The 55th Orient & Southeast Asian Lions (OSEAL) Forum, the annual must-attend event for all Lions members in the region, officially kick-started its four-day action-packed programme at AsiaWorld-Expo today with a grand opening ceremony. This high-profile forum, held from 10-13 November 2016, brings together over 10,000 Lions from Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim to share their ideas and vision on community services. In addition to delegates from Hong Kong, Mainland China and Taiwan, over 80% of those in attendance are overseas delegates from Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Guam and many other countries, making the event an unparalleled networking platform for international cultural exchange. To celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Lions District 303, this year also features an exciting line-up of engagement activities, including Executive Conferences, a Centennial Exhibition and Bazaar, a Centennial Clubs’ Presidents’ Banquet, seminars, break-out meetings and the exclusive performance of an international show.
To welcome the return of this major global event to Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Tourism Board and AWE is extending warm hospitality in a wide range of ways, from exclusive customs channels to a dedicated MTR reception counter and a special discount on the Airport Express. Much more than just a venue partner, AWE is committed to offering an unparalleled visitor experience. To help delegates get the most from this vibrant city, AWE has partnered with the event organiser and a number of shopping malls to offer Lions special shopping and dining discounts from over 20 retail brands. To further make all Lions feel like at home, AWE has arranged a number of foreign-language-speaking specialists as customer service ambassadors, and set-up a "Food Bazaar" featuring much-loved local snacks, as well as flavours from delegates’ home regions worldwide. To make the experience even more memorable, AWE has created a photo corner with a specially-designed Hong Kong backdrop and complimentary photo printing services. A VIP lounge has likewise been set up for event VIPs, offering a dedicated and private space in which to mingle and network while also enjoying Wi-Fi, mobile phone charging services, and a selection of complimentary food and beverages.
Mr. Robert Bob E. Corlew, International President of Lions Club International, and Mr. Tommy Leung, 55th OSEAL Forum Chairman, unveiled the event at a press conference held yesterday (10 November 2016).
"As the host to present Hong Kong to Lions worldwide, we are committed to delivering the best ever visitor experience to delegates," Mr. Leung remarked. "I would like to thank AsiaWorld-Expo for its full support in providing personalised and heart-warming services, of which the food bazaar offering a taste of local snacks is just one example. I am eagerly awaiting the new developments adjacent to AWE, particularly the upcoming Hong Kong-Zhuhai Bridge and the new Airport Commercial District which is destined to become a major tourist entertainment complex that will bring an even more dynamic experience to delegates at future events. I’m confident that our members will be thrilled by this inspirational new MICE experience on their next visit to Hong Kong."
Mr. Corlew, who joined Mr. Allen Ha, Chief Executive Officer of AWE, for a site walk after the press conference, was also impressed by the promising developments on Lantau and concurred that the visionary plans would lead to a bright and prosperous future.
Coming hot on the heels of OSEAL is yet another iconic event, Cosmoprof Asia 2016, which will be held at AWE for the first time from 15-17 November 2016. Cosmoprof Asia, the Asia-Pacific region’s premier international beauty exhibition, is organised by Cosmoprof Asia Ltd, a joint-venture between BolognaFiere Group and UBM Asia Ltd. To accommodate the continued growth of this mega show, this year's exhibition will adopt the visionary "One Fair,
Two Venues" concept, with AWE showcasing packaging, ingredients and processing equipment. Newly introduced this year at AWE, the event organizer will also pay tribute to the year’s most innovative beauty products, offering high-profile recognition of the industry’s leading innovation, creativity and eco-sustainability.
Speaking about both of these major new events, Mr. Allen Ha, Chief Executive Officer of AWE, remarked: "The slogan for this year’s OSEAL is "Celebrate the Change", which shares the same vision as AWE’s slogan "Dare to Innovate, Care to Collaborate". In keeping with that statement, we are committed to growing with the market and overcoming every challenge through innovation. Just days after OSEAL, we are also honoured to host Cosmoprof Asia. Both events are testimony to how we advocate the concept of MICE EXPOtainment, and how we’re committed to creating extraordinary experiences for exhibitors and visitors alike. Following the completion of the HK-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and other upcoming Lantau infrastructure, we believe AWE will play an even greater role in this vibrant bridgehead economy. As a proactive member of the Lantau community, we relish the opportunity to introduce delegates to Lantau’s rich potential and far-sighted business vision. We also look forward to playing a leadership role in Lantau’s continued growth, as this unique community emerges as the perfect MICE destination for world-class EXPOtainment events.
Editors’ Notes: High resolution images can be downloaded here.