month, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, securities companies, and brokers are expecting to benefit from increased transaction volumes and new business opportunities.

Why are businesses not being business savvy when it comes to volunteering?

So many business people believe that employee volunteering is a nice-to-have: a half day out of the office, combined with a team building exercise, perhaps cleaning the beach, painting a playground, or serving food to the elderly.

Is your organisation ready for the future?

In nature, those species that are best prepared for change tend to survive and the same is true in the world of business; over the last twenty years seemingly unassailable organisations have become shadows of their former selves because they were unready or unable to adapt.

Tackling food waste should be a food packaging priority

Food waste has a significant economic, environmental, and social cost. In 2011, over 3,600 tonnes of food waste was produced in Hong Kong each day -- two-thirds came from households and one-third came from food-related commercial and industrial sources1.

Growth in Hong Kong banking jobs set to continue

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority announced in August that it will be putting greater effort into promoting the city's fund and wealth management industry over the next five years. This initiative will underpin Hong Kong’s reputation as a global financial centre and boost job opportunities in the banking sector.