SUCCESS-supported Activities

I. AI and Picture Book Art Education: 30-Minute Guide to Using AI to Cultivate Children's Future Core Competencies, Starting with Picture Book Reading! (Online Course)

(This course will be live-streamed on 10 February 2026)

This course is offered by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations.  This online course will explore how to utilise artificial intelligence (AI) technology as a supporting tool to transform traditional picture book education, reducing the burden on parents and teachers and simultaneously enhancing children's learning experiences. (This course will be conducted in Cantonese.)

More Details and Registration (in Chinese only)

II. AI-Driven Business Marketing Upgrade Workshop (Online Course)

(This course will be live-streamed on 26 February 2026)

This course is offered by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations.  This online course will demonstrate how to leverage AI-driven digital marketing transformation to help SMEs rapidly enhance work efficiency and achieve higher return on investment (ROI). (This course will be conducted in Cantonese.)

More Details and Registration (in Chinese only)

Labour Department invites employers to join the Good Employer Charter 2026

The Labour Department (LD) launches the Good Employer Charter 2026 featuring the theme of “Work-Family Balance, Together Strive For Brilliance”, which targets to encourage and recognise employers who provide flexible and diversified family-friendly employment practices in response to the family need of their employees (including working parents who need to take care of young children) to alleviate the pressures associated with caregiving responsibilities. LD welcomes participation from all local private organisations, public bodies, employers’ associations/ trade unions/ professional bodies and non-governmental organisations/ social enterprises/ educational institutions in Hong Kong.

Good Employer Charter 2026 is now open for enrolment.  The deadline for submission is 31 May 2026.  Please visit the thematic website of the Good Employer Charter (www.gec.labour.gov.hk) for details.

More Details and Download Enrolment Form

Hong Kong's Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement with Türkiye enters into force

Hong Kong's Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement (CDTA) with Türkiye signed in September 2024 came into force on 30 January 2026 after both parties completed the relevant ratification procedures. This CDTA will be applicable to Hong Kong tax for the years of assessment beginning on or after 1 April 2027.

A Government spokesman said, "Under this CDTA, companies and residents of Hong Kong and Türkiye will not have to pay tax twice on a single source of income. It will allow them to have certainty on tax liabilities and save tax when they engage in cross-border business activities, thus helping to promote bilateral trade and investment.

"Hong Kong has signed CDTAs with 55 tax jurisdictions, with 51 of them already in force, including that with Türkiye."

The CDTA with Türkiye is now available on the Hong Kong e-Legislation website.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202601/30/P2026012900461.htm.

Government launches Pilot Innovation and Technology Accelerator Scheme to attract professional I&T enterprise service providers to set up accelerator bases (deadline: 30 April 2026)

The Innovation and Technology Commission on 29 January 2026 launched the Pilot Innovation and Technology Accelerator Scheme (PITAS) to provide funding support for innovation and technology (I&T) enterprise service providers to set up accelerator bases in Hong Kong. Eligible I&T enterprise service providers are welcome to apply. Applications will be accepted from 29 January 2026 to 30 April 2026.

"The Chief Executive announced the $180 million Pilot Innovation and Technology Accelerator Scheme in his Policy Address, which aims to attract more professional start-up service providers with proven track records in and beyond Hong Kong to set up accelerator bases in Hong Kong and, through their business networks and experience, support the development and needs of start-ups in a more comprehensive and targeted manner," a spokesman for the Commission said.

Under PITAS, the Government will provide funding support on a one‑to‑two matching basis between the Government and the service provider to cover the necessary expenditure for establishing and operating an I&T accelerator to a ceiling subsidy of $30 million. The Commission has set up the Assessment Committee, comprising members with extensive experience in technology and business development to assess applications. Assessment criteria include the experience of I&T enterprise service providers, operational models, capital and resources, quality of the management and project teams, and benefits to the I&T ecosystem in Hong Kong.

Details are available at the Innovation and Technology Fund website (www.itf.gov.hk/en/funding-programmes/supporting-start-ups/pitas). For enquiries, please contact the Secretariat of PITAS (Tel: 3543 5904; email: pitas@itc.gov.hk).

