News Release

Further to three previous waves of the #ToughTimesTogether campaign which provided relief to a range of stakeholders, including one-month service fee waivers to one million residential and corporate customers, free broadband lines to underprivileged families and working opportunities to university graduates en masse, HKBN Group (“HKBN” or the “Group”, SEHK stock code: 1310) announced today that it will initiate #ToughTimesTogether Wave 4 by passing on government subsidies to a total of more than 6,000 full-time Talents in Hong Kong and all regions/countries where it operates.

Faced with unprecedented global economic challenges posed by COVID-19, many of HKBN's Talents have seen their overall family incomes adversely affected. Embracing the recent wage subsidy schemes announced by the Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR Governments, HKBN has pledged to pass on all Talent-related payout funds that it will receive from both governments to about 3,500 Talents in Hong Kong and Macau, without reducing their current salaries paid by the Group, and without any reduction to headcount as stipulated by the subsidy terms.

“At HKBN, our Talents provide essential services to our communities, so we must first take great care of our Talents before they can take great care of our communities. At HKBN, ‘leaders eat last’*, so we must ensure there is enough to feed all Talents before top management get to eat,” said NiQ Lai, HKBN Co-Owner and Group CEO.

According to the Hong Kong SAR Government, wage subsidies under the Employment Support Scheme are calculated based on 50% of wages in a specified month subject to a wage cap of HK$18,000 per month for six months. According to the Macau SAR Government, a one-time subsidy between MOP$15,000-$200,000 will be given to eligible employers according to the number of people they employ.

Embracing its Core Purpose to “Make our Home a Better Place to Live” wherever the Group operates, HKBN will deploy HK$15 million in business subsidies received in Singapore, Malaysia and mainland China, as a one-time financial subsidy to over 2,500 Talents there. These Talents will each receive payment from HKBN at a range equivalent to around HK$3,000 – HK$25,000 in their upcoming payroll.

NiQ added, “Together, all nine executives in our Management Committee will be donating all of our personal wage subsidies to charity, and we encourage fellow HKBNers who are under less financial difficulty to join us.”

* Note: As inspired by Simon Sinek’s book “Leaders Eat Last” and his video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReRcHdeUG9Y.

HKBN Ltd. (“HKBN” or the “Company”; SEHK stock code: 1310) today announced solid growth in its financial and business performance for the six months ended 29 February 2020 (“1H2020”). Through a sequence of five strategic mergers and acquisitions over the last few years, culminating most recently with the acquisition of JOS completed in December 2019, HKBN has further bolstered its capabilities as an integrated telecom and technology solutions provider. The most recent JOS acquisition has greatly extended HKBN’s customer reach, broadened the scope of its service offerings and enhanced its market competitiveness in the enterprise space.

Key highlights from the interim period include:

• Revenue, EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow (“AFF”) continued to grow year-on-year 101%, 77% and 47%, respectively, to HK$4,457 million, HK$1,283 million and HK$440 million. The substantial year-on-year increase was mainly contributed by:
  • consolidating six months of results of HKBN Enterprise Solutions Development Ltd and its subsidiaries (collectively “WTT Group”) with revenue and EBITDA contribution of HK$1,104 million and HK$509 million;
  • consolidating two and a half months of results of HKBN JOS Holdings (C.I.) Limited and its subsidiaries, Adura Hong Kong Limited and Adura Cyber Services Pte. Ltd. (“collectively “JOS Group”) with revenue and EBITDA contribution of HK$836 million and HK$57 million; and
  • reducing operating lease expenses of HK$106 million in the calculation of EBITDA, after adopting HKFRS 16.
•  six months and two and a half months of operating results of WTT Group and JOS Group, respectively, in 1H2020. Total number of enterprise customers increased year-on-year to 104,000 while enterprise ARPU increased from HK$1,508 to HK$2,775.
• Residential revenue grew by 2% year-on-year to HK$1,252 million from the successful execution of a quad-play strategy. This enabled the Company to increase its historical full base residential ARPU by 3% year-on-year, from HK$184/month in 1H2019 to HK$190/month in 1H2020, while the monthly churn rate remained low.
• The Board of Directors has recommended the payment of an interim dividend of 37 HK cents (1H2019: 34 HK cents per share), resulting in a 9% year-on-year growth.  

935 Co-Owners = Unprecedented Management Alignment

“In crisis there is opportunity. Our Co-Ownership culture is our most distinct and important LUCA (Legal Unfair Competitive Advantage). Our Talent force of 5,861, including those from JOS and WTT, is now led by 935 Co-Owners who have invested their family savings in HKBN. Most impressively, the Co-Ownership take-up for our top 73 executives is 100%, which demonstrates incredible alignment of interest amongst our leadership team,’’ said Co-Owner and Executive Vice-chairman William Yeung, and Co-Owner and Group CEO NiQ Lai.

