SUCCESS
E-newsletter
25 June 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)
 More Details
"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.
As global awareness of decarbonisation grows and consumers' understanding of green and low-carbon lifestyle continues to enhance, whereas related international laws and regulations are constantly updated, SMEs need to grasp the latest information so as to capture the business opportunities and cope with related challenges. The "Decarbonisation ‧ Business Action", a one-stop thematic webpage, features links to information and services about decarbonisation and carbon audit, etc., including requirements and regulations of Hong Kong and our trading partners, support measures and technological solutions, to help SMEs better prepare and position their businesses in the dynamics of international trade networks and supply chains and capture the business opportunities arising from low-carbon solutions and new markets emerging around the world.
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". Upcoming webinars under this series are listed below. Interested persons are welcome to register at the links shown therein. Admission is Free.
I. "FUND X Go-Global Strategies" Webinar Series: Decode ASEAN E-Commerce Opportunities with FUND
(This webinar will be live-streamed on 26 June 2025)
This webinar is held by the "SME ReachOut" of the HKPC. This webinar will analyse the secrets of success for e-commerce in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and how to make good use of government funding schemes, with a view to assisting SMEs in expanding into the ASEAN market. (This webinar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration
II. “SME LevelUp Workshop” – Embracing Innovation in e-Commerce Strategies Series (3): The Power of Cross-Border Livestreaming to New Heights of Success (Webinar)
(This webinar will be live-streamed on 27 June 2025)
This series of “SME LevelUp Workshop” held by the SME One of the HKPC focuses on Xiaohongshu, Douyin, Taobao and JD.com, and reveal the “traffic code” strategies of these e-commerce platforms, as well as share cross-border sales techniques, with a view to assisting SMEs in expanding their e-commerce sales networks, attracting customers and monetising efficiently. The webinars "Embracing Innovation in e-Commerce Strategies Series (1): Xiaohongshu Traffic Code" and "Embracing Innovation in e-Commerce Strategies Series (2): Douyin Short Video Algorithm Strategy" were held on 30 April 2025 and 23 May 2025 respectively.
(3) "The Power of Cross-Border Livestreaming to New Heights of Success" (webinar) will explore marketing strategy on Taobao and JD.com e-commerce platforms and tips for cross-border live streaming, as well as explain how to collaborate with KOL. (This webinar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration
SUCCESS-supported Activities
I. Seminar on “Cost Effective Guide for SMEs: Improving SEO Performance with AI”
(This seminar will be held at the CMA Building on 27 June 2025)
This seminar is organised by the Hong Kong Brand Development Council. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. In this seminar, a Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) expert will share how to make good use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance brand visibility in search engines at a relatively low cost. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration
II. Summer TechEd Fest 2025 (Event)
(This event will be held at the HKPC Building during 4 to 5 July 2025)
This event is organised by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. Through engaging hands-on workshops, interactive experience zones, and exhibition booths, the event aims to inspire students, families, educators, and businesses to embrace the transformative power of “New Productive Forces” and discover its limitless possibilities. (This event will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration
III. The Clue of Workplace Facilitation: Enhancing Employee Engagement and Performance (Online Course)
(This course will be live-streamed on 9 July 2025)
This course is offered by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This online course will introduce the facilitation skill and related training methods that are essential for mangers and leaders in the workplace. (This course will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration (in Chinese only)
IV. Webinar on Competition Ordinance
(This webinar will be live-streamed on 9 July 2025)
This webinar is organised by the Competition Commission. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. In this webinar, representatives from the Competition Commission will provide an overview of the Competition Ordinance, dos and don’ts under the Ordinance, red flags of anti-competitive practices and Leniency and Cooperation Policies, as well as competition law case studies. (This webinar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration
V. Seminar on “Creating Business Value through Intellectual Property in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area”
(This seminar will be held at Conrad Guangzhou on 10 July 2025)
This seminar is organised by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office (GBA Development Office) of the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, with the HKPC and the Guangzhou based Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Promotion Centre of the GBA Development Office as implementation agents. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. To provide Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises with insights on effectively utilising IP rights of products of creativity to create commercial value and to explore opportunities in the GBA and global markets for sustainable business outcomes, this seminar invites participants from Hong Kong and Mainland SMEs and start-ups engaging in IP services or creative industry to explore the unlimited business opportunities in the GBA. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese and Putonghua.)
