(Hong Kong, 17 December 2019) Fifty companies, SMEs, corporate volunteer teams and social enterprises with outstanding achievements in implementing and promoting corporate social responsibility (CSR) were recognised at “The 10th Hong Kong Outstanding Corporate Citizenship Awards Presentation Ceremony” today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (See Annex, Chinese only).

(Hong Kong, 6 December 2019) The Advisory Committee on Recycling Fund (RFAC) announced the “One-off Rental Support Scheme” (ORSS) to assist recyclers in coping with business difficulties brought by the recent unfavourable social and economic environment.

(Hong Kong, 27 November 2019) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) welcomes the value for money audit report issued by the Audit Commission today (27 November 2019) on the Council's management and operation.

(Hong Kong, 22 November 2019) The Advisory Committee on Recycling Fund (RFAC) announced further enhancement measures of the Recycling Fund (the Fund) to improve its operation, in terms of raising the funding amounts, extending the scope of the programme and duration, also in a bid to boost funding support and push ahead sustainable development of the recycling industry.

(Hong Kong, 6 November 2019) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) published and tabled at the Legislative Council today its 2018/19 Annual Report, reviewing HKPC’s efforts in promoting reindustrialisation, advanced manufacturing, smart living, Industry 4.0 (i4.0) and Enterprise 4.0 (e4.0), to continue providing the necessary support for the development of the local industry.

(Hong Kong, 24 October 2019) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) today released the “Standard Chartered Hong Kong SME Leading Business Index” (Standard Chartered SME Index) for the fourth quarter of 2019, recorded a drop of 7.6 points to 31.4, which showed that SMEs are facing greater challenges. Yet, the survey found that 86% of SMEs agreed digital technology deployment as business development trend, revealing that SMEs are proactively implementing digital transformation under tough business environment.

(Hong Kong, 23 October 2019) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), in conjunction with ten local information security bodies, is hosting the “Information Security Summit 2019 – Over the Horizon Cyber Security” today and tomorrow at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wanchai, to keep local enterprises abreast of the latest development trends and technologies of information security, urging them to be vigilant against new cyber security threats arising from the growing use of smart technologies.

(Hong Kong, 16 October 2019) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) welcomes a series of support measures for SMEs to tap into overseas markets and expand in the domestic market, and endeavour to drive forth the development of innovation and technology, enabling Hong Kong to move forward steadily.

In view of the challenge from the economic downturn, HKPC fully supports the initiatives mentioned in the Chief Executive’s 2019 Policy Address, including:

Support SMEs Development

(Hong Kong, 25 September 2019) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) today released the results of a new study on digital transformation among Hong Kong enterprises, which found that while most of them have taken the first step towards it, they lack the overall strategy and thinking to lead and raise staff awareness, hindering the pace of transformation.

(Hong Kong, 24 September 2019) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) announced a new initiative to digitalise the inspection of products for certification – it has signed an agreement with the UL LLC (UL), a global safety certification company, in teaming up in the fields of artificial intelligence, Blockchain, cyber security, data analytics and Enterprise 4.0 technology applications and developments to incubate new solutions to enhance inspection processes and product authentication.

(Hong Kong, 16 September 2019) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) released immediate concessions to support SMEs and startups to navigate the rough economic seas in view of the challenges posed by the global trade uncertainties. Effective from today, all new R&D and consultancy projects, testing services, HKPC venue charges as well as corporate training programmes will enjoy concessionary offers* with details as follows:

(Hong Kong, 4 September 2019) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) will hold the inaugural SME One Fund Fair on 16 and 17 September at HKPC Building in Kowloon Tong in order to help Hong Kong SMEs address challenges arising from the current economic downturn. Local companies can use this one-stop platform, a key activity of HKPC’s eight SME support measures, to learn about nearly 50 funding schemes of the government and public organisations of Hong Kong and local governments in the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

<p>(Hong Kong, 25 July 2019) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) today announced the third quarter result of the “Standard Chartered Hong Kong SME Leading Business Index” (Standard Chartered SME Index). Compared with last quarter, the Overall Index of this quarter decreased by 7.0 points, reading at 39.0 and reached its three-year-low, indicating a significant drop in SMEs’ confidence in the business environment.</p>

<p>(Hong Kong, 18 July 2019) The European Innovation Academy (EIA) today kicked off its first-ever entrepreneurship summer programme in Hong Kong to help nurture a new generation of technology entrepreneurs, and to facilitate the development of Hong Kong as a global entrepreneurship education hub, with Inno Space of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) as the programme&rsquo;s host and co-organiser.</p>

<p>(Hong Kong, 16 July 2019) Applied R&amp;D innovations developed by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) received international accolades once again. Three HKPC inventions won first five awards at Silicon Valley International Invention Festival (SVIIF) held in the United State. HKPC also achieved an encouraging result at Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area High Value Patent Portfolio Contest 2019 that an innovative environmental invention has been ranked top 50.</p>

<p>(Hong Kong, 11 July 2019) Automotive Parts and Accessory Systems (APAS) R&amp;D Centre of Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) today organises its annual showcase featuring "5G in Smart Mobility", with local and international experts presenting at technical seminars and R&amp;D results showcasing.

