On April 25th, in the occasion of the anniversary of the Italian Liberation Day, the Italian Chamber of Commerce is delighted to invite you to a special evening to celebrate with the Italian community this historical commemoration.

Join us at Spiga’s terrace, PORTICO, in the heart of Central, for a wine tasting of some of Italy’s finest vineyards offered by Abrate & Sons paired with delicious Italian canapés.

RSVP now for an enjoyable al fresco wine experience while celebrating Italy!

Motivations for smart city development are shifting – from excitement over what digital technologies have to offer to a more thoughtful consideration of how these technologies can be put to work to improve the lives of citizens. To ensure a sustainable future, cities must put liveability at the heart of development and investment plans.

To track citizens’ opinions on top priorities for smart city development going forward, KPMG China, in association with CLP Holdings, JOS, Siemens, Smart City Consortium and Wilson Group, recently launched a new report entitled Connected Cities: Citizen insights across Asia Pacific.

The report features findings from a survey of 4,192 residents in Hong Kong, Melbourne, Seoul, Shanghai, and Singapore, seeking residents’ opinions on the development areas most important to them as well as what benefits they expect as their cities become ‘smarter’. Key focus areas include transportation and mobility, building a future-focused workforce, living environment, healthcare, energy and resources and the impact of technology.

During this morning’s talk, a KPMG Partner, Marcos Chow will share our Connected Cities report highlights, followed by a panel discussion on the following topics:

• The current state of smart city development in the five cities surveyed as well as key differentiators and best practices.
• Hong Kong’s progress in six areas: smart mobility, smart living, smart environment, smart people, smart government and smart economy, as well as next steps.
• How can we apply technology to improve Hong Kong’s living environment and better manage the city’s energy and resources to build a more sustainable future.
• Other recent trends in smart city development.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Clube Ng, Founding Co-Chairman, Connected City Alliance

Clube has over 20 years in Innovation Technology. Since 2009, he actively engaged in the digital Health development in Hong Kong, Greater China, and Asia Pacific. He is deeply involved in the development of Smart City and dedicated to the Public-Private-Partnership with local and global partners in Asia, Europe, and the US to facilitate numerous Smart City Collaboration projects. In 2019, Clube has partnered with International IoT and experts to found the Connected City Alliance to promote the development and adaption of IEEE IoT Maturity Index. Since 2009, Clube has supported the development of territory-wide eHealth Record Sharing System in Hong Kong and worked with government officials and industry partners in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, and Macau to organize the Greater China eHealth Forums respectively since 2011.

In 2015, Clube facilitated the incorporation of Asia eHealth Information Network as the global digital health NGO in Hong Kong, which AeHIN is fully supported by the World Health Organization.

Marcos Chow, Partner, IT Advisory, KPMG

Marcos has over 18 years of experience as an executive in technology leadership roles across Australia, ASEAN. Greater China and the US. His focus has been working with new and emerging technologies and methodologies to solve client’s business problems.

Prior, Marcos was IBM Global Business Services’ (GBS) Cloud Consulting Services Leader for Greater China.

Marcos and his team help clients on their digital and cloud (private, public and hybrid) journey by leveraging big data, A.I. and APIs / micro-services while using methodologies such as Design Thinking, Agile and Garage-Factory.

Sabine Reppert, CEO, Deon Digital Hong Kong Ltd.

Sabine has over 20 years of experience in delivering technology-driven innovation in the field of industrial automation. In 1995, Sabine started her career as a software engineer for rail automation and held various management positions for an international large-scale tech company before starting her own consultancy business in 2011. Currently, Sabine is driving the application of Blockchain, Smart Contracts and IoT for Smart Cities, Smart Supply Chains, Smart Mobility, and Fintech by running the Hong Kong chapter of the Swiss start-up Deon Digital. She is an active member of the Mettā entrepreneurs club in  Hong Kong and member of the Blockchain chapter of the Fintech Association of Hong Kong. Sabine is the founder of the meet-up group “Blockchain for Smart City”, and she holds a Master’s Degree in Mathematics from Philipps University, Germany, and specialized and software engineering and cryptography. She also obtained a second Master’s in Business Coaching and Change Management from European University of Applied Sciences in Germany and earned the “Disruptive Strategies” certificate from HBX Harvard Business School. Sabine is the author of the e-book “Breakthrough — The art and science of creating magical change by using the example of Theory U”.

Tom Uiterwall, CEO, Reconergy Ltd.