More Details and Registration
VI. AI Marketing Magic: Transform Ideas into Visual Masterpieces (Online Course)
(This course will be live-streamed on 31 July 2025)
This course is offered by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This online course will introduce new trend in AI marketing, analyse how AI can revolutionise the content creation process, demonstrate core functions of some popular AI tools, and share practical cases on how to use AI tools to improve marketing efficiency. (This course will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration (in Chinese only)
VII. Cyber Security Staff Awareness Recognition Scheme
This scheme is co-organised by the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited (HKIRC) and the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) China Hong Kong Chapter, with the Digital Policy Office (DPO), the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) of the Hong Kong Police Force and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Hong Kong as Scheme Partners. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This scheme aims to recognise Hong Kong organisations for their commitment to strengthening cyber security and enhancing staff awareness. The upcoming round of the scheme for 2025 is now open for application until 15 August 2025.
More Details and Registration
VIII. "HKIRC Cybersec One" Programme
This programme is organised by the HKIRC, with the DPO and the CSTCB of the Hong Kong Police Force as strategic partners. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This programme provides participating organizations with integrated cybersecurity services free of charge, including risk assessments, vulnerability identification, and staff training, to help them embark on their “cybersecurity journey” and strengthen their capability on cybersecurity defence. Local primary and secondary schools, non-governmental organisations and SMEs are welcome to register. The programme is open for application all year round.
More Details (in Chinese Only) and Registration
Seminar on Productivity Assessment for Employees with Disabilities under the Statutory Minimum Wage Regime
(This seminar will be held at the Mong Kok Community Hall on 18 July 2025)
This seminar is organised by the Labour Department (LD). The seminar will introduce details of the productivity assessment for employees with disabilities under the Minimum Wage Ordinance. Employers, persons with disabilities and their family members as well as representatives from rehabilitation organisations are welcome to attend. Admission is free. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese with sign language interpretation service provided.)
More Details and Application Form
BAS Casebook
"Meet-the-Advisors" Business Advisory Service (BAS) of SUCCESS arranges free consultation sessions for SMEs. SMEs can ask BAS Advisors in 25 advisory areas, including setting up business, funding schemes, marketing and legal matters, for general business advice on questions relating to the starting and running of a business.
To benefit more SMEs through readily available practical tips in tackling difficulties frequently encountered by SMEs in starting and running of their businesses, SUCCESS has featured and compiled a BAS Casebook (currently available in Chinese only) containing guidance of BAS Advisors provided for SME operators over the years. The BAS Casebook covers individual applicants' difficulties and questions, as well as BAS Advisors' professional advice and conclusive remarks on the lessons learned from the cases.
SUCCESS has lately published five new cases to the BAS Casebook on the SUCCESS website, covering the areas of "Marketing and Corporate Strategy", "Company Structure, Accounts Management and Taxation", “Electronic Commerce” and “Legal Matter”.
Government launches public consultation for 2025 Policy Address
The HKSARG launched on 16 June 2025 a public consultation for the Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will deliver his fourth Policy Address in September 2025.
"I have endeavoured to transform the culture of the Government into one that is result-oriented, works at a faster pace, and is proactive. My team and I have been listening to the views of the public and focusing on serving the community. We are committed to developing the economy and improving people's livelihoods to ensure our initiatives effectively respond to the needs of members of the public," Mr Lee said.
"Hong Kong continues to forge ahead with its unique advantages under the principle of 'one country, two systems', benefitting from the strong support of the motherland and remaining closely connected to the world. Hong Kong is currently facing economic restructuring. The Government will continue to lead all sectors of society in consolidating and enhancing the factors for Hong Kong's success while upholding our principles and being innovative in advancing reforms. We will endeavour to explore new growth areas, trade markets and frontiers, deepen international exchanges and co-operation, and enhance regional collaboration to foster economic growth and development.
"I invite you all to give your views on the 2025 Policy Address. My team and I will listen to and consider your views carefully, and we look forward to receiving your input to build a better Hong Kong together."
The Government will hold more than 40 consultation sessions to receive the views and suggestions of Legislative Council (LegCo) Members, representatives of different sectors, and members of the public. The Chief Executive and the Principal Officials will also conduct district visits to meet with members of the public and representatives of different sectors and listen to their views directly.
Starting from 16 June 2025, members of the public can offer their views through the Policy Address website (www.policyaddress.gov.hk), via the dedicated Facebook page for the Policy Address public consultation (www.facebook.com/PolicyAddressConsultation), or by email (policyaddress@cepu.gov.hk), phone (2432 1899) or fax (2537 9083).
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/16/P2025061500894.htm.
