SUCCESS
E-newsletter
3 September 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
【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” 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.
Exploration of New Market: Strategies for Hong Kong brands expanding into the Middle East (Seminar)
(This seminar will be held at Trade and Industry Tower on 17 September 2025)
This seminar is held by the “SUCCESS” of the TID. In this seminar, an expert will explain the market dynamics as well as the policies and regulations in the Middle East, including the characteristics and challenges of local brand marketing, with a view to assisting Hong Kong SMEs in leveraging the advantages of Hong Kong’s professionalism and credibility to establish their brands in the Middle East market and create new opportunities for business expansion. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration
SUCCESS-supported Activities
I. “Play 4 Performance” Team Building Activity Corporate Experience Day 2025
(This event will be held at HKPC Building on 4 September 2025)
This event is organised by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This corporate experience day will showcase the latest gamified training solutions, as well as innovative and high value-added team-building activities. (This event will be conducted in Cantonese)
More Details and Registration
II. LogTech Expo 2025
(This event will be held at InnoCentre on 19 September 2025)
This event is organised by the HKPC and funded under the Logistics Promotion Funding Scheme (LPFS) of the Maritime and Aviation Training Fund launched by the Transport and Logistics Bureau. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. The event will showcase innovations in logistics and transportation technology and explore critical topics such as the New Productive Forces, Low Altitude Economy, ESG and sustainability, Transport and Logistics, and Smart Supply Chain Management, aiming to support the logistics industry in its upgrading and transformation towards smart and green logistics.
More Details and Registration
III. Boosting and Motiving Gen Z Employees (Online Course)
(This course will be live-streamed on 15 October 2025)
This course is offered by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This online course will explore the tips for harnessing autonomy and trust to boost Gen Z’s intrinsic motivation in the workplace. (This course will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration
Intellectual Property Department: IP Training Programmes “IP102 IP Management and Protection in the Mainland” and “IP201 Generative AI - IP concept and Legal Considerations”
(IP102 will be live-streamed and held at the VTC Tower, Wan Chai on 11 September 2025)
(IP201 will be live- streamed and held at the VTC Tower, Wan Chai on 24 October 2025)
These two intellectual property (IP) courses offered by the Intellectual Property Department are now open for registration here.
“IP102 IP Management and Protection in the Mainland” aims to introduce the registration procedures, protection mechanisms, management strategies and enforcement actions of different IP rights in the Mainland, allowing participants to fully grasp the fundamental knowledge of the Mainland IP system. (The medium of instruction will be Cantonese, supplemented with English terms.)
“IP201 Generative AI - IP concept and Legal Considerations” aims to introduce the involvement of IP in the Generative AI, allowing participants to understand the relevant IP concept, the potential legal issues associated with Generative AI and how to protect IP rights in the age of AI. (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 courses is waived for members of the Scheme. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the respective training course.
Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme invites new round of applications (deadline: 30 November 2025)
The Main Programme under the Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme (PASS) is inviting a new round of applications for project proposals starting 1 September 2025 from non-profit-distributing organisations such as professional bodies, trade and industrial organisations and research institutes.
PASS, with a total allocation of $200 million, aims at funding non-profit-making industry-led projects to increase exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong's professional services and external counterparts, promote relevant publicity activities, and enhance the standards and external competitiveness of Hong Kong's professional services.
The maximum grant for each approved project under the Main Programme of PASS is $3 million or 90 per cent of the total eligible project cost, whichever is lower. A wide range of professional services, such as accounting, legal and dispute resolution, architecture, engineering, healthcare, information and communications technology, design and technical testing and analysis, are eligible for the Main Programme. Sector-specific projects and cross-sectoral projects are both welcome. Expenses directly incurred for implementing a project, such as manpower costs, venue and set-up costs, production and promotion costs, and the project team and active participants' travel and accommodation costs outside Hong Kong, are typically eligible for funding support under the Scheme. Funding support may also be provided for travel and accommodation costs incurred by participants of relatively longer professional internships or attachment programmes outside Hong Kong which are funded by the Main Programme.
