SUCCESS
E-newsletter
6 August 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
【Deception Is Illegal Apply for Funding Truthfully】
We have recently referred suspected fraud cases under the SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF) to the Police and arrests have been made.
The TID reviews all applications to ensure strict compliance with the Guide to Application and the relevant procedures in order to ensure proper use of public money. Any suspected provision of false information will be followed up on accordingly. It is the responsibility of an applicant enterprise to complete an Application Form timely and truthfully and to provide all genuine supporting documents. The TID will take administrative measures as deemed appropriate on party(ies) to an application for any malpractice unearthed in the application process. Serious cases will be referred to the law enforcement agencies for further action.
It is an offence in law to obtain property/pecuniary advantage by deception or assisting persons to obtain property/pecuniary advantage. Any person who does so may be liable to legal proceedings. Applicant enterprises are urged not to violate the law.
Enquiry
Tel: 2398 5127
Email: emf_enquiry@tid.gov.hk
Website: https://emf.tid.gov.hk
"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 second half of 2025 are "Exploration of New Market", "E-Commerce" and "Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)". An upcoming seminar under this series is listed below. Interested persons are welcome to register at the link shown therein. Admission is Free.
TecONE Talk: Empowering Industry for a Sustainable Tomorrow: Recycling Fund & Cleaner Production Partner Programme Overview (Seminar)
(This seminar will be held at Green Space, InnoCentre on 13 August 2025)
This seminar is held by the "TecOne" of the HKSTP. In this seminar, representatives from the Secretariats of the Recycling Fund and the Cleaner Production Partnership Programme will introduce relevant details and assessment criteria, followed by case-sharing from a successful applicant company of the Recycling Fund and a Project Management Committee Member of the Cleaner Production Partnership Programme, with a view to assisting SMEs in fully utilising government funding schemes to promote sustainable development. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese and English.)
More Details and Registration
SUCCESS-supported Activities
I. Unlock the Power of Tencent Cloud in 30 Minutes (Online Course)
(This course will be live-streamed on 12 August 2025)
This course is offered by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This online course will introduce the latest cloud computing trends, Tencent Cloud Certification and features and use cases of Tencent Cloud’s computing, storage, and networking solutions, with a view to assisting participants in gaining a comprehensive understanding of how cloud technology can enhance their careers. (This course will be conducted in English.)
More Details and Registration
II. Building a Talent Factory for Enterprises: Leveraging Talent Training to Support Business Development Strategies (Online Course)
(This course will be live-streamed on 2 September 2025)
This course is offered by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This online course will provide an in-depth introduction of the development trends, entry threshold and professional value of corporate training consultants of the corporate training industry. (This course will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration (in Chinese only)
III. 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
Intellectual Property Department: IP Training Programme “IP104 Arbitration and Mediation of IP disputes”
(This course will be held at the VTC Tower, Wan Chai on 14 August 2025)
This intellectual property (IP) course offered by the Intellectual Property Department aims to enhance the participants’ understanding of and promote the advantages of using arbitration and mediation in resolving IP related disputes. (The medium of instruction will be Cantonese, supplemented with English terms.)
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 course is waived for members of the Scheme. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the course.
More Details
Registration
Public consultation launched on renewal of domestic free television programme service licences (deadline: 30 September 2025)
The Communications Authority (CA) announced the commencement of a two-month public consultation on the applications for the renewal of domestic free television programme service (free TV) licences on 1 August 2025.
Members of the public may give their views through various means, including submitting views in writing by 30 September 2025 (by email: consultation-tv-2025@ofca.gov.hk, fax: 2507 2219 or mail to: Office of the Communications Authority (Attn: Broadcasting Section 33), 20/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong); and/or by participating in the TOPH which will be held on 20 September 2025. For the TOPH registration arrangements and the details of the licensees' services (including compliance records and investment plans), please visit the dedicated webpage on the CA’s website.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202508/01/P2025080100214.htm.
