Messe Frankfurt launches International Smart Space Exhibition in Hangzhou

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Hangzhou, 21st August: The inaugural International Smart Space Exhibition (ISSE) will be held as a standalone fair at the Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE). Running from 25th to 29th September 2025, the co-located fairs will take place at the Hangzhou Grand Convention and Exhibition Center in China.

Jointly organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and Hangzhou Expo Group, ISSE will be displayed in four focus areas: Intelligent Buildings and Smart Parks; Urban Public Spaces; Smart Commercial Spaces; and Smart Living. It will bring together leading companies and international standards organisations, showcasing innovative technologies and products in the smart space field.

Apart from the exhibition, ISSE will also host a series of forums designed to create a premium platform for industry dialogue that fosters the exchange of ideas and collaboration on technology.

HC narrows loss in first half

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Hong Kong, 22nd August: Last week, Hong Kong-listed HC Group released its interim results for the six months ended 30th June 2025. The company’s revenues increased slightly by 1.8% year-on-year, amounting at US$838 million. The company also posted its net loss decreased from US$7.6 million in the first half of 2024, down to US$3.2 million recorded in the first half of 2025.

The company attributed the loss during the reported period to the share of post-tax losses of associates.

In terms of business segment, more than 97% of HC Group’s revenues were generated from its smart industries segment, amounting to US$816 million. Revenues from this segment grew 1.2% from the first half of 2024. The remaining revenues were generated from HC’s technology-driven new retail segment (US$23 million), which increased by 30% year-on-year.

In short term, the company continues to review its development strategies and make timely adjustments to its business, operating and cost structure, to focus on its resources on more promising areas and achieve sustainable development of its business. In mid-to long-term, the company will optimize its competitiveness to better seize opportunities by giving special focus on the opportunities for industrial upgrading driven by AI technology, and reconstructing its traditional business models through AI technology to continuously optimize resource allocation.

CCID Consulting’s profit up 12%

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Beijing, 22nd August: CCID Consulting, a research and information service provider in China, has announced its financial results for the first half of 2025. Revenues were US$18 million, up 6.7% from the first half of 2024. The company’s net profit posted a year-on-year growth 12%, reaching US$6.0 million. Earnings per share in the six-month period were RMB 0.0639 (US$0.0089).

More than 72% of CCID’s revenues were generated from its Decision-making consulting services, amounting to US$13 million. This segment increased by 20% year-on-year. The second largest business segment was CCID’s Science and technology innovation platform services, generating revenues of US$3.0 million, and accounting for about 16% of the company’s total revenues. This segment dropped 15% from the first half of 2024. The remaining revenues were generated from its Data platform services (US$2.0 million), which decreased by 18% from the same period last year.

The company stated the increase of revenues from its Decision-making consulting services was mainly due to the transformation and upgrading of its consulting business. The company also promoted project acceptance and settlement, leading to an increase in the business volume of the consulting segment.

In the future, the company will continue to deepen and practical implement the Business 3.0 strategy; deeply explore two major customer groups and pursuing new growth opportunities; and continuously enhance its technological attributes.

IATA to hold World Sustainability Symposium in Hong Kong

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Hong Kong, 14th August: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced to hold its World Sustainability Symposium (WSS) in Asia for the first time. The third WSS will take place in Hong Kong, running from 21st to 22nd October 2025, hosted by Cathay Pacific.

WSS will gather leader from aviation, energy, finance, and policy to advance the industry’s commitment to achieving net zero CO2 emission by 2050. WSS will follow the 42nd International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly at which the industry will have advocated for stronger government policies to support aviation’s energy transition to Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and the integrity of Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). It will also precede COP30 which is focusing on turning pledges into actions.

WSS will focus on removing hurdles standing in the way of expanding SAF production; attracting financing for the US$4.7 trillion cost of decarbonization; integrating emerging technology developments by existing players and start-ups; and increasing collaboration across the value chain.

Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, said, “We are at a crucial point. Airlines are fully committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. But we have not seen sufficient, timely action by policymakers, aerospace manufacturers, oil companies, or fuel producers to support this commitment. This event is an essential rallying call for all those who have a stake in air transport’s future to overcome any challenges in the way of accelerating the pace of this crucial energy transition.”

Quick takes

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Thailand updates its tourist arrivals forecasts

Thailand’s central economic planning agency, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has recently released its 2Q2025 Economic Report, showing Thailand’s tourism sector is slowing although earnings continue to rise. The latest forecast of international arrivals in 2025 are projected at 33 million, down from 35.5 million in 2024 and below earlier forecasts.

Macau welcome 3m+ visitor arrivals in July

Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) its latest report of visitor arrivals in July 2025. A total of 3,458,366 visitor arrivals to Macau were recorded in July, increased by 15% year-on-year. Same-day visitors grew by 24%, reaching 1,980,732, while overnight visitors were 1,477,634, up 3.7%.

2025 Sydney Boat Show at new location

The 2025 Sydney Boat Show concluded at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park for the first time, attracting 23,525 attendees from 14th to 17th August 2025. Covering an exhibition area of 21,000 m2, more than 130 exhibitors presenting some 400 boats and accessories, gadgets and technologies.

135 exhibitors at GPCE Melbourne 2025

General Practice Conference & Exhibition (GPCE) Melbourne 2025 featured a total of 135 exhibitors, showcasing the latest in allied health, medical devices, software, pharmaceuticals. The event was held from 11th to 13th July, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), attracting some 1,046 healthcare professionals.