During the Lunar New Year period, the foot traffic at Wong Tai Sin Center under LINK REIT increased by over 10%. Plans are in place to implement community-building projects in multiple shopping malls to encourage consumers to "stay longer and spend a bit."

Link REIT (823) Hong Kong Asset Management Director Luo Xinqi stated that Hong Kong residents' consumption in the mainland has become a structural phenomenon, but she noted that the situation has stabilized, with no significant further increase. She pointed out that during the recent Lunar New Year gatherings in Hong Kong, merchants reported an ideal market situation, with foot traffic at Wong Tai Sin Center, which combines both livelihood and tourism positioning, rising by over 10%. Link REIT is currently implementing community-building projects in several shopping malls, hoping to create warm and culturally attractive places that encourage consumers to "stay longer and spend a little." Luo Xinqi mentioned that the business of the merchants under Link REIT is gradually recovering, with the high-priced luxury goods sector rebounding first, while the essential goods sector is recovering relatively slowly but is still outperforming the overall market in Hong Kong. She believes it will take time for improvement. She stated that Link REIT will focus on providing customers with a better experience and emotional connection, enhancing the attractiveness of places through "emotional value," assisting merchants in their operations, and driving consumption. More Potential Brands to be Introduced in the Future She continued to say that Link REIT is actively adjusting its tenant mix, including increasing the proportion of dining and offline experience merchants. There is a strong demand for gyms, and some mainland brand restaurants are also popular, so more potential brands will be introduced. At the same time, they will continue to strengthen marketing efforts, making good use of the shopping mall's public spaces to hold more themed markets, pop-up stores, and other activities. Luo Xinqi pointed out that Link REIT is continuously enhancing its assets and community-building projects, describing the projects that can be implemented as very rich. For example, the "Fortune Wall" in Wong Tai Sin was recently unveiled, showcasing 108 calligraphic works of the character "Fortune" created by community members; the T Town in Tin Shui Wai has recently completed an outdoor playground themed around wetland; the Yat Tung Shopping Mall in Tung Chung will be decorated with a Lantau Island theme; and the Yau Tong area in Hong Kong Island East has also announced plans to hold sports events, which is part of a "people-oriented and location-appropriate" strategy. Kwun Tong Community Mall Expected to be Completed in 2026/27 The commercial land on Anderson Road in Kwun Tong, which Link REIT acquired earlier, is currently under construction for a community mall. The company stated that construction is progressing smoothly, with the main structure completed, and it is expected to be completed in the 2026/27 fiscal year. Luo Xinqi mentioned that the leasing situation for the mall is in line with expectations, with contracts signed with major anchor tenants, and negotiations for a simultaneous opening on the same day are underway, hoping for better results. The project will also establish a market to promote the development of livelihood malls in the area. Additionally, the government is expected to issue pet-friendly restaurant licenses by mid-year. Luo revealed that Link REIT's pet-friendly policy for shopping malls is also expected to be finalized in the first half of the year, covering restaurant licenses and mall regulations, allowing pets to enter the malls as much as possible under permissible conditions