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202601/29/P2026012900339.htm.

Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement between Hong Kong and Türkiye enters into force

The Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) signed between Hong Kong and Türkiye entered into force on 4 February 2026, following the fulfilment of relevant internal requirements by both sides.

Under the IPPA, the two governments undertake to provide investors of the other side with, among others, fair, equitable and non-discriminatory treatment of their investments, compensation in the event of expropriation of investments, and the right to free transfers abroad of investments and returns. The IPPA also provides for the settlement of investment disputes under internationally accepted rules, including arbitration.
      
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, said, "By giving additional assurance of the protection of investment, the IPPA will enhance the confidence of investors and expand investment flows between Hong Kong and Türkiye, benefitting the economic development of the two places."
   
"The Government is dedicated to expanding Hong Kong's global economic and trade networks and has been actively seeking to sign IPPAs or free trade agreements with emerging markets including potential partners in the Middle East and other regions along the Belt and Road. We have largely concluded the IPPA negotiations with Qatar, and good progress has been made for the one with Peru. Meanwhile, we are exploring the signing of IPPAs with Bangladesh, Egypt and Saudi Arabia," he added.
      
Hong Kong has so far signed 24 IPPAs with 33 foreign economies. Apart from the one signed with Türkiye in October 2023, the other foreign economies include 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (namely Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam), Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202601/28/P2026012700341.htm.

Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Cross-boundary Public Services Designated Self-service Area and Macao SAR Government e-Services self-service kiosk launched at Treasury Building

The Digital Policy Office (DPO), together with the Guangdong Provincial Administration of Government Service and Data, as well as the Identification Services Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region (Macao SAR), announced on 27 January 2026 the establishment of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Cross-boundary Public Services Designated Self-service Area and the setting up of the Macao SAR Government e-Services self-service kiosk at the Treasury Building, enabling residents and enterprises in Hong Kong to enjoy simple and convenient cross-boundary public services starting on the same day.

The DPO has been advancing the initiative of Cross-boundary Public Services between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. Following the installation of the Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosks and "iAM Smart" self-registration kiosks earlier in the nine Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and Macao, a one-stop Self-service Area jointly established with Guangdong Province and the Macao SAR is now available in Hong Kong.

In delivering his speech, the Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Tony Wong, said, "The launch of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Cross-boundary Public Services Designated Self-service Area marks another step forward in the collaborative efforts of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao to promote cross-boundary public services. It provides residents and enterprises in Hong Kong with one-stop access to the relevant public services, thereby achieving seamless cross-boundary public services across the three places."

Starting from 27 January, the public can register for "iAM Smart+" and access various public services of Guangdong Province and the Macao SAR by visiting the Self-service Area located on 1/F, Treasury Building, 3 Tonkin Street West, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon. The Self-service Area is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays), with the following self-service kiosks:

• Guangdong Province's cross-boundary public services kiosk: providing over 100 Guangdong Province public services covering areas such as housing, retirement and employment;
• Hong Kong's "iAM Smart" self-registration kiosk: facilitating Hong Kong residents in registering for "iAM Smart" and accessing over 1 300 government, public and private online services; and
• Macao SAR Government e-Services self-service kiosk: providing 37 Macao public services from 11 government departments, covering areas such as identity verification, tax enquiries and social welfare.

The DPO will continue to work closely with Guangdong and Macao to further enhance the Cross-boundary Public Services, 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.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202601/27/P2026012700265.htm.

FSTB and Shanghai Gold Exchange sign co-operation agreement to foster high-quality development of Hong Kong's gold market

The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) signed on 26 January 2026 a co-operation agreement with the Shanghai Gold Exchange during the Asian Financial Forum, marking a new milestone in deepening co-operation between the gold markets of Hong Kong and Shanghai. The FSTB also revealed new moves in six aspects relating to the development of gold market at the same time.

The agreement was signed by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (SFST), Mr Christopher Hui, and the Chairman of the Shanghai Gold Exchange, Mr Yu Wenjian, in the presence of the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee; the Deputy Governor of the People's Bank of China, Mr Zou Lan; Member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Shanghai Municipal Committee and Executive Vice Mayor of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, Mr Wu Wei; and the Executive Deputy Director of the Office of the Financial Commission of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee, Mr Zhou Xiaoquan. 