HKBN Co-Ownership Take-up Amongst Talents:

For more details of HKBN’s results in 1H2020, please refer to the announcement:

https://reg.hkbn.net/WwwCMS/upload/pdf/en/e_InterimResultsAnnouncement_FY20.pdf   
 

In line with its core purpose to “Make Our Home a Better Place to Live”, HKBN Group ("HKBN" or the "Group") today announced the launch of “#ToughTimesTogether - Career Kickstarter for Graduates”. This programme offers 100 university graduates a three-month learning and career opportunity, aiming to give them inspiring work experience and prepare them for their future career aspirations.

In view of the economic challenges from COVID-19, HKBN previously rolled out two waves of #ToughTimesTogether campaign, giving 1-month service fee waiver to customers and 2-year free broadband service to 10,000 disadvantaged families respectively. As economy continues to suffer and the academic year is drawing to a close soon, HKBN understands university graduates are facing unprecedented challenges in job search, and therefore it will extend #ToughTimesTogether to university graduates. To help them kickstart their career, HKBN will offer 3-month on-the-job training and mentorship from its top 1% executives, as a springboard for the graduates’ future career aspirations. Some of the key features of the programme are:

Invaluable practical work experience

Through wide-ranging on-the-job experiences at HKBN, graduates will gain useful skills and know-how to support their transition from university life to full-time employment

Inspiring mentorship

Receive one-on-one guidance from the top 1% (about 70) HKBN executives, helping graduates broaden their horizons and fast-track their career development with vital business and leadership insights

Experience HKBN’s unique culture

Experience HKBN’s unique culture and see how it puts values — such as entrepreneurship, disruptive innovation, continuous learning, and LIFE-work priority — into practice for success

From now till 30 April 2020, local or overseas university graduates of 2019 or 2020 are welcome to apply for this programme. Opportunities are available in Business Analysis, Cloud Services, Corporate and Marketing Communications, Corporate Sales, Digital Transformation, Finance, Information Technology, Legal & Regulatory, Marketing, Network Technology, Operations Management, Talent Engagement, JOS Beyond-Hong Kong offices and more. For details of the programme, please visit www.hkbn.net/ToughTimesTogether3/en.

SmarTone and HKBN Group ("HKBN”) announced today that they have entered into a collaboration agreement to use HKBN’s next-generation all-fibre backhaul for SmarTone’s advanced 5G network. Through this collaboration, HKBN will provide a 100 Gigabit Ethernet (“GE”) high-speed backbone network and a 10 GE backhaul network to connect thousands of SmarTone’s cell sites across Hong Kong for SmarTone’s 5G deployment.

Anna Yip, CEO of SmarTone said, “SmarTone has been at full speed to prepare for the launch of a world-class and robust 5G network in Hong Kong. HKBN’s network offers super high speed, unique tri-carrier route diversity and reliability for SmarTone’s 5G backhaul. Together with SmarTone’s strong expertise in network planning and Ericsson’s advanced and secure network infrastructure, we are confident to bring the best-in-class 5G network experience to consumers in Hong Kong.”

William Yeung, HKBN Co-Owner and Executive Vice-chairman said, “As a leading integrated telecom and technology solutions provider with tri-carrier network diversity (comprising three fibre optic networks of HKBN, NWT and WTT), our capabilities to deliver ultra-robust and unprecedented route diversity put HKBN in a pivotal connectivity position for 5G. This 5G technology will revolutionise mobile user experiences, so we’re thrilled to work with SmarTone and connect customers to a world of new possibilities.”

In the 5G era, network security and reliability are integral. With SmarTone’s end-to-end 5G network security built-in to each layer of the network, and HKBN’s ultra-resilient fibre network, which is highly reliable and intelligently safeguarded against the risk of Internet and data connectivity interruption, this collaboration enables a robust and advanced backhaul architecture.

5G is bringing huge changes to the way we work, communicate and play. As a smart city, Hong Kong will be at the forefront as one of the world’s first regions to deploy 5G. To support mass local adoption, more 5G cell sites will be built, requiring support from an ultra-robust fibre network. The fibre backhaul connecting the cell sites with the core network serves as a critical part of the 5G infrastructure.

HKBN Group (“HKBN” or the “Group”), a leading integrated telecom and technology solutions provider headquartered in Hong Kong with operations spanning Asia is proud to
announce that it has achieved the APN Certification Distinction by amassing over 140 Amazon Web Services (AWS) certifications in Hong Kong This milestone recognises HKBN’s commitment in its own cloud transformation journey, and its ability to offer next-generation AWS Managed Services to customers, enabling them to drive digital transformation through cloud computing .

With well over 140 AWS certifications, HKBN is set to help enterprises turbocharge their cloud journeys by serving as their advisor, architect and specialist to drive innovation with the best fit cloud solutions. By leveraging AWS best practices from AWS Solution Provider Program, Well Architected Program and more, HKBN enables its customers a seamless, fast and successful cloud migration experience.

Committed to being one of the most cloud proficient telecom and technology solution providers in Hong Kong, HKBN encourages all HKBN Enterprise Solutions (“HKBNES”) Talents to continuously invest in themselves and enhance their skills in cloud. Since 2018 around 1, 3 00 HKBN professionals from the Technical, IT, Digital, Sales and various supporting teams have obtained certifications from different global cloud technology companies or cloud learning platforms.

