SHARP Forum 2018-19

Blockchain technology, a widely-bandied term in banking and financial services, is being brought to a novel application domain in philanthropy and social innovation. In particular, with abilities to address information authenticity and provide greater transparency, such a technology can be utilized for trustworthy fundraising, accountable charity giving, and enhanced donor retention. Will Blockchain create a positive social impact by revolutionizing charity sphere? What are the challenges that may come along?

The deployment of 5G networks is drawing near. Unleashing the potential of IoT (Internet of Things), the connectively and computing capacity brought by 5G’s fast speed and great bandwidth play a vital role in revolutionizing smart city applications (e.g., traffic management, smart streetlights, smart energy, public safety, etc.). Why is the arrival of 5G expected to accelerate the transformation of Hong Kong into a dream smart city? As the 5G-enabled smart city is being rolled out, how might it disrupt the existing business models and spur new startup/scaleup opportunities? Discover the answers with us!

Through infrastructure connectivity, the Greater Bay Area (GBA) is strengthening its importance as a global logistics hub. With large integrated market and diverse industry offering, supply chain complexity in the region is expected to grow exponentially, compelling the need for faster and more efficient movement of goods/services, labor/talent, capital and information. How does such a need create challenges and opportunities in supply chain management? Taking advantage of the GBA’s acceleration in innovation, how could companies work in sync with advanced digital technologies (e.g., IoT and AI) to unravel supply chain complexity? Join us to explore the future trend.

With two types of digital transaction system as main drivers, the concept of cashless is transforming how business activities are carried out. The first type, known as an integrated platform, involves a trusted third party (e.g., AliPay, WechatPay, etc.) to help conduct payment transactions. In contrast, enabled by Blockchain or other distributed ledger technology, the second type cuts out the middleman and uses decentralized crypto-currencies (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) to allow Peer-to-Peer transactions. What are the pros and cons of each system? Which one will fascinate Hong Kong more? Let’s explore.

Faster Payment System (FPS)—claimed to be the world’s pioneering government-initiated platform that allows real-time payments across different banks, e-wallets or other stored value facilities (SVF) anytime, anywhere—was recently launched in Hong Kong. What are the potential benefits and challenges brought forth by such a platform to consumers, merchants, banks, and SVF operators? Is the advent of FPS catalyzing opportunities for disruptive innovations such that HongKongers, still largely relying on cash and Octopus cards, will become more receptive to mobile payments? Explore with us.

Facilitated by social media, KOL (key opinion leader) marketing is becoming a popular means for brands to hit target market. Running a KOL campaign, however, can beget frustration since recruiting fit-to-brand influencers is an intricate process. Besides, influencers’ compensation is hard to measure when their performance is obfuscated by fake followers/engagements. Attempting to alleviate the challenges in KOL marketing, various data-driven platforms powered by AI and Blockchain technology are evolving. Are they promising? Find it out with us.