Mr Hui also outlined the strategic significance of the agreement and the overall development blueprint for Hong Kong's gold market at the signing ceremony. He said, "Gold has long been regarded as a cornerstone of the global financial system. Its unique physical attributes, inherent scarcity, and proven safe-haven function make it irreplaceable in areas such as national reserves, asset allocation and diversification. In recent years, amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty, inflationary pressures, and ongoing restructuring of the international monetary system, the strategic importance of gold has become even more pronounced. The agreement signed by the FSTB and Shanghai Gold Exchange represents a resolute commitment to translating the spirit of the Central Financial Work Conference, advancing quality financial opening into concrete action while fostering synergistic development of Hong Kong and Shanghai as premier international financial and gold markets."

This significant agreement covers two major forward-looking areas of co-operation:

1. Establishing a high-level, collaborative governance structure for Hong Kong's new gold central clearing system. The Hong Kong Precious Metals Central Clearing Company Limited, which is wholly owned by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, will have its Board chaired by the SFST while a representative from the Shanghai Gold Exchange will serve as Deputy Chairman. The representative of the Shanghai Gold Exchange will actively participate in the Board, contributing to the preparation of the system, the formulation of rules, the admission of participating institutions, and the provision of expert advice on system design, risk management and other areas. Shanghai and Hong Kong will work together to promote the efficient development of the clearing system and its alignment with international standards.

2. Opening new avenues for physical infrastructure synergy and market interconnectivity. The two sides will explore leveraging the Shanghai Gold Exchange's well-established physical warehousing management regime to provide secure gold management services for participants in both Hong Kong and international markets. The two sides aim to drive greater connectivity between on-exchange and off-exchange gold trading activities. The two sides will forge ahead broader mutual market access by exploring the provision of business convenience and technical alignment to investors from two places through the Hong Kong Precious Metals Central Clearing Company Limited and key participants in the emerging Hong Kong gold trading ecosystem, thereby creating a truly integrated, efficient and open ecosystem.

Mr Hui further elaborated on the Government's vision and supporting measures for Hong Kong's gold market development. They are:

1. Supporting the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) and financial institutions in establishing gold storage facilities, with a target to exceed 2,000 tonnes of storage capacity within three years, making Hong Kong a trusted global vault. The AAHK has launched a project to expand warehousing to a thousand-tonne scale, catering to local storage, delivery and transit requirements. 

2. The FSTB has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Shenzhen Municipal Financial Regulatory Bureau, laying the foundation for processing trade co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The next step is to welcome Hong Kong gold traders to engage in substantive co-operation with qualified Shenzhen refining enterprises.

3. Hong Kong's government-owned central clearing system for gold is on track to begin trial operations in 2026.

4. For the preferential tax regimes offered to funds and single family offices, the Government will propose including precious metals as qualifying investments. The target is to introduce the legislative proposal in the first half of 2026.

5. In the last week of January 2026, a new gold fund will list in Hong Kong. Its key features include leveraging Hong Kong's well-established gold infrastructure for physical gold trading and storage, with the option of physical gold redemption at bank. Also, the issuer plans to introduce an unlisted share class for potential distribution through licensed digital asset exchanges, bridging traditional and digital finance.

6. The release of an outlook by market participants on the development of Hong Kong's sustainable gold governance framework and standards at the gold-themed session of the Asian Financial Forum, with a view to fostering sustainable sourcing, environmental protection, and long-term responsibility standards. 

Mr Hui stressed, "The signing of this agreement with the Shanghai Gold Exchange marks the dawn of a new chapter—one in which Hong Kong and Shanghai join forces to shape the future of global gold markets. Let us embrace this historic opportunity to build stronger bridges, ignite innovation and create enduring value for investors and economies alike."

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202601/26/P2026012600175.htm.
 

Marine fish culture licences for operation in Mirs Bay fish culture zone open for applications (deadline: 30 April 2026)

HKMA publishes Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance Phase 2A