Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
January 23, 2026
HKTDC & Microsoft Launch AI Programme to Boost Hong Kong SMEs
TLDR
- The HKTDC and Microsoft Hong Kong's AI Adoption Programme gives SMEs a competitive edge through exclusive discounts and workshops to boost productivity and operational efficiency.
- The programme includes three thematic workshops with industry experts demonstrating AI applications, plus exclusive Microsoft solution offers to help companies implement AI systematically.
- This collaboration empowers Hong Kong SMEs with affordable AI technology, fostering digital transformation that creates new business opportunities and sustainable economic growth for the community.
- Explore how AI connects every workflow in your business through workshops like 'The Intelligence Chain' featuring real-life case studies from Microsoft experts.
Impact - Why it Matters
This initiative addresses a critical gap in Hong Kong's business landscape by making advanced AI technology accessible to SMEs, which form the backbone of the local economy. As AI becomes increasingly essential for competitive advantage, many smaller businesses lack the resources and expertise to implement these technologies effectively. By providing both educational workshops and financial incentives through exclusive discounts, this programme lowers the barrier to entry for digital transformation. For Hong Kong's business community, this means increased productivity, operational efficiency, and the ability to compete in global markets. The timing is particularly significant as businesses worldwide are accelerating their digital adoption post-pandemic, and this programme positions Hong Kong SMEs to not just survive but thrive in the AI-driven future economy.
Summary
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Microsoft Hong Kong have launched the Microsoft AI Adoption Programme, a strategic initiative designed to empower Hong Kong's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with artificial intelligence tools to enhance productivity and accelerate digital transformation. This collaboration builds on their previous 2022 partnership and specifically targets companies participating in HKTDC's Transformation Sandbox (T-box) program. The programme offers three thematic workshops led by industry experts, including Microsoft's Fred Sheu, Frankie Lam, and SOS Group's Vincent Chak, who provide practical insights on applying AI to real-world business scenarios. The first workshop, "The Intelligence Chain - How AI Connects Every Workflow in Your Business," has already taken place, featuring product demonstrations and case studies on AI solutions for modern workplaces.
Key figures driving this initiative include Patrick Lau, Deputy Executive Director of HKTDC, who emphasized that this partnership will help businesses adopt AI technology at lower costs while opening new opportunities, and Leo Liu, General Manager of Microsoft Hong Kong and Macau, who highlighted Microsoft's commitment to supporting local SMEs in their digital transformation journey. The programme includes exclusive Microsoft discounts for T-box participants, making AI adoption more accessible and cost-effective. Two additional workshops are scheduled for March and April 2024, focusing on building AI applications with Azure AI and exploring operational automation through predictive analytics. For details, interested companies can visit the programme website at https://smesupport.hktdc.com/en/sme-microsoft/.
The initiative represents a significant step in Hong Kong's business ecosystem, addressing the growing need for SMEs to leverage AI technologies to remain competitive in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape. By combining HKTDC's extensive network and support infrastructure with Microsoft's technological expertise, the programme aims to bridge the gap between advanced AI capabilities and practical business applications. This collaboration not only provides educational resources through workshops but also offers tangible financial benefits through exclusive discounts, creating a comprehensive support system for Hong Kong businesses looking to transform their operations through artificial intelligence. The original release can be viewed on www.newmediawire.com, and media enquiries can be directed to HKTDC's Serena Cheung or Microsoft's Katie Kwong.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by NewMediaWire. Read the original source here, HKTDC & Microsoft Launch AI Programme to Boost Hong Kong SMEs