Public consultation on enhancing regulation of licensed money lenders launched (deadline: 22 August 2025)
The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) on 23 June 2025 commenced the public consultation on the proposal to enhance regulation of licensed money lenders and invites public views in this regard. The public consultation period will end on 22 August 2025.
The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, "The Government has been closely monitoring the market situation in the money lending sector to continuously review and enhance the prevailing regulatory measures, so as to induce more responsible lending behaviour among money lenders. We have proposed a number of measures in the consultation paper, with a view to stepping up efforts in addressing the issue of excessive borrowing and better protecting the public interest."
The consultation paper sets out key features of various proposed measures, including enhancing regulation of unsecured personal loans, strengthening protection for loan referees, optimising and improving the affordability assessment on borrowers in respect of unsecured personal loans, strengthening the complaint handling process, stepping up publicity and education, and enhancing the regulatory regime of money lenders.
Members of the public are invited to give views on the proposals in the consultation paper. The FSTB will fully consider the comments received when finalising the proposals.
The consultation paper is available on the webpage of the FSTB at www.fstb.gov.hk/fsb/en/publication/consult/consult-moneyLendersRegulation.html.
Members of the public may submit views to the FSTB by email money-lenders-consult@fstb.gov.hk or by post (15/F, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong) on or before 22 August 2025.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/23/P2025062300294.htm.
Judiciary rolls out integrated Court Case Management System for civil appeal cases in High Court
The Judiciary announced on 23 June 2025 that starting from 30 June, the integrated Court Case Management System (iCMS) will be extended to the High Court, beginning with civil appeal cases.
The iCMS is an integral part of the Judiciary's Information Technology Strategy Plan. It aims to facilitate the handling of court-related documents and payments electronically across various court levels. Major electronic services under the iCMS include sending case-specific court documents to the courts, receiving such documents from the courts, inspecting or searching filed documents and other case-related information held by the courts, searching cause books, and making payments for court services.
The iCMS is being progressively implemented across various court levels. It currently covers personal injury actions, tax claim proceedings, civil action proceedings and employees' compensation cases in the District Court, summons cases in the Magistrates' Courts, as well as bulk claims in the Small Claims Tribunal.
For the High Court, the iCMS will initially be rolled out to civil appeal cases in the Court of Appeal on 30 June, and will then incrementally cover 10 additional case types, including commercial actions, intellectual property cases, construction and arbitration proceedings, personal injuries actions, civil actions, probate actions, miscellaneous proceedings of the Court of Appeal, Magistracy appeals, miscellaneous proceedings (criminal) and intended actions.
Case parties, particularly law firms, are strongly advised to register and start using the iCMS to avoid the hassle of paper filing and to enjoy the convenience of digital filing and payment anytime, anywhere. To encourage migration to the iCMS, a 20 per cent concession is offered to iCMS users for three years on fee items of the High Court that are primarily or directly related to electronic handling of court documents.
For more details about the iCMS, including its enhancement features and technical requirements, please visit the dedicated webpage on e-Courts of the Judiciary website at www.judiciary.hk/en/e_courts/index.html upon the rollout of the iCMS in the High Court on 30 June.
For enquiries, please call the general enquiry hotline at 2477 1002 or the technical helpline at 2886 6474, email to enquiry@judiciary.hk or visit the Help Centre at 5/F, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/23/P2025062300283.htm.
Projects jointly funded by Guangdong-Hong Kong and Shenzhen-Hong Kong under Mainland-Hong Kong Technology Cooperation Funding Scheme open for application (deadline: 22 August 2025)
The Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) is inviting applications for projects jointly funded by Guangdong and Hong Kong and projects jointly funded by Shenzhen and Hong Kong under the Mainland-Hong Kong Technology Cooperation Funding Scheme (MHKTCFS) from 23 June until 22 August 2025.
All applications must fit the specific themes/topics, and be submitted simultaneously by the Hong Kong and Mainland applicant organisations to the ITC and relevant Mainland authorities respectively.
To facilitate participating institutes and companies in submitting funding applications, the Mainland-Hong Kong Joint Funding Scheme and the Guangdong-Hong Kong Technology Cooperation Funding Scheme have been merged as the MHKTCFS to support and encourage collaboration among universities, research institutes and technology enterprises in Hong Kong and Mainland China. There are three categories of projects under the MHKTCFS:
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Projects jointly funded by the Mainland and Hong Kong (jointly solicited with the Ministry of Science and Technology);
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Projects jointly funded by Guangdong and Hong Kong (jointly solicited with the Department of Science and Technology of Guangdong Province); and
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Projects jointly funded by Shenzhen and Hong Kong (jointly solicited with the Science, Technology and Innovation Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality).