Tom is the Founder and CEO of Reconergy (Hong Kong) Ltd, active in the Waste-to-Energy industry both in Asia and Europe. Reconergy is focused on the UCO and biodiesel trade and turning Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) into green electricity, and the proud winner of the 2017 Cathay Pacific Shooting Star award. Tom has been active in the Waste-to-Energy industry in Asia since 2008. Before moving to Asia, he worked for 12 years with CARGILL — the biggest food ingredients company in the world — in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Tom is also the Chairman of the Environmental & Energy Business Council of the European Chamber in Hong Kong.

Tony Wong, Assistant Government Chief Information Officer, HKSAR

Tony is experienced in coordinating work plans and implementing measures for facilitating the development of a smart city, which cover the Wi-Fi Connected City Programme for facilitating the development and promotion of Wi-Fi.HK for the public and visitors, and programmes and initiatives on digital inclusion. He is also involved in formulating strategies and implement measures for promoting the development of ICT industry. Tony is responsible for facilitating Hong Kong to develop into a regional high-tier data center hub, promoting the cooperation between the Mainland, overseas and Hong Kong on ICT and electronic commerce development, providing technical advice in handling matters relating to ICT between Hong Kong and APEC, WTO and related international bodies, and assisting in monitoring the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited and other matters relating to the administration of the domain name system in Hong Kong.

Waltraut Ritter, Managing Director, Knowledge Dialogues

Waltraut is director of Knowledge Dialogues, specializing in applied research and advisory services relating to societal and public policy issues around information, knowledge, and intellectual capital across the Asia-Pacific region and Europe. She works on projects at the intersection between universities, government, business, and society, in research areas that include knowledge-based economy in Asia, Open Data policies and public sector innovation, governance in digital/ smart cities, and Futures research. She regularly contributes to working groups of international and multilateral organizations on these topics. Waltraut is adjunct faculty in the Technology Research Project at the University of Hong Kong and was assistant professor at the Nayang Technological University. She holds an MA in Information Science and Sociology from the Free University of Berlin and an MBA in international business from Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK. She is a founding member of the New Club of Paris, a knowledge-economy think tank and has been serving on the Digital21 Strategy Advisory Committee of the Hong Kong SAR government from 2010-2017. She also engages in the ICT council of the European Chamber of Commerce in HK.

Austin R. Bryan, Senior Director, Innovation, CLP Holdings Limited

Austin R. Bryan joined CLP Holdings in May 2016 as Senior Director – Innovation, leading the company’s innovation & ventures strategy in the face of challenges presented by digital disruption.  He is also a Director of various subsidiary companies of the CLP Group.  Austin has been a pioneer of new services and value creation in the digital media sector for the past 10 years and is a globally recognised leader in transforming business activities in the financial and telecommunications sectors. His experience spans the creation of the first direct banking activities in Germany in the early 1990s, the introduction of virtual customer service platforms for American Express and creation of the first 3G multi-media mobile network in Australia with “3 Mobile”.  Most recently he was Vice President of Strategic Innovation at Singtel Optus, in which he led the acquisition of major digital media projects and created a US$1 billion digital media business developing and implementing new digital products and services.

End your working week in the best way, enjoying a shopping night at a.testoni store in the heart of Admiralty!

You will have the opportunity to buy handcrafted shoes and accessories representing Italian excellence worldwide since 1929 at discounted prices while enjoying a glass of prosecco and tasty canapés.

Don’t miss this special chance to shop the elegance and freshness of a.testoni’s Spring Summer 2019 New Collection. RSVP now to get up to 30% off!

ABOUT A.TESTONI

Young Amedeo Testoni opened his first workshop in 1929, after having learned the secrets of the most important Bolognese craftsmen. Old methodologies and unique competencies formed the basis for this company, which still takes pride in selecting only the finest materials and achieving the highest quality. The brand’s philosophy aims for original technical and aesthetic solutions, and its history contains the requisites for continuous innovation and development, to affirm the future of artisan craftsmanship and ensure international recognition of modern Italian style in the world.

Save the date, another round of our IYP Mondays is here!

Join us on May 6th, at Bella Lee for a couple of drinks, some nibbles and a delicious Italian-style Piadina.

Kick off the working week with the coolest after work in Hong Kong and enjoy an evening with your peers and make new friends along the way.

The Italian Chamber of Commerce is delighted to invite you to the second InterSme seminar of the year.

The wellbeing and mental health of employees is critical for maintaining sustainable levels of employee engagement, flexibility in the face of organizational changes, motivation, and innovation. By integrating a corporate wellness approach in the workplace, employers can benefit through a positive impact on productivity and business performance.

