The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has teamed up with Microsoft Hong Kong to lower the barriers around AI use for Hong Kong SMEs.
The new Microsoft AI Adoption Programme includes thematic workshops as well as discounts on AI-powered software to help SMEs boost productivity and accelerate digital transformation.
It has been added to the HKTDC’s ongoing Transformation Sandbox (T-box) SME support programme.
“This collaboration will empower businesses to adopt AI technology at a lower cost and with greater efficiency, opening up new business opportunities,” noted Patrick Lau, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC.
The first AI workshop, which was held last week, examined how AI can be integrated into business processes. Speakers from Microsoft Hong Kong and SOS Group, a Microsoft technology partner, introduced AI solutions for the workplace and reviewed strategies and best practices for AI adoption through case studies and product demonstrations.
Two more workshops, also focusing on how AI can improve business efficiency, will take place in March and April.
The March workshop will showcase how intelligent solutions can analyse data, while the session in April will explore how automation and predictive analytics can streamline workflows.
The partnership between the HKTDC and Microsoft Hong Kong follows an earlier tie-up to support SMEs in 2022, called Go Beyond Your Limits.
“We look forward to further deepening our collaboration with the HKTDC to support more businesses, and help them drive meaningful impact and sustainable growth,” remarked Leo Liu, GM of Microsoft Hong Kong and Macau.
This latest initiative, aimed at helping SMEs harness AI to enhance productivity and operational efficiency, also underscores the HKTDC’s mission to help companies grow.
“Through our Transformation Sandbox, the HKTDC has been committed to supporting companies in strengthening their competitiveness – across market expansion, brand building, operational upgrading and digital transformation,” Mr Lau highlighted.