Application details for projects jointly funded by the Mainland and Hong Kong will be announced in due course.
Further information on the MHKTCFS is available on the ITF website (www.itf.gov.hk/en/funding-programmes/supporting-research/mhktcfs/index.html). For enquiries, please contact the ITF Secretariat (Tel: 3655 5678; email: enquiry@itf.gov.hk).
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/23/P2025062300260.htm.
HKMA and PBoC launch Payment Connect
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the People's Bank of China (PBoC) announced on 20 June 2025 the launch of Payment Connect on 22 June 2025. A launch ceremony for Payment Connect was held in Beijing on 20 June 2025. The Governor of the PBoC, Mr Pan Gongsheng; Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Mr Wang Linggui; and the Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, attended the ceremony and delivered remarks. The ceremony was officiated by Deputy Governor of the PBoC Mr Lu Lei. Representatives from system operators and participating institutions from the Mainland and Hong Kong also attended the ceremony.
Payment Connect refers to the linkage between the Mainland's Internet Banking Payment System (IBPS) (Note 1) and Hong Kong's Faster Payment System (FPS) (Note 2), which supports secure, efficient and convenient real-time cross-boundary payment for residents and institutions in both places. By simply inputting the recipient's mobile number or account number, residents in both places can make instant small-value cross-boundary remittances.
Mr Yue said, "Payment Connect is one of the key initiatives in strengthening co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong. The connection between the faster payment systems in both places enhances the efficiency of cross-boundary payments, supporting trade activities and personnel exchange. This development will further promote Hong Kong's position as an international financial centre and offshore Renminbi business hub. Payment Connect will cater to the daily needs of residents in both places for cross-boundary remittances and payments. It also signifies another milestone for the FPS in expanding cross-boundary payment."
Six institutions each from the Mainland and Hong Kong (Annex) will participate in the Payment Connect upon its launch. They will roll out the service gradually and more institutions will join over time.
Note 1: The Mainland China's Internet Banking Payment System (IBPS) is the faster payment system in the Mainland, built by the China National Clearing Center under the guidance of the People’s Bank of China. IBPS enables user to make real-time cross-bank retail payment transactions through the mobile banking or online banking of his/her bank. By using the system, user can handle cross-bank account management, fund transfer, fund consolidation and other services without leaving home, and obtain instant transaction processing results.
Note 2: The HKMA launched the Faster Payment System (FPS) in September 2018. This system connects banks and stored-value facility operators (SVFs), enabling the public to make real-time cross banks and cross SVFs fund transfers anytime and anywhere, by using the recipient's mobile number or email address.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/20/P2025062000306.htm.
Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules 1 and 2) Order 2025 takes effect upon gazettal
The Government published in the Gazette on 20 June 2025 the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules 1 and 2) Order 2025 (the Amendment Order), which takes effect on the same day. The Amendment Order aims to put the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC) and three financial infrastructure-related institutions (namely, the Hong Kong FMI Services Limited (HKFMI), the OTC Clearing Hong Kong Limited (OTC Clear) and the CMU OmniClear Limited (CMU OmniClear)) under the regulatory regime of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Cap. 201) (the Ordinance).
The Amendment Order specifies the HKIC, the HKFMI, the OTC Clear and the CMU OmniClear as public bodies that are subject to various restrictions under the Ordinance. Furthermore, persons doing business with the four public bodies are subject to the relevant sections of the Ordinance.
A spokesperson for the FSTB said, "The HKIC is entrusted by the Government to support the development of innovation and technology, as well as strategic industries in Hong Kong through investment. The other three financial infrastructure-related institutions have public functions to manage and operate financial market infrastructures. In view of the important role played by the four public bodies in Hong Kong's financial system and economic development, it is in the public interest to cover them under the regulation of the Ordinance."
The Amendment Order will be tabled at the LegCo on 25 June for negative vetting.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/20/P2025061900246.htm.
Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025 gazetted
The Government published the Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the Gazette on 20 June 2025.
The Bill seeks to amend the Betting Duty Ordinance (Cap. 108) and relevant subsidiary legislation to provide for a regulatory framework for basketball betting, which includes granting the power to the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs to issue a licence for conducting basketball betting and to impose licensing conditions; the calculation and collection of betting duty (which is charged at 50 per cent of the net stake receipts, same as that for the football betting duty); and expanding the functions of the Betting and Lotteries Commission to cover matters relating to the regulation of basketball betting.
