Dee Poon, President of Brands and Retailing, Speaks at HKGCC’s “The Hong Kong Business Summit”

Dee Poon, President of Brands and Retailing, recently attended “The Hong Kong Business Summit,” organized by The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. This year’s theme, “Shifting Economic Center of Gravity: Hong Kong’s Role,” focuses on how the city can maintain its status as an innovative and competitive business hub, particularly in its connections with ASEAN and other countries. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Summit and its rich history of bringing together influential leaders and experts from around the globe.

During the panel discussion titled “ASEAN and Middle East: New Engines for Global Growth,” Dee emphasized the importance of enhancing Hong Kong's identity within ASEAN and on a global scale. She spoke about the city’s unique cultural heritage, which is a vibrant blend of Eastern and Western influences that can be leveraged to create greater value in brands and collaborations across ASEAN. This cultural richness not only resonates with local consumers but also attracts international visitors, reinforcing Hong Kong's image as a diverse and dynamic marketplace.

To stay ahead in the competitive landscape, she encouraged the audience to look at the world through a different lens and to rethink how often it’s about efficiency and cost. In businesses such as Tessellation Group, it’s also about creating value. From both a cultural and geographical perspective, Hong Kong has the competitive advantage to be the “center of creating value through goods and brands,” as she mentioned.

She also noted that as Hong Kong moves forward and expands its footprint in ASEAN and globally, it is vital for the city to “work with a legacy and culture that we know best as a first step to creating our own stories and IPs; that’s how we learn to create with other cultures.”

The panel concluded by highlighting how collaboration across ASEAN plays a vital role in bolstering Hong Kong’s reputation as a center for design innovation. By partnering with diverse cultures and regions, Hong Kong can create unique product offerings that appeal to both international and local audiences, further solidifying its position as a competitive business hub in the region.