AWE_eNews2018_May_edm_Long





	Putting Security First Real-name authentication comes to AWE AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) recently announced the launch of its new “Electronic Registration & Admission Security (ERAS) System”, which was used for the first time at a concert held on 17 March 2018. With the launch of this important new system, event-goers can now enjoy even more peace of mind and convenience. The admission process at the launch event proceeded smoothly and efficiently, with positive responses from patrons and stakeholders regarding the new initiative. With its Real Name Authentication function, ERAS enables the identification of each patron, which helps to reduce security risks, deter criminal acts and eliminate drug-abuse activities, which have previously been reported at some youth music festivals. The state-of-the-art ERAS System can also perform live monitoring of crowd movements, enabling a rapid response by emergency personnel in the event of an accident or other incident. In addition to event safety, the use of real-name authentication effectively addresses the scourge of scalper tickets, and minimises the trading of counterfeit tickets. The public can easily purchase tickets online via computers, tablets or smartphones, eliminating the need for audiences to queue up and even stay overnight at a box office to purchase tickets. In addition, if a programme has to be cancelled or delayed due to inclement weather or other problems, AWE can rapidly inform all ticketholders via SMS or email, even at very short notice. ERAS is just the latest in a long tradition of collaboration with law enforcers to enhance security and combat unlawful activities during music festivals and concerts. The inception of these security measures dates back to the Ariana Grande concert held in Hong Kong in September 2017. In the months following, Real Name Authentication was deployed for the first time in December 2017 for the overnight Creamfields music event. This ongoing journey demonstrates AWE’s firm commitment and pioneering leadership in putting safety first and emphasising zero-tolerance of anti-social behaviour. ERAS is wholly owned by AWE, and powered by a number of renowned technical partners. The launch of this important new system is part of AWE’s first phase of digitalisation as it evolves to become a smart venue, laying a strong technological foundation for attracting many more mega events and further strengthening Hong Kong’s leading role as Asia’s World City.

	Security drills demonstrate emergency response In the tireless quest to put safety first, staff training and competence are equally as important as systems and technology. AWE and the Police Force of New Territories South Regional Headquarters collaborated on a large-scale drill at AWE on 19 March 2018. Using the codename “Unistar”, this landmark exercise involved over 200 representatives, comprising security teams from AWE, the Emergency Unit of New Territories South (EU NTS), the Police Tactical Unit Team A Company (PTU), the Airport Security Unit (ASU) and patrolling teams. Taking reference to former terror attacks at overseas concerts, the exercise simulated the scenario of a confrontation among audiences, a terrorist attack with weapons and firearms, open-fire by hijackers, hostage rescue, evacuation of event participants, and a search for hidden weapons. The joint exercise tested staff’s on-the-spot reactions based on ad-hoc conditions, and greatly enhanced the relationship between AWE and law enforcement personnel. As a venue playing host to numerous international concerts and music festivals, the drill exercise and Real Name Authentication system not only further strengthen venue safety and ensure the smooth running of future events, but also uphold Hong Kong’s brand image as a top destination for the world’s best EXPOtainment. AWE is determined to work hand in hand with organisers, professional bodies and all patrons to combat illegal activities and make Hong Kong the region’s leading hub for many more world-class events.


	ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA 5-7 September 2018 ASIAFRUIT CONGRESS 4 September 2018 ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA is once again confirming its status as Asia’s premier continental trade show for the fresh fruit and vegetable business. In 2017, the fair attracted more than 13,000 high-quality visitors from 76 different countries, and more than 800 exhibitors from 43 different countries, an increase of over 150 exhibitors compared with the 2016 edition. A number of new countries are joining the show in 2018, with Oman and Azerbaijan making their debut appearance. Moreover, China’s two leading online food retail platforms – e-commerce giant JD.com and Alibaba, the investor behind fresh food e-tailer Yiguo – will both be exhibiting for the first time at this year’s event. New for 2018, ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA will feature a Media Studio where visitors can join quick-fire live interviews with key industry figures on a range of exciting developments and innovations. A wealth of forums and seminars will also take place in parallel with the event. ASIAFRUIT CONGRESS, Asia’s premier fresh produce conference, will take place on 4 September, the day before ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA. On the show-floor at ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA, visitors can look forward to the ASIAFRUIT BUSINESS FORUM, which offers practical ideas and solutions for better fresh produce marketing and business management. Likewise, COOL LOGISTICS ASIA provides a programme of workshops on cold chain management, while SMART HORTICULTURE ASIA is a forum on disruptive technology and digitalisation of the supply chain.

	Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair 12-16 September 2018 Firmly established as the World's Number One fine jewellery event, the September Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair continues its successful “One Fair Two Venues” concept, featuring more than 135,000 square metres of exhibition space across two venues. In 2017, the fair welcomed over 3,690 exhibitors from 57 countries and regions, as well as 59,000 visitors from around the world. These strong attendance figure attest to the fair’s unique position as a vital jewellery marketplace that every serious jeweller and connoisseur cannot afford to miss. In keeping with its hugely-popular product sectorisation arrangement, AWE will again play host to exhibitors specialising in a wide range of loose gems, including diamonds, gemstones and pearls from around the world. Take a look at some of the feedback we’ve received from both exhibitors and visitors! “We’ve been selling high-end gemstones at the Fair for many years. This year, we welcomed many buyers from Asia, especially mainland China. We also had a chance to meet new customers from Brazil and other European countries. Overall, we had a good show and we are satisfied with our sales.” Markus Wild, CEO of Wild, Paul OHG, Germany (Fine Gem Pavilion) “I visited the Fair to source loose gems. I placed 20% more orders on-site compared to last year because there was plenty of good quality products on offer. I first heard about the Fair from an industry friend. The fair is excellent; I am extremely satisfied with my visit. I will definitely visit again next year.” Anastasia Bogush, Purchasing Manager of Aquamarine, a wholesaler from the Russian Federation

