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 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in implementing artificial intelligence technologies to enhance operational efficiency and drive digital transformation. The program includes three thematic workshops featuring industry experts who will demonstrate practical applications of AI in business workflows, along with exclusive AI solution offers to help companies adopt these technologies more affordably.
Patrick Lau, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, emphasized the organization's commitment to supporting companies through its Transformation Sandbox (T-box) program, which focuses on market expansion, brand building, operational upgrading and digital transformation. "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 will enable businesses to adopt AI technology at lower costs with greater efficiency, potentially opening new business opportunities.
Leo Liu, General Manager of Microsoft Hong Kong and Macau, highlighted the importance of AI adoption in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. "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." Microsoft has expressed interest in further deepening its collaboration with HKTDC to support more businesses in achieving meaningful impact and sustainable growth.
The program's first workshop, held recently, focused on "The Intelligence Chain - How AI Connects Every Workflow in Your Business." The session featured presentations from Fred Sheu, National Technology Officer at Microsoft Hong Kong; Frankie Lam, Go-To-Market Lead of AI Business Solutions at Microsoft Hong Kong; and Vincent Chak, Solutions Director – Modern Workplace at SOS Group Limited. Through product demonstrations and real-life case studies, the speakers introduced AI solutions designed for modern workplaces and provided insights into core strategies and best practices for effective AI implementation.
Two additional workshops are scheduled for March and April 2026. The March session, titled "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. The Microsoft AI Adoption Programme also offers exclusive Microsoft discounts to companies participating in T-box, helping SMEs adopt AI technologies in a more cost-effective manner. For details, please visit the programme website: https://smesupport.hktdc.com/en/s/sme-microsoft/.
This initiative represents a significant step in addressing the digital transformation challenges faced by Hong Kong's SME sector, which forms the backbone of the local economy. By providing practical education and financial support for AI adoption, the program aims to bridge the technology gap that often prevents smaller companies from leveraging advanced digital tools. The collaboration between HKTDC and Microsoft builds on their previous successful partnership, suggesting a long-term commitment to supporting Hong Kong's business community through technological advancement.
