#CreateSmart

[robbinjames01]

Content Creators Rejoice! Chesteei is Here to Save Time & Stress

Being a content creator in today’s fast-moving digital world is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. From planning content, writing captions, sending invoices, managing brand deals, and staying organized, creators often find themselves using multiple apps and wasting time switching between them. That’s where Chesteei steps in to make life easier.

What is Chesteei?

Chesteei is an all-in-one platform designed specifically for content creators and influencers. Whether you're creating videos, posting on Instagram, managing brand partnerships, or running your own small business, Chesteei combines everything you need into one simple, easy-to-use tool.

It offers smart features like a content planner, post scheduler, task manager, invoice generator, and even an AI-powered caption writer. With Chesteei, you don’t have to jump between different apps anymore—everything is right there, ready to go.

Smart Tools That Actually Help

Chesteei’s smart tools are made with creators in mind. You can plan your content calendar, set reminders, and even auto-generate captions based on your post theme and audience. If you work with brands, Chesteei makes sending invoices fast and professional. It even helps you review contracts and generate new ones with the help of AI—saving you time and avoiding legal mistakes.

The best part? It works on mobile too, so you can manage your work anytime, anywhere.

Why Creators Love It?

Creators love Chesteei because it reduces stress and saves hours each week. Instead of juggling 5 or 6 apps, you can do everything in one clean dashboard. It’s perfect for both new creators and experienced influencers who want to stay organized and look professional.

Conclusion

If you're tired of the stress and want more time to focus on what you love—creating content—then Chesteei is the tool you’ve been waiting for. It helps you stay on track, stay professional, and most importantly, stay creative. Visit Chesteei today and experience the smarter way to work as a content creator.

[saasboxy]

📢 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬? Don’t let your hard work go unnoticed! 👀 With Taja, turn one long-form video into high-performing short clips & social posts—effortlessly! 🎬✨ ✨ What Taja Does for You: 🚀 Auto-generate platform-specific shorts & posts 🎥 📅 Optimize, schedule, and publish everywhere in a click! ⏳ Turn one video into weeks of content instantly 💡 Never run out of ideas – fresh content suggestions in seconds! 💥 More reach. More engagement. Less effort. Try Taja today and transform your content game! 🚀

Website : https://t.co/TB6RqoJgVt

#CreateSmarter #SaaSboxy #MaximizeYourContent #ShortFormMagic #GoViral

[hamzaaslam]

Hong Kong Design Centre Supports the Injection of An Additional $1 Billion into CreateSmart Initiative to Promote the Creative Industries in 2021-22 Budget Address

Hong Kong Design Centre Supports the Injection of An Additional $1 Billion into CreateSmart Initiative to Promote the Creative Industries in 2021-22 Budget Address

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 24 February 2021 – Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC), a non-governmental organisation founded in 2001 serving as the Hong Kong SAR Government’s strategic partner in establishing Hong Kong as a hub of design excellence, fully supports the injection of an additional $1 billion into the CreateSmart Initiative, which would be used to “continuously drive the development…

[fashionguru327]

Fashion Hong Kong arrives at New York Fashion Week Runway show gives local creativity a place in the limelight 24 January 2020 – PART EIGHT Fall/Winter 2020 Collection: Abstract Composition Fashion Hong Kong Instagram: @hktdcfashionhk, #fashion_hongkong * Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organizers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Communications and Creative Industries Branch of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, Create Hong Kong, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee. Media enquiries Please contact the HKTDC's Communications and Public Affairs Department: Snowy Chan Tel: (852) 2584 4525 Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org Agnes Wat Tel: (852) 2584 4554 Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Appointment requests: nicoletta@ilarianiccolini.com Fashion Hong Kong website: www.fashionhongkong.com Fashion Hong Kong Instagram: @hktdcfashionhk #fashion_hongkong Haute Couture et Coiffure.Fashion & Hair. GIANewYork, New York. globalinfluenceragency.com @fashionguru327 @olney_fashions_ @Pinterestbusiness @globalinfluenceragency @fashiononetelevision Pinterest.com vogue.com vogue.co.uk behance.net globalinfluenceragency.com paypal.me/fashionguru327 parisiangentleman.co.uk modaoperandi.com https://www.facebook.com/fashionguru327/ (at Italian et Americaine Haute Couture et Coiffure.) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_2elGbDjQy/?igshid=1nfjsddsag1hq