Up to early August 2025, more than 120 projects had been funded under the Main Programme, including project deliverables in and outside Hong Kong. The deliverables include capacity-building programmes for enhancing the standards of local professionals, such as training programmes, workshops and study tours; outreach and promotional activities for showcasing the strengths of Hong Kong's professional services, such as roadshows, promotional seminars and participation in exhibitions outside Hong Kong; exchange activities for deepening interaction between Hong Kong professionals and their external counterparts, such as visits to other economies and international conferences and seminars held in Hong Kong; and research projects on potential external markets for Hong Kong professional services and development of best practice guidelines and manuals for professionals. Details about the Main Programme and its funded projects are available at www.pass.gov.hk/main/en/home.
Furthermore, with a view to stepping up the promotion of Hong Kong's competitive edges and professional services to the Mainland and overseas markets, $50 million has been set aside for the Professionals Participation Subsidy Programme (PSP) under PASS to subsidise Hong Kong major professional bodies to participate in relevant activities organised by the Government (such as Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council after the pandemic situation has stabilised. Details of the PSP and its list of activities are available at www.pass.gov.hk/psp. Hong Kong professionals from the eligible professional sectors under PASS may make use of the PSP subsidy to join the relevant activities.
The Main Programme and the PSP receive applications for project and activity proposals all year round, and they are processed on a quarterly basis. The deadline for the new round of applications is 30 November 2025. A briefing session will be held on 26 September 2025 for organisations interested in applying for the PASS funding. One-on-one consultations are also available upon request for discussing preliminary project ideas or projects in the planning stage. To register for the briefing session, schedule a consultation, or for other enquiries, please contact the PASS Secretariat at 3655 5418 or pass@cedb.gov.hk.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202509/01/P2025090100487.htm.
SWD invites applications for IT schemes for persons with disabilities (deadline: 3 October 2025)
The Social Welfare Department (SWD) is inviting applications from eligible persons or organisations for the IT Scheme for People with Visual Impairment (10th Round) and the Central Fund for Personal Computers (52nd Round) from 1 September until 3 October 2025.
The IT Scheme for People with Visual Impairment supports non-profit-making organisations providing services or schooling for people with visual impairment (PVI) and tertiary institutions to acquire advanced Chinese screen readers, Braille displays and accessories/portable devices to enable PVI to browse the Internet, and to subsidise individual PVI with financial difficulties to purchase these assistive devices for meeting their needs on studying or employment.
Eligible organisations may lodge their applications by completing the designated forms. Eligible persons are required to apply through nominations by non-governmental organisations operating subvented rehabilitation services, the student affairs offices of local tertiary institutions, principals of local secondary/primary schools, or the Selective Placement Division of the Labour Department (LD).
The Central Fund for Personal Computers aims to assist persons with disabilities in acquiring the necessary computer facilities for self-employment or receiving supported employment services at home. Applicants must be receiving services from rehabilitation service organisations or the Selective Placement Division of the LD. Applications should be submitted through the nominating organisations.
The SWD has issued invitations to the relevant organisations for making nominations and applications. Details and application forms of the two schemes are available on the SWD's website (www.swd.gov.hk/en/pubsvc/rehab/cat_fundtrustfinaid) and CyberAble.net (cyberable.swd.gov.hk/en/index.html). For enquiries, please call 3586 3594 or email mcorenq@swd.gov.hk.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202509/01/P2025090100277.htm.
Judiciary to launch e-Apostille service
The Registrar of the High Court, as the Competent Authority of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Apostille Convention, starts to issue e-Apostille on 1 September 2025, providing an optional alternative to the existing paper-based process.
With the e-Apostille service, users can submit applications, make payments, and collect apostilled documents electronically without having to come to the Apostille Service Office, hence enjoying the convenience of e-services anytime, anywhere.
"The new e-Apostille service has been developed with reference to the good practices recommended by the Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law in respect of the Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents," a spokesman for the Judiciary said.
"The implementation of the e-Apostille service will be rolled out in phases. With immediate effect, the e-Apostille service will be available for applications through registered users of notaries public in Hong Kong. At a later stage, it will be extended to cover public documents issued by government officers whose particulars are kept at the Apostille Service Office," the spokesman added.
All Apostilles issued in Hong Kong on or after 1 September 2014, are available for verification through the e-Register service at www.judiciary.hk/en/court_services_facilities/apostille_verification.html.
For more information on the operation of the apostille service in Hong Kong, please visit the dedicated webpage (www.judiciary.hk/en/court_services_facilities/apostille.html) on the Judiciary's website.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202509/01/P2025090100205.htm.
