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Prof. Howard LING Charts Future of Retail at Hong Kong Retail Summit 2025

26 Jun, 2025

Prof. Howard LING, Professor of Practice at HKBU School of Business, delivered a thought-provoking keynote address at the Hong Kong Retail Summit 2025. Prof. Howard LING, Professor of Practice at HKBU School of Business, delivered a thought-provoking keynote address at the Hong Kong Retail Summit 2025.

The future of retail was brought into sharp focus at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 4th June, 2025, where Prof. Howard LING, Professor of Practice at HKBU School of Business, delivered a thought-provoking keynote address at the Hong Kong Retail Summit 2025. His forward-looking analysis of emerging trends and digital transformation provided a strategic lens into the retail sector’s evolution across Hong Kong and the broader region, challenging attendees to rethink retail in an increasingly tech-driven era.

In his address themed around “Mastering Technology Transformation: Advancing Customer Retention and Acquisition”, Prof. LING dissected the rapidly evolving digital marketplace, shedding light on how Hong Kong businesses must adapt or risk being left behind.

Drawing insights from his academic expertise and hands-on experience, Prof. LING emphasised that short-form videos and live streaming—often seen as passing fads—are now fundamental tools of engagement and commerce. “New media is not a trend—it’s a seismic shift in business models,” Prof. LING asserted. “Retailers who embrace lifestyle-driven content and real-time interaction will unlock new levels of consumer trust and loyalty.”

With over 90% social media penetration, Hong Kong’s digital landscape is saturated—yet Prof. LING observes its internet marketing ecosystem remains underdeveloped. Unlike Mainland China, where livestream commerce fuels billions in revenue and jobs, Hong Kong lags in leveraging these opportunities.

He pointed to the success of platforms like RedNote as a blueprint for next-generation retail. Its model integrates content discovery, real-time product evaluation, social validation, and e-commerce. He also stressed the urgent need to develop local digital talent (livestream hosts, content creators, digital operators) to close Hong Kong's gap with Mainland China's thriving ecosystem.

Beyond the keynote address, Prof. LING joined fellow retail thought leaders in a dynamic panel discussion, exploring how technology can enhance both customer acquisition and long-term retention strategies, particularly through authentic digital storytelling and data-driven personalisation.

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