“HKBN has been working relentlessly to become a trusted partner of our customers through leveraging the innovation and cost effectiveness of AWS solutions ,,” said Andy Lau, Co Owner & Chief Commercial Officer Cloud Services, Enterprise Solutions

“Achieving the APN Certification Distinction with more than 140 AWS certificates has demonstrated the dedication of our team in delivering the best in class services to customers. With these accreditations, we are in a far better position to help our customers to transform their businesses and navigate challenges. We believe our collaboration and offerings with AWS will benefit our Hong Kong customers and the local business communities." Lau added.

In order to help businesses in Hong Kong stay afloat during this difficult period, and to achieve win-win for long-term development, HKBN Group (“HKBN” or the “Group”) announces that it welcomes enterprises from different industries to offer their products or services to HKBN in exchange for HKBN’s telecom and technology solutions.

Under its unique “Barter & Bundle” plan, HKBN embraces great flexibility to accept merchants to offset part of their payments for HKBN’s telecom and technology solutions with their own products or services. HKBN will offer such products or services to benefit its extensive customer base in enterprise and residential markets, which represents 1 in every 2 businesses and 1 in every 3 households in Hong Kong.

There will be no merchant quota or pre-set restriction on the kinds of products or services to be used in this “Barter & Bundle” plan. All enterprises are welcome to reach out to HKBN to explore if this flexible arrangement could apply and benefit their businesses. HKBN offers a full range of telecom and technology solutions for “Barter & Bundle”, ranging from data connectivity, voice communication, cloud and remote office solutions, IoT, digital solutions, business continuity, e-security and many more. HKBN customers that currently benefit from barter and bundle arrangements include fast food and retail chains, hotels, conference facilities and other service companies.

“Our goal is to help enterprises slash their operating costs and attract more patronage by leveraging HKBN’s extensive customer base. We look for win-win co-creation of long-term value with all our customers and business partners rather than make money off them. As a company uniquely run by over 930 Co-Owners (majority of all our supervisory-and-above-level Talents), HKBN is able to break free from industry legacy practices, and pursue flexibility as well as agility with our silo-less operations,” said NiQ Lai, Co-Owner and Group CEO, HKBN.

For details please call 128 1111.

In response to the epidemic development, HKBN Group (“HKBN” or the “Group”) announced today that, for the safety and well-being of its Talents and their families, the Group will resume the flexible work-from-home arrangement for its office and back-end support Talents in Hong Kong (including Hong Kong Broadband Network, HKBN Enterprise Solutions and JOS) until further notice. The Group has also stepped up self-quarantine requirements for its Talents, including mandatory 14-day self-quarantine and restraining from going to office/workplace if their family or friends that they live with have just returned from foreign countries.

As this extraordinary measure continues to be implemented, services and support for customers will remain in operation. To safeguard all front-line and core operational Talents, protective supplies such as face masks will be provided. Split-office arrangements are also in place to mitigate the risk of cross-infection.

To maintain productivity among those working from home, HKBN's IT team has empowered its Talents with remote access capabilities to ensure workflow continuity via virtual meetings and secure access to company systems.

HKBN Enterprise Solutions ("HKBNES") today announced the launch of a highly cost-effective Smart IoT Thermal Detection Solution ("SITD Solution"), a well-timed service that will help Hong Kong businesses across different industries mitigate the risks of coronavirus infection in their premises.

Using advanced Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) thermal tracking technologies, HKBNES’s SITD Solution effectively detects abnormal body temperatures and helps identify suspected infection before individuals enter offices, restaurants, retailers or schools. This convenient contactless body temperature tracking solution supports real-time monitoring, smart alerts and record uploads via Wi-Fi or 4G mobile network, without requiring a staff member to manually conduct thermal checking.

In order to make SITD Solution affordable for companies and retailers, particularly SMEs during this challenging period, HKBNES has adopted a rarely seen monthly subscription model for the service, which requires no upfront payment for the smart thermal detection device and related licensing fees. The SITD Solution monthly fee starts from as low as HK$499*; quick installation can be arranged on site at a time convenient to the subscribers. More sophisticated SITD options are also available for large-scale operations with higher requirements on traffic volume, tracking and management.

"In this crucial time of need, we’ve worked to make our SITD Solutions affordable and accessible, so that companies and retailers can give employees and customers peace of mind, which could in turn encourage patronage and support business operation,” said Billy Yeung, Co-Owner and CEO – HKBN Enterprise Solutions & JOS Group.

For additional information regarding SITD Solution, please contact 128 1111.

* Terms and conditions apply.

HKBN Enterprise Solutions (“HKBNES”) today announced that it will bring high-speed end-to-end fibre broadband and Metro Ethernet (“ME”) connectivity access to retailers in MTR stations across Hong Kong.

HKBNES's end-to-end fibre access will give MTR retailers internet connectivity options as fast as 1Gbps or above. With significant benefits of fibre connectivity in increased bandwidth and reduced latency, users will enjoy increased efficiency for their business operations that include e-payment, point-of-sales system, real-time data processing and Internet of Things. For retailers with higher requirements, ME service offers dedicated point-to-point bandwidth connection, providing a highly secure and reliable network to support their business needs.

