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HONG KONG, Nov 10, 2023 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association (HKOMA), the 31st HKTDC Hong Kong International Optical Fair concluded successfully today. The three-day fair (8 to 10 November) proved popular, attracting more than 12,000 buyers from 92 countries and regions to source the latest eyewear products and designs.The 31st HKTDC Hong Kong International Optical Fair featured 700 exhibitors from 11 countries and regions, attracting more than 12,000 buyers to visit in person.Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “This year’s Optical Fair is the first optical fair to be held physically since Hong Kong fully reopened. We are pleased to see vibrant trading on the fairground and to welcome buyers who have travelled from all over the world to Hong Kong for in-person sourcing. There has been a significant increase in attendance from ASEAN markets, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Buyer numbers from India, Macao and Mainland China also rose. This demonstrates Hong Kong’s enduring status as an international trade fair capital.”The 21st Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium, organised by the HKTDC in collaboration with the Hong Kong Optometric Association and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, was themed Empowering Community Eye Care through Artificial Intelligence and Telemedicine in Optometry. Dr Simon Tang (third from right), Director of Cluster Services of the Hospital Authority, delivered the opening remarks.Smart and sustainable eyewear in focusTechnology is evolving rapidly, with R&D creating smart technologies that have permeated all aspects of daily life. Smart glasses have garnered increased attention and undergone active development in recent years as eyewear is an integral part of life as well as fashion. The Smart Eyewear zone debuted this year, spotlighting a diverse range of eyewear and products using innovative technologies. Hong Kong eyewear brand Solos Technology Limited, which specialises in smart-technology development, demonstrated AirGo™ 3 AI smart glasses that combine ChatGPT and wearable tech. The brand’s General Manager Kenny Cheung said the firm had been busy introducing smart eyewear technology to new buyers, most of whom came from Asia and Europe. “We have found optical manufacturers from Hong Kong and Mainland China.”The Brand Name Gallery, a focal point of the Optical Fair, showcased 200 renowned international brands.The optical industry has also embraced environmental protection, sustainable development and recycled material use. These factors represent long-term industry goals and serve as driving forces behind the optical industry’s development. Debut Hong Kong exhibitor Wingram Industrial Company Limited is dedicated to developing eco-friendly materials. It launched BioAcetate S70 – a biobased and biodegradable material used to produce sustainable eyewear products. The company’s Head of Operations May Ng said: “We have received positive feedback from eyewear manufacturers and brand owners coming from different places such as Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Mainland China, Thailand and Mauritius. Five to six new buyers will place orders for our BioAcetate S70 material after the fair.”The fair also showcased eyewear for children, accessories and optometric instruments. The atmosphere for on-site negotiations was exuberant. Vista Import from Brazil visited the fair for the seventh year. Company Director Roberto Basile Neto said he had identified a number of suppliers in Hong Kong and Mainland China through Click2Match – the AI-backed business-matching platform – and planned to buy 20,000 pairs of sports eyewear, 20,000 pairs of protective children’s sports eyewear and 10,000 pairs of children’s glasses, all from new suppliers. He also said Click2Match helped him record more supplier information so he could continue to negotiate with them after the fair.Van Dut Le, Managing Director of An Khang Phuc Co., Ltd, an eyewear distributor from Vietnam, said: “We also contacted suppliers in Hong Kong and Korea through business matching service, and placed orders worth more than US$130,000 for lens edge grinding machines, and 20,000 pairs of contact lenses.”For more comments from exhibitors and buyers, please visit the following website: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en/success-storiesHong Kong International Optometric Symposium addresses industry concernsDuring the fair, the 21st Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium was held, themed Empowering Community Eye Care through Artificial Intelligence and Telemedicine in Optometry. Industry representatives from around the world discussed topics such as the application of AI in optometry and impact of telemedicine in healthcare.Fair website: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en  21st Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en/the-21st-hong-kong-international-optometric-symposiumPhoto download: https://bit.ly/3srpwp6Media enquiries Please contact the HKTDC’s Communication and Public Affairs Department:Frankie Leung, Tel: (852) 2584 4298, Email: frankie.cy.leung@hktdc.orgPhyllis Tsang, Tel: (852) 2584 4288, Email: phyllis.km.tsang@hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