Hong Kong signs MOU with Saudi Arabia on Belt and Road collaboration
The Belt and Road Office (BRO) and the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 29 August 2025 to enhance information exchange in relation to the fields of infrastructure and construction, and for MISA to provide support to related professional services in Hong Kong to access the Saudi Arabian market.
Witnessed by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and the Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia, Mr Khalid Al-Falih, the MOU was signed by the Commissioner for Belt and Road, Mr Nicholas Ho, and the Assistant Deputy for Services Sectors of the MISA, Mr Fahad M Alhashem.
"I led a high-level Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delegation to Saudi Arabia in 2023, strengthening the foundation for the long-term development of Hong Kong businesses in the Middle East region. This MOU marks another significant milestone in the collaboration between the two sides under the Belt and Road Initiative (B&RI), especially as it is the first of its kind signed between Hong Kong and an overseas economy in this area of co-operation. As a leading international hub for finance, shipping and trade that is fast-rising as an international innovation and technology centre, Hong Kong is well positioned to support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. Our professional services, ranging from finance, technology and architecture to engineering and legal services, could contribute significantly to the development of signature projects in Saudi Arabia and beyond. I am confident that this MOU will further strengthen the bilateral ties between the two economies," Mr Lee said.
Under the MOU, the MISA would provide information on infrastructure and construction projects to Hong Kong and seek to overcome obstacles that Hong Kong companies may face in accessing the Saudi Arabian market, while BRO would share information on Hong Kong's professional services with the MISA, with a view to utilising each other's platform for investment promotion, tendering and fundraising.
Apart from signing the MOU, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia are negotiating an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, which aims to protect, enhance and open investment and helps strengthen investor confidence and increase bilateral investment flows for boosting closer economic relations between the two places.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202508/29/P2025082900742.htm.
HKSARG sets up Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk and "iAM Smart" self-registration kiosk in Zhaoqing
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is collaborating with Guangdong Province to promote the Cross-boundary Public Services initiative. The Digital Policy Office (DPO) announced on 29 August 2025 the setting up of a Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk in Zhaoqing, enabling residents and enterprises in Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) to access public services of Hong Kong without the need to travel to Hong Kong in person.
Following installation of the self-service kiosks earlier in Guangzhou, Qianhai and Futian in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Huizhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan and Jiangmen, the Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk in Zhaoqing also provides around 80 public services from 14 government bureaux and departments as well as related organisations, encompassing areas commonly used by enterprises and the public. These include taxation, company registration, property and vehicle enquiry and registration, application for personal identification documents and entry of talent, welfare and education, healthcare, immigration clearance, urgent assistance, culture and tourism as well as voter registration. Members of the public can use the self-service kiosks to perform data entry, document scanning and result printing to enjoy one-stop access when applying for various public services.
Starting from 29 August, the public can use the Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk located on 1/F, Zhaoqing Government Service Center, to access various public services of Hong Kong. The opening hours of the kiosk in the center are 8.30am to noon and 2.30pm to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays on the Mainland).
An "iAM Smart" self-registration kiosk is also set up at the Zhaoqing center to enable Hong Kong residents working and living on the Mainland to register for "iAM Smart+" and directly use the "iAM Smart" mobile app to access about 1,300 online services provided by the Government and public and private organisations, as well as government e-Forms such as eMPF registration, renewal of vehicle licences, applications for International Driving Permits and eHealth registration, etc.
The Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosks and "iAM Smart" self-registration kiosks have achieved full coverage across the nine Mainland cities of the GBA. The DPO will continue to work closely with the Guangdong Provincial Administration of Government Service and Data to further enhance the Cross-boundary Public Services initiative, with a view to coping with the demands of residents and enterprises in the GBA for Hong Kong public services.
For details, please visit the Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services website at www.crossboundaryservices.gov.hk/en/home/index.html and the "iAM Smart" thematic website at www.iamsmart.gov.hk/en/reg.html.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202508/29/P2025082900352.htm.
