HK ad revival tops Wong's list

Wong called for the creation and sharing of knowledge through internal discussions among members and seminars that feature leading marketing communications experts. He also called for greater emphasis on association-organised training programmes.

"Hong Kong is a shrinking market and we are still trying to define who we are and how to prove our worth to clients. There have not been enough debates and discussions," said Wong.

He added that he was also planning seminars with the association of advertisers, targeting middle-ranking marketers.

"The idea will be to highlight best practice in the industry but also to show them how an agency can help, not only in developing communications campaigns, but also to be their strategic business partner."

Wong said that these steps would also help Hong Kong's image among its Asian neighbours.

"Our role in the region seems to be diminishing. We need to enact our role as the centre of best practice and that nothing can be taken for granted. And we need to sharpen our effort with more realistic goals in mind."

Wong replaces Jeffrey Yu, who has been the 4As chairman for the past four years. Yu, Bates Asia regional president, takes up the new position of committee member.

Wong takes over the position three months after stepping into his new role as McCann-Erickson Guangming's managing director for Hong Kong and vice-president for Greater China.