SINGAPORE, Nov 10, 2023 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Renowned pizza brand from South Korea, GOPIZZA, made its debut at Changi Airport's Terminal 2, marking its 25th establishment in Singapore with new flavour and AI-technology introductions within the company.GOPIZZA's brand-new outlet at Changi Airport Terminal 2GOPIZZA’s Next-Gen AI-Technology for Perfect Pizza Anytime, AnywherePizzas are often thought to be a shared-serving meal that requires substantial time to be prepared. However, the launch of GOPIZZA challenges this very mindset by introducing single-serving pizza delivered just like a fast-food meal. Every step of the pizza-making process is strictly controlled with the incorporation of the AI Smart Topping Table, GOBOT Station, and its latest iteration of GOVEN.This new series of AI-Technology roll-out is especially prominent in GOPIZZA’s Changi Airport outlet, where it ensures consistent and fresh baked pizza for hungry travellers who often face the urgency of purchasing food-on-the-go.“We're thrilled to bring GOPIZZA to the heart of Changi Airport's Terminal 2. Our core belief is that time is of the essence, and this is also reflected in our motto, 'Fast, But Delicious'. Incorporating breakthrough technology in our processes, we aim to redefine the dining experience by merging speed with taste. At Changi Airport, travellers can now enjoy quick, freshly baked on-the-spot pizza, ensuring they don't have to compromise quality for time." shared Jay Lim, global CEO of GOPIZZA.GOPIZZA’s Five Minutes Pizza JourneyEach pizza is assembled on the AI Smart Topping Table, where a smart camera is installed overhead to swiftly identify and track pizza toppings, guiding the staff through each step of assembling the toppings. At the AI Smart Topping Table, the consistency of the ingredients and its quantities are maintained through correction alerts.It is then baked for 3 minutes in an AI-controlled GOVEN that is twice the temperature as compared to its conventional counterpart.In just a couple of minutes, the freshly baked GOPIZZA lands on the GOBOT, which is designed to automatically slice the pizzas into GOPIZZA's signature shape and keep them warm until they are served to the customers.Airport-Exclusive Flavour & Classic K-Food DelightsChangi Airport Exclusive: GOPIZZA Chilli Crab PizzaWith already over 12 different flavours in its menu, GOPIZZA seeks to spoil patrons’ choices even further with another new addition – The Chilli Crab Pizza. Paying homage to the iconic local dish, this airport-exclusive flavour is infused with the rich and tangy flavours that Singaporeans adore, where every bite promises a symphony of sweet, spicy, and savoury notes, mirroring the beloved taste of the classic chilli-tomato sauce. GOPIZZA’s Chilli Crab pizza aims to satiate both the international traveller's curiosity and the local's craving for a taste of home. Alongside the Chilli Crab Pizza, GOPIZZA also launched a series of creatively fresh offerings, such as the Jalapeno Pepperoni Pizza and Truffle Cheese Pizza, also available only at their Changi Airport outlet.Among other delectable offerings, GOPIZZA remains true to its brand as a Korean pizza brand, introducing Korean delights like Bulgogi Pie, specially curated for the breakfast menu, as well as presenting a classic favourite, Topokki, embodying the essence of Korean street food culture.All of GOPIZZA’s delicious pizzas are served on GOPIZZA’s Crispy Basak Dough, where it achieves the perfect pizza texture – crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside. The Crispy Basak Dough is also engineered to withstand delivery, guaranteeing that every pizza, whether enjoyed on the spot or delivered to your door, maintains its oven-fresh taste.GOPIZZA’s Expansion - Locally and GloballyLocally, GOPIZZA has established an impressive count of 25 outlets across the island after the brand first opened its doors here in 2020. Simultaneously, on a global scale, GOPIZZA is experiencing remarkable growth, with projections indicating that the total number of outlets will reach an impressive 200 by October.This global expansion plan is in full swing, and GOPIZZA is set to open its fifth outlet in Central Park, Indonesia in November 2023. This expansion comes on the heels of the successful inauguration of CGV Grand Indonesia in 2022 and the recent launch of an outlet in Mall of Indonesia.GOPIZZA's innovative approach to pizza-making, driven by cutting-edge technology and an unwavering commitment to taste-consistency, has made it a beloved choice for pizza enthusiasts worldwide, ensuring a bright and promising future for the brand both locally and globally.Store InformationNestled between Dunkin Donuts and Boost Juice Bar, GOPIZZA is located at T2 Departure/Transit South, Unit No. 02-K15 at Changi Airport’s Terminal 2 Departure Hall. Operating hours are from 6AM to 1AM daily.Media ContactsFor media queries, please contact gopizza@preciouscomms.comAbout GOPIZZAOriginating from a small food truck in Korea, GOPIZZA has evolved into a food technology company with its own patented technology, GOVEN, capable of baking the perfect pizza in less than five minutes. Additionally, GOPIZZA has developed its special par-baked dough, providing customers with a satisfying bite into the crispy 'basak' dough.Currently, GOPIZZA boasts approximately 200 outlets across South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Japan, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