A spokesman for the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau said, "As a matter of policy, the Government does not encourage gambling. The Government adopts a multipronged strategy to address gambling-related problems, including law enforcement against illegal gambling activities, public education on the harms of gambling addiction, provision of counselling and support services for people in need, as well as regulation of gambling activities through legislation. On the regulation of gambling activities through legislation, the policy objective of providing authorised gambling outlets is to address the public demand for certain gambling activities, preventing people from turning to illegal operators."
The spokesman added, "If the Bill is enacted, we will, by making reference to the current regime of horse race betting and football betting, issue a licence for basketball betting to the Hong Kong Jockey Club, and to impose licensing conditions so as to minimise the negative impact of gambling on the public, especially on young people.
"We will continue to closely collaborate with the Ping Wo Fund Advisory Committee to strengthen publicity and counselling for young people. To this end, in addition to the existing four funded counselling centres, we will allocate additional resources to establish a new centre dedicated to providing counselling and support services for youth. Public education efforts will also be strengthened to emphasise to young people that participating in illegal gambling or placing bets with an illegal bookmaker is already a criminal offence."
The Bill will be introduced into the LegCo for first reading on 2 July.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/20/P2025062000258.htm.
Government welcomes passage of Employment (Amendment) Bill 2025
The Government welcomed the passage of the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2025 (the Bill) by the LegCo on 18 June 2025 to revise the "continuous contract" requirement under the Employment Ordinance (EO) (Cap. 57), making it easier for employees to enjoy comprehensive employment rights.
The Bill revises the working hours threshold of the "continuous contract" requirement, which includes lowering the weekly working hours threshold from 18 hours to 17 hours; and providing an alternative of using the aggregate working hours in a specified four-week period as a counting unit in which a week with less than 17 working hours will still be regarded as a continuous employment period if the sum of the working hours of that week and those of the three weeks immediately preceding it reaches 68 hours.
A Government spokesman said, "Since the implementation of the EO, the working hours threshold of the 'continuous contract' requirement has been maintained at 18 hours per week. This amendment exercise lowers the working hours threshold of the 'continuous contract' requirement and introduces flexibility in the calculation of working hours, reducing the circumstances of disrupting the continuity of an employee's employment because the working hours of a week occasionally fall below the threshold.
"After the amendments, other provisions of the EO will continue to operate as they currently do, and existing eligibility criteria for employees to enjoy various statutory benefits will remain unchanged. Employees who have met the current 'continuous contract' requirement will not be affected," the spokesman added.
The Employment (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 will be gazetted on 27 June 2025. The revised "continuous contract" requirement will be effective from 18 January 2026, onwards. In the meantime, the Government will publicise and brief the public on the Amendment Ordinance through various channels, presenting it in layman's terms to enhance employers' and employees' understanding.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/18/P2025061800282.htm.
Buildings Energy Efficiency (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 gazetted
The Buildings Energy Efficiency (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 (the Ordinance) and its Buildings Energy Efficiency (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 (Commencement) Notice (the Notice) were published in the Gazette on 20 June 2025.
A spokesman for the Environment and Ecology Bureau said, "The Ordinance not only improves the buildings energy efficiency management regime of Hong Kong by extending the scope of energy efficiency regulation to more types of buildings, shortening the intervals of energy audits and disclosing technical information in energy audit reports, but also helps to achieve a win-win scenario of saving electricity costs for buildings, reducing carbon emissions, and boosting the development of the green economy, thereby assisting Hong Kong to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050."
The Ordinance will come into effect in two stages. The Notice will be tabled by the Government before the LegCo at its sitting on 25 June. Upon the completion of negative vetting, the amendments for updating the qualifications eligible for registration as Registered Energy Assessors will commence first on 20 September 2025 (i.e. three months after the gazettal of the Ordinance), to enable professionals' early registration. The remaining provisions will commence on 20 September 2026 (i.e. 15 months after the gazettal of the Ordinance), to allow adequate time for the sectors to make necessary preparations for compliance with the new regulations. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department will continue the promotion and publicity efforts to inform building owners of the latest statutory requirements in a timely manner, and provide technical support to assist them in complying with the new requirements.
The spokesman added, "Upon the full implementation of the Ordinance, it is estimated that an additional 500 million kilowatt-hours of electricity, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of about 150 000 three-person households, could be saved in 2035."
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/18/P2025061700263.htm.
