Consistent with the key takeaway of the recently concluded SAP SAPPHIRE 2023 in Orlando, SAP NOW tackled opportunities to help future-proof operations of Hong Kong businesses.
Customers and partners of SAP Hong Kong attended the in-person customer summit SAP NOW held on June 8 at the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel. SAP NOW Hong Kong 2023 themed “Partner for The Next Leap” featured inspiring customer success stories, innovative cloud technologies, and a new experience center that would help enterprises propel their sustainable journey to the cloud.
“It is our honor to host hundreds of delegates from SAP customers and partners in person at SAP NOW Hong Kong this year. In recent years, Hong Kong enterprises are now accelerating technology adoption to capture new growth,” expressed Esmond Tong, Managing Director of SAP Hong Kong. “Having supported local enterprises and industries for over 30 years, SAP Hong Kong understands the new challenges and opportunities that they are facing. With a strong commitment to Hong Kong and the most complete enterprise cloud solution portfolio, we are well-positioned to support enterprises in their digital transformation for years to come.”
Event Highlights
During the event, SAP and business leaders shared their expertise and insights on how businesses today can thrive and be future-ready leveraging the right technology along with a competent workforce. Andrew Ma, Chief Technology Officer of eLab Asia, A.S. Watson Group; Philip Wixon, HR Transformation Lead of Hong Kong Jockey Club; and Matthew TC Wong, Director, Commercial Analytics and Digital Solutions, SEAHKT, Swire Coca-Cola were among the keynote speakers who discussed macro-economic trends and insights to future-proof businesses for success.
A panel discussion led by Jungle Wong, Partner, Consulting, Deloitte China, talked about the significance of digital transformation with Mr. Alex Chan, General Manager, Digital Transformation, Hong Kong Productivity Council, and Mr. Simon Ng, CEO, Business Environment Council, referencing the recently published business outlook report “Thriving in Hong Kong, a City of Resilience and Opportunities” developed by Deloitte and commissioned by SAP.
One of the key highlights of the SAP NOW event was the announcement of the establishment of the SAP Hong Kong Cloud ERP Experience Center. The center intends to accelerate Hong Kong companies’, especially midsize enterprises’, move to the cloud with simplicity and predictability harnessing a cost-effective and scalable platform. The institution will be harnessing the power of SAP S/4HANA Cloud and SAP Business Technology Platform along with driving collaboration among SAP’s ecosystem partners.
Hong Kong Businesses Ready for the Future
Following the keynote, attendees of SAP NOW Hong Kong 2023 had the chance to pick and choose from three tracks such as Next Generation Platform for Digital Transformation, which highlighted AI, machine learning, and automation; Cloud ERP – Mission Critical for Growing Enterprises, which discussed Cloud-based ERP technology as a mission-critical asset to growing businesses; and Change Work for Good, which showcased the latest technology and strategies to support workplace and workforce transformation.
In the keynote of Dr. Chenhong Huang, SAP Global Executive Vice President and SAP Greater China President, he explained:
“Hong Kong enterprises are at the threshold of a new phase of growth. On the one hand, Hong Kong is a launchpad for global expansion with its demographic advantages, international business environment, and diversity of financial and professional services. But on the other hand, enterprises are accelerating digital transformation to address cost pressure, supply chain stability, talent shortage, and new expectations around environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. SAP will elevate our support to enable customers to drive efficiency and build sustainability, working together with companies and partners.”
The SAP Environmental Sustainability Report released early this year reported that the majority (55%) of businesses in the country recognize how sustainability directly affects business success, competitiveness, and revenue growth of a company. According to the SAP report, Hong Kong enterprises are aware of the significant role of sustainability in their financials. More than 40% said that environmental issues are either already affecting business outcomes or will do within five years. Almost the same percentage of the companies (≈40%) have sustainability strategies in place to bolster revenue and profit growth and develop new products and services.