Radiation (Control of Irradiating Apparatus) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 gazetted
The Government published the Radiation (Control of Irradiating Apparatus) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 (Amendment Regulation) in the Gazette on 1 August 2025 to give effect to the amendments on the occupational eye lens dose limit endorsed by the Radiation Board of Hong Kong (RBHK). The new limit will take effect on 1 January 2026.
The Legislative Council (LegCo) approved on 30 July the Amendment Regulation made by the RBHK in accordance with the Radiation Ordinance (Cap. 303) upon stakeholder consultation, which lowers the occupational eye lens dose limit specified in the Radiation (Control of Irradiating Apparatus) Regulations (Cap. 303B) from 150 millisieverts in a year to 20 millisieverts in a year, averaged over defined periods of five years, with no single year exceeding 50 millisieverts.
The technical amendment aims to align with the latest international standard recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection, with a view to better protecting practitioners from developing radiation-induced cataracts. The Radiation Health Division of the Department of Health has earlier introduced a monitoring service on occupational eye lens radiation doses for local practitioners to assist the industry in complying with the new limit.
The RBHK is established under section 3 of the Radiation Ordinance to carry out functions in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance and its subsidiary legislations, including the adoption of statutory dose limits for persons employed in radiation work.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202508/01/P2025080100195.htm.
Government releases "Report on Hong Kong's Business Environment: Unique Strengths under 'One Country, Two Systems'"
The Government released the "Report on Hong Kong's Business Environment: Unique Strengths under 'One Country, Two Systems'" on 30 July 2025. The report provides all sectors of the community and Mainland and overseas investors with details on Hong Kong's latest developments and strengths, comprehensively showcasing Hong Kong's open, safe, stable, efficient and internationalised business environment. The report has been uploaded to the "Hong Kong Economy" website: www.hkeconomy.gov.hk/en/environment/index.htm.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202507/30/P2025073000631.htm.
Working Guidelines on the Panel of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Arbitrators officially promulgated and nomination exercise for GBA arbitrators (Hong Kong) commenced
The Working Guidelines on the Panel of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Arbitrators were jointly promulgated by the legal departments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao and came into effect on 30 July 2025. The nomination exercise for GBA arbitrators (Hong Kong), conducted according to the Working Guidelines, also commenced on the same day.
The legal systems of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao within the GBA are different. There are also differences in the arbitration models, systems and development among the three places. To promote the complementary advantages of arbitration resources and facilitate the interface of the arbitration mechanisms of the three places, the three places jointly agreed to establish the Panel of GBA Arbitrators. The sixth Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Legal Departments Joint Conference endorsed the Working Guidelines on 18 November 2024, setting out the operational details such as the criteria for the nomination of GBA arbitrators, nomination procedures for GBA arbitrators, the use of the Panel, and the supervisory regulations. The Working Guidelines are now available on the Department of Justice (DoJ)'s website.
To establish the Panel, the nomination exercise for GBA arbitrators (Hong Kong) commenced on 30 July 2025 in accordance with the Working Guidelines. Details of the nomination exercise are provided on the DoJ's website.
For enquiries, please contact the Alternative Dispute Resolution Team of the DoJ (email: arbitration@doj.gov.hk).
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202507/30/P2025073000270.htm.
Implementation of regulatory regime for stablecoin issuers
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) published the following documents for the implementation of the regulatory regime for stablecoin issuers on 29 July 2025:
The two sets of guidelines were also published in the Gazette on 1 August 2025. Following the implementation of the regulatory regime for stablecoin issuers under the Stablecoins Ordinance on 1 August 2025, the business of issuance of fiat-referenced stablecoins is a regulated activity in Hong Kong and a licence is required. Market participants are advised to observe the Stablecoins Ordinance and the relevant guidelines. For details in relation to the regulatory regime, please visit the HKMA’s website (https://www.hkma.gov.hk/eng/key-functions/international-financial-centre/stablecoin-issuers/).
Parties interested in applying for a licence are encouraged to contact the HKMA, via stablecoin_licensing@hkma.gov.hk by 31 August 2025 (Sunday), so that the HKMA may communicate regulatory expectations and provide feedback as appropriate.
While licensing will be an ongoing process, interested parties that consider themselves sufficiently ready and wish to be considered early should submit the application to the HKMA by 30 September 2025 (Tuesday).
