Joseph Tse

Exploring New Frontiers in 2025 and Follow the money! As we navigate the evolving global economic landscape, Hong Kong and Shenzhen’s tech companies are poised to tap into the vast potential of the Australian market. Australia has the 12th largest economy in the world.  GDP (Gross Domestic Product): ~$1.7 trillion USD (nominal, 2024 estimate) GDP per capita: ~$64,000 USD (nominal, 2024 estimate). After experiencing its slowest growth in over three decades in 2024, Australia’s GDP is projected to improve modestly. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) anticipates growth reaching approximately 2.25% over 2025 and 2026, driven by a rebound in household consumption and a recovering housing market. With its thriving economy, innovative spirit, and strategic location, Australia offers a compelling destination for expansion and partnership. Key opportunities await in areas and I am going to write several LinkedIn Posts such as below : • Renewable energy • Fintech and digital payments • Cybersecurity • Healthtech To succeed, it’s crucial to understand the local landscape, build strategic partnerships, and adapt to regulatory requirements. If you’re a Hong Kong or Shenzhen tech company looking to expand into Australia, let’s connect and explore the possibilities together! If you are interested in other sectors, do write to me too. Joseph Tse Vice President (Venture Incubator & Business Growth) 副总裁 (风险投资孵化器与业务增长) Email: [email protected] hashtag#Australia hashtag#HongKong hashtag#Tech hashtag#Innovation hashtag#MarketEntry hashtag#BusinessExpansion hashtag#Growth“

The Australia-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement (A-HKFTA) (entered into force on 17 January 2020) is more than just a trade deal—it’s a strategic gateway for Australian technology companies looking to expand into the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and for GBA-based tech firms to enter the Australian market via Hong Kong. Ref: https://lnkd.in/grCgn5vA For Australian Tech Companies: AU → HK → GBA Hong Kong as the Launchpad for AU Business Growth & Expansion Market Access: A-HKFTA ensures zero tariffs and seamless data flows, reducing barriers for Australian firms in AI, fintech, and biotech. Innovation Hub: Hong Kong’s strong IP protection, financial infrastructure, and proximity to Shenzhen’s tech ecosystem make it an ideal stepping stone. Investment & Partnerships: Collaboration opportunities with Hong Kong investors and accelerators help Australian startups scale in GBA’s $2 trillion economy. For GBA Tech Companies (Including HK Tech Startups & Scale-ups): GBA + HK → AU Hong Kong as the Gateway to Australia Ease of Entry: Hong Kong’s legal and business environment provides a familiar yet globally connected base for GBA firms to navigate Australian regulations. Tech Collaboration: Australia’s strength in deep tech, clean energy, and quantum computing offers valuable partnership opportunities for GBA innovators. Access to Talent & R&D: Australia’s world-class universities and research institutions make it an ideal destination for GBA firms to co-develop cutting-edge solutions. With A-HKFTA facilitating trade, innovation, and investment, Hong Kong serves as the bridge for mutual growth between Australia and the Greater Bay Area. 🚀 Expand Your Tech Business Through Hong Kong! Let’s connect and explore opportunities together! Joseph TseVice President (Venture Incubator & Business Growth)副总裁 (风险投资孵化器与业务增长)📧 [email protected] #Australia #HongKong #GreaterBayArea #TechExpansion #A-HKFTA #Innovation #Trade

One of my invested ASX 300 companies has decided to sell non-essential businesses in North America and focus on its core competencies. Orora Limited (ASX:ORA) has announced in mid December re its successful completion of the sale of its North American packaging solutions business. The enterprise value of the transaction is A$1.775 billion and net proceeds after tax and costs of sale will be approximately A$1.7 billion. As a corporate advisor/investor, I will invest into those ASX companies that have their well-defined business growth decision. I trust ORA is a good example. It ticks all my expectation, i.e. 1. Improved Focus on Core Strengths: Divesting non-core businesses allows ORA to reallocate resources—capital, talent, and management focus—to areas where it has a competitive advantage. Now, ORA is a GLOBAL specialised packaging provider for the beverage industry, focusing on core glass and cans packaging businesses. 2. Financial Benefits: In this uncertainty world, cash is king. ORA now has immediate cash to reduce debt (with a much stronger balance sheet), invest in core operations, or return value to shareholders. 3. Operational Efficiency: Divesting non-core businesses simplifies ORA’s organization, reduces complexity, and makes it easier to implement strategic initiatives on glass and cans packaging. Spare cash can be used to expand ORA’s cans processing capacity in Queensland. 4. Enhanced Stakeholder Value: ORA commences returning proceeds from the transaction to shareholders in the form of an on-market share buy-back. An initial commitment of up to 10% of the shares on issue (approximately A$320 million). As Christmas and New Year holidays are coming, I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Let’s enjoy our wonderful holidays and busy again in 2025. If you are interested to discuss more about business growth and develop a practical business growth strategy in 2025, please write email to below. Thank you. Joseph Tse Vice President (Venture Incubator & Business Growth) 副总裁 (风险投资孵化器与业务增长) Email: [email protected]