[necropoon]

Thank you for all of the supports in the last 4 years. NECRO POON is going to suspend for a year to work aboard and cooperate with other brands and designers in Japan for future direction in 2020. We will bring back the new technologies and designs to all of the buyers and customers in following years~~ Thank you for supporting Hong Kong Design. CreateSmart Young Design Talent Award @dfa_awards #DFAAwards #dfa #dfadesignforasiaawards #DFAA #HKYDTA #DFA香港青年設計才俊獎 #HKDC #designaward #hkdesign #設計 #設計獎 #dfa設計獎 (at Hong Kong) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4buSTDAoiw/?igshid=4y23p9z9rzka

[olliejennabn]

Economy must be diversified: FS

Hong Kong should endeavor to diversify its economy as any economic downturn in the major markets will deal a direct blow to the city’s service industries and hence its economic outlook.

 Financial Secretary Paul Chan made the statement when delivering his 2019-20 Budget at the Legislative Council today.

 He said apart from strengthening the industries currently enjoying competitive edges, the city should identify new areas of growth by vigorously developing emerging industries.

 To enhance the development of lawtech in Hong Kong and consolidate the city’s position as an international dispute resolution services centre, the finance chief said he will deploy $150 million to support the development of a dispute resolution online platform by non-governmental organisations.

 The platform will benefit local micro, small and medium enterprises, as well as those in the Belt & Road economies, members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and beyond.

 Emerging industries

Mr Chan said there are plans to develop the city as a ship leasing centre in the Asia-Pacific Region, with a Hong Kong Maritime & Port Board task force studying tax and other measures to attract ship finance companies to Hong Kong. The study is expected to be completed in the second half of this year.

 Meanwhile, a 50% profits tax concession will be offered to eligible insurance businesses including the marine insurance industry. The move aims to boost the development of marine insurance, he added.

 On tourism, Mr Chan said about $353 million will be allocated to the Hong Kong Tourism Board for stepping up promotion of Hong Kong’s image as a premier tourism destination.

 Other new initiatives to be rolled out include enhancing the capability of the Ngong Ping Nature Centre in providing hiking information and upgrading country trail facilities in the vicinity, studying ways to improve the Wetland Park facilities, and giving the Travel Industry Council extra funding to develop thematic tourism products.

 A consultancy study on strategies and initiatives to promote smart tourism and enhance visitors’ travelling experience with technology will also be commissioned.

 Vigorous development

The Financial Secretary said Hong Kong’s emerging creative industries are worthy of vigorous development.

 Following the injection of $1 billion into the CreateSmart Initiative, the Government will inject another $1 billion into the Film Development Fund in 2019-20 to help the local film industry thrive.

 This will bring the new resources devoted to creative industries to $2 billion within two years.

 Mr Chan said with the injection of new funds, the Government will upscale the sixth First Feature Film Initiative by doubling the number of winning teams to six and increasing funding by about 50%.

 The production budget limit of the Film Production Financing Scheme and the maximum subsidy for each film will be raised to $60 million and $9 million respectively to support local mid-budget film productions.

 To address of the issue of labour shortage and an ageing workforce in the construction industry, the Government will deploy $200 million to expand the apprenticeship scheme for the construction industry.

 The Government will also lead the construction industry in implementing Construction 2.0 to improve the industry’s productivity, quality, safety and environmental performance by advocating innovation, professionalisation and revitalisation.

from news.gov.hk - Business & Finance http://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2019/02/20190227/20190227_100135_778.html

[ebizupdate]

Hong Kong Mobile Apps Industry Survey 2017 Reveals an Increase in AR and NFC Apps Developed in Hong Kong as part of The Latest Industry Trends

HONG KONG, June 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --  Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association (WTIA), a non-profit trade association dedicated to the wireless and mobile industry, announced the results of the Hong Kong Mobile Apps Industry Survey 2017 and the nine finalists for the three award categories of the Asia Smart App Awards 2017 at a press conference held today at the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC).

The Survey is part of the project, Asia Smart App Awards 2017, sponsored by Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. HKPC was commissioned to conduct the survey this year.

Conducted for the fourth year, the annual Survey sets out to be a comprehensive study offering valuable insights into the current smartphone app industry in Asia and the potential of the Hong Kong market. The recent survey was completed by 124 mobile app development companies in Hong Kong and across Asia via online questionnaires, phone interviews, and face-to-face interviews between 8 May and 5 June this year.