The HKMA would like to remind market participants to exercise due caution in their public communications, as well as refrain from making statements that could be misinterpreted or create unrealistic expectations. Among other things, it is an offence under the Stablecoins Ordinance to falsely claim oneself as a licensee or an applicant.
As of 29 July 2025, no licence has been issued by the HKMA. In future, the public may refer to the register of licensed stablecoin issuers as shown on the HKMA’s website. Members of the public are advised to stay vigilant to any persons who claim to be regulated or licensed stablecoin issuers in Hong Kong, as well as those who claim to be applying for a licence. Members of the public who hold unlicensed stablecoins are at their own risk.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202507/29/P2025072900703.htm.
Funding schemes under Innovation and Technology Fund streamlined and consolidated
The Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) announced on 28 July 2025 the streamline and consolidation of funding schemes under the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) with a view to promoting new industrialisation and supporting the development of new quality productive forces in a more focused manner.
The ITC has been continuously enhancing the ITF to keep pace with social-economic developments and to inject impetus into the future development of the local innovation and technology ecosystem. Since the current-term Government took office in July 2022, the ITC has launched the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme and the New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme under the ITF, as well as established the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute. In addition, the current-term Government will soon launch the Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund, the Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme and the Pilot Manufacturing and Production Line Upgrade Support Scheme (Manufacturing+).
In order to more effectively support enterprises in seizing opportunities brought by new industrialisation to upgrade and transform through relevant funding schemes, the ITC has consolidated three funding schemes under the ITF which promote new industrialisation (namely the New Industrialisation Funding Scheme, the New Industrialisation and Technology Training Programme, and the Manufacturing+ to be launched in 2025) into the New Industrialisation Support Scheme. Under the new scheme, the objectives and modus operandi of the three schemes remain unchanged.
Furthermore, after reviewing the policy objectives and beneficiaries of the various funding schemes under the ITF, the ITC has streamlined and consolidated the following funding schemes:
(1) Consolidating the Research and Development Cash Rebate Scheme and the Innovation and Technology Support Programme (ITSP): Both funding schemes aim to support local research and development (R&D) centres, universities and other designated local public research institutes to collaborate with enterprises in conducting applied R&D projects with a view to transferring R&D outcomes to local industries, thereby assisting the industry to upgrade and transform, as well as to enhance its competitiveness. Given that the objectives and beneficiaries of the two funding schemes largely overlap, local public research institutes may continue to collaborate with enterprises for applied R&D projects through the ITSP after the consolidation measures take effect.
(2) Integrating the Patent Application Grant (PAG) into existing funding schemes: PAG aims to subsidise locally incorporated companies and Hong Kong permanent residents which/who have neither owned any patent nor received funding from PAG before to apply for patents for their own inventions. Given that existing R&D-related funding schemes under the ITF (namely ITSP, Mainland-Hong Kong Technology Cooperation Funding Scheme and Enterprise Support Scheme) have already been subsidising patent registration fees for R&D projects by universities, research institutions and enterprises, the ITC considers that PAG has achieved its goal of fostering a patent development culture in Hong Kong.
The consolidation of resources, adjustments to funding ceilings and ratios for the aforementioned funding schemes took effect from 1 August 2025, at 0.00am. Relevant details are available in the Annex. Together with the streamlining measures previously reported by the ITC to the Panel on Commerce, Industry, Innovation and Technology of the LegCo, the number of funding schemes under ITF is 10 after the consolidation.
Details of the aforementioned funding schemes are available on the ITF website (www.itf.gov.hk). For enquiries, please contact the secretariats of the schemes (tel: 3655 5678; email: enquiry@itf.gov.hk).
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202507/28/P2025072800457.htm.
Gas Safety (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 gazetted
The Government gazetted on 25 July 2025 the Gas Safety (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 (the Ordinance).
A spokesman for the Environment and Ecology Bureau said, "The Ordinance amends the definition of 'gas' under the Gas Safety Ordinance (Cap. 51) to bring 'regulated hydrogen' used or intended to be used as fuel to propel vehicles, trains, machinery, etc under the regulatory framework of the Gas Safety Ordinance. This Ordinance establishes a regulatory framework governing the importation, manufacture, storage, transport, supply and use of hydrogen that is used or intended to be used as fuel."
