Innovation and technology are “worth pursuing” in Hong Kong, said Lalamove chief operating officer Paul Loo Kar-pui, as the Hong Kong-based logistics firm has leveraged its experience in mainland China and the SAR to fuel global expansion.
His comment came as the company, founded in 2013, now operates in over 400 cities across 13 markets worldwide.
Loo said the company's journey from Hong Kong to international markets demonstrates the city’s potential in innovation and technology beyond its traditional finance and real estate sectors.
"Hong Kong still has unique advantages—backed by the mainland and connected to the world," he said.
Known as "Huolala" on the mainland where it serves more than 300 cities, Lalamove has expanded across Southeast Asia and into South America and Central Asia.
The company entered Malaysia in 2018 and now covers five states with over 450,000 monthly active users and accounts for 90 percent of the country's same-day delivery market, according to Sensor Tower data.
It later expanded to Brazil and Mexico in 2019, followed by Japan and Turkey last year.
As of late last year, Lalamove had 16.7 million monthly active merchants and 1.7 million drivers globally, making it the largest same-city logistics platform by gross transaction volume.
Loo credited the company's growth to its talent strategy, maintaining Hong Kong headquarters while operating specialized artificial intelligence and mapping teams in Shanghai and Beijing.
The firm prioritizes local hires and internal promotions for leadership roles. "This demonstrates how a Hong Kong company can utilize global talent," Loo said.
In Malaysia, Lalamove now covers all major cities in Peninsular Malaysia and recently expanded to Kuching in East Malaysia, with plans to enter Sabah.
The company is also preparing to launch in Saudi Arabia this July after debuting in the United Arab Emirates in February.
Europe is another potential market by year-end, though Loo emphasized that expansion speed depends on economic conditions, internet penetration and industry diversity in each region.
Lalamove's global footprint often follows mainland and Hong Kong businesses abroad. "Where they go, we follow," Loo said, noting that familiarity with its Chinese brand helps attract clients overseas.
Beyond logistics, Lalamove is rolling out ride-hailing in Southeast Asia, with the feature now available in Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines, with over 140,000 driver-partners across these markets.
Back in Hong Kong, the company is participating in the government’s low-altitude economy sandbox program for drone deliveries, testing medical supply flights between Cyberport and Lamma Island.
(Ayra Wang)
