Tapping Southeast Asia’s USD 600 Billion E-Commerce Boom: Southeast Asia’s e-commerce market is projected to reach USD 295 billion in 2025 and on track to hit USD 600 billion by 2030, creating significant opportunities for Hong Kong brands seeking international expansion.AI-Powered, Seamless Cross-Border Solutions: ShopHK, www.synagie.com/shophk combines AI-powered Synagie’s SaaS and CaaS tech, over 50 on-demand digital commerce services and cross-border logistics. This is further enhanced by HKT’s client network, providing robust, end-to-end support for Hong Kong businesses.Expansion Goals: ShopHK aims to attract the 200,000 SMEs in Hong Kong currently actively seeking overseas expansion, targeting to onboard at least 500 brands by the end of this year.Try Now for Free. Take advantage of Synagie’s exclusive 30-day free trial from April 1 to April 15 2025.

HONG KONG and SINGAPORE, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Synagie, the digital commerce arm of Synagistics Limited (HKEX: 2562.HK), has launched ShopHK with the support of HKT. ShopHK is a cutting-edge platform that enables Hong Kong brands to tap into Southeast Asia’s booming e-commerce market. ShopHK leverages Synagie’s AI-powered technology, 50+ on-demand services, cross-border logistics, and HKT’s client network to help businesses scale globally.

Seizing Southeast Asia’s USD 600 Billion E-Commerce Opportunity

Southeast Asia’s e-commerce market is poised for explosive growth, projected to reach approximately USD 295 billion in 2025 and on track to hit USD 600 billion by 2030. This is driven by the region’s tech-savvy population, rising incomes, and widespread smartphone ownership. Indonesia leads as the primary growth market with Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines, expected to double their e-commerce market values by 2030.

ShopHK: Empowering Hong Kong Businesses to Expand Globally

“The Synagie-HKT collaboration is a game-changer for Hong Kong businesses looking to expand globally,” said Olive Tai, Co-Founder and CEO of Synagistics Limited. “As someone originally from Hong Kong, I’m especially proud of ShopHK’s mission, to help businesses of all sizes reach new customers in Southeast Asia.

She added, “Hong Kong’s SME sector is known to be incredibly diverse and vibrant. According to various surveys over 60%, or about 200,000 SMEs, in Hong Kong are actively seeking expansion overseas. The launch of ShopHK by Synagie, with the support of HKT, is a major step in supporting these Hong Kong SMEs to thrive in the Southeast Asian marketplace.”

ShopHK aims to onboard at least 500 brands by the end of 2025. To encourage businesses to try the program and experience the benefits of the platform, Synagie is offering an exclusive 30-day free trial from 01 Apr – 15 Apr 2025.

Synagistics first made history in Hong Kong in 2024 as the first successful De-SPAC listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. In 2025, Synagistics launched Geene, an innovative AI platform that integrates Generative AI, Blockchain, and Big Data, establishing the company as a leader in enterprise AI innovation.

ShopHK is also proud to receive support from key organisations including the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), a close ecosystem partner and Hong Kong’s largest Innovation & Technology hub, home to over 2,200 pioneering tech companies.

“This partnership underscores our shared commitment to strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a global innovation gateway,” said Gladys Oon, Director of Partnerships and Account Management at HKSTP. “By aligning HKSTP’s vibrant tech community – especially Green-tech and Health-tech products and services – with ShopHK, we can accelerate cross-border growth for Hong Kong’s most promising tech startups and SMEs.

Rising Demand for Hong Kong Products in Southeast Asia

Discerning consumers across Southeast Asia’s are increasingly drawn to Hong Kong brands. According to a recent Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) report, nearly 70% of online shoppers in the region have purchased Hong Kong-sourced products in the past year. Hong Kong brands are particularly popular among younger ASEAN consumers (ages 18-29), who value their affordability (35%), unique blend of Chinese and Western elements (33%), and trendiness (32%).

Ready Support and Early Adoption for ShopHK

The HKSAR Government has also recently announced plans in its 2024 Policy Address, to expand its E-Commerce Easy initiative to cover all ASEAN countries within Southeast Asia. This initiative, part of the BUD Fund, further facilitates SME growth by expanding into the 10-nation ASEAN bloc.

“The potential to reach millions of tech-savvy Southeast Asian consumers is incredible. We’re excited to be among the first local brands to join ShopHK,” said Joseph Tsang, Founder and Managing Director at FSL Group.

Henry Poon, Sales & Marketing Manager at On Kee Dry Seafood Co. Ltd, another early brand adopter of ShopHK, added “As a Hong Kong-based brand with a strong local presence, expanding into Southeast Asian markets has always been a priority for us. ShopHK’s affordable, no-fuss and one-stop platform provides the tools and solutions for us to scale our business rapidly across Southeast Asia.”

Ready to take your Hong Kong Brand Global?

