SUCCESS
E-newsletter
19 March 2025
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The Support and Consultation Centre for SMEs (SUCCESS) run by the Trade and Industry Department (TID) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the HKSARG) provides small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with free business information and consultation services.
Our website: https://www.success.tid.gov.hk/en_landing.html
Our email: success@tid.gov.hk
Our customer hotline:（852）2398 5133
(Service hours of hotline and counters: Monday to Friday 8:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. & 1:30 p.m.-5:45 p.m., other than public holidays)
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"Four-in-One" Integrated Services of SME Centres
To strengthen support for SMEs and to raise SMEs' awareness of the various funding schemes and support services, the TID consolidated the services of the existing four SME centres, namely, the "SUCCESS" under the TID, the "SME Centre" under the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the "SME One" under the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and the "TecONE" under the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), in October 2019 to provide one-stop "Four-in-One" integrated services for SMEs. Enterprises can obtain business information, funding schemes information and advisory services, etc. at any of the centres. In addition, a web portal called "SME Link" is also established for SMEs to access information and support services provided by the four SME centres and government departments from a single online platform.
The Government provides over 70 funding schemes with different funding scopes, amounts and requirements to promote and support the development of enterprises and industries in Hong Kong. The "Government Funding Schemes" web page of the SME Link features information on these 70+ funding schemes, including overview and useful hyperlinks. The web page's search tool supports multiple search filters to facilitate enterprises identifying suitable funding schemes.
The "Events & Activities" of the SME Link facilitates enterprises to obtain information on activities organised by the four SME centres and various government departments, including seminars, workshops, exhibitions, conferences, training courses, etc., from a single platform, and also provides relevant links to facilitate registration.
What's New
“Four-in-One” Seminar Series
The four SME centres co-organise "Four-in-One" seminar series regularly. Themes of this seminar series in the first half of 2025 are "E-commerce", "Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)" and "Branding". An upcoming seminar under this series is listed below. Interested persons are welcome to register at the link shown therein. Admission is Free.
“SME ReachOut” Accelerator BootCamp: Funding Strategies for Sustainable Business - Unlocking New opportunities for HK Brands through Cross-Border E-Commerce (Seminar)
(This seminar will be held at HKPC Building on 26 March 2025)
This seminar is held by the “SME Reachout” of the HKPC. This seminar experts are invited to share how to achieve branding excellence developing cross-border e-commerce, introduce brand protection through intellectual property (IP) strategies, and how to make good use of government funding schemes, with a view to assisting SMEs in brand developments. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration
SUCCESS-supported Activities
I. Experience Sharing Seminar on “Strategies for Hong Kong Brands Going GBA 2025”
(This seminar will be live-streamed and held at the CMA Building on 21 March 2025)
This seminar is organised by the Hong Kong Brand Development Council and the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong and funded by the Trade and Industrial Organisation Support Fund of TID. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This seminar will analyse the evolving consumer culture and market environment in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), explore the new trends in brand marketing paradigm shift, as well as share and exchange Hong Kong brands’ experiences in regard to market development and brand promotion in the GBA market. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details
II. Practical Strategies for SMEs to Protect and Monetize Patents and the Importance of Patent Search (Webinar)
(This webinar will be live-streamed on 24 March 2025)
This webinar is organised by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This webinar will cover how SMEs can enhance their competitiveness through patent protection and commercialisation in the innovation-driven era. (This webinar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
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III. Leadership Mixer on AI for Future Business Models (Training Course)
(This course will be held at HKPC Building on 24 March 2025)
This course is offered by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This course will bring strategic insights to business leaders in the GBA on the tools to evaluate critical decisions in artificial intelligence (AI) strategy, risk management, and future readiness for sustainable growth, with a special focus on applications in the GBA. (This course will be conducted in English.)
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IV. Harnessing the Power of AI and Machine Learning for Strategic Decision-Making (Online Course)
(This course will be live-streamed on 25 March 2025)
This course is offered by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This online course will explore the real-world case studies of successful AI implementations and the strategies for integrating AI into business process, as well as how technology fosters a culture of innovation and adaptability. (This course will be conducted in Cantonese.)
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V. Let AI Become Your Marketing Assistant – Boost Work Efficiency and Unleash Creativity (Online Course)
(This course will be live-streamed on 8 April 2025)
This course is offered by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This online course will explore the practical applications of AI in marketing, in particular how Microsoft 365 Copilot can assist marketing professionals in enhancing efficiency and stimulating creativity. (This course will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details (in Chinese only)
VI. Exclusive Preview Workshop on AI-Driven Marketing Mastery
(This workshop will be held at HKPC Building on 11 April 2025)
This workshop is organised by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This workshop will explain how to utilise AI tools to elevate e-commerce marketing strategies. (This workshop will be conducted in Cantonese.)