DUBAI, Nov 10, 2023 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Novationwire (https://www.novationwire.com/), a leading global press release distribution service provider, has announced the launch of its new Arabic PR distribution service tailored specifically for the Middle East region. With this latest service expansion, Novationwire now provides PR distribution in over 17 languages, allowing companies to reach key media and audiences in the Arabic-speaking markets of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).Novationwire's Arabic wire service will distribute press releases to top-tier Arabic language publications, news sites, financial portals and regulatory disclosure systems across the Middle East. This provides companies an effective channel to share news in a region that has over 420 million Arabic speakers.The launch of the new Arabic service comes amid rising demand for public relations and communications support in the high-growth Middle East region. With Novationwire's global expertise and focus on providing localized solutions, the company is positioned to be a leading provider of PR distribution to the Arabic-speaking markets."We are excited to announce the launch of our dedicated Arabic wire service for the Middle East," said Eric Lee, CMO of Novationwire. "As businesses increasingly look to connect with audiences and media in this region, our localized Arabic distribution will allow them to maximize the impact of their PR and communications strategy. This launch highlights our commitment to empowering companies through global press release distribution that is tailored for regional nuances."Novationwire's Arabic PR distribution includes placement on leading Middle East portals and publications such as Arabic Dir, HUNA Times, MENA Entry, Doha Press. This ensures news shared in Arabic reaches widely-read business and news outlets familiar to local audiences.In addition to distribution, Novationwire's Middle East PR services provide translations by native Arabic speakers who understand regional cultural references and terminology. The company also offers consultations to help clients craft messaging tailored to Arabic-speaking markets.Novationwire has extensive experience providing communications services worldwide, working with over 2000 clients and distributing to 120+ global regions. The company continues to expand its worldwide presence, most recently establishing operations in China, Southeast Asia and now the Middle East.About NovationwireNovationwire is a leading press release distribution service providing businesses access to global media networks. Through targeted distribution and local expertise, Novationwire enables organizations to connect with audiences worldwide. Novationwire's services include press release distribution, regulatory disclosure filing, multimedia, consulting, translations and more. For more information, visit their website.Media ContactEric Lee, NovationwireEmail: support@novationwire.comWebsite: https://www.novationwire.com Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

LONDON, Nov 10, 2023 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Socio-political polarization, the potential of generative AI, masculinity in crisis, "sportswashing", and community-based sustainability are five key trends that have reached an inflection point and will shape global marketing strategies in 2024, as revealed in WARC’s Marketer’s Toolkit 2024 released today. Now in its 13th year, The Marketer’s Toolkit 2024 provides marketers with strategic support for planning and decision-making to help navigate the challenges and benefit from the opportunities in the coming year.The trend identification for the report is based on WARC’s new proprietary GEISTE methodology(Government, Economy, Industry, Society, Technology, Environment). It further incorporates a global survey of 1,400+ marketing executives, one-to-one interviews with CMOs, industry commentary, and analysis, data and insights from WARC’s global team of experts.Aditya Kishore, Insight Director, WARC, says: “Marketers globally continue to be concerned about the economic picture with 64% of survey respondents seeing it as the biggest factor in 2024 planning. But a majority (61%) of firms expect improved business performance next year, up 10% from last year. WARC forecasts global adspend to grow 8.2% in 2024, topping $1 trillion for the first time.“As consumer insights become ever more critical to aid success, The Marketer’s Toolkit runs through some of the emerging threats and opportunities marketers will face as they look for sources of growth.”The top five trends outlined in WARC’s Marketer’s Toolkit 2024 are: Unlocking the potential of Gen AI: Nearly three-quarters (70%) of marketers plan to unlock the potential of AI in their marketing Generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) has crossed the threshold from promise to practical deployment, overhauling media strategies and audience targeting. 2024 will see brands look to capitalise on the emergence of accessible Gen AI tools to experiment with creative development. Nearly three-quarters (70%) of respondents to the Marketer’s Toolkit survey plan to unlock the potential of AI in their marketing, 12% of which will look to adopt the technology wherever they can and over half (58%) describe themselves as “cautiously progressive”, actively testing and evaluating Gen AI in marketing.However, such opportunities come with potential risks including brand safety, copyright, sustainability and agency remuneration.Jonathan Halvorson, Global SVP, Consumer Experience & Digital Commerce, MondelÄ“z, comments: “The question is, how do you build [AI] into a scaled organizational competency? That is the obsession of every single day, every single week for the next 18 months. Because it’s a race you have to win.”Preparing for the age of polarisation: 13% of marketers said the best strategy is to “drop all ‘purpose’ driven strategies and political positions”Political ideologies have become increasingly entrenched in marketing. However, with high-profile brands caught in the polarization crossfire, there are signs of increased timidity regarding social causes. While 76% of Marketer’s Toolkit respondents advise standing ground in the face of controversy, 13% pursue the path of least risk saying that the best strategy is to “drop all ‘purpose’ driven strategies and political positions.” When addressing polarizing issues, brands should examine their audience through cultural and demographic lenses, and scenario-plan against any potential fallout. Speaking at the recent ANA Masters of Marketing conference, Marc