Hong Kong, 4 May 2018 |Cityplaza is pleased to announce the launch of the “Maker House” Sustainable Development Retail Startup Partnership Program. This pioneering “Makerspace” program will allow young Hong Kong people to integrate sustainable development concepts into shopping malls and surrounding communities, invigorating these neighbourhoods by creating a new and better lifestyle to help everyone “LIVE HAPPY”.
Through its “LIVE HAPPY” brand value, Cityplaza has always been dedicated to providing the shoppers with a variety of leisure activities and diversified consumer experiences, while encouraging them to pursue happiness in their own ways! For youths bursting with entrepreneurial enthusiasm, happiness is being able to fulfil their dreams and share their ideas. Now, Cityplaza introduces “Maker House”, a two-month startup partnership program specifically designed to help local enterprising youths establish pop-up shop in Cityplaza where their innovative ideas can shine.
“Makers” are enthusiasts who are willing to act upon their creativity. They experience immense joy from the processes of creation and enjoy sharing and exchanging ideas with others. Cityplaza’s “Maker House” provides a space where like-minded young creatives can feel free to exchange and share their thoughts on innovation, while daring to think, create and realise their ideals.
Cityplaza’s “Maker House” is fully supported by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups. From May to October 2018, the program will feature three incubatee franchisees: H House by Pomaru, a natural, eco-themed home and field product; Eco-greenergy, which specialises in upgrading and recycling coffee grounds; and UNSUIKYO, which designs glasses made of natural materials such as wood and stone. Beginning in May of this year, they’ll be taking turns setting up pop-up shops . The Cityplaza team will offer advice on business modelling and marketing to help them bring sustainable development and innovative thinking to the wider neighbourhood.
“Maker House” at GH1, 1/F, Cityplaza
Cityplaza’s “Maker House” showcases Swire Properties’ Sustainable Development (SD) 2030 strategy
‘Maker House’ is an initiative under Swire Properties’ Sustainable Development 2030 strategy, which will help us create further synergy with the community by helping young entrepreneurs – our partners of the future – get their fledgling businesses off the ground.
“This breakthrough retail startup partnership program places special emphasis on creating a community and a close partnership with a group of local enterprising youths,” said Ms Aileen Chan, General Manager of Cityplaza. “The program creates opportunity by providing a short-term platform, allowing participants to realise their ideas of sustainability by communicating and bringing new life experiences to the community. It also showcases Cityplaza’s ‘LIVE HAPPY’ brand philosophy. As part of this philosophy, we will also continue to enhance our customers’ experience through the introduction of diversified brands, as well as merchant portfolios that promote sustainable lifestyle attitudes,” said Ms Aileen Chan.
Mr. Max Wong, a supervisor (Social Innovation, Youth Business & Creativity) at The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, expressed his gratitude to Cityplaza as a worthy partner in making the dreams of enterprising youths come true while enabling them to gain real-world business experience. “The HKFYG Jockey Club Social Innovation Centre has helped incubate over 1,600 startups by providing one-stop entrepreneurial services and mentorship assistance, where local entrepreneurs are encouraged to solve social problems using technology to create innovative and sustainable business models,” Mr Wong said.
The first young entrepreneur participants of Cityplaza’s Maker House program will be:
H House by Pomaru (May-June)
Maggie, the founder of H House by Pomaru, worked long hours in the advertising and marketing industry for 10 years with very little rest. Five years ago, an accident prompted her to quit her demanding job and move to New Zealand. In the process, she learnt about sustainable healthy living and how people could coexist with nature. She decided to bring this concept back to Hong Kong, where she set up Pomaru Gifts. Two years ago, she also founded the H House brand, introducing home wares and outdoor items from around the world, including Truvii handmade enamel mugs with wooden handles from Taiwan and Houseblend coffee drip bags. These environmentally themed products allow her customers to integrate themselves with nature and lead more fun and healthy lifestyles.
Eco-Greenergy Pop-up Shop (July-August)
Eco-Greenergy is a social enterprise that provides simple and sustainable environmental protection solutions. It primarily promotes the Zero Grounds Coffee Campaign in Hong Kong, upcycling and popularising the usage of coffee grounds while further integrating the concept of food waste recycling back to the community. The various eco tools it features have been greatly supported by the market, such as reusable stainless-steel straw sets and umbrella bags which help reduce rubbish and plastic pollution.
UNSUIKYO Pop-up Shop (September-October)
The eyewear design company Double Black was founded in 2017 by Brian.C and Cat Lee, two designers born in the 1980s who provide unique experiences through exceptional designs. The two designers are constantly innovating and seeking improvements in product design, raw material procurement, and manufacturing. The UNSUIKYO series is a fusion of technology and natural raw materials, offering glasses with original designs that allow their wearers to feel the stunning beauty of nature.
Cityplaza’s “Maker House” Sustainable Retail Startup Partnership Program
Program Partner: The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups
Date: 1 May 2018 to 30 October 2018
Time: 12nn – 9pm
Venue: GH1, 1/F, Cityplaza
About Cityplaza Cityplaza is the largest shopping mall on Hong Kong Island, spanning a total floor area of approximately 1.11 million sq ft (approximately 103,000 sqm). Directly accessible from Tai Koo MTR Station, the six-level mall houses more than 170 shops and restaurants, a unique lifestyle cinema, and an indoor ice rink, with over 800 indoor parking spaces. The tenant-mix enhancement, together with captivating mall promotions and activities, will continue, making Cityplaza a hub for leisure and happiness in the spirit of its “LIVE HAPPY” slogan.
Website: http://www.cityplaza.com Facebook: Cityplaza Hong Kong Cityplaza Customer Service Hotline: (852) 2568 8665
About The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) was founded in 1960 and is now the city’s largest youth service organisation. For the last 57 years, it has been committed to serving the youth of Hong Kong through the provision of a variety of services, activities and programmes, which have an annual attendance of over five million. We encourage youth to reach their fullest potential, and to grow into responsible and dutiful citizens. With community support, we now have over 70 service units, with over 200,000 registered volunteers and 460,000 registered members. Our 12 core services include the Youth S.P.O.T.s, M21 Multimedia Services, Employment Services, Youth at Risk Services, Counselling Services, Parenting Services, Leadership Training, Volunteer Services, Education Services, Creativity Education and Youth Exchange, Leisure, Cultural and Sports Services, and Research and Publications. Our motto, HKFYG • Here for You, reaffirms our commitment and dedication to the young people of Hong Kong.
Website: http://sic.hkfyg.org.hk Facebook: The HKFYG Jockey Club Social Innovation Centre Tel: 3595 0945 / 3956 8001
