Business
‘Think Asia, Think Hong Kong’ comes to Los Angeles

Mega event to connect US businesses with Asian opportunities
Los Angeles, CA – September 10, 2019 – More than 1,500 business leaders and participating companies, representing a broad spectrum of industries, are expected to attend “Think Asia, Think Hong Kong”, a one-day symposium taking place on Friday, September 20 at the JW Marriott in downtown Los Angeles. Hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the mega event provides a seamless and thorough guide to help American businesses with a global focus use Hong Kong as a platform to successfully enter the Asian marketplace.
The event will see industry leaders from the US and Hong Kong share their insights on the city’s business advantages and offer advice on how US companies can seize global opportunities through the Hong Kong platform. Among the speakers are some of today’s hottest entrepreneurs, investors and start-up executives, including representatives from Impossible Foods, HSBC and many others who will share their personal experience on why Hong Kong is the right choice as a base for doing business in Asia.
Hong Kong remains the Asian business center most closely aligned with US business values and interests, offering low taxes, no tariffs, a vibrant stock market and ease of access for overseas companies looking to do business in the city.
The symposium’s morning program will feature two panel discussions – “Think Asia, Think Hong Kong” and “Growing Businesses in the New Economy” – featuring prominent US and Hong Kong business leaders, including Ray Conner, retired Boeing Vice Chairman and President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes; Ken Hitchner, Retired Chairman & CEO of Goldman Sachs, Asia Pacific; Kent Ho, Founder and General Partner, S28 Capital; Yangbin Wang, Chairman, Executive Director and CEO, Vobile Group; and Jimmy Tao, CEO & Managing Director, Vitargent Biotechnology Limited. The panelists will address the current economic outlook and share their experiences having successfully leveraged Hong Kong’s platform and international business network for global success.
From Healthcare to Fintech to Smart Homes and More
In addition to the plenary symposium, the event will include thematic breakout sessions featuring globally prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs, designers, investors, service professionals and a Hong Kong start-up showcase, all representing a variety of high-growth industries. One-on-one business consultations with professional services experts from Hong Kong will be arranged throughout the day, along with business-matching meetings.
Top executives and thought leaders representing a cross-section of industries and disciplines − including finance, food, logistics, technology, e-commerce, fashion/lifestyle and business
investment − will share their experiences, success stories and best practices for capitalizing on opportunities in Asia.
Attendees at the “Doing Business in Asia” breakout session will learn insights on pan-Asian branding and marketing, e-commerce and setting up a business in Hong Kong. Speakers include Nick Halla, Senior Vice President, International & Retail, Impossible Foods; Henry Ko, Managing Director, Asia, Flexport; Bonnie Chan Woo, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Icicle Group; Michelle Leung, Senior Vice President, Head, Fung Omni Services (HK) Limited; and Stephen Phillips, Director General, Invest Hong Kong.
Other important and fast-growing business topics to be highlighted include digital entertainment, health innovation and biotech, fintech, and legal services, intellectual property protection, fundraising, smart living, design and technology, and more.
Hong Kong’s Many Advantages for Global Commerce
One of the world’s most vibrant commercial hubs and an important financial center, Hong Kong offers numerous advantages to US companies looking to move into the Asian marketplace. Hong Kong has received high rankings from various US and global sources, including:
- Ranked as the world’s No.1 freest economy for more than 25 years by the US-based Heritage Foundation
- Since 1996, the Canada-based Fraser Institute has named the city as the world’s No.1 for economic freedom
- Hong Kong was ranked as the world’s No.1 center for economic openness by the UK-based Legatum Institute
- Named the world’s most business-friendly tax system by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and the World Bank Group
- Hong Kong was ranked the world’s second most competitive economy by the Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development
- Ranked within the world’s top three places for business by Forbes
- Ranked in the top four for ease of doing business according to the World Bank’s 2019 Doing Business Report
- Hong Kong also ranks highly in various areas of finance, education, transport and infrastructure, among other categories.
For more about “Think Asia, Think Hong Kong” and registration details, please visit www.thinkasiathinkhk.com/2019.
Media enquiries
In the first instance, please contact the HKTDC’s Los Angeles press office:
Chris Huppertz (Bob Gold & Associates)
Tel: 310-320-2010
Email: hktdc@bobgoldpr.com
The HKTDC New York office:
Mandy Lo
Tel: 212-868-8688 E
mail: mandy.mk.lo@hktdc.org
And for Hong Kong-related specific enquiries, the HKTDC’s Communications and Public Affairs Department in Hong Kong:
Angel Tang
Tel: (852) 2584 4544
Email: angel.hc.tang@hktdc.org
About HKTDC
The 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 trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn
Business
Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce to Lead California Delegation at GITEX GLOBAL 2023 in Dubai