The findings reveal that the local mobile app industry is getting mature as the number of companies operating for six or more years has drastically increased from 22% last year to 50% this year. Startups have also become considerably more well-established with an increase in founders aged 25 and above (23%) and in founders with five or more years of work experience (13%).

The three of the most interesting insights the survey revealed by the survey are as follows:

Business applications (57%) tops the most popular app products this year followed by e-commerce applications (26%). Over four-fifths (82%) of the respondents allocated resources to R&D and product development in the previous year, with the average amount at HK$2,135,000. Furthermore, the number of apps featuring augmented reality (AR) and near-field communication (NFC) technologies have increased 13% and 11% in 2017 respectively. The increase may be caused by the global success of the popular AR game "Pokemon Go" and the introduction of NFC e-payment services in Hong Kong that inspire more local companies to engage in the development of relevant apps.

With regards to costs, the vast majority of companies (80%) experienced an increase in operational costs over the last year due to high staff costs (86%) and office rental (55%). Despite the increasing costs , the number of respondents with an annual revenue of HK$500,000 grew by 28%. At the same time, the number of companies in deficit reduced by 14%. These figures suggest a better business environment and prospects for a growing in the smartphone app industry.

In terms of talent supply, over 33% of respondents indicated that they have experienced a serious shortage of manpower in the past year with technical staff positions (40%) and sales staff positions (11%) being the most difficult to fill. The talent shortage is the main reason 40% of the respondents to turn down business deals. To combat this and the increased operational costs, nearly half of the respondents (42%) have out-sourced services to domestic specialist companies (69%) and those in Mainland (25%) or other regions (21%).

"Hong Kong is a world leader in mobile subscription and smartphone penetration. The survey results show  an insightful pointer for local companies in the fast-changing smart app industry to remain competitive in their businesses and to stay on top of the constant changes and challenges in the technology sector," says Wendy Alison Yung, Executive Director of WTIA.

Following the survey results, Wendy Alison Yung also announced the nine finalists of this year's Asia Smart App Awards. Organized annually since 2012 by WTIA, the Asia Smart App Awards rewards innovative smart app developers and provides a platform for top smart app professionals in the region to meet, share, collaborate and learn from each other. The nine finalists are from Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, Israel, and Indonesia and across three categories – Business and Productivity, Game and Entertainment, and Lifestyle and Social. Industry experts from Hong Kong and eleven other Asian countries – including Prisda Hiranaburna of Thailand's National Science and Technology Development Agency and Robert Antuangco of TechCellar Business Solutions from the Philippines – and judged this year's awards.

The entries ranged from a game for students that incorporates Artificial Intelligence and augmented reality to an app that increases the mobility of the visually impaired by helping people navigate using GPS. Entries were judged based on six criteria - innovation and creativity, functionality and design, user experience, technical deployment of smartphone technologies, market performance and competitiveness, and social responsibility.

The winners will be announced at the Asia Smart App Summit cum Awards Presentation Ceremony on 29 June in Cyberport. The summit, which will be held on the same day, is open to public and has free admission. For more information and to register for the summit, please visit http://ift.tt/2sp312o.

For the editor:

About Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association

Wireless Technology Industry Association (WTIA), established in 2001, is a not-for profit, politically-neutral trade association dedicated to the wireless and mobile industry.  The Association acts as a platform, an aggregator, and community for industry professionals to learn and drive emerging wireless and mobile technologies, governance, and standards.  It facilitates networking between like-minded professionals, boost interoperability between networks and devices, and strives to help all organizations apply these technologies to existing or new businesses.  WTIA also represents and is supported by digital industries pertaining to mobile such as digital entertainment, digital marketing & media, and start-up sectors. To know more about WTIA, please visit www.hkwtia.org.

About Create Hong Kong

Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to spearhead the development of Hong Kong's creative industries.  Set up in June 2009, CreateHK co-ordinates the Government policy regarding creative industries, focuses Government's resources catering for the promotion and speeding up of the development of creative industries in Hong Kong, and works closely with the trade to boost the development of creative industries. CreateHK sponsors the Asia Smartphone Apps Contest since its inception in 2012.

