HKT apologises over Valentine’s Day ad that offered vacuums, blenders to female staff at HSBC
- The ad had a ‘For Him’ section that featured laptops and other technology
HKT, the largest telecommunications services provider in Hong Kong, apologised on Friday over a controversial Valentine’s Day advertisement sent to HSBC staff that offered discounts for men to buy laptops and other technology, and for women to buy vacuum cleaners and other household products.
The advertisement, displayed on a HSBC staff intranet site, offered discounts on a variety of products to the bank’s employees in Hong Kong.
The marketing misstep comes amid a wider discussion in many offices about sexism and gender roles in light of the #Me Too movement, which has exposed sexual harassment and assault in the workplace.
Reuters reported on Friday that a HKT spokesman said: “We have heard the feedback and offer our heartfelt apologies for any offence caused.
“We firmly believe in gender equality in both the workplace and in life, and we are committed to ensuring that we, and our business partners, exercise prudence, respect and inclusion for all.”
HKT did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday.