Hang Seng Bank Unveils Newly Renovated Hong Kong Main Branch with the Debut of the Market-New 'Come to You' Service Concept

Applications of Innovative Technology and Environmental-friendly Designs

HONG KONG, Nov. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hang Seng Bank ('Hang Seng') today (18 November 2024) unveiled the newly renovated Hong Kong Main Branch in Central with the launch of Future Banking 2.0 – a bold transformation that seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology with personalised customer service. The first phase of the Hang Seng Main Branch renovation, which includes the General Banking Hall on first floor and the Prestige Banking Centre on third floor was completed, signaling a new chapter for Hang Seng, where innovation, customer-centricity, and sustainability shape the future of its banking services.

To stay ahead of customers' future needs, Hang Seng introduced the concept of Future Banking – a revamp of the traditional banking model to offer its diverse customer base with creative, caring and forward-looking banking services. The 2.0 version further features the pioneering 'Come to You' service concept on General Banking.  Equipped with the Bank's market-first Smart Teller, 'Come to You' service concept allows customers to be served while seated comfortably in the banking lounge, reducing the waiting time.

Rannie Lee, Head of Wealth and Personal Banking of Hang Seng Bank said: "Our innovative Future Banking service concept launched last year has been well-received by customers.  In the first three quarters of this year, our new-to-bank affluent customer base grew by 100%.  Future Banking 2.0 represents our commitment to delivering a seamless and personalised experience that blends technology with customer centricity. Our 'Come to You' service concept is the first in Hong Kong and reflects Hang Seng's ongoing efforts to innovate our services by staying closely connected to our customers and the community."

Upon arrival in the General Banking Hall, frontline staff at reception will facilitate customers to scan a QR code to receive an electronic ticket of different service areas, including Smart Teller area, traditional teller area and personalised financial service area. Once seated in the Smart Teller area, customers can scan another QR code at their seats, allowing staff to locate them using real-time technology and approach them directly to assist with their banking needs. The Smart Teller service is designed to handle 60% of general banking services, including cash deposits of banknotes, foreign exchange, opening fixed deposits, transfers and other personal account-related services. Customers using the Smart Teller service experience a reduced wait time of less than 10 minutes on average.

The transformation of the Hong Kong Main Branch has also created a welcoming and modern space for the community in the heart of Central. Inspired by the serenity of a natural bamboo retreat and cutting-edge technology, the new design presents a refreshing new green atmosphere. It combines the concepts of 'people-oriented, 'integration of nature', and 'agility', fully demonstrating Hang Seng's vision of 'Ever Growing, Ever Innovating' inside and out.

As part of its pledge to make its operations net zero by 2030, Hang Seng is further embedding sustainability concepts and elements into the Hong Kong Main Branch.  The use of natural lighting and new air-conditioning system will enhance energy efficiency by reducing energy consumption by around 20% compared to traditional designs. In addition, the upcycling of granites and glass panels demolished from renovation has significantly reduced the construction and demolition waste. The renovation of the Hang Seng Main Branch will be completed by the second quarter of 2025, featuring a new Cross-boundary Wealth Management Centre.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Hang Seng Bank Unveils Newly Renovated Hong Kong Main Branch with the Debut of the Market-New 'Come to You' Service Concept

GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- An evening gala celebrating the centennial of Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) was held on November 12. Over 1,100 SYSU faculty members and students, together with alumni and guests from all over the world, participated in the event, showcasing the university's achievements in talent cultivation, technological innovation, national development, and cultural preservation.

The SYSU received special gifts for its 100th birthday. One was a fossil from the Chengjiang biota in Yunnan, which can be dated back to 500 million years ago. This fossil was discovered by the university's Department of Geology in 1940 when the university moved to Yunnan during the war. Another gift was the performance by dancers from Kashgar, Xinjiang. The dancers expressed their thanks for SYSU's medical assistance in their hometown. SYSU has been actively fulfilling its social responsibility. The university has offered assistance in Chengjiang of Yunnan Province and Kashgar of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, making contributions to the development of local economy and education. 

The gala also featured presentations from two research teams. One is the team from the Key Laboratory for Breeding Aquatic Economic Animals of the Guangdong Province, led by Professor Zhang Yong. The other one is the CubeSat project team from the university's School of Aeronautics and Astronautics. They shared the stories of young researchers at SYSU striving for academic excellence. Their stories show the spirit and aspiration of the teachers and students at SYSU in pursuit of ambitious goals in various scientific fields.

Later in the evening, four Olympic champions who are teaching at SYSU, namely Luo Wei, Zhang Jiewen, Yang Yilin, and Jiao Liuyang, together with student representatives from SYSU's champion sports teams shared their work and study at the university.

Representatives of the SYSU alumni extended their best wishes to the university via video link. They included Zhang Zhuoyuan, graduated from department of economics of SYSU, the national honor recipient of "Outstanding Contributor to Economic Research", Ye Shuhua, China's first female observatory director, and other graduates who have made significant contributions to the university.

Embarking on a new journey, the SYSU will continue to carry forward Dr. Sun Yat-sen's noble character and devote themselves to talent cultivation, technological innovation, cultural preservation and social service, so as to make their contributions to the country and the times.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Sun Yat-sen University Holds Gala to Celebrate Its 100th Birthday