MemeStrategy champions HK comedy scene with stand-up competition sponsorship

MemeStrategy, a publicly listed digital asset company in Asia, is sponsoring a Cantonese stand-up competition organised by So Fa So Cool, an entertainment venture by the Hong Kong rap duo FAMA (農夫).

Also known as the "MacPherson Festival X Hong Kong stand-up comedy competition", the preliminary and final rounds will take place on 24 and 25 January, at MacPherson Stadium. 

The competition will feature 9GAG as its official online platform. With a mission to "make the world happier", 9GAG aligns with the spirit of the competition by providing promotional and content creation support to raise awareness of the event and its core message.

As the title sponsor of the competition, a spokesperson from MemeStrategy told MARKETING-INTERACTIVE that they share a commitment to supporting the growth of Hong Kong’s creative and cultural sector and injecting fresh vitality into the industry.

The competition aims to reshape Hong Kong's cultural scene in three significant ways, according to the spokesperson. Firstly, it seeks to democratise comedy by making the audience the sole judge, breaking traditional barriers and empowering the community to define its own comedic voice.

The competition results will be determined entirely by the live audience. Nearly 200 applicants participated in the open audition, and after a selection process, 12 contestants, including influencers and first-time stand-up comedians, will advance to the preliminary round on 24 January. The audience will judge and select the top six for the finals on 25 January.

The competition also aims to create a talent pipeline by offering a high-profile, mainstream platform for undiscovered talent, thereby helping to build a sustainable ecosystem for the next generation of Cantonese comedians.

Additionally, a collaboration between MemeStrategy and influential figures, such as FAMA, aims to elevate stand-up culture by introducing a new level of professionalism and commercial viability, thereby reinforcing its status as a vital part of Hong Kong's performing arts landscape.

“This partnership was a natural fit. Firstly, we share a common vision to support and energise Hong Kong’s creative and cultural industries. Secondly, FAMA are not just artists; they are cultural icons with deep credibility and a strong connection to local audiences, which is invaluable for bringing stand-up comedy to the mainstream,” said the spokesperson.

The marketing strategy of the competition is built around digital engagement and authentic storytelling. A cornerstone of the campaign will be an interactive social media initiative where Memestrategy searches for stand-up competition judges from the public, empowering the community to be part of the event. This will be complemented by a series of video interviews with the hosts, FAMA, and the contestants, allowing audiences to connect with the personalities and stories behind the competition.

To promote the competition, MemeStrategy is using a multi-platform digital approach, primarily leveraging 9GAG, FAMA, and So Fa So Cool's Threads and Instagram. "This strategy allows us to tap into 9GAG’s vast global audience while engaging FAMA's dedicated local followers, ensuring both broad reach and a strong community connection," said the spokesperson.

Regarding the measurement of return on investment for the event, the spokesperson said that it is assessed using a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics. Key performance indicators include impressions and reach, which track overall brand visibility and audience engagement across all digital platforms, as well as ticket sales, which directly measure public interest and the event's commercial success.

“Beyond these numbers, we are also monitoring media sentiment and public discourse to gauge the event's cultural impact,” the spokesperson added. 

Ray Chan, CEO of MemeStrategy, said: “MemeStrategy is committed to supporting and promoting high-potential creative and cultural initiatives. Stand-up comedy is one of Hong Kong’s most iconic performing arts, combining critical thinking, artistic expression, and audience connection to deliver both joy and inspiration. We are thrilled to partner with So Fa So Cool to present this competition, bringing laughter to audiences while providing a platform for talented performers to shine.”

Related articles:

MemeStrategy acquires trading card brand Grade10
MemeStrategy makes first SOL investment with HK$2.9m
MemeStrategy and 9GAG unite Web3 communities across 13 regions