The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has partnered with Microsoft Hong Kong to introduce the Microsoft AI Adoption Programme, a new initiative designed to support Hong Kong's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in adopting artificial intelligence technologies. The program aims to help businesses enhance productivity and operational efficiency through practical AI applications and cost-effective solutions.
Patrick Lau, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, emphasized the organization's commitment to supporting companies through its Transformation Sandbox (T-box) program. "Following our collaboration with Microsoft Hong Kong in 2022 on the Go Beyond Your Limits programme, which offered solution discounts to support SMEs in accelerating digital transformation, we are delighted to work with Microsoft Hong Kong again to introduce exclusive offers for T-box companies," Lau stated. He noted that this collaboration would enable businesses to adopt AI technology at lower costs while opening new business opportunities.
The program features three thematic workshops where industry experts share insights on effective AI implementation in business operations. The first workshop, held recently, was titled "The Intelligence Chain - How AI Connects Every Workflow in Your Business" and featured presentations from Microsoft Hong Kong's National Technology Officer Fred Sheu, Go-To-Market Lead of AI Business Solutions Frankie Lam, and SOS Group Limited's Solutions Director Vincent Chak. Through product demonstrations and real-life case studies, speakers introduced AI solutions for modern workplaces and discussed core strategies for successful AI adoption.
Two additional workshops are scheduled for March and April 2026. The March session, "Building AI Applications and Intelligent Processes: Practical Experience with Azure AI," will showcase how intelligent solutions can analyze data. The April workshop, "AI Leading a New Era of Operational Automation," will explore how automation and predictive analytics can streamline workflows and enhance efficiency. For program details, businesses can visit https://smesupport.hktdc.com/en/s/sme-microsoft/.
Leo Liu, General Manager of Microsoft Hong Kong and Macau, expressed enthusiasm for the continued partnership. "We are delighted to continue our collaboration with the HKTDC to support local SMEs in adopting AI in their day-to-day operations and accelerating their digital transformation journey," Liu said. "In this rapidly evolving era of AI, we are committed to empowering every company as they take steady steps toward becoming Frontier Firms."
The Microsoft AI Adoption Programme offers exclusive Microsoft discounts to companies participating in T-box, making AI technologies more accessible to SMEs facing budget constraints. This initiative represents a significant step in Hong Kong's digital transformation landscape, particularly for smaller businesses that may lack the resources for independent AI implementation. By lowering adoption barriers through educational workshops and financial incentives, the program could accelerate AI integration across various industries, potentially reshaping how Hong Kong SMEs compete in increasingly digital markets.
The collaboration between HKTDC and Microsoft builds upon their previous joint efforts in digital transformation support, suggesting a sustained commitment to Hong Kong's business community. As AI becomes increasingly integral to business operations globally, programs like this could help local enterprises maintain competitiveness while adapting to technological advancements that are transforming traditional business models and operational approaches.