The enhanced fibre-to-the-shop connectivity is expected to reach MTR retailers along the Island Line and the Tsuen Wan Line within the coming one month, and fibre access will be extended in phases to MTR retailers along other commuter lines in Hong Kong.

From now until the end of June 2020, retailers in MTR stations who choose to use HKBNES service can enjoy 3 months of free fibre broadband service plus a waiver on installation charge.

“We are happy to help retailers in MTR stations leverage business efficiency through our high-speed fibre network and our portfolio of flexible and secure retail solutions,” said Billy Yeung, Co-Owner and CEO – HKBNES & JOS Group.

HKBN Ltd. (“HKBN” or the “Company”; SEHK stock code: 1310) is ecstatic to announce today that its Co-Ownership Plan III Plus (“CO3+”) has garnered overwhelming participation from Talents, including many former WTT and JOS employees who were integrated after being acquired by HKBN. Through this development – the combined number of Co-Owners under Co-Ownership Plans I, II, and III Plus now totals at 871, including 790 with an incremental investment of HK$290 million for the latest CO3+ tranche. HKBN’s LUCA (Legal Unfair Competitive Advantage) is that majority of its supervisors-and-above-level Talents are Co-Owners with full alignment for long term shareholder value creation by investing their own savings into buying HKBN shares under the Co-Ownership Plan.

Question – What is the best way to ensure a bridge is built safely? Answer – Simply get the builders and their families to live underneath the bridge after it is built. This is the living-under-the-bridge voluntary commitment made by 871 Co-Owners.

CY Chan, HKBN Co-Owner and Chief Talent & Purpose Officer added some perspective, “Our CO3+ tranche has a 3-year cumulative performance target with bonus share returns up to 1.33 times of the purchased shares by our Co-Owners, plus a 1-year cooling off period before we grant the bonus shares; this 4-year period allows us to focus on long-term value creation beyond the immediate market challenges. The fact that we are investing HK$290 million of our family savings into CO3+ is clear evidence of our confidence in the long-term future of our company.”

Unlike legacy practices that give free stock options to a handful of selected senior executives without requiring skin in the game, HKBN’s CO3+ is open to its supervisors-and-above-level Talents. Looking at the take-up profile by seniority, it is very clear that HKBN’s senior executives are leading by example.

Take-up rate for Co-Ownership 1, 2 and 3+

* Includes 790 who invested into the most recent CO3+ tranche. In total, HKBN has about 6,000 Talents.

William Yeung, HKBN Co-Owner and Executive Vice-chairman and NiQ Lai, HKBN Co-Owner and Group CEO concluded, “As 871 leaders, don’t listen to our words, rather follow our family bank accounts.”

For full CO3+ details, please refer to the announcement:
https://reg.hkbn.net/WwwCMS/upload/pdf/en/e_CO3Plus_CompletionAnnouncement_2020_1stBatchPurchase.pdf

Almira Chan, Co-Owner & Chief Strategy Officer, who now heads our Beyond-HK operations, added, “This current CO3+ Plan is designed for our Hong Kong related business; we will shortly complete our pain/GAIN Co-Ownership for our Beyond-HK business which will see further deepening of our overall Co-Ownership Plan.”

Achieving Purpose and distributed wealth-creation in tandem

Mirroring the Company’s purpose-driven objective to create a lasting community impact wherever it operates, a majority of the 790 CO3+ Co-Owners have pledged to donate some of their bonus shares to the HKBN Talent CSI Fund if the KPIs are achieved. HKBN’s Executive Directors have personally donated 4 million HKBN shares worth over HK$57 million at today’s valuation as seed funding to kick things off. Collectively, this remarkable commitment from HKBN’s Co-Owners will endow the HKBN Talent CSI Fund with perpetual capital (includes twice-a-year share dividends) to sustainably fuel its purposeful initiatives in communities where HKBN operates.

As the value of this fund is tied with the performance of HKBN, this lock-step gives HKBN Co-Owners Purpose to continually outperform. Established in 2015 through a HK$5 million seeding donation made by Co-Ownership Plan I Co-Owners, the HKBN Talent CSI Fund is an independently run charity.

William and NiQ added, “As a company with a core purpose to ‘Make our Home a Better Place to Live’, we’re exhilarated that such a large number of our Co-Owners have pledged to donate part of their bonus shares upside and use growth of our share price to benefit our local communities.”

