HKPC Holds "TVP Tactic Day" Introducing Digital Signing of TVP Funding Agreements and Streamlining Application Procedures

(Hong Kong, 13 March 2024) Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) and Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) organised the "TVP (Technology Voucher Programme) Tactic Day" earlier. The event marked the activation of the digital signing function for the TVP in partnership with "iAM Smart+". This collaboration further enhanced the programme's continuous innovation and application efficiency, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of agreements. Additionally, The event specifically invited representatives from SMEs and IT sectors to attend to discuss cyber security trends and forecasts for 2024 and to help SMEs cope with potential cyber threats to facilitate discussions on cyber security trends and forecasts for 2024.

The event was graced by Mr Ivan LEE, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Mr Alan CHEUNG, Chairman of the Tech Voucher Program Committee, Mr Mohamed BUTT, Executive Director of HKPC, and Ms Vivian LIN, Chief Operating Officer of HKPC. TVP introduced a new digital signing function, simplifying the signing process of TVP funding agreements and improving the security of the signing process. Applicants can use "iAM Smart+" for digital signing under the Electronic Transactions Ordinance, allowing for a fast and convenient application process without venue or time limitations.

During his speech, Mr Ivan LEE, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, stated, "TVP has been well received by the industry and the number of applications has increased significantly in recent years. In comparison with 1,000 applications received in 2017 and 2018 respectively, more than 16,000 applications have been received in 2023, which reflects the increasing demand of local enterprises and organisations in applying technology to drive their business development. As of last month, the Committee has vetted and supported about 33,000 funding applications, involving a total funding of HKD$5.8 billion."

Mr Mohamed BUTT, Executive Director of HKPC, said, "Since June 2021, HKPC has been appointed by ITC as the implementation partner for the TVP, providing professional secretariat and administrative services. So far, we have processed over 26,000 funding agreements. The new digital signing function not only simplifies the signing process but also provides identity verification, encrypting the signing documents to significantly enhance the security of the signing process."

Mr BUTT continued that HKPC would continue to make use of different channels to support enterprises to achieve digital transformation and work with the Government and the industry to make Hong Kong's innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem thrive. HKPC would also proactively complement the national policy, make full use of Hong Kong's unique strengths to empower the industry with I&T, strengthen the cooperation amongst the Government, industry, academia and research sectors, accelerate the development of new quality productivity forces, and make concerted efforts in building Hong Kong into an international I&T centre with influence.

The event also included a seminar on "TVP Tactics" providing practical tips for interested and already funded enterprises to better understand the application process and encouraging more SMEs to leverage Government funding for upgrading and transformation. To enhance the cyber security awareness and preparedness of SMEs, the event also invited cyber security experts from the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau, Hong Kong Police Force and Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre to deliver keynote speeches on the network threats faced by SMEs. They shared valuable insights on cyber security and real-life cases of technology-related crimes, as well as predicted the cyber security trends for 2024.

TVP under the Innovation and Technology Fund was launched in November 2016 to support local enterprises or institutions from any industry in utilising technology services and solutions to enhance productivity or upgrade business processes.

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Mr Ivan LEE, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Innovation and Technology Commission (second from left), Mr Alan CHEUNG, Chairman of Technology Voucher Programme Committee (first from left), Mr Mohamed BUTT, Executive Director of HKPC (second from right), and Ms Vivian LIN, Chief Operating Officer of HKPC(first from right), officiated the opening of “TVP Tactic Day”.

Cyber security experts from the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of Hong Kong Police Force and the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre delivered keynote speeches on the network threats faced by SMEs, and shared valuable insights on cyber security and real-life cases of technology-related crimes.