The Ordinance empowers the Chief Executive in Council to make regulations in relation to "regulated hydrogen" and its relevant matters. The Government will introduce subsidiary legislation on the regulation of "regulated hydrogen" into the LegCo for negative vetting within 2026. The Ordinance and the relevant subsidiary legislation will come into effect on the same day. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department will consult the trade on the proposed subsidiary legislation to ensure that the relevant regulations could effectively assure the safe use of hydrogen in Hong Kong.
The spokesman added, "The relevant subsidiary legislation will cover the entire supply chain of 'regulated hydrogen' to provide a clear legal framework and stable regulatory environment for the local hydrogen energy industry, enabling both local and international investors to develop hydrogen-related businesses in Hong Kong with greater confidence."
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202507/25/P2025072400698.htm.
Scheme of Smart and Green Mass Transit System in Kai Tak gazetted
The Government published in the Gazette on 25 July 2025 the scheme for the Smart and Green Mass Transit System in Kai Tak (SGMTS-KT) in accordance with the Railways Ordinance (Cap. 519).
The SGMTS-KT is about 3.5 kilometres long with six stations. The termini will be connected to the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and MTR Kai Tak Station respectively, with intermediate stations at Shing King Street, Kai Tak Sky Garden, Shing Fung Road Park and Kai Tak Sports Park, serving a population and visitors of around 50 000 residing and working in the area.
A Government spokesman said, "The SGMTS-KT will connect the former runway area of Kai Tak to the existing MTR Kai Tak Station, strengthening the connectivity among residential and commercial developments as well as tourism, cultural and recreational, sports and community facilities within the area, while connecting with the existing railway network. To be operated in elevated mode and separated from at-grade traffic, the system will not be affected by road traffic conditions. Depending on the system to be adopted eventually, the estimated journey time from the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to MTR Kai Tak Station will be about 10 minutes."
The Government has collected public views on the SGMTS-KT earlier through multiple channels, including consultations with the Kowloon City District Council and the Task Force on Kai Tak Harbourfront Development of the Harbourfront Commission, and exchanging views with relevant LegCo Members and stakeholders. It is targeted to award the contract in 2026 with a view to commissioning the system in 2031.
Under the Railways Ordinance, members of the public may object to the scheme in relation to the SGMTS-KT from 25 July until 23 September 2025. Additionally, any person who has a compensable interest can claim compensation under the provisions of the Ordinance.
The scheme and relevant plans are viewable on the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) website (www.cedd.gov.hk/eng/our-projects/major-projects/index.html). They are also available for public inspection during office hours at the Central & Western Home Affairs Enquiry Centre; the Kowloon City Home Affairs Enquiry Centre; and the District Lands Office, Kowloon East. A copy of the scheme and the plans may be purchased from the CEDD. For details, please call the CEDD at 3842 7116.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202507/25/P2025072400724.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.
Hong Kong Business Ethics Development Centre of the ICAC
The Hong Kong Business Ethics Development Centre (HKBEDC), established under the auspices of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), is dedicated to assisting SMEs in enhancing staff’s knowledge and capabilities in preventing corruption, strengthening internal control mechanisms, and practising integrity management. Through the promotion of business and professional ethics, HKBEDC provides anti-corruption training and a variety of online resources to help SMEs cultivate integrity and build trusting relationships with their customers.
The first e-newsletter of HKBEDC is now available. It features highlights of the 30th anniversary of HKBEDC, updates on the latest development of the ICAC and Hong Kong’s probity situation. This information helps businesses stay informed about Hong Kong’s clean and fair business environment. In addition, businesses are welcome to visit HKBEDC’s dedicated webpage for SMEs and startups, which offers insights into common corruption risks in the business sector, practical corruption prevention tips and useful resources to support SMEs.
HKBEDC now sincerely invites businesses to subscribe to its e-alert to receive regular updates and work together to promote a clean business culture.
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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