<p>(Hong Kong, 10 July 2019) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) today hosted the &ldquo;Reindustrialisation 3D Technology and Application Conference - Fashion Industry and Apparel Industry&rdquo; with the funding support of the Innovation and Technology Fund of the HKSAR Government, to encourage local fashion and apparel companies to apply 3D technology to grasp new business opportunities.</p>

<p>(Hong Kong, 25 June 2019) The Chinese Medicine Development Fund (the Fund) Launching Ceremony was held at Inno Space, Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) Building today, heralding a new chapter in the development of Chinese medicine sector and Chinese medicine drug industry.</p>

<p>(Hong Kong, 17 June 2019) To promote the development of smart industries in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is organising the two-day &ldquo;AI Impulse 2019&rdquo; with the funding support of the Innovation and Technology Fund of the HKSAR Government, to enable local enterprises to grasp the latest global trend and novel applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics technologies. Dr David Chung, Under Secretary for Innovation and Technology, was the guest-of-honour at the opening ceremony today.</p>

<p>（香港，2019年6月10日）香港生產力促進局（生產力局）為讓有意拓展粵港澳大灣區業務的香港中小企和初創企業掌握當地的最新營商資訊，特別聯同廣東省生產力促進中心，推出「大灣區研討會系列」，邀請灣區內地方政府的代表和不同行業的專家講解最新趨勢和機遇，介紹當地經濟發展和企業支援方案。首場研討會今天於生產力大樓舉行，介紹深圳市坪山區。</p>
<p>生產力局首席數碼總監黎少斌先生在研討會上致歡迎辭，他表示：「隨著《粵港澳大灣區發展規劃綱要》於今年二月正式出爐，廣深港澳四地將會一齊建設科技創新走廊，可以預期四地以至區內的創科協作將會更加緊密，帶動粵港澳大灣區產業升級。」</p>
<p>他續說：「為了加強融合，發揮更大協同效應，生產力局去年聯同中國生產力促進中心協會、廣東省生產力促進中心同澳門生產力暨科技轉移中心，共同成立『粵港澳大灣區生產力促進服務聯盟』，全方位提升大灣區工商企業生產力和競爭力。『聯盟』除會成立『中小企業一站通』服務平台外，銳意為業界提供最適切的當地行業資訊和技術經驗外，還會開設『粵港澳大灣區生產力大講堂』，定期舉辦主題系列講座，由粵港澳、國內外知名專家授課，為企業、科技服務機構提供相關培訓。」</p>

<p>(Hong Kong, 27 May, 2019) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and the MTR Corporation (MTR) have signed an agreement to join forces for the development of smart railway solutions to enhance the quality of service for Hong Kong commuters and in support of the HKSAR Government&rsquo;s drive to expedite the implementation of the Smart City Blueprint for Hong Kong.</p>

<p>(Hong Kong, 24 May 2019) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) today unveiled its new corporate identity, pledging to rejuvenate the Hong Kong business sector and to continue leading the charge in digital transformation and the realisation of reindustrialisation.

<p>(Hong Kong, 16 May 2019) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) today organised the seminar of &ldquo;A 5G Revolution: What does this mean for me?&rdquo; with the Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association (WTIA).

<p>(Hong Kong, 24 April 2019) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) today announced the second quarter result of the &ldquo;Standard Chartered Hong Kong SME Leading Business Index&rdquo; (Standard Chartered SME Index). Compared with the first quarter, the Overall Index of the second quarter increased by 5.6, reading at 46.0, which was the sharpest increase over the past three years. The result indicated that SMEs are rebuilding their confidence in doing business gradually.</p>

<p>(Hong Kong, 12 April, 2019) Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) has once again participated in the &ldquo;47^th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva&rdquo; held in Switzerland with Hong Kong home-grown inventions. Among all, HKPC has won 12 awards, including one Gold Medal with Congratulations of Jury, three Gold Medals, six Silver Medals and two Bronze Medals. Such proud achievement proves the success of HKPC&rsquo;s applied R&amp;D solutions at an international level.