Roadmap for ESG Development for Logistics Industry announced to enhance competitiveness
The Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) announced the Roadmap for ESG (environmental, social and governance) Development for Logistics Industry on 18 June 2025 for local SMEs in the logistics industry to follow for achieving compliance with international ESG requirements, with an aim to enhance the competitiveness of Hong Kong's logistics industry and hence Hong Kong's position as an international logistics hub.
Green and sustainable development is one of the directions that the Government has specified for the way forward for the logistics industry in the Action Plan on Modern Logistics Development announced in October 2023. To promote the development of green and sustainable logistics, the Government has committed in the Action Plan to formulating a clear ESG roadmap for the industry to assist logistics enterprises in meeting international ESG requirements progressively. Upon conducting a consultancy study, the TLB has worked out the Roadmap by taking into account international ESG standards and current market developments while working in consultation with the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council and various organisations and players in the industry.
The Roadmap covers a three-year period from 2025 to 2027 and adopts a three-stage approach for logistics SMEs to build up their capabilities to collect and report ESG data, thereby meeting the most stringent prevailing international ESG disclosure requirements by the time the Roadmap expires. The first stage involves raising logistics SMEs' awareness of ESG principles and international ESG requirements, the second stage involves equipping logistics SMEs with the capability to collect and record logistics ESG data, while the third stage aims to prepare logistics SMEs for ESG reporting, which is foreseen to be a possible international requirement in the next phase of ESG development.
A spokesperson for the TLB said, "ESG has become an international trend, with the European Union having already made ESG disclosures along the whole supply chain compulsory for enterprises from this year (2025) onwards, and the Mainland also formulating its own ESG disclosure standards that are planned to be applicable to all companies, including SMEs, by 2030. Therefore, for Hong Kong logistics SMEs, which are well-plugged into the global supply chain, ESG adoption is no longer an option but an essential step for their survival and maintenance of their global competitiveness. We hope that the Roadmap will provide logistics SMEs with an easy-to-follow guide to embark on their ESG journey and help to enhance the competitiveness of our logistics industry, thereby consolidating Hong Kong's position as an international logistics hub.
"Promotion and training will be crucial for logistics SMEs to reach each of the aforesaid stages of the Roadmap. In this connection, the TLB will collaborate with and encourage industry players, trade associations, professional bodies and training institutions to provide necessary support to deliver the Roadmap," the spokesman added.
As the next step, the TLB will promote the adoption of the Roadmap in association with industry stakeholders, and will review and update the Roadmap in a timely manner ahead of its expiry with reference to the prevailing international ESG requirements, among others, to help logistics SMEs to continue to be ESG-compliant.
Apart from the ESG Roadmap, the TLB also launched a dedicated online ESG resource centre on the website of the Council, which serves as a one-stop portal for information related to ESG for reference by logistics companies in Hong Kong. In addition, to assist logistics SMEs in starting their ESG journey, the TLB will launch within 2025 a set of ESG data collection tools that will facilitate effective collection and recording of logistics ESG data essential for compliance with international ESG disclosure requirements by SMEs.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/18/P2025061700577.htm.
Enhancement measures implemented to safeguard employment priority for local workers under Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme
The LD announced the implementation of the following measures under the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS) from 17 June 2025 to safeguard employment priority for local workers:
(i) To ensure that employers will not displace local employees with imported workers, the LD launched an online complaint form on the ESLS dedicated webpage (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/plan/iwESLS.htm) to enable local employees to lodge complaints against employers for suspected violations of the requirements of ESLS. Members of the public can continue to call the dedicated hotline of 2150 6363 to lodge complaints.
(ii) For applications of ESLS which thereafter pass the initial screening and will commence the four-week local recruitment process, the LD will display the names of applicant companies when publishing the job vacancies on the Interactive Employment Service website to encourage job seekers to apply for the jobs.
(iii) After an employer has submitted an ESLS application, other application(s) submitted by the same employer within the following six months will generally not be processed (except under exceptional circumstances, such as applications for renewal of imported workers' employment contracts).
(iv) The LD will launch a special inspection campaign to check whether establishments employing imported workers have continuously met the manning ratio requirement of full-time local employees to imported workers of 2:1. In parallel, the LD will, adopting a risk-based approach, require employers to report information on full-time local employees and imported workers as well as the relevant manning ratios. The LD will investigate any suspected violations. If substantiated, the LD will impose administrative sanctions on the employers.
A Government spokesman reiterated that the priority of the Government's manpower policy all along is to nurture the local workforce. On the premise of ensuring employment priority for local workers, the Government suitably allows employers to apply for importation of workers.