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Intellectual Property Department: IP Workshop “IP203 IP Commercialisation - Bringing Creativity to the Marketplace”
(This workshop will be held at the VTC Tower, Wan Chai on 21 March 2025)
This IP workshop offered by the Intellectual Property Department focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship, featuring expert speakers from various regions. It aims to equip innovators and creative designers with essential knowledge and strategies for developing effective commercialisation plans and securing funding investments. (The medium of instruction will be Cantonese and English.)
Interested participants may first enroll in the “IP Manager Scheme PLUS” for free by filling out an online form to get priority in course registration. Registration fee for the courses is waived for members of the Scheme. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the workshop.
More Details
Registration
Meeting the "BRANDers" – The BUD Fund - Interview with Integrated Solutions Limited (an enterprise software application developer)
To encourage and assist Hong Kong enterprises in developing their own brands and promoting their brands in the Mainland and overseas markets, the TID conducts interviews with representatives of local brands and experts so as to share their success stories and business strategies with the industries. The TID has earlier on interviewed Professor Hilton Law, CEO of Integrated Solutions Limited, to understand more about the company’s business strategies, and how it has made use of the BUD Fund to develop brand and explore markets.
More Details (in Chinese only)
Abolition of MPF offsetting arrangement to take effect on 1 May 2025
The abolition of using the accrued benefits of employers’ mandatory contributions under the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) System to offset severance payment (SP) and long service payment (LSP) (offsetting arrangement) will soon take effect on 1 May 2025 (i.e. the transition date). After the abolition of MPF offsetting arrangement comes into effect, employers can no longer use the accrued benefits derived from their mandatory MPF contributions to offset employees’ SP/LSP in respect of the employment period from the transition date (i.e. the post-transition portion).
The abolition of MPF offsetting arrangement has no retrospective effect. If an employee's employment commenced before the transition date, the employer can continue to use the accrued benefits of the MPF contributions (irrespective of whether the contributions are mandatory or voluntary; and irrespective of whether the contributions are made before, on or after the transition date) to offset the employee’s SP/LSP for the employment period before the transition date. On the other hand, employers cannot offset SP/LSP of newly hired employees after the transition date. As the pre-transition portion of SP/LSP will be calculated on the basis of the monthly wages immediately preceding the transition date, irrespective of the length of employment of an existing employee after the transition date and whether there is a pay rise, the pre-transition portion of SP/LSP of that employee would be the same as if the employee is terminated right before the abolition. Therefore, employers dismissing existing employees before 1 May 2025 and employing new ones cannot save money; it may even incur additional costs.
In tandem with the abolition, the Labour Department will launch the 25-year Subsidy Scheme for Abolition of MPF Offsetting Arrangement (SSA) to share out the employers’ expenses on the post-transition portion of SP/LSP of their employees.
For details on the abolition and SSA, please visit the thematic website at https://www.op.labour.gov.hk/en/.
Third Round of Labour Importation Scheme for Transport Sector - Aviation Industry to accept applications from 18 March 2025 (deadline: 31 March 2025)
The Labour Importation Scheme for the Transport Sector - Aviation Industry (Scheme) is open for a third round of application from 18 March 2025.
As with the first two rounds of application, importation of labour is allowed for the 10 frontline non-supervisory job types facing the most acute manpower shortage, covering passenger services officers, ramp services agents, cabin workers, aircraft maintenance mechanics/technicians, tractor drivers, warehouse operators/cargo handlers, equipment/loader operators, customer services agents, aircraft tug drivers and maintenance technicians. Applicants of the Scheme must be registered business entities which possess a contract/licence/franchise/passenger handling permit with the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) to operate their business at Hong Kong International Airport. Applicants also have to pay the AAHK $400 per month for each worker imported, while the AAHK will contribute an annual lump sum in an amount of the same magnitude as the total amount paid by applicants. As driven by the Government and co-ordinated by the AAHK, the relevant payments have been used for subsidising the transport costs of the local frontline staff responsible for the airport's operation since May 2024.
