E-tailing Summit explores online retailing opportunities

"We launched the SmartBiz Expo and Asian E-tailing Summit last year with the intention of equipping businesses – SMEs in particular – with the knowledge, insights, inspiration and connections needed to thrive in the digital era. This year’s Asian E-tailing Summit featured leaders from e-tailing giants, online marketplaces and think tanks to explore what the future holds, from advances in the online retailing ecosystem to the opportunities arising from the Belt and Road Initiative," organiser HKTDC executive director Margaret Fong said.

Three concurrent workshop sessions were held during the summit, covering topics such as mobile checkout systems and payment security, omni-channel retailing, and e-tailing best practices. Networking receptions were organised to help visitors and companies explore potential partnerships. Representatives from e-commerce associations from Myanmar, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand, along with representatives from Hong Kong Electronic Commerce Association and famous Asia-Pacific e-tailers Zalora and Yoox, held an inaugural roundtable conference to discuss the prospects of e-tailing in Asia.

Two concurrent breakout sessions were held namely 'Technology: Machine Manpower' and 'Big Data: Know Your Customer'. The former explored how artificial intelligence and machine learning are helping to create e-tailing innovation, with speakers including Omer Artun, CEO and founder, AgilOne, Inc; Jaelyn Kwan, Partner, PwC Experience Centre; Emad Suhail Rahim, co-founder & Chief Strategy Officer, Robomart, Inc; and Lin Fon Chen, CEO, Robotelf Technologies. The session was chaired by Loo Wee Teck, Global Head of Consumer Electronics Research, Euromonitor International.

Two plenary sessions were held during the summit. The first, 'Advances in Online Retailing Ecosystem: Everything, Everywhere, All the Time', revealed how the vibrant e-tailing ecosystem fuels business growth and brand-building, helping the industry to take the initiative. The second plenary session, 'The Belt and Road Initiative: New Digital Horizons', discussed how this landmark infrastructure initiative that is driving economic ties and growth in Asia and beyond can help to foster the cross-border development of e-commerce. (RR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India