Visit www.synagie.com/shophk today to join ShopHK and start your digital commerce expansion into one of the world’s fastest growth markets.

About Synagistics Limited (HKEX: 2562.HK)

Synagistics is a Singapore-based AI & big data company listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, recognised for completing the first-ever De-SPAC transaction in Hong Kong. With Alibaba, Gobi Partners and HKT as its key strategic shareholders, Synagistics benefits from strong industry backing, enabling it to drive innovation and expand its influence in Asia’s rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. Synagistics is recognised as one of the top digital solutions provider in Southeast Asia and has provided its data-driven digital commerce platform Synagie to over 600 enterprises and renowned brands in the Southeast Asian market. With the launch of Geene in early March 2025, Synagistics has firmly established itself as a frontrunner in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence, solidifying its position as a key leader in the global Al ecosystem and accelerating enterprise Al adoption and innovation. The Company continues to expand its footprint across multiple markets including the Greater China region while championing digital and artificial intelligence transformation.

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SOURCE Synagistics Limited

SAN FRANCISCO, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At the OFC Conference, from March 30 to April 3, 2025, at San Francisco’s Moscone Center, Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Limited Company (YOFC) (stock tickers: 601869. SH, 06869.HK) highlighted several new developments in hollow-core fibre technology. During a workshop entitled “How will future submarine systems look like”, Dr. LUO Jie, YOFC’s Chief Technology Officer, presented groundbreaking advances in the field of hollow-core fibre technology.

YOFC’s presentation focused on its latest strides in reducing attenuation to a record-low of 0.05dB/km and extending the manufacturing length of single fibres to over 20 kilometers—achievements that not only set new global benchmarks but also starkly outperform traditional solid-core fibres. These technological advancements were demonstrated through a 21.7 km long hollow-core fibre with a proprietary supporting tube structure (ST-HCF). This drew considerable attention at the exhibition for its potential implications in optical communications.

Hollow-core fibre technology represents a paradigm shift in optical communications, enabling light to be transmitted through an air core. The design facilitates a 47% increase in transmission speed and a 31% reduction in latency compared to conventional fibres, showcasing the significant potential for applications requiring rapid and efficient data transmission such as in data centers, AI models, and financial trading. Additionally, the technology’s exceptionally low attenuation and nonlinearity could potentially address the capacity bottlenecks faced by submarine communication networks and long-distance terrestrial communication lines.

In his presentation, Dr. LUO Jie explored both the practical and theoretical enhancements that hollow-core fibres could bring to submarine cable systems, emphasizing their ability to increase data throughput and reduce transmission times in future deployments.

YOFC has been at the forefront of hollow-core fibre technology development, leveraging its comprehensive research capabilities and autonomous raw material research system to overcome significant industrial challenges. As the digital economy grows, YOFC’s continued innovation in hollow-core fibre technology is set to play a crucial role in supporting the evolution of global digital infrastructure, ensuring it is robust, efficient, and equipped to meet future demands.

SOURCE YOFC

Leadership transition promises innovation and growth

LONDON, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Waterman is pleased to announce that Neil Humphrey has been appointed as the new CEO of Waterman effective 1 April 2025, succeeding Nick Taylor who has led the business for the last 17 years.

Neil brings a wealth of experience and a strong vision for the future of the company. His leadership will be instrumental in driving our strategic initiatives and ensuring continued success across Waterman’s operations in the UK, Ireland and Australia.

With 30 years in the industry, Neil has been an integral part of Waterman, having served as a main board director of Waterman Group Plc, alongside his role as UK Chief Operating Officer. He has been actively involved in driving various strategic and operational aspects of the company and has also played a significant role with the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE), where he served as Chair of ACE’s Procurement and Pipeline Advocacy Group. Neil’s appointment as CEO marks a new chapter for Waterman, promising continued innovation and progress.

Commenting on his appointment as CEO, Neil said: “I am honoured to take on the role of CEO at Waterman. We are entering a period of significant change in our industry, with digital innovation fundamentally reshaping what we do and how we deliver for our clients. I am excited to continue to work with our talented team to drive our innovation forward and position ourselves as the consultant of choice for our clients, our people, and new talent. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Nick Taylor for his exceptional leadership and the strong foundation he has built.”

In handing over the CEO role to Neil, Nick Taylor commented: “I have full confidence in Neil’s ability to lead Waterman into its next phase of growth. His vision and dedication will undoubtedly drive the company to new heights.”

About Waterman Group

Waterman Group is a leading engineering and environmental consultancy dedicated to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for the built environment. With a strong focus to environmental stewardship and driving positive change, the company is at the forefront of low-carbon design, leveraging its expertise across a wide range of sectors. Waterman operates from offices throughout the UK, Australia and Ireland and the group is part of CTI Engineering, a leading Japanese engineering consultancy. For more info visit watermangroup.com

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