Fostering Technological Synergy: Bridging the Tech Gap with Global Partners
Demonstrating the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce’s (IERCC) commitment to global tech collaboration and innovation, the organization will lead a California delegation to the world-renowned GITEX GLOBAL event in Dubai from October 16-20, 2023. Though the original invitation extended to IERCC’s President & CEO, Mr. Edward Ornelas, Jr., he will not be in attendance. Instead, the California delegation will be spearheaded by the Chamber’s newly-appointed CTO, Mr. Gabriel Rangel.
Organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre, GITEX GLOBAL 2023 promises to be grander than ever. The event is set to host over 6,000 exhibiting companies and startups, drawing more than 170,000 tech and business executives from over 170 countries. The mega-event will sprawl across 41 vast halls and, for the first time ever, will be held at two prominent venues – the iconic Dubai World Trade Centre and the new Dubai Harbour for Expand North Star, making it the host for the world’s largest startup event.
Mr. Edward Ornelas, Jr. commented, “While I regret not attending GITEX personally, I am proud to have Mr. Rangel at the helm of this effort. I’m confident that our delegation will foster new collaborations and present the Golden State as a tech powerhouse.”
This year’s conference adopts the compelling theme of “The Year to Imagine AI in Everything”. Attendees are poised to witness the grandest showcase of AI tech giants and industry frontrunners. Additionally, it promises to kindle profound dialogues and debates concerning the socio-economic implications of burgeoning AI technology.
“Leading the California delegation at GITEX offers us an unmatched platform to nurture and solidify relationships with global tech partners,” said Mr. Gabriel Rangel, CTO of IERCC. “As the technology landscape continues to evolve, it’s critical for us to be a part of these international collaborations. I’m honored to spearhead this mission on behalf of the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce.”
An integral part of the California delegation, Mr. Ram Thanapandian, Principal Technology Consultant to the State of California and Chair of CA State Treasurer Fiona Ma’s Technical Advisory Commission, will be present, providing invaluable insights and representing the State of California Treasurer’s Office.
IERCC’s leadership in organizing this delegation underscores the crucial role that California plays in the global tech ecosystem and mirrors Dubai’s ambitious vision as encapsulated in the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). This strategy aims to substantially expand Dubai’s economic landscape in the upcoming decade, securing its stature among the world’s leading global cities.
Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of the Dubai World Trade Centre and CEO of KAOUN International, remarked on the invaluable contributions the California delegation will bring to the event. She looks forward to an event marked by knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and pioneering discussions.
For additional information on GITEX GLOBAL 2023, please refer to: GITEX 2023 Preview.
Business
Economist Christopher Thornberg, State Treasurer Fiona Ma Headline New Forecast Conference

Coming October 5th
Economic Horizon 2024: What Lies Ahead?
The Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Beacon Economics and the County of San Bernardino, is thrilled to announce that the anticipated economic forecast conference, Economic Horizon 2024: What Lies Ahead, Inland Empire? will be held October 5th from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the El Prado Golf Courses in the vibrant city of Chino, California.
Esteemed economist, Dr. Christopher Thornberg will present complete outlooks for the U.S., California, and Inland Empire economies. “The Inland Empire stands at the crossroads of remarkable economic opportunities and challenges,” said Thornberg. “I’m excited to unpack the trends and shifts that will define the region’s economic landscape in the next year, and beyond.”
Known for his razor-sharp observations, and fun, energized delivery, Thornberg’s presentation will include pointed discussions about inflation, the Fed’s next move, housing markets, strengths and instabilities in the economy, and what current trends mean for the nation, state, and local region.
The conference will also be graced by the insights of California State Treasurer Fiona Ma as keynote speaker. In her words, “The strength of California’s economy is deeply interwoven with the growth trajectories of its regions. The Inland Empire, with its dynamism and resilience, is a testament to this synergy. I am honored to join ‘Economic Horizon 2024’ and share a vision where policies, partnerships, and potentials converge to elevate the Inland Empire to unprecedented economic heights.”
“This conference is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the Inland Empire and our commitment to fostering a robust, resilient economy,” said Edward Ornelas, Jr., President of the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Our partnership with Beacon Economics and the County of San Bernardino aims to offer a platform for profound economic discussion, forecasting, and strategic future planning.”
Attendees can anticipate not only expert insights into the economy but also networking opportunities and a chance to connect with key business, government, and nonprofit leaders from across the region.
Full event details are available at: economy.iechamber.org
Bizz Buzz
Webb Investments acquires Silver Creek Industries, an industry leader in modular construction for schools

Webb Investments today announced the launch of a new company, Silver Creek Modular, after acquiring the assets of Silver Creek Industries, a highly respected modular construction company known for bringing innovative, sustainable and cost-effective solutions to the education industry.
Silver Creek Industries’ existing business, including its employees and its Perris, Calif., manufacturing facility, will remain with the new company, with Webb providing the investment capital, resources and expertise to enhance Silver Creek’s presence in the modular construction marketplace.
The acquisition closed in June of 2023, following Silver Creek Industries’ Chapter 11 filing in the Central Bankruptcy Court of California.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring Silver Creek into our family business, and look forward to building on our shared commitment to improving educational opportunities within communities across our region,” said Kiana Webb, CEO of Webb Family Enterprises. “This acquisition aligns with our strategy to invest in established firms that can help us drive community revitalization and inclusive growth, while improving quality of life and increasing economic output.”
Silver Creek Industries was founded in 2004 and has completed more than 1,000 projects in the education, commercial, medical, military, government and multi-family housing markets. More recently, the company’s focus has been on providing high-quality, sustainable modular buildings for schools and educational institutions. Silver Creek Industries is well known for delivering projects on time and on budget, with minimal disruption to school and the community.
Webb Investments is a privately held, family-owned company focusing on creating a community development ecosystem that drives inclusive, organic growth and transforms the areas they serve.
For more information on Webb Investments, please visit webbinvestments.com.
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