To ensure employment priority for local workers, applicant employers of the ESLS must undertake local open recruitment and give priority to employing qualified local workers to fill the vacancies at a salary not lower than the prevailing median monthly wage of a comparable position in the market. In parallel, employers approved to import workers are required to sign a Standard Employment Contract with imported workers and shall pay a salary not lower than the median monthly wage of a comparable position to prevent the imported workers from becoming "cheap labour" and undermining the employment opportunities of local workers.
The ESLS also requires employers not to displace local workers with imported workers. In the event of redundancy, imported workers should be retrenched first. If there is sufficient evidence to substantiate any violation of the requirement, the LD will impose administrative sanctions on the employers, including withdrawal of approvals for importation of labour previously granted and refusal to process other applications submitted by the employers in the following two years.
The LD will continue to closely monitor the local labour market, and from time to time review the operation and implementation arrangements of the ESLS, with a view to safeguarding employment priority for local workers.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/17/P2025061700328.htm.
Hong Kong Police Force launches Traffic Fixed Penalty Notices Digitalisation
The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) officially launched the digitalisation of Fixed Penalty Notices (penalty tickets) ("FPNs") on 15 June 2025. Penalty tickets for illegal parking and moving traffic offences will now be issued electronically. Additionally, the "eTraffic Ticket Platform" ("the Platform") thematic portal and mobile application have also been launched. Vehicle owners and drivers can now verify and manage penalty tickets conveniently.
The HKPF will issue electronic penalty tickets (ePTs) according to the verified e-contact means (ECM) submitted by offenders to the Transport Department – SMS tickets for those who have provided a Hong Kong mobile phone number, and email tickets for those who have provided an email address. The HKPF will continue to issue printed paper penalty tickets to those that have not submitted their verified ECMs.
At the initial stage of implementation, the HKPF adopts a "dual-track" transitional arrangement. Offenders will receive both ePTs and printed paper tickets, and they are only required to settle their fines using either one. As the "dual-track" arrangement is a transitional measure, members of the public are encouraged to use ePTs.
The HKPF has launched the Platform thematic portal (www.etrafficticket.gov.hk) and mobile application. Members of the public can view and verify penalty tickets, and settle their fines using electronic payment methods (e.g. Faster Payment System, credit cards, etc.) on the Platform. The HKPF has also updated the formats of penalty tickets to include new payment information and methods. For details, please refer to the attachment.
The HKPF also appeals to the public with the following anti-deception tips:
- All SMS tickets are issued under the SMS sender name "#HKPF-eTT". Therefore, if the purported SMS ticket was not sent under this sender name, it must be fake;
- All SMS or email tickets do not contain any hyperlinks. Members of the public should stay vigilant and avoid clicking on any suspicious hyperlinks or providing any personal information; and
- The Platform's thematic portal has a domain ending with ".gov.hk". Websites that do not end with ".gov.hk" are not government official websites.
The HKPF will monitor the progress of digitalising FPNs and public's adaptation over time. Feedback will be collected to evaluate the effectiveness of the "dual-track" arrangement and the future expansion of the Platform's functions.
For more details of the digitalisation of FPNs, please visit the Platform thematic portal or download its mobile application.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/15/P2025061500344.htm.
Government welcomes passage of Housing (Amendment) Bill 2025
The Government welcomed the passage of the Housing (Amendment) Bill 2025 by the LegCo on 11 June 2025, which seeks to combat tenancy abuse more effectively and thus ensure the prudent use of public housing resources.
The series of measures includes: (i) introducing new offences of serious tenancy abuse of public rental housing (PRH) flats; (ii) empowering authorised officers to demand personal details from suspects; and (iii) extending the limitation of time for prosecution of offences of false statements, refusal to furnish information and unlawful alienations. Meanwhile, the Amendment Ordinance also empowers the Director of Housing to specify the forms for fixed penalty notice and demand notice to enhance the efficiency and flexibility of the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) in combating unauthorised use of roads within housing estates.
The Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, said, ''Public housing is a precious social resource that must be allocated to those in genuine need and utilised in a reasonable manner. The series of measures to be implemented under the Amendment Ordinance reflects the Government's determination to combat abuse of PRH flats. The HA will continue to enhance its policies to ensure that public housing resources are focused on helping those in greatest need.''
The legislation as passed was gazetted on 20 June. The amendment empowering the Director of Housing to specify the forms of notices will come into operation upon gazettal. The other three new measures will take effect from 31 March 2026, onwards.