The following is a sample of what HKBN's Co-Owners are saying:
“Becoming a Co-Owner is like signing up for a great exploration journey. I joined for the stable dividend returns and to share the potential upside when HKBN outperforms. I believe in what we do, so I invested in what I believe.”
Anthony Fung, Co-Owner & Deputy Financial Controller

“Putting my own saving is more than an investment, and being a Co-Owner is more than just a new identity. This investment compels me to make the right decisions, drive change and deliver extraordinary business value like entrepreneurs, not employees.”
Brandon Tang, Co-Owner & Assistant Manager – Digital

“Risk and opportunity are always aligned. I will focus on the opportunities ahead and create the momentum for my teammates to work on and exceed our targets.”
Desmond Chan, Co-Owner & Senior Manager – Network Development, Enterprise Solutions (Former WTT Talent)

“I've been with HKBN for about 10 years... I know our company's operations and management's strategy very well and have full confidence on our growth prospects.”
Kelvin Leung, Co-Owner & Senior Telemarketing Supervisor, Residential Solutions

“I will do my best to help the company achieve our AFF targets. We must be more proactive and innovative. We can't just wait for instructions. I believe that as Co-Owners we can make HKBN grow, and I would like also make our home a better place to live.”
Yoyo Szeto, Co-Owner & HKBN JOS Assistant Manager – Learning and Development (Former JOS Talent)

As the coronavirus outbreak continues to grow in Hong Kong, a heavy toll has been taken on many businesses and families resulting in financial losses, wage cuts and layoffs. HKBN Group (“HKBN” or the “Group”) announced today that, in step with its core purpose to “Make Our Home a Better Place to Live”, the Group will tide over the tough times together by offering a 1-month service fee waiver* for all its customers of residential fixed services (i.e. broadband, home telephone and IDD monthly plan), HKBN Enterprise Solutions (“HKBNES”), HKBN JOS and HKBN Cloud, benefiting over 900,000 Hong Kong households and companies. In total, these waivers represent more than HK$100 million in relief for Hong Kongers.   

Starting from 2 to 15 March 2020, any HKBN residential fixed services (broadband, home telephone service and IDD monthly plan) customers can visit http://www.hkbn.net/ToughTimesTogether-en or use My HKBN App and register to receive a 1-month service fee waiver** (up to HK$200 per account). During the same period, corporate customers of HKBNES, HKBN JOS and HKBN Cloud can visit http://www.hkbn.net/ToughTimesTogether-en and register to receive a 1-month service fee waiver** (up to HK$500 per business registration number).

William Yeung, Co-Owner & Executive Vice-chairman and NiQ Lai, Co-Owner & Group CEO said, “As Hong Kong is deep in our roots, we believe it is our responsibility as one of Hong Kong’s leading enterprises, to proactively do everything possible to help ease the financial burden of our fellow Hong Kongers in such tough times. Realistically, as our own measures will only go so far, we hope more companies will step up to extend a helping hand. Our collective action for Hong Kong will make all the difference. Let’s get through these challenges via #ToughTimesTogether.”

*Terms and conditions apply. Details will be available on customer e-newsletters or emails, and on  http://www.hkbn.net/ToughTimesTogether-en on 2 March 2020.

**Applicable only to monthly service customers. Mobile services excluded.

HKBN Group ("HKBN" or the "Group") is proud to announce that it has appointed Samuel Hui in a newly created role of Chief Transformation Officer ("CTO"), responsible for driving the Group's digital transformation, enhancing overall customer experiences and helping enterprise partners transform digitally.

Looking to leverage technology, data analytics and most importantly, Talent ingenuity to create seamless digital experiences tailored around consumers, this appointment facilitates HKBN and its 6,000+ Talent-force to transform as a Group and deliver exceptional – and constantly evolving – customer experiences for great business results.

Transforming HKBN with fresh leadership vision

Samuel’s appointment as CTO follows HKBN’s recent high-profile appointments of Sam Tan as Chief Innovation Officer (“CIO”), and CY Chan as Chief Talent & Purpose Officer (“CT&PO”). By design, these three newly created roles embody HKBN's commitment to unleash 180-degree change, enhancing all aspects of its business starting from Talent thinking, innovation, purpose, and Co-Ownership to automation, digitalisation, customer engagement strategies and new agile ways of working together. The Transformation office will preside over three Centers of Excellences – namely Digital, Big Data & AI, and IoT – working with key strategic partners and HKBN itself to architect and deliver impactful customer experiences and business transformations.

From intern to CTO

Samuel's HKBN journey is an extraordinary one that began in 2008, when he joined as a summer intern. After earning dual Bachelor Degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Dartmouth College in the United States, Samuel further matured by joining leading New York-based management consulting firm, Oliver Wyman, advising senior executives on transformation strategies.

In 2016, Samuel was headhunted by HKBN to relocate back to Kwai Chung, Hong Kong and make a difference for our home. Despite being hired without a specific role, on his first day at work, Samuel was given the task of helping start HKBN Mobile Services. His team launched the new product in just four short months and grew the business to over 200,000 subscribers in its first year. Through this accomplishment, HKBN evolved into a ‘quad-play’ business, offering unprecedented value across broadband, telephone, OTT and mobile service. Shortly after, Samuel created a new digital customer referral programme for HKBN. Following this success, he was promoted to lead a team of digital specialists overseeing the Group’s multichannel customer experience, as well as digital engagement and CRM strategy across both B2C and B2B customers.

HKBN Co-Owner and Group CEO NiQ Lai said, “This appointment, together with our new CIO and new CT&PO, means we now have 2x Sams + a CY to ensure our transformation happens. At HKBN, we eat what we cook before we sell it, i.e. transform ourselves first before we help our partners do so for theirs.”