The majority of an employee’s time is spent at the workplace, and as stress levels and the need for multitasking increases, the need for a wellness program grows. Creating on-site wellness goals, and acting upon them becomes the key to tackle employee illness and stress.

During this breakfast seminar, our panelists will discuss corporate wellness based on their professional and personal experiences and give valuable insights into how SMEs can build wellness programs and create prosperous, high-performing working environments.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Jose Bezanilla, CEO, Great Place to Work, Greater China

http://greatplacetowork-cn.com/ 

Jose has been working in the area of Organisational Development Consulting and Leadership (Management) for over 18 years. He was a Partner and the Director of Business Development at Capta Organisations Development. During his experience, he has achieved with great performance activities related to leadership, innovation strategies, customer service, sales force management, selection, and training. Jose has also worked in the banking industry for ten years, as Subdirector for Marketing at Banamex’s Northwest Division.

Jose is certified as a facilitator from Capta Organisations Development and Directo Consultants. He is also certified for the management of organizational staff profiling tool DiSC, from Human Perspectives International and Inscape Publishing, in Miami, USA. He participated in the certification of Cohen Brown, in Outstanding Leadership for Sales and Proactive Banking Relations.

Jose’s training experience has covered various areas such as Leadership, Teamwork, Communication, Motivation, Decision Making, Creative Problem Solving, and Business Vision, among other topics. He has been a board member in various chambers and business organizations. He has participated in the project of training for youth leaders with development. He has lived in Europe, Mexico City, in the border region of San Diego, USA, and Tijuana, Mexico; working in international environments filled with cultural diversity.

Andrew Cox, Director of Joint Dynamics Ltd, Hong Kong

www.jointdynamics.com.hk

Andrew is a trainer, lifestyle coach and educator in health, fitness, and high performance who is leading the charge towards a shift from reactive health to proactive health. He works comprehensively with individuals, teams, and corporations on these areas and has been doing so in the Asia Pacific regions for more than twelve years. He is also a regular on Radio, and a contributor to publications internationally in his area of expertise. Some of Andrew’s credentials include Fellow of Applied Functional Science (FAFS – Gray Institute), Chek Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 2 and Correctional Exercise Specialist (CES NASM).

Andrew is a sought-after speaker and educator. He has presented at many of the Asian fitness conventions, given corporate health and performance workshops to many of the leading financial organizations such as Morgan Stanley and Fidelity, and also working with luxury high-end resort chains such as Four Seasons as a consultant, retreat leader, and visiting practitioner.

Malin Rigneus, Founder and Counsellor Leva Counselling Ltd https://www.levacounselling.com/

A double master graduate of Monash, UCL and a graduate of Stockholm University, Malin started her career in the field of HR, specifically within graduate recruitment. Throughout her years in the field of HR, Malin gained extensive experience from both working with large organizations such as Citigroup and Accenture, as well as with niche talent acquisition consultancies and outsourcers, such as AMS, EMDS Consulting and Euro RSCG Riley. Her experience has involved partnering with business leaders to develop and deliver talent solutions across multiple geographies.

She is the founder of Leva Counselling Ltd. that specializes in providing clients with counseling techniques and tools to increase their psychological wellbeing. Malin has experience from working with multicultural clients and in partnership with corporations to prevent ill health (e.g. burn out) and support employees as they are facing challenging times (e.g. due to organizational changes or personal issues). Innovative tailor-made programmes are designed to support employees in various areas, such as stress management, improving self-esteem and developing interpersonal skills. Malin uses a person-centered counseling approach with a combination of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) techniques to provide insights, tools, and strategies to improve individuals wellbeing.

Malin is a Graduate member of the Hong Kong Society of Counselling and Psychology and a full member of The Hong Kong Professional Counselling Association.

Asia Retail Arena is thought to engage the retail community and provide it with the latest trends in order to set directions on the future of retail.

A unique platform will be created to bring together the major players and disruptors in the retail industry to shed light on the changes and transformation that have been forging the contemporary retail landscape.

The topics of discussion will be:

Panel 1 – Hong Kong & Macao Market Trends and Connections to China 

The luxury industry is going through a digital transformation, the retail landscape is changing, and shopping malls are differentiating their offer. The discourse around sustainable luxury is rising, together with new trends such as streetwear, and athleisure, pervading the collection of heritage brands. New generations have different priorities, and luxury brands have shifted from brand- to customer-centric approach to maintain their profitability. The panel will bring together professionals from the luxury industry and uprising categories to shed light on the new luxury ecosystem and identify its major disruptors.

