AI-Powered Growth: Hong Kong Events Redefine E-commerce and Brand Marketing
HONG KONG, Mar 20, 2026 – The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)’s MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse conferences concluded successfully at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), attracting over 1,700 industry professionals from 22 countries and regions. The events focused on navigating the evolving marketing landscape and charting a course for future business growth in the age of artificial intelligence and rapidly changing consumer behavior.
Driving Brand Evolution Through Innovation
Sophia Chong, Executive Director of the HKTDC, emphasized the transformative power of digital technologies on e-commerce. “Rapid advances in digital technologies are allowing e-commerce to reshape the market landscape, transforming how businesses reach consumers, transact and scale. From AI-driven personalisation to social commerce, the pace of change is unprecedented and with this change comes significant opportunity,” she stated. The events’ theme, “Generate New Growth,” underscored the need to embrace new ideas, technologies, and strategies to capitalize on these opportunities.
The Rise of AI in E-commerce
A central theme throughout MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse was the increasing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the e-commerce sector. Over 30 thematic sessions covered topics including growth strategies, e-commerce horizons, marketing dynamics, social media best practices, and navigating potential PR crises.
Terry Li, Vertical General Manager of Smart Retail at Tencent, highlighted AI’s potential to enhance creativity and personalize customer experiences, stating, “AI is redefining digital commerce, and integrating AI into enterprise architecture properly is key to success. It will not destroy creativity; instead, it can inspire creativity and enable personalised customer experiences.”
Bruce Pan, Cross-border Industry Operations Manager of TikTok Shop US, stressed the importance of combining creative direction with a deep understanding of product advantages and emotional storytelling, rather than simply increasing content production speed.
Quick Commerce and the Demand for Convenience
The conferences also addressed the growing trend of quick commerce, driven by consumer demand for convenience and personalization. Patrick Zhang, Senior BD Manager of Amazon Global Selling, noted that the next phase of globalization will depend on brands’ ability to quickly and accurately understand local consumer needs and translate data insights into growth. Yatong Qiu, Vice President of Taobao & Tmall Group at Alibaba, emphasized the need for agile merchandising, real-time digital marketing, and streamlined supply chains to meet the modern consumer’s desire for instant gratification.
Discussions also included strategies for entering the ASEAN market, with Luca Barni, SVP, Commercial at Lazada Group, sharing insights based on practical experience.
Experience-Driven Branding and the Power of Aesthetics
As consumer preferences shift towards experience-driven models, brands are increasingly focused on cultivating “taste” and “perception.” Pauline Brown, former Chairman of LVMH North America, delivered a presentation on ‘Aesthetic Intelligence,’ illustrating how sensory management and design thinking can elevate brand value and customer experience. “Economic inequality, environmental threats, and the rise of AI make the pursuit of aesthetic intelligence more critical than ever,” she said. “While AI enhances efficiency, consumers care about brands creating authentic sensory pleasure. Only people can truly convey a clear, well-articulated vision that resonates with customers.”
Haijun Wang, Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Chief Experience Officer of Atour Lifestyle Holdings, shared his approach to weaving lifestyle experiences into hotel and brand management, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection and customer resonance.
The Role of Social Media and Content Creation
The conferences also explored the evolving landscape of social media and content creation. JinHee Lee, Chief Operating Officer of Olive Young, showcased how the Korean beauty brand leverages omnichannel operations and data-driven marketing to build international competitiveness. Krzysztof Andrzej Kowal, Global Retail Design Director at YSL Beauty, L’Or’al Luxe, discussed the importance of transforming physical retail spaces into immersive storytelling experiences.
Actor and social media personality Ng Siu-hin, along with Kenie Kwok, Creative Strategy Lead at Meta, discussed strategies for engagement on the Threads platform. Content creator Mayao shared his innovative use of social media to promote music and content.
Human Creativity and AI: A Symbiotic Relationship
Experts emphasized that AI and human creativity are not mutually exclusive but rather engage in a symbiotic relationship. Stephen Rogers, Group Creative Director at Droga5, explored this dynamic, highlighting the importance of navigating the boundaries between human intuition and AI.
Networking and Business Matchmaking
The events featured a new ‘e-Commerce Connect’ area showcasing one-stop e-commerce solutions from nearly 30 local and international exhibitors. Over 170 one-on-one business matchmaking sessions were arranged, and attendees enjoyed a live performance by singer James Ng.
Industry Support and Future Insights
MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse received support from organizations including the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of Hong Kong (HK4As), the Hong Kong Internet & Ecommerce Association, and others. Video on Demand access to the conference content is available until April 19, 2026.
Related Websites:
- MarketingPulse
- eTailingPulse
- Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) and EntertainmentPulse