To manage a healthy Government’s budget is similarly to the managing of the Profit & Loss Account of a commercial enterprise. Under mis-management and poor strategy, crisis point may come earlier, and bankruptcy is a feasible scenario! Look at below realities and numbers: High Debt Levels: Victoria’s net debt is projected to reach $187.8 billion by 2027-28, significantly higher than other Australian states. Interest payments alone amount to approximately $25 million daily; Infrastructure Costs: Large-scale projects like the Metro Tunnel, the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL), and the West Gate Tunnel have experienced significant cost overruns. For example, the SRL’s initial phase is expected to cost $34.5 billion, with potential further blowouts threatening Victoria’s credit rating and financial stability; Economic and Population Pressures: A growing population (expected to exceed 8 million in Greater Melbourne by 2050) demands substantial infrastructure investment. While such growth offers long-term economic potential, it has placed immediate strain on the state’s budget; and COVID-19 Legacy: Prolonged lockdowns during the pandemic resulted in higher borrowing to sustain public services and health measures. This fiscal shock left Victoria in a weaker position compared to other states, which have since recovered more robustly. My observations: Victoria’s economic growth model (or business model) relies on continuously bringing in large numbers of people (migrants, overseas students??), and then building houses, building infrastructure (more debts), and providing services for these people (i.e. this is similarly to many bad performing enterprises that they borrow a lot of debts for expansion of sales and/or production capacity). Over the past 20 years, Victoria’s trade balance has experienced considerable fluctuations, marked by a persistent trend of trade deficits. This persistent trade deficit is a structural challenge, reflecting Victoria’s reliance on imports in key economic sectors and insufficient growth in export capabilities. Addressing this may require strategic shifts, such as promoting local production or diversifying export markets (i.e. This may be related to the wrong strategy or lack of competitive edges of commercial enterprises in Victoria) In September of 2023, Birmingham, the second largest city in the UK, declared bankruptcy because it could not bear its debts. This scene was shocking !! Now look at Victoria’s debt situation. The huge deficit is overwhelming, public services must continue to be maintained, and life is getting more difficult day by day. If you are interested to discuss more about how to grow your business today, avoid the crisis point and develop a practical business growth strategy, please write email to below. Thank you. 😊 Joseph Tse Vice President (Venture Incubator & Business Growth) 副总裁 (风险投资孵化器与业务增长) Email: [email protected]

Corporate Advisory Services for Hong Kong and Australian Enterprises As a corporate advisory professional specializing in business growth, I am continuously seeking cost-effective and efficient solutions to help enterprises in Hong Kong and Australia thrive. Utilizing social media and data-driven email marketing may be beneficial; however, some companies may benefit more from guidance and advice from a non-profit association. Non-Profit Support for Australian Enterprises A non-profit organization based in Australia can be a valuable resource for local enterprises to begin their international business journeys. The Hong Kong Australia Business Association (HKABA) plays a crucial role in assisting Australian businesses looking to expand or strengthen ties with Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area in China, and the Asia-Pacific region. 2025 Australian Financial Services Mission For the Australian Financial Services sector, HKABA is planning the 2025 Australian Financial Services Mission to the 18th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), scheduled for January 13-14, 2025, in Hong Kong. Under the theme “Powering the Next Growth Engine,” AFF2025 will bring together policymakers, regulators, and business leaders globally to discuss growth drivers and innovations. Main Forum will cover Global Economic Outlook, China Opportunities, Asset & Wealth Management, CIO Insights, and more. AFF Deal-Making facilitates one-on-one meetings between project owners and investors worldwide. Global Investment Zone, Fintech Showcase, and InnoVenture Salon feature technologies and innovative business ideas from top financial institutions and tech startups. How HKABA Supports Australian Companies HKABA provides a range of support to help Australian companies expand into Hong Kong: Market Entry and Expansion Support (e.g., Networking, Market Insights, Legal Guidance) Access to Business Networks and Industry Leaders (e.g., HKTDC Links) Promotion and Brand Visibility in Hong Kong (e.g., Events, Trade Exhibitions, Business Awards) Strategic Guidance on Greater Bay Area and Asia-Pacific Expansion Connections to Hong Kong-based Financial, Legal, and Accounting Services Contact Information If you are interested in learning more about HKABA or AFF2025, please reach out to: Joseph Tse Vice President (Venture Incubator & Business Growth) 副总裁 (风险投资孵化器与业务增长) Email: [email protected]