The application procedures and operational details of the Scheme are similar to those of the first two rounds of application. Applicants shall submit the completed application form together with other required documents to the AAHK between 18 March and 31 March. An interdepartmental liaison group comprising representatives from the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB), the Labour Department and the AAHK will consider the applications, and approval decisions will be made by the Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics. The approval process will be completed in approximately two weeks from the end of the application period.
The application forms and scheme details are uploaded onto the webpage of the TLB (www.tlb.gov.hk/eng/highlights/transport/labour_importation_scheme_aviation_industry.html). For enquiries, please contact the AAHK at 2188 6603.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202503/17/P2025031700243.htm.
Government invites proposals for admission to third InnoHK research cluster (deadline: 29 August 2025)
The Innovation and Technology Commission announced on 14 March 2025 an invitation for proposals for admission to the third InnoHK research cluster, SEAM@InnoHK, focusing on sustainable development, energy, advanced manufacturing and materials. The global top echelon of universities/research institutions in the relevant fields are welcome to apply.
The deadline for application will be 29 August 2025, at 5pm. For enquiries in relation to the application for the third InnoHK research cluster, please contact the InnoHK Secretariat (Tel: (852) 3855 7671; email: innohk@itc.gov.hk).
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202503/14/P2025031400213.htm.
Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement between Hong Kong and Bahrain to enter into force on 21 March 2025
The Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) signed between Hong Kong and Bahrain in March 2024 will enter into force on 21 March 2025, following the completion of the two sides' respective internal procedures required.
Under the IPPA, the two governments undertake to provide investors of the other side with fair, equitable and non-discriminatory treatment of their investments, compensation in the event of expropriation of investments, and the right to free transfers abroad of investments and returns. The IPPA also provides for settlement of investment disputes under internationally accepted rules, including arbitration.
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, said, "By enabling investors of Hong Kong and Bahrain to enjoy corresponding protection of their investments in the host economies, the IPPA will enhance confidence of investors, expand investment flows and further strengthen the economic and trade ties between the two places.
"The Government has been actively seeking to expand Hong Kong's global economic and trade networks with a view to assisting enterprises and investors in opening up markets. We are exploring the signing of IPPAs with Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Egypt and Peru, as well as exploring IPPAs or free trade agreements with emerging markets including potential partners in the Middle East and other regions along the Belt and Road," he added.
The IPPA with Bahrain is the second of its kind signed by the current-term Government, following the IPPA signed with Türkiye. It is also the 24th investment agreement that Hong Kong has signed with a foreign economy.
The other foreign economies that have signed IPPAs with Hong Kong are the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Australia, Austria, the Belgo-Luxembourg Economic Union, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202503/14/P2025031400157.htm.
New Measures for Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund) and SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF)
The Trade and Industry Department has announced the implementation of new measures under the BUD Fund and the EMF. For details, please see relevant press release: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202503/13/P2025031300415.htm.
2025 Award Scheme for Learning Experiences under Qualifications Framework opens for applications (deadline: 31 May 2025)
Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK Festival 2025 converge to celebrate 10 years of scaling innovation for evolving world
Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced on 10 March 2025 an exciting milestone for its two flagship events, the Hong Kong Fintech Week and the StartmeupHK Festival. Both events will celebrate their 10th anniversary in 2025 and will be converged and held from 3 to 7 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and multiple venues across Hong Kong.
The convergence of the two events will create an expanded platform dedicated to all facets of technology and business impact. It underscores Hong Kong's dedication to the digital economy by tapping into its strengths as a top international financial centre and a thriving start-up hub. In 2024, the number of start-ups in Hong Kong grew by 10 per cent, with fintech being the biggest sector, featuring over 600 start-ups. The joint event will expedite innovation and foster growth in the region.
The Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, Ms Alpha Lau, said, "This celebration will mark a decade of innovation and create a powerhouse event that leverages tech convergence to elevate the economic impact and standing as an iconic symbol of the city's future development. Today, Hong Kong finds itself in the right place at the right time - poised to lead in the adoption and development of frontier technologies. Please stay tuned and join us at this premier platform to witness these groundbreaking moments firsthand."
Fintech & beyond
As technology becomes ubiquitous across financial services and different sectors, the joint event will unveil a seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, greentech and healthtech within the globally acclaimed financial services sector and beyond. The event will offer an expansive canvas for innovation and collaboration, elevating the competitiveness of financial institutions and propelling them into the future.
Start-up superhighway
Start-ups will embark on a journey where they will enjoy unparalleled access to a wealth of resources on a unified platform. From mentors to diverse funding opportunities and extensive market exposure across the expansive tech ecosystem, this platform serves as fertile ground for nurturing groundbreaking ventures and showcasing emerging success stories.
