IIM Forum 2008

The grand function of IIM presented in collaboration each year with a local tertiary educational institution was held this year in the campus of Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 15. Needless to say, our collaborating party was the Hong Kong PolyU, or, to be exact, its Institute for Enterprise. The other joint organizer was the Institute’s close partner, the Hong Kong Chamber of Small and Medium Business Ltd.

The theme this year was a continuation of the market development of Mainland China series that IIM initiated three years ago. From branding last year, we shifted our focus to “Exceeding our competitors: innovative marketing strategies (「超越競爭：創新市場攻略」)”.

The event are started off at the magnificent Chiang Chen Studio Theatre of the PolyU campus. Following the welcome note by Dr. Albert Yip, Chairman of the Forum Organizing Committee, our Hon. President Dr. Dominic Wong presented his speech elaborating on the key theme of the day and encouraging all attendants to actively participate in the pursuing sessions. This was followed by the representative of the two joint organizers, Dr. Lu Sun-wing, Vice President (Partnership Development) of the PolyU and Dr. (then Mr.) Kevin Lau, Executive Vice President of the Chamber.

Before moving to the Forum proper, souvenirs were presented to the guest speakers in commemoration of their contribution to the event.

Following the taking of group photos, the Forum presentations and discussions began, and the floor was handed over to the Forum Anchor, Prof. Alfred Ho.

Prof. P. K. Lau started off with a macro review of the economic environment of the Mainland and then drilled down to the consumer market prospects, pointing out the great potential yet to be tapped and emphasizing the need to learn to understand and to collaborate with parties that are familiar with and adept to the local business practices.

Following this Patrick Luk, Managing Director of Legend Jewelry Co. Ltd., a veteran in operating in China, first, like most others, starting with manufacturing, and in recent years has also extending into local marketing of his company's products. He shared his operation’s experience in exploiting the higher-end consumer market in the Mainland, highlighting the big differences between one market and the others. He recommended audience to consider besides the more developed coastal modern cities (like Shanghai, Beijin, Tienjin, Guangzhou) also the less competitive second-tier cities, such as Wuhan, Dalian, Nanjin, Chengdu, Hangzhou.

Enriching the pool of experience shared in the Forum, local media’s favorite interview figure Paul Law enlightened the floor with a case of integrating motor car services – from passenger car selling onward to after-sales service, insurance services, accessories and parts sourcing & supply, installation, conversion, servicing & repair, beautifying & ornamenting – with considerable success in South China. He concluded the importance of choice, convenience, and one-stop service and the benefits and synergies that such trade collaboration can bring to opening up the enormous market across the border.

Hong Kong as a regional service centre was the lead picked up by the last speaker Dr. Sam Ho, who used to be a pioneer in promoting the “5'S Method” in Hong Kong. He pointed out service export to the Mainland as an option for Hong Kong enterprises not to be neglected. He cited the successful cases of his client operating restaurant chains in China as well as his personal experience of establishing franchise operation of his 5'S training and consulting service there. Lessons that he has learned included the importance of identifying and selecting trustful local partners through careful monitoring and prudence in the transfer of intellectual properties and know-how's to the Mainland partners.

Just like all previous Forums organized by the Institute, participants were anxious to raise questions that they were particularly interested or relevant to self. Others were prone to share their personal experiences echoing or contrasting with the views raised by the guest speakers. 

Another shot of the speaker panel enjoying a laughter stimulated by a humorous remark from the floor while exchanging views with participants	Participant Sidney Wong, Executive Director of Management & Executive Development Centre, sharing his views with speakers and audience

Again, time was always not enough for everyone to get his/her questions fully addressed or be given adequate time to state one's case. The anchor had to make difficult choices in assigning priorities to the row of hands every time the panel finished its round of expressions. Were it not due to the need to hand back the theatre to PolyU's facilities management, the Forum could have continued on and on. So, amongst the heated exchanges, anchor Alfred Ho made the unpopular act announcing the conclusion of the function and thanking all for their participation and involvement, particularly members of the organizing committee, who had to hurriedly clear up the site before handing back the stage to the PolyU. While speakers and helpers were invited to take group photos on the stage, the audience reluctantly dispersed gradually, cherishing the wise points transacted and looking forward to next year's event.

Organizers' representatives, guest speakers, Organizing Committee members and field helpers (partial) taking a group photo on the stage to mark the successful conclusion of the Institute's grand annual function for the year – IIM Forum 2008