Gazettal of legal notices for onboarding of Mandatory Provident Fund scheme to eMPF Platform
To prepare for the onboarding of Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) scheme to the eMPF Platform, the Government published in the Gazette the following legal notices on 29 August 2025:
(i) the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (Specification of Dates for Purposes of Section 19M(2)(a)) (Amendment) (No. 5) Notice 2025 (Mandatory Use (Amendment) (No. 5) Notice 2025); and
(ii) the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (Appointment of Dates for Purposes of Section 19U(4)) (Amendment) (No. 5) Notice 2025, the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (Appointment of Dates for Purposes of Section 19Y(3)) (Amendment) (No. 5) Notice 2025, and the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (Appointment of Dates for Purposes of Section 19Z(4)) (Amendment) (No. 5) Notice 2025 (collectively Fee Control (Amendment) (No. 5) Notices 2025).
The Mandatory Use (Amendment) (No. 5) Notice 2025 specifies 3 October 2025, as "material day" for the Sun Life Rainbow MPF Scheme administered by the Sun Life Trustee Company Limited (Sun Life), such that Sun Life is mandated to use the eMPF Platform to perform scheme administration functions in relation to this MPF scheme. On cost savings and fee-setting of MPF scheme to be charged by MPF trustee on scheme members, the Fee Control (Amendment) (No. 5) Notices 2025 appoint 3 January 2026, as "material day" for the constituent funds of the MPF scheme mentioned above, such that Sun Life is mandated to make corresponding reduction in its fees charged on scheme members in relation to the constituent funds of this MPF scheme.
Relevant legal notices for the remaining MPF schemes will be published in the Gazette when the respective onboarding dates are ascertained having regard to the onboarding preparation status of the MPF trustees concerned.
If scheme members/employers have any question regarding the detailed operation of the eMPF Platform, they may visit the Platform's official website (empf.org.hk), or call the Platform's customer service hotline (183 2622).
The aforementioned legal notices will be tabled at the Legislative Council (LegCo) for negative vetting on 10 September 2025.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202508/29/P2025082800262.htm.
TID launches Mentorship Programme (Branding and E-commerce Development)
The Mentorship Programme (Branding and E-commerce Development) organised by the SUCCESS of the TID was officially launched on 28 August 2025. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, and the Director-General of Trade and Industry, Mr Aaron Liu, officiated at the inauguration ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Yau said that the Government has been actively encouraging and supporting local enterprises, particularly SMEs, to develop e-commerce business, while also promoting the development of Hong Kong brands, which have always been trusted and loved by consumers, and are very competitive in local, Mainland and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) markets.
He noted that the Mentorship Programme launched by the TID caters specifically for the needs of SMEs. By assigning a dedicated mentor who will offer specific advice to each mentee, the Programme will enhance support for SMEs in developing their own brands and leveraging the advantages of Hong Kong brands to seize business opportunities brought about by global cross-border e-commerce, in particular the vast domestic sales markets on the Mainland and in ASEAN markets.
With a view to promoting the continuous development of SMEs, the one-year Mentorship Programme (Branding and E-commerce Development) aims at encouraging and enhancing support for SMEs in branding and expanding e-commerce sales networks for developing Mainland and/or ASEAN markets. In addition to mentorships, the Programme comprises theoretical and practical components. Mentees will learn about the latest developments in branding and e-commerce through seminars/workshops and will have the opportunity to apply the theory learned in real-world practice.
The Mentorship Programme has received support from the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Chinese Importers' and Exporters' Association, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, the Hong Kong Commerce and Industry Associations, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Small and Medium Business, the Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Association, the HKTDC, "SME One" and "SME ReachOut" of the HKPC and "TecONE" of the HKSTP, in nominating mentors and SME mentees, and providing activities for mentees.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202508/28/P2025082800291.htm.
Sponsors sought for 2026 Chinese New Year Fireworks Display (deadline: 18 September 2025)
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department is inviting organisations that wish to sponsor the 2026 Chinese New Year Fireworks Display to submit applications on or before 18 September 2025 (Thursday).
The fireworks display will be held on 18 February 2026 (Wednesday).
Applications should be submitted to the Secretariat of the Fireworks Vetting Committee (Address: Community Programmes Office, Leisure and Cultural Services Department, 8/F, Queen Elizabeth Stadium, 18 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong).
Further enquiries can be made at 2591 1382.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202508/28/P2025082700648.htm.
Beat Drugs Fund invites applications for 2025 Funding Exercise of Regular Funding Scheme (deadline: 23 September 2025)
The Beat Drugs Fund (BDF) Regular Funding Scheme (RFS) is inviting applications for the 2025 Funding Exercise from 26 August until 23 September 2025.
