Latest news with #AllanZeman
South China Morning Post
04-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong's Lan Kwai Fong thronged on one of biggest party nights of year
Locals and tourists packed stretches of pavement and stairs in Lan Kwai Fong in Central on Sunday night on one of the biggest party nights of the year, outfits shimmering, drinks in hand, the gossip seemingly stretching a block long. Advertisement Lan Kwai Fong's biggest landlord Allan Zeman said this weekend's business was better than last year with growth of about 15-20 per cent year on year. Roy Chua, 38, a businessman in Singapore was spending his weekend in Hong Kong and catching up with his work team in the city at Lan Kwai Fong, hailed the nightlife. 'The multinational vibe here is still thriving and almost overwhelming. I haven't seen Hong Kong this crowded for quite a while,' said Chua, who planned to spend about HK$1,500 for food and drinks on Sunday night. 'Hong Kong is still one of the best places to have a short getaway for me as everything is pretty much at your fingertips with convenient transport.' Advertisement Thomas James, 21, a college graduate from Britain who had a gap year with his girlfriend, said his four-day trip included barhopping at a pub on Staunton Street in Central.
South China Morning Post
30-04-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong entrepreneurs put pitching skills to the test with business magnate Allan Zeman
04:19 Three Hong Kong entrepreneurs pitch ideas to breathe new life into underused urban spaces Three Hong Kong entrepreneurs pitch ideas to breathe new life into underused urban spaces The life of a young entrepreneur can become quite frenetic, as they must juggle all the challenges that come with getting a business off the ground. Advertisement But what can make it a lot easier are the abilities to embrace technology and think outside the box. To test themselves in this regard, three Hong Kong-based entrepreneurs and influencers recently took part in a friendly competition adjudicated by Allan Zeman, founder and chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group. Zeman and his company are known for transforming Hong Kong's nightlife entertainment scene. In addition, he holds leadership roles at various businesses as well as government advisory positions. Hong Kong business magnate Allan Zeman served as judge for a recent pitch competition between three local entrepreneurs. The competition was organised by the Post's Morning Studio team in collaboration with Huawei. Participants were given a mere 45 minutes and use of a Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2-inch to create engaging presentations for Zeman to evaluate, built around their ideas on how to repurpose Hong Kong's urban spaces to benefit the community. Among the contenders was Stella Wong, a clinical researcher and practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) who is also the founder of Lectcha. Her company makes kombucha – a fizzy, fermented tea drink – with a healthy herbal twist and in many flavours; the idea was initially conceived during her postgraduate studies. Stella Wong, founder of the kombucha maker Lectcha, used the Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2-inch to present Zeman with her idea to repurpose the city's public phone booths. However, the idea she pitched to Zeman focused on how the 3,000 or so public phone booths still standing in Hong Kong can be repurposed to meet the community's changing needs. Advertisement Wong quickly came up with a well-structured presentation consisting of data, stock photos and illustrations to make a case for equipping the booths with artificial intelligence (AI) technology. She envisioned them being used to provide healthcare services for the elderly or information to tourists, or to serve as sites for special business promotions.
South China Morning Post
28-04-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Dawn of Visionaries – HKSTP's journey to inspire innovation
In the ever-evolving landscape of innovation and technology (I&T), a new generation of leaders is emerging, redefining success and shaping the future of Hong Kong and beyond. Among them are the dynamic figures driving the Dawn of Visionaries campaign of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), where innovation meets strategic collaboration. Advertisement Allan Zeman, a renowned business magnate, is one of the key advisers steering this initiative. With a wealth of experience across many sectors, Zeman – along with George Hara, another main adviser – is keen to inspire innovators and foster a culture in which bold ideas can flourish. 'My role is to inspire innovators, helping them think differently, take risks and reach new heights,' Zeman says. 'It's about creating an environment where extraordinary achievements are possible.' Renowned business magnate Allan Zeman is helping to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs in Hong Kong. Zeman's entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 19 when he launched his first business, a pivotal moment that shaped his vision. 'That experience taught me that if someone else can do it, so can I,' he says. This belief drives him to encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs at HKSTP, where he sees immense potential for growth and innovation. Since its inception in 2001, HKSTP has been a catalyst for progress, nurturing over 2,200 tech ventures and engaging with more than 24,000 innovators. As a cornerstone of Hong Kong's I&T soft power sector, the corporation has significantly contributed to the local economy, fostering collaborations that drive both technological advancements and community well-being. At the heart of the new Dawn of Visionaries initiative lie six essential pillars. Along with advisers Zeman and Hara, this includes advocates – a diverse group of interns from around the world who are passionate about promoting Hong Kong as a leading destination for tech careers. They use their energy and fresh perspectives to mobilise their peers to explore exciting opportunities in the region. Advertisement Another crucial pillar of the programme is its mentors: experienced professionals who provide invaluable guidance to start-ups. This support is instrumental in navigating the complexities of the tech industry, empowering innovators to overcome challenges. The creators within the HKSTP community also play a significant role. Comprising influencers and artists, they are central to marketing campaigns that resonate globally. Their storytelling abilities help convey HKSTP's narrative and showcase the vibrant innovation landscape of Hong Kong.
