Cathay Pacific is strengthening its support for Hong Kong’s development as a leading global startup hub by sponsoring RISE, one of the world’s largest startup and tech conferences which returned to the city for a fourth consecutive year last week.
The airline took up a role as RISE’s first official airline partner by launching its ‘Ignition Project’, an initiative that includes sponsoring 10 Hong Kong-based startups’ entry and participation in the event and promoting their innovative ideas.
Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Officer Rupert Hogg said, “We are committed to fostering the city’s entrepreneurial spirit by pushing for creativity and innovation. Investing in Hong Kong startups today means we can look forward to a better Hong Kong tomorrow.
“The startups we are supporting share Cathay Pacific’s values and vision for innovation and to do good for the local community in Hong Kong. They also provide divergent thinking, specialist knowledge and dexterity in adjusting to an ever-evolving environment,” he said.
Hogg and Cathay Pacific Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Paul Loo will participate in panel discussions at RISE to inspire young entrepreneurs on the role leadership plays in running a successful business.
The RISE conference featured hundreds of startups from around the world alongside key international investors to take advantage of networking opportunities.
Paddy Cosgrave, CEO and co-founder of RISE and Web Summit, Europe’s largest tech conference, said, “Some of the world’s youngest and most exciting tech companies hail from Hong Kong.
Web Summit is, therefore, delighted to partner with Cathay Pacific as the airline supports Hong Kong’s thriving startup community. The outlook for Hong Kong startups and tech companies is very positive indeed.”
Cathay Pacific has spearheaded new technology and advances in data analytics to help serve its customers better.
Enhancements include redesigning its digital touch points for a more user-friendly and relevant experience; digitalising customer feedback to enable quicker and more effective communication; and using smart blockchain technology to power its reward program’s new mobile app and platform. The airline also champions various initiatives to encourage tech-savvy and business-minded youngsters to bring their ideas to life.
Paul said, “Our annual Hackathon is fast becoming a hotbed for youngsters to create and share innovative ideas and solutions that contribute to improving the overall passenger experience. We are delighted with how it has progressed.
“The winning team from about 100 participants at last year’s event will see its idea developed as a mobile app for customer use.
In addition to being on fast-track access to our IT Graduate Trainee Program, the winners also had the opportunity to visit Europe’s startup mecca of Dublin where they met with innovators at Facebook, Accenture and Microsoft,” he said.