The BDF RFS aims to promote worthwhile anti-drug projects that can help address drug problems. For the 2025 Funding Exercise of the RFS, projects meeting one or multiple priority areas (see Annex) for treatment and rehabilitation, preventive education and publicity, and research will be accorded priority.
The application form and guide for applicants for the 2025 Funding Exercise of the BDF RFS are available on the website of the Narcotics Division (ND) of the Security Bureau (https://www.nd.gov.hk/en/beat_drug_fund_2025.html). The deadline for application is 6pm on 23 September. For details of guidelines on the submission of applications, please refer to paragraph 7 of the Guide to the 2025 Funding Exercise of the BDF RFS or pages 9 and 10 of the application form.
The BDF will also arrange two briefing and experience sharing sessions on 29 August and 9 September for interested applicants. Details can be found on the website of the ND (https://www.nd.gov.hk/en/beat_briefing_experience_sharing_sessions.html). Representatives of interested organisations may enrol by providing the required information as set out in the website through email to the Secretariat (bdf@sb.gov.hk). The Secretariat will inform the successful applicants via email nearer the time.
Enquiries are welcome by telephone at 2867 2769 or 2867 2286; or via email to bdf@sb.gov.hk.
Results of applications for the 2025 Funding Exercise are expected to be announced in the first quarter of 2026.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202508/26/P2025082500331.htm.
Court users may use integrated Court Case Management System for commercial cases, construction and arbitration cases, and intellectual property cases in High Court
The Judiciary announced that starting from 29 August 2025, the integrated Court Case Management System (iCMS) will be extended to cover commercial cases (HCCL), construction and arbitration cases (HCCT), and intellectual property cases (HCIP) in the Court of First Instance of the High Court to allow court users to handle filing and payments electronically.
Eligible users need to register for a user account to access the full range of services under the iCMS. They include parties of ongoing or new e-proceedings and their legal representatives (if any), the Hong Kong Bar Association, the Law Society of Hong Kong, law firms, government departments, law enforcement agencies and statutory bodies. Registration is free of charge.
Unregistered members of the public may also use certain types of iCMS services, mainly related to searching for electronic documents that are open to public inspection.
For more details about the iCMS, including its technical requirements, please visit the dedicated webpage on e-Courts of the Judiciary website at www.judiciary.hk/en/e_courts/index.html.
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/202508/25/P2025082500525.htm.
Jointly funded projects under Mainland-Hong Kong Technology Cooperation Funding Scheme open for application (deadline: 13 October 2025)
The Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) is inviting applications for jointly funded projects under the Mainland-Hong Kong Technology Cooperation Funding Scheme (MHKTCFS) from 25 August until 13 October 2025.
All applications must fit the specific themes/topics and must be submitted simultaneously by the Hong Kong and Mainland applicant organisations. The two themes/topics are:
(1) Ageing biotechnology and engineering: Innovative medicine for improving elderly health, smart health technologies and rehabilitation medical devices for seniors; and
(2) Low-altitude flight system technology: Low-altitude infrastructure construction and low-altitude aircraft technology.
An ITC spokesman said, "The topics selected for this project call focus on gerontechnology and low-altitude flight technology, providing a technical foundation for developing the silver economy and low-altitude economy."
The MHKTCFS aims to encourage research and development (R&D) collaboration among universities, research institutes and technology enterprises in Mainland China and Hong Kong. Applications must be submitted simultaneously by the Hong Kong and Mainland institutions to the ITC and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) respectively, and the R&D work must be conducted in both places and involve co-operation between the two places. The ITC and the MOST will provide funding to the Hong Kong and Mainland applicant organisations respectively and will monitor project progress according to their own requirements.
Further information on the MHKTCFS is available on the Innovation and Technology Fund (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/202508/25/P2025082500533.htm.
New round of enhancement measures and implementation arrangements for "M" Mark System
The Government announced on 24 August 2025 a new round of enhancement measures of the "M" Mark System and its implementation arrangements.