On 7th November 2024 (Thursday), Melbourne will host the event for the first time! Sorry for a typo mistake in our last LinkedIn post. A lot of people from Australia may like to know more about Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Summary Size: Shenzhen (~2,050 square kilometers) is nearly twice as large as Hong Kong (~1,110 square kilometers). Population: Shenzhen’s population (approximately 17.7 million in 2023) is more than double Hong Kong’s (around 7.5 million in 2023). GDP: Shenzhen’s total GDP (~$550 billion USD in 2023) is higher, driven by manufacturing and tech industries. Hong Kong’s GDP is roughly $368 billion USD in 2023. GDP per Capita: Hong Kong (USD 49,000) leads, highlighting a wealthier population in a highly developed financial hub. Shenzhen’s GDP per capita is around USD 31,000, higher than many ASEAN countries. Both cities are economic powerhouses, but Hong Kong remains more service- and finance-oriented, while Shenzhen has rapidly evolved as a technology and manufacturing leader within China. If you are interested in joining the GIPC 2024 and/or learning more about Shenzhen’s rapid evolution in tech and manufacturing, please contact: Joseph Tse Vice President (Venture Incubator & Business Growth) 副总裁 (风险投资孵化器与业务增长) Email: [email protected]

There are potential business opportunities in 2025 and onwards, particularly in the sectors of pension funds, REIT investment, family offices, and asset management between Australia and China. From October 23 to 26, 2024, a delegation from Shenzhen, organized by the Shenzhen Asset Management Association (SZAMA), visited Australia to engage in learning, explore business cooperation, and communicate directly with Australian pension funds, REITs, asset management, and financial services platforms in Sydney and Melbourne. The SZAMA is recognized as the preeminent professional association for asset management in the Shenzhen region and throughout the Greater Bay Area. It is entrusted with the responsibility of self-regulating the investment fund industry, fostering industry innovation, and promoting international engagement. The collective assets under management by its members currently stand at an estimated USD $2.06 trillion. I have contributed to the first SZAMA Mission to Australia (after the pandemic) by helping to organize two networking sessions—one in Sydney and one in Melbourne. During these activities, key stakeholders from Australia and China in the asset management, investment, and pension fund sectors gathered to discuss Australian pension fund and market trends, REITs, asset management, investment strategies, and potential cooperation opportunities. Key Benefits of Australia-China Cooperation: Diversification: Australia’s pension funds, among the largest in the world, are actively seeking diversification. Investing in China can provide these funds access to high-growth assets, especially in sectors like technology, healthcare, and infrastructure, where China is rapidly expanding. Best Practices: Australia has a well-regarded asset management sector with high regulatory standards. Chinese investors and asset managers could benefit from Australia’s best practices. Retirement Solutions: As China’s population ages, its demand for retirement planning and pension solutions is growing. Australian pension funds and service providers have decades of experience that can be leveraged to design and manage pension systems. Cooperation between Australia and China in financial services in 2025 presents significant growth opportunities, especially given the rising demand for financial expertise and retirement solutions in China. However, it is not without risks—mainly regulatory unpredictability, political tensions, and market-specific vulnerabilities. For successful cooperation, both sides need to prioritize transparency, regulatory alignment, and mutual respect for operational standards. If you are interested in learning more about Australia-China financial services cooperation opportunities, synergies, and risks, please write an email to: Joseph Tse Vice President (Venture Incubator & Business Growth) 副总裁 (风险投资孵化器与业务增长) Email: [email protected]