HKBN Co-Owner and CTO Samuel Hui added, "Transformation starts with Talents, rather than with technology. My role will be to drive a quantum improvement rather than incremental gains to the business, to augment our Talents rather than to replace them, and to upgrade them from riding a horse to driving a Maserati.”

In continuing its efforts to help Hong Kong overcome the challenges of doing business amid the coronavirus outbreak, HKBN Group ("HKBN”) announced that following its offer of 3 months of free services such as audio conferencing and business continuity service, it will offer one-stop Remote Office Solutions FREE for 3 months to existing customers of HKBN Enterprise Solutions (“HKBNES”) and HKBN JOS (“JOS”). In response to a growing demand for continuing business outside the office, particularly for SMEs and their employees, HKBN has teamed up with Microsoft to enable customers to work from anywhere and access their company's data and systems – FREE for 3 months.

For many companies, especially SMEs, the costs of systems, software, user equipment, and IT support as well as network configuration are often the biggest barriers in adopting a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) for working remotely. HKBN's Remote Office Solutions provides comprehensive end-to-end service that includes free use of laptops, software licences and installation, system configuration and deployment as well as mobile connectivity¹.

Up and running in 3 days

Free user equipment includes up to 3 Microsoft Surface Go laptops² per customer with Type Cover (keyboard) preloaded with the necessary applications: Microsoft 365 business license and Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD), a comprehensive desktop + app virtualisation service that features Microsoft 365 and Office 365 running on the Azure cloud platform. After successfully applying for the service, end-to-end device delivery, configuration and service provisioning to set up devices, user accounts and IP addresses on each virtual machine will be completed by HKBN's IT professionals, getting customers ready for remote access as fast as within 3 working days from service application. In addition, a 6GB mobile data SIM card will be included for added mobility.

“We are pleased to team up with Microsoft Hong Kong to provide businesses with FREE laptop and cloud-based software usage. With the support of our professional team in networking configuration and fine-tuning of endpoint devices, we ensure fast deployment of this end-to-end home-office solution so that our corporate customers can continue to function optimally in times of disruption," said Billy Yeung, Co-Owner and CEO – HKBNES & JOS Group.

“More and more companies see remote working as the way to go to maintain business operations anywhere, anytime. The first step is to ensure a company has the necessary equipment and tools, so employees can collaborate and communicate productively and in a secured manner. Together with HKBN, we hope to empower more local businesses on their digital transformation journey, leverage technology to achieve more at their preferred time and location,” said Serena Cheung, Director for One Commercial Partner and Small, Medium & Corporate Customers at Microsoft Hong Kong.

HKBN's Remote Office Solutions are provided FREE for the first 3 months with an option for customers to renew³. This FREE Remote Office Solutions offer will be available on a first-come, first-served basis as Surface Go devices are limited. This offer is valid until 28 February 2020. Please click https://aka.ms/empowerhk_rental to apply for the above FREE services. General terms and conditions of service apply.

For additional enterprise solutions services, please contact 128 180.

1. Xenus Technology Limited appointed by Microsoft will be responsible for delivering the Surface Go device(s) and the mobile data SIM card. Customers must agree to the transfer of its contact information to the third party for service provisioning.

2. Customers will be required to pay a deposit of HK$2,000 per Surface Go device to Microsoft's designated system integrator, Xenus Technology Limited; deposits will be refunded when the devices are returned in good conditions.

3. Terms and conditions of service apply.

In response to the epidemic developments and Education Bureau's decision this morning to further extend the classroom closure period, HKBN Group (“HKBN” or the “Group”) announced today that, for the safety and well-being of its Talents and their families, the Group will continue to encourage office and back-end support Talents in Hong Kong (including Hong Kong Broadband Network, HKBN Enterprise Solutions and JOS) to flexibly work from home until 15 March 2020, extended from previous end-date of 1 March.

To maintain productivity amongst those working from home, HKBN's Talents have been empowered with remote access to ensure workflow continuity via virtual meetings and access to company systems securely.

Following mitigation measures taken last week to minimise the threat of coronavirus outbreak among Talents, HKBN Group (“HKBN” or the “Group”) announced today that, for the safety and well-being of its Talents and their families, the Group will remain vigilant by continuing to encourage office and back-end support Talents in Hong Kong (including Hong Kong Broadband Network, HKBN Enterprise Solutions and JOS) to flexibly work from home until 1 March 2020, extended from a previous end-date of 16 February. 

As this extraordinary measure continues to be implemented, services and support for customers will remain in operation. To safeguard all front-line and core operational Talents, protective supplies such as face masks will be provided. In addition, split-office arrangements are ready to mitigate the risk of cross-infection. A robust plan is in place to monitor and review these contingency and business continuity measures as needed.

To maintain productivity amongst those working from home, HKBN's IT team has empowered its Talents with remote access capabilities to ensure workflow continuity via virtual meetings and access to company systems.  