Stakeholder synergy and amplifying impact
By uniting fintech experts, tech entrepreneurs, a wide array of investors, strategic companies, small and medium enterprises, financial institutions, and policymakers, this event cultivates cross-sector dialogue. It creates a robust platform that optimises resources and maximises business impact for all participants. This synergistic environment catalyses innovation and collaboration, unlocking new opportunities for all stakeholders.
Get ready for a transformative experience that will shape the future of technology and finance. For more details, please visit www.fintechweek.hk or www.startmeup.hk and follow via official social media accounts:
LinkedIn: Hong Kong FinTech Week; StartmeupHK;
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/HongKongFinTechWeek;
Facebook: Startmeup.HK
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202503/10/P2025030500393.htm.
Government gazettes Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2025
The Government gazetted on 7 March 2025 the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2025 for the implementation of an electronic driving licence (eDL).
The Bill aims to amend the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374) and related legislation to provide holders of a driving licence (including a driving instructors' licence) an alternative to fulfil the relevant statutory requirements of carrying or producing a driving licence for examination or inspection by displaying their electronic licences on a specified electronic platform with smart phones. The eDL will not be a substitute for a physical driving licence, as driving licence holders will still be issued with a physical driving licence, but they may use an eDL at their preference.
The Bill is introduced into the Legislative Council (LegCo) for first reading on 19 March.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202503/07/P2025030700525.htm.
Rating (Exemption) Order 2025 gazetted
The Rating (Exemption) Order 2025 was gazetted on 7 March 2025 to implement the one-off rates concessions proposed in the 2025-26 Budget to relieve the financial burden of the general public.
The Budget proposes to waive the rates for the first quarter of 2025-26, subject to a concession cap of $500 for each domestic and non-domestic tenement. The proposal will benefit about 3.55 million properties, reducing government revenue by about $1.7 billion.
The Order is tabled at the LegCo for negative vetting on 19 March.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202503/05/P2025030500317.htm.
Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Concessions) Bill 2025 gazetted
The Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Concessions) Bill 2025 was gazetted on 7 March 2025 to implement the one-off tax concessions proposed in the 2025-26 Budget.
The Budget proposes one-off reductions of salaries tax, tax under personal assessment and profits tax for the year of assessment 2024/25 by 100 per cent, subject to a ceiling of $1,500 per case. The reductions will be reflected in the final tax payable for the year of assessment 2024/25. The proposals will benefit about 2.14 million taxpayers and about 165 400 taxpaying businesses. Government revenue in 2025-26 will be reduced by about $3.1 billion.
The Bill is introduced into the LegCo for first reading and the commencement of the second reading debate on 19 March.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202503/05/P2025030500323.htm.
For more recent news, please visit the "What's New" web page of the SUCCESS Website or the "News" web page of the SME Link.
Topical Issues
Support Measures relating to Liquidity
In view of the cash-flow pressure of SMEs, SUCCESS has compiled a summary of support measures relating to liquidity.
More Details
SME ReachOut
“SME ReachOut”, a dedicated service team operated by HKPC, has commenced operation since 1 January 2020 to enhance SMEs’ understanding of the Government’s funding schemes, with a view to encouraging better utilisation of the support provided by the Government. The team would help SMEs identify funding schemes that suit their needs, and answer questions relating to applications.
The Government has allocated $100 million to HKPC to gradually enhance the services of “SME ReachOut” in the ensuing five years starting from 2023. HKPC has enhanced the services of “SME ReachOut” in October 2023, including arranging visits to more chambers of commerce, commercial and industrial buildings and co-working spaces, and increasing the publicity in social media so as to step up the promotion of government funding schemes. At the same time, more one-on-one consultation sessions will be provided to assist SMEs in applying for government funding and building their capacities, focusing on areas such as ESG, technology transformation, digitalisation and cyber security, with a view to enhancing their competitiveness through leveraging new technologies.
For further information or enquiries on “SME ReachOut”, please contact “SME ReachOut” Hotline / WhatsApp (Text Message Only) at 2788 6868 or email by sme_reachout@hkpc.org or visit https://smereachout.hkpc.org/en.
Business News
GDETO Newsletter
The latest issue of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong (GDETO) Newsletter has been published.
More Details (in Chinese only)
Commercial Information Circulars (CICs) of the Mainland
The TID issued a number of Commercial Information Circulars (CICs) on the Mainland's trade and economic rules and regulations. The latest CICs have been published.
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