The HA will step up publicity efforts to ensure that PRH tenants and members of the public understand the contents of the new package of measures in combating PRH abuse.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/11/P2025061100640.htm.
Air Passenger Departure Tax Ordinance (Amendment of Second Schedule) Order 2025 gazetted
The Air Passenger Departure Tax Ordinance (Amendment of Second Schedule) Order 2025 was gazetted on 13 June 2025 to expand the scope of passengers to be exempted from paying the air passenger departure tax (APDT) under the Air Passenger Departure Tax Ordinance (Cap. 140) (the Ordinance).
The Ordinance currently allows certain classes of passengers to be exempted from payment of the APDT, including children under 12 years of age, direct transit or connecting flight passengers, passengers who arrive at and depart from Hong Kong by aircraft on the same day, and passengers who arrive at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) by vehicle via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge or by ship and subsequently depart from Hong Kong by aircraft while remaining within the restricted area at all times before departure, etc.
The 2025-26 Budget announced the increase of APDT from $120 to $200 per passenger. While the increase will only have a minimal impact on air passengers as it constitutes only a very small portion of the overall travelling cost of the general public and tourists, with a view to enhancing the competitiveness of HKIA, the Government, having considered the stakeholders' view, will expand the exemption scope under the Ordinance to include:
(1) passengers arriving at HKIA by aircraft and departing from HKIA by aircraft on the arrival day or on the following day (i.e. a maximum of 48 hours); and
(2) passengers arriving in Hong Kong through immigration controls by means other than by aircraft and departing from HKIA by aircraft on the arrival day or on the following day (i.e. a maximum of 48 hours), with an exclusionary provision incorporated to prevent people from making a brief return trip between Hong Kong and the Mainland or Macao deliberately so that they can be eligible for an exemption of the APDT.
The two new exemptions will take effect on 1 October 2025, together with the new tax rate of the APDT. Passengers arriving in Hong Kong on or after that day and meeting the exemption criteria will be exempted from the APDT. Based on air passenger traffic statistics in 2024, the two exemptions could benefit about 830 000 air transfer passengers and about 2.5 million intermodal transfer passengers annually, leading to a potential revenue foregone of about $670 million per year.
A Government spokesman said, "The new exemptions can help attract more passengers to use HKIA, thus consolidating Hong Kong's status as an international aviation hub. As there will be more transfer passengers' spending on hotel accommodation and local consumption during their stay, the exemptions are expected to bring about positive economic benefits."
The Government will engage the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) to handle refund applications centrally for all eligible passengers. The AA will set up a new e-application platform for passengers to apply for receiving the refund by cash at the airport or by other means, such as credit cards and electronic payment platforms.
The Order was tabled at the LegCo for negative vetting on 18 June 2025.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/11/P2025061100324.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.
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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.
Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund)
To support enterprises to develop the markets of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) through electronic commerce (e-commerce) business, the geographical coverage of “E-commerce Easy” was expanded to the 10 ASEAN countries on 14 March 2025.
The HKPC as the BUD Fund implementation partner regularly organises seminars/webinars in order to enhance enterprises’ understanding of the BUD Fund, including “Easy BUD” and “E-commerce Easy”. For more details of the BUD Fund, please visit its website (www.bud.hkpc.org/en) or contact the HKPC at 2788 6088.
Corruption Prevention Advisory Service (CPAS) of ICAC
A good governance system is vital for SMEs' effective operation, and can help sustain their company image and hence counterparts' confidence in doing business with them. The Corruption Prevention Department of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has launched the Corruption Prevention Advisory Service (CPAS). The CPAS is a specialised unit dedicated to providing tailor-made, free and confidential corruption prevention advice on system control in common business areas such as procurement and staff administration. Enterprises can access its user-friendly web portal (https://cpas.icac.hk/EN/) for details of the services and to get timely and useful resources on corruption prevention such as staff code of conduct, corruption prevention guides and tools, case studies, quick tips and red flags. To receive regular updates on corruption prevention, please click here to subscribe to the CPAS e-news.
Free IP Consultation Service
The IPD, supported by the Law Society of Hong Kong, now provides FREE One-On-One IP Consultation Service for SMEs. To obtain more information and/or apply for the Service, please visit IPD's dedicated website "Hong Kong – Regional IP Trading Centre": https://ip.gov.hk/en/home/consultation-service/index.html.
Business News
GDETO Newsletter
The latest issue of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong (GDETO) Newsletter has been published.
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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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