Media contractor wins fifth straight government news deal
HK01 · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
8 Multimedia Group Company Limited has been awarded a new HK$3.243 million contract by Hong Kong's Information Services Department through the Government Logistics Department, continuing a streak of annual wins from 2022 to 2026 for outsourced digital media reporter services for the government news portal. The company's directors are former TVB News reporters Tsang Pak-wai and Chan Siu-ho, with Tsang also listed as a shareholder alongside Ng Chi-hang. Procurement records cited in the report show the contract requirements evolved from four digital media reporters in 2022 to at least one reporter from 2023 onward, while contract values did not fall in step with the lower minimum staffing threshold. The Information Services Department said the procurement website may have been unclearly worded about the actual number of outsourced reporters hired each year and said it would follow up.
Key Points
- 8 Multimedia Group was incorporated in 2015 and previously used the names K Squared Limited and Bafang Properties Limited before adopting its current name in April 2019.
- The company's registered office is listed at a flat in Siu Lun Court, a Home Ownership Scheme estate in Tuen Mun, though registered and operating addresses may differ.
- In May 2022, 8 Multimedia first won a 12-month contract worth about HK$2.43 million to provide four digital media reporters for news.gov.hk reporting and video production.
- Another bidder, Inspire Frame Production, also received a contract under the same tender in 2022, worth HK$642,000 for one digital media reporter.
- From 2023 to 2025, both companies were awarded renewed contracts requiring at least one reporter, but 8 Multimedia's values rose to HK$2.721 million, HK$3.926 million and HK$4.635 million.
Why It Matters
The case raises questions for Hong Kong readers about how outsourced public communications work is priced and explained when published tender descriptions and contract values appear difficult to compare directly. It also draws attention to the government's use of external media workers for official storytelling, including expanded duties such as voiceover, live reporting and on-camera presentation in the 2026 contract.