HKBN Group announced today that in light of the growing threat posed by the coronavirus outbreak, it will offer mobile office solutions FREE for existing HKBN Enterprise Solutions (“HKBNES”) and HKBN JOS (“JOS”) customers to help Hong Kong businesses cope and maintain operations during this difficult period. 

As businesses and their employees become negatively impacted, having additional options for remote access and split offices will be critical during this period to minimise business disruption and to safeguard employees against infection. With this in mind, HKBN Group will offer mobile office solutions, which includes the use of Business Continuity Service (BCS) Centres as an office backup facility, conferencing service and remote access service, all free for enterprise customers in need till the end of May.

FREE Conferencing Service

• Existing HKBNES and JOS customers are entitled to 3 months of premium audio conferencing service for FREE until end of May 2020
• Supports up to 10 local participants for conference call* at the same time with no advanced equipment required
• Ideal for different types of business meetings anytime, anywhere

FREE Business Continuity Service Office Backup 

• From now until end of May 2020, existing HKBNES and JOS customers can use BCS Centre service for FREE, with necessary office equipment and amenities available on-site such as office desk, meeting room, printer, personal computer and telecom services such as IP phone per seat, Wi-Fi internet access, conference bridge, etc.
• HKBNES Infinite Voice/ Cloud Voice S customers can leverage on the mobility function to access their office desktop telephone from their BCS IP phone to ensure no calls will be missed while displaying their office phone number as usual for outgoing calls
• BCS Centres and Reservation Hotline (2113 5630) operate from 9am-6pm, Monday through Saturday
• Prior reservation is required before the use of the BCS Centre service; availability on a first-come, first-served basis as seats are limited
• Each company can request usage for a maximum of 3 days per week with up to 3 employees visiting per day
• BCS Centres are sanitised and disinfected on a regular basis, with additional safety measures in place like temperature checks taken upon entry

FREE Remote Access Offer

• HKBNES Business Broadband Managed Firewall customers are entitled to a maximum of 5 free remote access accounts until end of May 2020 to facilitate secure remote access to office resources (e.g. remote PC access, files retrieval from company network) from anywhere
• Easy to deploy as no on-site set up is required, fully managed by HKBNES with no hassle on licence or additional equipment purchase 
• Cloud Voice S customers can make use of FREE Mobility App to access their office desktop telephone from mobile phones and display their office phone number for outgoing calls

“As a company committed to our core purpose to ‘Make our Home a Better Place to Live', we sincerely hope that these free offers can help Hong Kong enterprises stay strong with additional options that can reduce the risk for employees while continuing their operations during this most difficult period,” said Billy Yeung, Co-Owner and CEO – HKBN Enterprise Solutions & JOS Group.

Existing HKBNES or JOS customers please call 128 180 with their account number to apply for the above FREE services. General terms and conditions apply to all offers.

For more information about HKBNES solutions, please click the links below:
Business Continuity Service:
https://www.hkbnes.net/en/solutions/facility/business_continuity.shtml
 
Audio Conferencing:
https://www.hkbnes.net/en/solutions/conferencing/audio-conferencing.shtml

HKBN Enterprise Solutions:
https://www.hkbnes.net/en/solutions.shtml?t=enterprise

HKBNES Sales Hotline: 128 1111
*Global video conferencing services are also available with additional charges.

In view of the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus cases, HKBN Group (“HKBN”) announced that with immediate effect until 16 February 2020, as a precaution to ensure the health of its Talents and their families, HKBN has allowed all office and back-end support Talents across its operations in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, mainland China and Macau to flexibly work from home. In addition, HKBN will halt all business-related travel to and from mainland China over the next two-week period.

As this extraordinary measure is implemented, all customer-related services and support will continue unaffected.  Protective supplies such as masks will be supplied to all front-line Talents. A robust plan is in place to monitor and review this policy as needed.
 

HKBN Enterprise Solutions (“HKBNES”) announces the launch of Business Continuity Service (BCS) Anywhere in Hong Kong to help businesses continue their operations in times of disruption that may hinder access to offices.

BCS Anywhere provides an essential security blanket for enterprises to minimise loss and keep their businesses up and running in times of contingencies. Tailored to each enterprise customer’s needs, including compliance with regulatory requirements, this service works by completing core mission-critical data set-up (such as financial, HR, IT systems and customer information) for remote access by employees at different locations across Hong Kong, minimising the impact of business disruption.

Secure backup sites with dedicated connectivity at 4 locations

“BCS Anywhere provides unprecedented flexibility on location choices covering Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and New Territories. We can quickly retrieve business-critical data and set up each customer’s systems at any of the 4 strategic locations in Chai Wan, Kowloon Bay, Kwai Chung and Tsuen Wan, with more locations coming in the future such as Island South,” said Doris Chan, Co-Owner and Chief Operations Officer – HKBNES.

“Our BCS Anywhere uniquely enables economies of scale with a relatively low cost of investment and fast deployment at multiple locations without the need to purchase or maintain any equipment. We offer three tiers of seats such as dedicated positions, guaranteed positions and shared positions available to accommodate different budgets and needs," added Doris.