The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) and the Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC) have reviewed and concluded the experiences and outcome of the enhancement measures implemented in April 2023, and announced measures to further enhance "M" Mark System. By refining the vetting criteria and funding mechanism, the new round of refined measures aims to optimise the use of resources and maximise the benefits of government funding. At the same time, it ensures the quality and attractiveness of "M" Mark events, strengthens events' appeal to spectators and visitors as well as enhances economic benefits.
The new round of enhancement measures of the "M" Mark System are as follows:
(1) Adjusting the vetting criteria to provide funding support in accordance with the vetting result of individual events
(2) Adjusting selection criteria
(3) Enhancing vetting procedures and application requirements
(4) Strengthening monitoring and reporting mechanisms
The above enhancement measures will apply to all applications received after 15 September 2025. For details of the "M" Mark events and the latest application guidelines, please visit www.mevents.org.hk/en/application.php.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202508/24/P2025082400642.htm.
Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 to take effect on 1 April 2026
A Government spokesman said on 21 August 2025 that the Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 (Amendment Regulation) was passed by the LegCo by negative vetting on 20 August to strengthen the regulation of prepackaged konjac-containing jelly confectionery.
The Amendment Regulation will take effect on 1 April 2026, prohibiting the sale of mini-cup konjac-containing jelly confectionery with a height or width not exceeding 45 millimetres in the market. In addition, other prepackaged konjac jelly products must be labelled with choking warning statements on their packaging to remind consumers to exercise caution during consumption.
While the Codex Alimentarius Commission considers konjac a safe food additive, the unique product design and firm texture of mini-cup konjac jellies can increase the risk of choking if consumed improperly, particularly for children and the elderly. The Government has been promoting health education messages on the prevention of food choking through various channels, including advice against directly sucking mini-cup konjac-containing jelly confectionery.
The new regulatory requirements are:
(i) Jelly confectionery that is prepackaged food and that is packed in a mini-cup-shaped container must not contain konjac if the height or width of the container does not exceed 45mm; and
(ii) The outermost layer of packaging for the sale of jelly confectionery that is prepackaged food and that contains konjac must be clearly and legibly marked with the following words in both Chinese and English -
"Caution: Do not swallow whole. Elderly and children must consume under supervision."
「注意：勿一口吞食，長者及兒童須在監護下食用。」
The above words must be marked in a conspicuous position on the packaging. They must be underlined and marked in dark colour on a light-coloured background or in light colour on a dark-coloured background; or marked in red text on a white or yellow background.
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has worked with relevant stakeholders to enhance health education on choking prevention, including issuing letters to schools, organising seminars, and sharing information on social media.
The CFS has developed a set of guidelines on the new regulatory requirements for the trade and will hold a technical meeting with the trade later to facilitate their understanding of and compliance with the new requirements.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202508/21/P2025082000606.htm.
Government stresses that telehealth services should be provided by qualified healthcare professionals in accordance with professional guidelines
Regarding the Consumer Council's study findings on "Enhancing Governance in Telehealth: Fostering Consumer Trust and Innovation", the Health Bureau stated on 20 August 2025 that to ensure healthcare quality and safety and to safeguard citizen’s health, the Government's long-standing position is that any kind of medical service (including in-person consultations or telehealth services) should be provided by qualified healthcare professionals, whose delivery is governed by the regulatory boards and councils of relevant healthcare professions. Such healthcare professionals bear professional responsibility and must act in the interest of patients. Their standard of practice must not be compromised based on the service mode (whether by means of in-person consultations or telehealth services).
Currently, the Medical Council of Hong Kong and the Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board under the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong have already promulgated guidelines for the telehealth practice, covering operational issues such as establishing a doctor-patient relationship, evaluating patients' suitability for telehealth services, obtaining informed consent and protecting patient privacy.
Telehealth services allow citizens to access healthcare services without leaving their homes; however, they may not be suitable for all scenarios particularly when patients may need on-site clinical examinations for accurate diagnosis and treatment. This involves the professional judgment of healthcare professionals. The Government will ensure that the boards and councils of various healthcare professions would formulate and update specific telehealth guidelines in a timely manner based on their professional practice and operational needs, with a view to protecting the interests of patients and healthcare professionals. When seeking medical services, members of the public should ascertain that the service provider is a qualified healthcare professional to safeguard their own safety and interests. In case of complaints against the telehealth services provided by healthcare professionals, the public may contact the regulatory boards and councils of relevant healthcare professions.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202508/20/P2025082000633.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.
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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