	For Culture and More, Hong Kong is the Place to Be This June
	The Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade 18 June 2018 Dragon Boat Festival 22-24 June 2018 Although dragon-boat racing has now become a popular international sport, the Dragon Boat Festival is actually an important Chinese festival rooted in ancient traditions, and a major occasion on the annual cultural calendar. Hong Kong’s spectacular harbour and dramatic skyline offer the perfect backdrop for watching thousands of the world’s top dragon boat athletes battle it out, spurred on by cheers from hundreds of thousands of spectators along the waterfront! For an even more traditional cultural experience, the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade (also known as the Tai O Deities Parade) offers the perfect excursion from AWE. Held in the picturesque and tranquil fishing village of Tai O, the event features fishermen rowing their dragon boats to visit the village’s four temples, and carrying sacred deity statues on festive sampans in a parade through Tai O to pacify the wandering water ghosts. Many residents of the village’s charming stilt houses also burn paper offerings as the dragon boats pass by. After this important parade, the deity statues are each returned to their respective temples. Inscribed on China's third national list of intangible cultural heritage back in 2011, Tai O’s Dragon Boat Water Parade provides a special opportunity to experience Hong Kong’s living culture up close, and to see the community’s traditional stilt houses at the same time.


	Innovating Hong Kong - Global Talent Carnival and Exhibition 28-29 April 2018 Having been highlighted as a key area of strategic economic development in China’s “13th National 5-year Plan”, the Greater Bay Area is now one of the world’s highest-profile regions for investors and ambitious professionals. In anticipation of the significant economic benefits offered by the growth of the Greater Bay Area and its fast-growing demand for human resources, AWE recently welcomed an inaugural career exhibition to attract innovative new talents and promote the region’s many job opportunities. Officiated by Ms. Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of HKSAR, the two-day event attracted over 200 of the world’s leading enterprises from Hong Kong, Mainland China and abroad, including Alibaba, Tencent, CSL, and Prudential, to name just a few. With its strong employer portfolio, complemented with an action-packed programme at the job fair, InnoSummit, forum and workshops, the event attracted over 5,000 attendees and created an exciting, region-wide talent week. One special highlight of the fair was an invitation to 20 pre-selected candidates to take a Tesla ride to AWE with the big bosses of giant technology companies, offering a valuable opportunity for these up-and-coming professionals to present themselves and network for future success!

	TVB Closer Look With the fast-approaching opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the number of cross-border arrivals and transit passengers is expected to increase significantly. Stakeholders of the MICE and travel industries, as well as members of the public, were recently interviewed regarding the new opportunities created by this enhanced cross-border connectivity. “One Journey Multiple Destinations” is just one of the new tourism trends arising from the opening of the bridge, thanks to shortened travel times between Hong Kong and its neighbouring cities. Interviewees also shared their views on the region’s transportation network, urban planning and development, as well as the importance of synergy between local retail, hotel and tourist attractions to create a holistic ecosystem that attracts high-end MICE travellers and maximises the many opportunities that lie ahead. (Broadcast on 14 February 2018)

	RTHK Phone Interview Ticket scalping has been a hot topic following the overwhelming demand for tickets to the talk show by Dayo Wong, the symphonic performance by Joe Hisaishi, and the concert of May Day. Grossly over-priced tickets on the resale market have provoked strong public dissatisfaction, leading to the issue being discussed in the Legislative Council on 11 April, and earning a quick response from Carrie Lam, Chief Executive, and Lau Kong-Wah, Secretary of Home Affairs. Stakeholders including event organisers, artists, fans and legislative councillors have all shared their views on various channels, including the feasibility of adopting real-name authentication for admission. AWE has recently demonstrated the ease and effectiveness of using such a system, and was able to share its experiences, including how technology is able to tackle existing loopholes, and the receptiveness of audiences to embracing new technologies. (Broadcast on 13 April 2018)

	Lights Off for Earth Hour 24 March 2018 In support of “Earth Hour 2018” organised by WWF-HK, AWE switched off all non-essential lighting on 24 March (Saturday) from 8:30pm to 9:30pm, including decorative lights on the building’s exterior and in-venue light boxes. This important environmental statement was carefully managed to ensure no impact on the smooth-running of the event halls and public areas. By promoting Earth Hour on social media and displaying posters in the venue, AWE is pleased to help promote this environmentally-friendly initiative to the venue’s tens of thousands of event participants, which will hopefully extend the reach of this annual event even further.

	Stacking-up New Environmental Benefits A large number of beverages are consumed before and during every public event at AWE, particularly concerts and music festivals. To address the environmental issues created by this consumption, AWE has introduced a new reusable “Stack-up Cup” and now offers a cash rebate to encourage patrons to refill their beers and drinks using the same cup for each purchase. At the end of the event, the cups are collected and fully sanitised for future use. This eco-friendly initiative has already proved highly popular with participants and plays an important role in helping to reduce wastage and minimise the use of disposable paper cups.