Pritchard, Chief Brand Officer, Procter & Gamble, said: “We serve diverse consumers. That requires precision to serve in ways that are relevant and better for each person, so we can unlock the potential. Inclusion to serve all people and each person matters for market growth.”Masculinity in crisis: Almost two out of three marketers (63%) agree that the way they communicate with young men needs to change Around the world, young men are increasingly being marginalised both socially and economically and struggling with their mental health. In their search for a contemporary identity, some are being drawn to toxic role models online. Almost two out of three marketers (63%) agree that they need to shift their advertising and influencer selection strategies to reflect emerging models of masculinity that offer positive and helpful messages to young men.While there will be mounting pressure to eliminate stereotypical male depictions in advertising, there will also be those who will attack the brand for being too “woke” if they do so.During Advertising Week last month, Stephanie Jacoby, SVP/Brand marketing, Diageo, said: “As an alcohol advertiser, we’ve certainly contributed to this culture, (...but) we are starting to make the change that we need to see. It’s really time now that we open the aperture (...) which broadens how men are depicted beyond, and so replaces a single, undifferentiated idea of masculinity with a multi-faceted view of what this term can encompass.”“Sportswashing” is a growing concern: 61% of marketers concur that it is “very important” for sports organisers and owners to avoid being politically divisive.In a fragmented media landscape, sports remain a natural passion point for brands to leverage. It delivers mass real-time audiences, yielding a growing competition for media rights, fresh content and sponsorship opportunities. Critics allege this is resulting in the rise of “sportswashing” whereby entities accused of a poor human rights track record invest in sports to bolster their reputation. 61% of Marketer’s Toolkit respondents concur that it is “very important” for sports organisers and owners to avoid being politically divisive. Opportunities for marketers include developing new content formats, engaging with growing sports and different communities, and data-driven insights to track performance and fan attitudes.James Williams, Investor/Advisor, Nobody Studios, says: “There’s a danger with the term “sportswashing”, because it becomes one of those words that's now thrown around all over the place for when people don't like something, especially in the world of sport."Sustainability should be locally relevant: Nearly two-fifths (38%) of marketers are investing in local communitiesWhile sustainability marketing will become more interconnected to other functions, marketers and agency leaders must double down on changing what they solely control. Investing in local communities was cited by nearly two-fifths of survey respondents (38%), followed by advertising production (26%) and media decarbonisation (21%).Marketers should pivot to smaller, local and community-based sustainability initiatives to power their green agenda and help their brands build credible consumer trust. Janet Neo, Chief Sustainability Officer, North Asia & China, L’Oréal , comments: “We adopt a personalized approach at L’Oréal, emphasizing a ‘Glocalization Strategy.’ While the strategy’s framework is global, we consider local specificities when implementing it. We engage with local communities because we believe in respecting local culture and insights. [...] We believe that the local cultural context can help us define the priorities or the key areas we should focus on.”A complimentary sample of The Marketer’s Toolkit 2024 is available to read here. The Marketer’s Toolkit 2024 is part of WARC Strategy’s The Evolution of Marketing program, offering a series of practical reports designed to help marketers address major industry shifts to drive marketing effectiveness in the coming year.A series of podcasts and a webinar will follow on The Marketer’s Toolkit 2024.  Complementing the Marketer’s Toolkit, other reports from the Evolution of Marketing program include the GEISTE report, and the upcoming The Voice of the Marketer and The Future of Media.About WARC – The global authority on marketing effectivenessFor over 35 years, WARC has been powering the marketing segment by providing rigorous and unbiased evidence, expertise and guidance to make marketers more effective. Across four pillars - WARC Strategy, WARC Creative, WARC Media, WARC Digital Commerce - its services include 100,000+ case studies, best practice guides, research papers, special reports, advertising trend data, news & opinion articles, as well as awards, events and advisory services. WARC operates out of London, New York, Singapore and Shanghai, servicing a community of over 75,000 marketers in more than 1,300 companies across 100+ markets and collaborates with 50+ industry partners.WARC is an Ascential company. Ascential delivers specialist information, analytics, events and eCommerce optimisation to the world's leading consumer brands and their ecosystems. Our world-class businesses improve performance and solve customer problems by delivering immediately actionable information and visionary longer-term thinking across Digital Commerce, Product Design, Marketing and Retail & Financial Services.With more than 3,800 employees across five continents, we combine local expertise with a global footprint for clients in over 120 countries. Ascential is listed on the London Stock Exchange.Download sample report link: https://bit.ly/49rT6M4 For further information, please contact:Amanda BenfellHead of PR & Press, WARCamanda.benfell@warc.comwww.warc.com Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.