Amid Hong Kong's accelerated development as an international innovation and technology hub, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) is leveraging its unique advantages in industrial resources, R&D space, and professional services to provide local Hong Kong enterprises with comprehensive support—from R&D assistance to market expansion.
Among them, Lee Kum Kee and Maxim's have established a presence in the Tai Po InnoPark, while Lalamove is a "unicorn" company nurtured by HKSTP. These three leading local enterprises in Hong Kong are driving brand upgrades through smart production and digital innovation, empowered by HKSTP's resources and ecosystem collaboration.
From workshop to global brand: Century-old legend
The support from HKSTP has injected critical developmental momentum into Lee Kum Kee, a sauce industry leader rooted in Hong Kong for nearly a century. Founded in 1888, Lee Kum Kee moved its headquarters to Hong Kong in 1932. After decades of development, it has become an international brand with products sold in over 100 countries and regions. Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Lee Kum Kee Sauce Group, stated that Hong Kong is both the "starting point" of Lee Kum Kee's international journey and the "dynamic platform" for the brand's continuous breakthroughs.
In 2022, Lee Kum Kee successfully applied for the New Industrialisation Funding Scheme (NIFS) under Hong Kong's Innovation and Technology Commission to build a new smart oyster sauce production line at the Tai Po InnoPark, driving production upgrades. Hung explained that this smart production line uses an AI-driven real-time monitoring system to accurately collect production data and monitor production status. The automated filling machine doubles production efficiency, meeting the massive demands of the global market while upholding Lee Kum Kee's "100-1=0" quality commitment.
Hung also noted that HKSTP has consistently encouraged manufacturing companies to adopt innovative technologies by providing foundational infrastructure and other support measures for tech enterprises.
"HKSTP also regularly organizes promotional activities to foster exchanges and collaboration among enterprises, attract relevant tech talent or industries, and provide technical support and talent resources for companies, stimulating innovative thinking. This helps enhance Lee Kum Kee's competitiveness in local and international markets while injecting innovative momentum into Hong Kong's manufacturing industry."
Smart production strengthens Hong Kong brands
Empowered by HKSTP, Maxim's Group has optimized production processes through technology, further driving brand upgrades. Starting as a Western restaurant in Hong Kong's Central district, Maxim's has grown into a food and beverage group with operations across multiple countries. Its development history is a vivid example of a Hong Kong brand "staying true to its roots while innovating."
Keith Siu, Chief Operating Officer (Hong Kong and Macao) of Maxim's Group, stated that Maxim's has always been grounded in the core value of being a "Hong Kong brand," using innovative products and experiences to retain local sentiment while opening up international markets with the high quality of "Made in Hong Kong."
At Maxim's food factory in the Tai Po InnoPark, Maxim's Group has introduced smart production lines to enhance production efficiency and ensure product output and quality. The factory also utilizes IoT, big data, and artificial intelligence to ensure product quality and consistency. Siu noted that HKSTP's repositioning of industrial estates as Innovation Parks not only provides enterprises with quality production and R&D space but also builds a cross-industry collaborative innovation ecosystem, enabling Maxim's to advance more steadily and further on its smart production journey.
Maxim's technological innovation extends from production to consumption. Its dedicated mobile application, Eatizen, not only offers dining benefits for members but also provides personalized services such as e-stamps, online reservations, and pre-ordering. Additionally, Maxim's team uses innovative technology to process tens of thousands of user data points daily. Through AI and big data analysis, user preferences and consumption habits are transformed into market insights, helping marketers develop targeted strategies and apply innovative technology to streamline workflows.
Homegrown "unicorn" expands into international markets with logistics technology
Lalamove was founded in Hong Kong in 2013 and joined HKSTP's Incubation program in 2014. During the three years until its graduation in 2016, the company not only secured approximately HK$150 million in funding but also established offices in multiple cities worldwide, laying the foundation for its comprehensive international operations today.
Currently, Lalamove's business covers 14 markets across Asia, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Paul Loo, Chief Operating Officer of Lalamove, stated, "From our founding to expanding into overseas markets, HKSTP has always been our most important partner."
With HKSTP's support, Lalamove gained access to flexible office space and a talent exchange platform, while also leveraging the investor resources connected through the park to complete multiple rounds of funding, laying the groundwork for technological R&D and market expansion. He emphasized that successful fundraising is a critical step for startups to grow and strengthen, followed by entering overseas markets and recruiting international talent. Without HKSTP's support, this would have been far from easy.
"Lalamove has closely collaborated with HKSTP to develop our technology platform and establish connections with pan-regional investors in Hong Kong to secure funding. Additionally, the marketing opportunities within the Science Park have helped us enhance our brand visibility."
HKSTP develops San Tin Technopole to build innovation ecosystem
In the future, as more technological applications are implemented, these local brands rooted in Hong Kong will continue to use technology as their wings to move from Hong Kong to broader international stages. HKSTP will continue to play the role of a "leader."
Sunny Chai, Chairman of HKSTP, expressed strong confidence in Hong Kong becoming a global hub of innovation dynamics. He noted that HKSTP will continue to drive innovation and industrial upgrading, playing a key role in China's artificial intelligence sector.
According to him, it will not only align with and promote the national "AI+" initiative to assist enterprise transformation but also help mainland AI companies unlock their potential and shine on the international stage.
(Source: Wen Wei Po; English Editor: Darius)
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