RTHK
21-04-2025
- Business
- RTHK
Bars business pick up over Easter, but not eateries
Bars business pick up over Easter, but not eateries Allan Zeman said business for Lan Kwai Fong establishments was up by 15 percent over the Easter break. File photo: RTHK The restaurant and bar trade has expressed mixed sentiment over trade this Easter, after 1.6 million or so SAR residents left the city in the first three days of the holiday, figures from the Immigration Department revealed. Allan Zeman, who chairs the Lan Kwai Fong Group, told RTHK that he was pleasantly surprised to learn that bar receipts picked up over the holiday. "I would say that it was up about 15 percent, in some cases 20 percent, depending on some of the different bars," he said. "I was very pleasantly surprised. Because I was definitely expecting a 20 to 30 percent drop." He also noted a change in the tenant mix, saying more eateries are now serving Chinese cuisine to cater to the growing number of mainland customers. But the Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades painted a grim picture, saying business citywide fell by around 30 percent. President Simon Wong said the large number of people leaving the SAR definitely had an impact. "Most restaurant business being hurt are those middle- and high-class restaurants because a lot of people who are willing to pay for their meals, they would rather spend their time outside of Hong Kong, especially to some Southeast Asian countries and also to the mainland." James Robertson, who owns half a dozen bars and restaurants across the city, revealed that business was down 25 percent compared to a year ago. "No business can survive a 25 percent drop in sales. That just isn't possible," he said. "Generally speaking, the landlords are not that sympathetic because they've got their own issues about valuation and property valuations and rentals that they need. "But we can't survive. You can't have landlords demanding the same rent in a market that's down 25 to 30 percent. It doesn't deserve that kind of rent." There is still hope on the horizon, Wong said, pointing to the Labour Day "golden week" holiday which starts next week. He expects a 15 percent boost in business across the catering sector as mainland tourists visit the SAR during the five days of public holiday, including those from Shenzhen who can apply for multi-entry visas.
South China Morning Post
29-03-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Lan Kwai Fong gets Hong Kong Sevens booster but Kowloon City misses out
Business in popular nightlife district Lan Kwai Fong jumped by as much as 30 per cent on Friday evening after day one of the Hong Kong Sevens, industry leaders said, although restaurants near Kai Tak Stadium, the rugby tournament's new home, have yet to see a big jump in trade. Advertisement Tycoon Allan Zeman, founder and chairman of the Lan Kwai Fong Group, said on Saturday that the jump in business was due to the excitement surrounding the newly opened stadium, where the Sevens will run until Sunday evening. 'I think there is euphoria,' he said on Saturday. 'It is amazing and it is such a great feeling about Hong Kong, where we can't believe that this is our stadium.' He said trade in Lan Kwai Fong on Friday evening jumped by as much as 30 per cent compared with last year. Zeman said he expected business for the Sevens period to increase by 20 per cent over last year. 'I'm very surprised as we were expecting a drop, but it's been very, very good, so I am not complaining,' he said. Advertisement In previous years, when the event was held at Hong Kong Stadium in Causeway Bay, rugby fans usually flocked to pubs in Wan Chai or Lan Kwai Fong after matches ended for the day.