End-to-end ICT solutions capabilities

“We're proud to pioneer unprecedentedly flexible BCS to fully support our customers’ service continuity on contingencies,” said Billy Yeung, Co-Owner and Chief Executive Officer – HKBNES & JOS Group." Customers can also benefit from our superb end-to-end capabilities such as unique tri-carrier network diversity to address requirements for backup, data protection, disaster recovery, high availability and managed security."

For more details of BCS Anywhere, please contact HKBNES hotline at 128 111.

HKBN Group (“HKBN” or the “Group”) is pleased to announce that it has appointed Chun Yu (aka CY) Chan as Chief Talent & Purpose Officer (“CT&PO”), overseeing strategy and development of the Group’s Talent culture, Talent engagement, core purpose and corporate social investment. As a home-grown Talent, CY’s appointment, which follows a journey of growth across many different roles and responsibilities over his 9 years with HKBN, will further drive the evolution of HKBN’s Talent culture and leverage its Talent advantage to achieve strong business growth in a purposeful way.

Driving HKBN’s Co-Ownership culture

HKBN’s unique Talent culture and core purpose have played a crucial role in pioneering the Group’s industry-leading growth. As an advocate of entrepreneurial thinking, CY has helped spur performance by implementing innovative skin-in-the-game schemes like Co-Ownership, wherein Talents voluntarily invest their personal savings into HKBN shares for intrinsic motivation and interest alignment to deliver extraordinary business results. 

A transforming Talent force guided by purpose

After a series of mergers and acquisitions, which include 6 leading telecom and ICT (Information and Communications Technology) brands, HKBN has now transformed into a premier one-stop integrated telecommunications and technology services provider in Asia, with 6,000 Talents in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, mainland China and Macau. To reflect the Group’s expanded presence in different parts of Asia, it has recently evolved its core purpose from “Make our Hong Kong a Better Place to Live” to “Make our Home a Better Place to Live”, and CY is ready to lead all HKBN Talents with one common mission to improve society wherever it operates or calls home. 

Since first joining HKBN in 2011 as a Learning & Development Manager, CY has grown to lead the Group’s Talent acquisition, Talent engagement & development, and administration efforts. In 2017, he was given further responsibilities to lead the Group’s Corporate Social Investment. 

HKBN Co-Owner and Group Chief Executive Officer NiQ Lai said, “We are a Talent-obsessed company and believe we must first WOW our Talents before they can WOW our customers and other stakeholders. As Chief Talent & Purpose Officer, CY will go far beyond what a legacy head of human resources does.”   

HKBN Co-Owner and Chief Talent & Purpose Officer CY Chan said, “My entry into the Group’s Management Committee sends a clear message that our unique Talent culture and core purpose are pivotal to our growth. Through a holistic range of Talent-first and purpose-driven initiatives, we aspire to make HKBN the best company to work for in Asia. This will help us attract and cultivate the very best Talents, ensuring our business growth and contributions to the community well into the future.”

Click below to watch a video from CY Chan sharing his vision on Talent culture and purpose at HKBN.
https://youtu.be/VGJOm0ct-WY 

For a detailed introduction of CY Chan, please visit the website below.
https://www.hkbn.net/new/en/about-us--our-company--senior-management.shtml

HKBN Group (“HKBN” or the “Group”) announced today that it has appointed Sam Tan in a newly created role of Chief Innovation Officer (“CIO”), responsible for developing all elements of the Group’s Information Technology (“IT”) strategy to drive innovation. This Chief Innovation Officer position supersedes the limited legacy responsibilities of the traditional chief information officer role.

As a consummate IT professional with extensive vendor and client-side experiences across multiple industries, Sam will leverage his expertise and, far more importantly, his open and dynamic mindset, to drive HKBN’s innovation for internal efficiencies as to better position HKBN to help external customers reap the full benefits of digital transformation. He brings more than 30 years of experience in IT leadership from Fortune Global 500 companies such as AECOM, Liz Claiborne, UPS Supply Chain Solutions, HP and FedEx.

HKBN Co-Owner and Group CEO NiQ Lai said, “We are ecstatic to have Sam join us on the Management Committee of our elite sports team. Backing his conviction to positively impact HKBN with far more than just words, Sam has made an upfront 1-year gross salary (typically 5 years of savings) investment into our Co-Ownership Plan, which is consistent with all 7 existing members of our Management Committee. By having material skin-in-the-game, we ensure our aligned commitment to a successful internal transformation, so we can help our external enterprise customers thrive from theirs.” 

Sam added, “In this age of rapid technological development, I see my mandate going far wider than a legacy chief information officer – I am here to inspire as Chief Innovation Officer. We must break free from the legacy backend-focused IT framework, i.e. we are here to deliver total business impact rather than crunching input costs and effort. I have tracked HKBN’s unique Co-Ownership culture for years and love it, and I’m proud to become one of HKBN Co-Owners.” 
 

Click below to watch a video from Sam about joining HKBN.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFJx0ZeWC_s&feature=youtu.be

For detailed introduction of Sam, please visit https://www.hkbn.net/new/en/about-us--our-company--senior-management.shtml