<p>(Hong Kong, 11 April 2019) Jointly organised by the Promoting Happiness Index Foundation (the Foundation) and the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), the seventh &ldquo;Happiness-at-Work Promotional Scheme&rdquo; (the Scheme), aiming to promote the cultivating of a happy workplace, today recognised more than 470 local companies and organisations that are committed to building a happy workplace culture under the Scheme.</p>

(Hong Kong, 10 April, 2019) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) released the latest results of the “SSH Hong Kong Enterprise Cyber Security Readiness Index Survey”, which reports an Overall Index at 49.3 (maximum being 100), a slight increase of 3.7 from the inaugural survey last year - indicating that while Hong Kong companies have applied more resources to tackle cyber attacks and ensure business continuity, there are still rooms for improvement in security management, staff awareness and proactiveness in order to combat with new cyber threats.

<p>(Hong Kong, 4 April 2019) Applied R&amp;D innovations developed by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) have won two accolades at the &ldquo;Hong Kong ICT Awards 2019 &ndash; Smart Mobility Award&rdquo;. These included a Gold Award in Smart Transportation category for &ldquo;RoadBot 1&rdquo; and a Silver in Smart Tourism category for &ldquo;QPoint App&rdquo;.

<p>(Hong Kong, 22 March 2019) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is profoundly saddened by the passing away of Dr George Shen and conveys its deepest condolences to his family.</p>

<p>(Hong Kong, 14 March 2019) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) has invested about HK$7 million recently on a new electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) chamber and upgrading the existing facilities of its EMC Centre. This new facility will help local IT, electronic and electrical appliance manufacturers comply with the latest EMC testing standards of Europe and the United States.</p>

<p>(Hong Kong, 28 February 2019) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) welcomes the HKSAR Government's 2019-20 Budget proposals to strengthen innovation and technology (I&amp;T) development in Hong Kong and nurture more local R&amp;D talent; and leverage on the edge of Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to become an international I&amp;T hub as well as assist Hong Kong companies to grasp new business opportunities in the Greater Bay Area and those economies which have entered into an Free Trade Agreement with Hong Kong, including the ASEA

<p>(Hong Kong, 19 February 2019) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) welcomes the promulgation of the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area by the Central Government, which confirms their support for the development of the innovation and technology (I&amp;T) industry in Hong Kong.

<p>(Hong Kong, 19 February 2019) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) today announced the latest findings of the "AlipayHK Smart Payment Popularity Index" (SPP Index), reporting an Overall Index at 62.2 (maximum being 100) for the second half of 2018, up 8.3 points from its inaugural release six months ago, contributed by both Retailers&rsquo; and Consumers&rsquo; wider acceptance.

<p>(Hong Kong, 29 January 2019) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) today announced the first quarter result of the "Standard Chartered Hong Kong SME Leading Business Index" (Standard Chartered SME Index). The Overall Index dropped by 2.6, reading at 40.4, which was the same as the low level three years ago. Under the global gloomy economic outlook, local SMEs still lack confidence in doing business.</p>

<p>(Hong Kong, 22 January 2019) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) today urged enterprises to adopt "security by design" in IT security to stem data breaches and fend off cyber attacks targeting personal and financial data.</p>

<p>The following is issued on behalf of the Recycling Fund:</p>
<p>(Hong Kong, 17 January 2019) The Advisory Committee on Recycling Fund (RFAC) announced a series of enhancement measures to address the rapid market changes and challenges confronting the recycling industry. The initiatives include a new rental subsidy scheme; increase maximum upfront payment amount during the early phase of projects, extend rental expense under Enterprise Support Programme, launch of new Standard Project - $1M (SP-$1M) Programme and simplify application procedure.</p>

<p>(Hong Kong, 15 January, 2019) Over 150 representatives from Hong Kong startups and SMEs attended the "Smart City Symposium &ndash; Business Linkage" at the Hong Kong Science Park today to keep abreast of the latest smart city development best practices and seek partnership opportunities with leading international smart solution providers.</p>

<p><img src="images/stories/2019/Press_Release/20180110_7.jpg" alt="HKPC and HKSTP Co-host Smart City Conference to Accelerate Hong Kong's Smart City Innovations - New Initiatives Announced to Enhance Industry Collaborations while Fostering Hong Kong's Smart City Technological Advancement" width="420" height="260" title="HKPC and HKSTP Co-host Smart City Conference to Accelerate Hong Kong's Smart City Innovations - New Initiatives Announced to Enhance Industry Collaborations while Fostering Hong Kong's Smart City Tech