Panel 2 – What “affluential” men want? 

In the luxury industry, men consumers have always been big spenders, loyal customers, very attentive to the in-store experience, but also very clear on what they want. Today, while new generations seem to tend towards experiences more than goods, studies confirm that men prefer trading up tangible goods over their female counterparts. Gathering a panel of experts in men’s products, spanning from fashion and accessories to cosmetics, and lifestyle experiences, the discussion will provide insights on men’s consumption and upcoming trends to address the new demand.

Panel 3 – Passions & Experiences

Millennials and GEN Z are big spenders, however, they are more willing to invest in “intangible” goods, bringing to the table of discussion words such as “passions” and “experiences”. From hospitality to gourmet brands, consumers are now looking for brands matching their lifestyle. The panel will gather professionals from hospitality and brands’ representative to discuss how they are addressing the new customers’ needs.

Panel 4 – Retail & Digital World

In 2016, Jack Ma from Alibaba envisioned what today we call “new retail”. A seamless experience, which brings together online and offline to meet the needs of the new generation of digital natives. Besides the digital transforming the physical store, new retail also reflects a more informed decision-making process based on big data analytics, CRM, AI. The panel will gather professional in retail with expertise in retail tech towards the “new retail”, able to address the state-of-the-art in this field and new directions.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Christian Foddis – CEO Asia, Salvatore Ferragamo

Barrie Chan – Deputy Senior Director Retail, Savills

Anne Peirson-Smith – Assistant Professor, City University of Hong Kong

Alen See – Director, The Armoury Group Ltd.

Jean CJ Lee – Founder / CEO, Vacant Label

Markus Schuckert – Associate Professor, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University – School of Tourism & Management

Marco Galimberti – General Manager, Venchi Hong Kong S.p.A.

Pierre Perusset – General Manager, Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong

Marino Braccu – General Manager & Chief Sommelier, 8 ½ Otto & Mezzo BOMBANA Hong Kong

Stefano Sorrentino – Partner, Value Partners Management Consulting Hong Kong

AJ Mak – Founder & CEO, Chain of Demand

Get your chance to learn more about the retail world and to meet the speakers by joining these amazing panels.

Make sure you RSVP by April 30th to secure your spot!

The Italian Chamber of Commerce is glad to invite you to attend this seminar, helpful to figure out how to manage your business in the best way.

The success of a business highly depends on its core structure, it can be the make or break of a business. The choice for the perfect regional corporate structure that fits the needs of the international client can be challenging and requires a globalized strategic view on setting up, recruiting and how and when to invest in branding.

Knowing the local compliance environment and the legal tools available it’s fundamental in order to optimize the Regional Strategy for Asia.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Joana Alves Cardoso, Founding Partner, JAC Lawyers

Joana is the founding partner of JAC Lawyers, a well-rounded law firm in Macao advising and guiding across a wide range of jurisdictions. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a special interest in Commercial and Corporate, Banking and Finance and Estate Planning and Family Law.

She is recognized for her ability to commit to the projects and prides herself on working closely and in a straight-forward manner with the clients.

She has solid experience with international clients in the areas of retail, technology, and distribution and works both with local and multinational corporations in commercial and corporate matters, including their strategy to enter the Macao market. She is also the President of the International Estate Planning Commission of the International Association of Lawyers (UIA) and has been an active member and guest speaker in various international panels for over 7 years in the areas of Corporate Commercial, Family Law and Estate and Tax Planning.

Start the weekend in the best way. We are happy to invite you at an exclusive shopping night event to experience the best of Calzedonia’s beachwear and swimwear whether you’ll enjoy in the waves or sunbathe at the pool.

On Friday, May 17th Calzedonia will be hosting a private sale at its store in Central.

Achieve a very stylish look with fashionable details, like flowers and bows, or beautiful jungle patterned design. With the complete summer look, you’ll be shining wherever you go!

Join us for a shopping night, enjoying prosecco with a DJ set.

RSVP now and get 20% off on the entire collection!

The Italian Chamber of Commerce is glad to invite you to a special shopping night, showcasing the latest collection of the Italian design factory Alessi. This collection celebrates design as a driving force of culture with elements of transgression. The role of the company as a workshop opens the world of creativity, the modernistic collection is imbued with enthusiasm and flair.

On Wednesday, May 22th, join us at Alessi’s store located in Landmark to enjoy 15% off on all the trendiest housewares and kitchen utensils.

RSVP now to get a free gift for all purchases of HK$1,000 and above (while stocks last).

About Alessi

The company was born in 1921 in Omegna, northern Italy, initially as a foundry for the manufacturing of brass, nickel, and iron. In almost a century of history, it gradually evolved to become one of the leading “Factories of Italian design”, capable of uniting art and industry, giving life to people’s dreams. Today Alessi is a worldwide-known brand whose mission is now one of translating its quest for the most advanced cultural, aesthetic, design and functional quality into mass production. This purpose is undertaken both by maintaining a strong link with Italian tradition and by the openness to inspiration from all over the world.

The Italian Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Emporio Armani & EA7, is glad to invite you to discover the streetwear trends of the Spring/Summer 2019 Collection.

On Friday, May 24th, join us at Emporio Armani & EA7 store in Central for a great shopping night, get up to 40% discount on the seasonal collection, and enjoy a good glass of prosecco!

RSVP is a must in order to receive an exclusive door gift.

ABOUT EMPORIO ARMANI

Launched by Giorgio Armani as a pioneering line in 1981, Emporio Armani is specifically intended for the younger generation. Today, the world-renowned brand has a strong experimental and metropolitan style, which while reflecting all of the characteristics of elegance typical of the Armani aesthetic, consciously expresses them in a contemporary design language. The iconic logo – the stylized eagle – continues to be a symbol of belonging and sharing, a meeting point that leaves room for freedom of expression.

ABOUT EA7

Dedicated to those who practice sports with passion, the EA7 line was designed to combine performance and comfort. Born in 2004, this is a true sport brand and over the years has developed its own strong and well-defined identity. The collection features garments and accessories that combine the technical performance required for sports and the elegance of fashion, in order to bring out the style and personality of every single athlete.

The Italian Chamber of Commerce is glad to present the 2019 edition of Italian Fair at SOGO Causeway Bay Department Store.

After the great success of the 2018 edition, the Italian Fair is back in Hong Kong again!

From May 29th to June 4th, SOGO department store will transform itself and become the place where to experience the true Italian taste and lifestyle.

Don’t lose this amazing experience to have family fun, special discounts, exclusive products (namely but not only Italian food specialty, wine, table clothing, household articles) and exciting activities.

The Italian Chamber of Commerce is pleased to invite you to this afterwork seminar given by Lorenzo Riccardi, Managing Partner of RsA Asia.

Lorenzo has always been fascinated by geo-economics, and he has combined his passion for traveling new frontiers with interest in emerging markets. He has previously traveled the entire Eurasian region overland and has combined multiple journeys covering 200 countries and territories. Along with his tours, he is collecting data and business trends on a dedicated website: www.200-economies.com.

The project focuses on the concept of G-200 to promote future change from G-20 to the global economy with investments to every developed, emerging and frontier country.

During our seminar, Lorenzo will show images and economic trends sharing his passion for traveling and the interest in doing business (with China) along the 200 economies.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Lorenzo Riccardi, Managing Partner of RsA Asia

Lorenzo Riccardi, Ph.D. researcher at Shanghai University, has long-term expertise in international consulting and emerging markets, providing clients with due diligence, tax, and advisory services. Lorenzo is a partner of the consulting firm RsA and is a member of CPA Associations in Hong Kong, Italy, US and Australia.

Italian National Day is coming, don’t miss the chance to celebrate with us this historical Italian day, a milestone of the Italian Republic.

On June 3rd, join us for an amazing party at The Dispensary, a gorgeous lounge bar concept, located in Tai Kwun, the new Centre for Heritage and Arts in Hong Kong. During the evening you will enjoy free flow of prosecco, Aperol Spritz, red and white wine, Peroni beer and delicious canapés.

Hurry up to secure your spot for a never-ending joyful night, RSVP now to book your ticket!

It is with great pleasure that the Italian Chamber of Commerce presents the highly anticipated Gala Dinner 2019. Over 500 guests representing Hong Kong’s institutional and business scenes will dine and enjoy a night of Italian class and glam at the sumptuous Grand Hyatt Ballroom on November 1st from 6:30pm till late.

For this year the Italian Chamber of Commerce wants to take a strong testament in favour of sustainability and green technology by making the event a sustainable luxury and classy night! Do not miss the chance of making the difference.

Dinner entertainment will feature live performances, silent auction with fabulous prizes and a lucky draw.

For sponsorship opportunities, more information about table bookings and single seats price, please contact Silvia at icc@icc.org.hk or contact +852 2521 8837.

Mark your calendar now and contact us for more information.