Disclaimer: Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organizers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Communications and Creative Industries Branch of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, Create Hong Kong, the CreateSmart Initative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

Survey results, finalists' bios, and hi-res images download link: http://ift.tt/2rTCAhC

Read this news on PR Newswire Asia website: Hong Kong Mobile Apps Industry Survey 2017 Reveals an Increase in AR and NFC Apps Developed in Hong Kong as part of The Latest Industry Trends

[telecomupdate]

Hong Kong Mobile Apps Industry Survey 2017 Reveals an Increase in AR and NFC Apps Developed in Hong Kong as part of The Latest Industry Trends

HONG KONG, June 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --  Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association (WTIA), a non-profit trade association dedicated to the wireless and mobile industry, announced the results of the Hong Kong Mobile Apps Industry Survey 2017 and the nine finalists for the three award categories of the Asia Smart App Awards 2017 at a press conference held today at the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC).

The Survey is part of the project, Asia Smart App Awards 2017, sponsored by Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. HKPC was commissioned to conduct the survey this year.

Conducted for the fourth year, the annual Survey sets out to be a comprehensive study offering valuable insights into the current smartphone app industry in Asia and the potential of the Hong Kong market. The recent survey was completed by 124 mobile app development companies in Hong Kong and across Asia via online questionnaires, phone interviews, and face-to-face interviews between 8 May and 5 June this year.

The findings reveal that the local mobile app industry is getting mature as the number of companies operating for six or more years has drastically increased from 22% last year to 50% this year. Startups have also become considerably more well-established with an increase in founders aged 25 and above (23%) and in founders with five or more years of work experience (13%).

The three of the most interesting insights the survey revealed by the survey are as follows:

Business applications (57%) tops the most popular app products this year followed by e-commerce applications (26%). Over four-fifths (82%) of the respondents allocated resources to R&D and product development in the previous year, with the average amount at HK$2,135,000. Furthermore, the number of apps featuring augmented reality (AR) and near-field communication (NFC) technologies have increased 13% and 11% in 2017 respectively. The increase may be caused by the global success of the popular AR game "Pokemon Go" and the introduction of NFC e-payment services in Hong Kong that inspire more local companies to engage in the development of relevant apps.

With regards to costs, the vast majority of companies (80%) experienced an increase in operational costs over the last year due to high staff costs (86%) and office rental (55%). Despite the increasing costs , the number of respondents with an annual revenue of HK$500,000 grew by 28%. At the same time, the number of companies in deficit reduced by 14%. These figures suggest a better business environment and prospects for a growing in the smartphone app industry.

In terms of talent supply, over 33% of respondents indicated that they have experienced a serious shortage of manpower in the past year with technical staff positions (40%) and sales staff positions (11%) being the most difficult to fill. The talent shortage is the main reason 40% of the respondents to turn down business deals. To combat this and the increased operational costs, nearly half of the respondents (42%) have out-sourced services to domestic specialist companies (69%) and those in Mainland (25%) or other regions (21%).

"Hong Kong is a world leader in mobile subscription and smartphone penetration. The survey results show  an insightful pointer for local companies in the fast-changing smart app industry to remain competitive in their businesses and to stay on top of the constant changes and challenges in the technology sector," says Wendy Alison Yung, Executive Director of WTIA.

Following the survey results, Wendy Alison Yung also announced the nine finalists of this year's Asia Smart App Awards. Organized annually since 2012 by WTIA, the Asia Smart App Awards rewards innovative smart app developers and provides a platform for top smart app professionals in the region to meet, share, collaborate and learn from each other. The nine finalists are from Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, Israel, and Indonesia and across three categories – Business and Productivity, Game and Entertainment, and Lifestyle and Social. Industry experts from Hong Kong and eleven other Asian countries – including Prisda Hiranaburna of Thailand's National Science and Technology Development Agency and Robert Antuangco of TechCellar Business Solutions from the Philippines – and judged this year's awards.

The entries ranged from a game for students that incorporates Artificial Intelligence and augmented reality to an app that increases the mobility of the visually impaired by helping people navigate using GPS. Entries were judged based on six criteria - innovation and creativity, functionality and design, user experience, technical deployment of smartphone technologies, market performance and competitiveness, and social responsibility.

The winners will be announced at the Asia Smart App Summit cum Awards Presentation Ceremony on 29 June in Cyberport. The summit, which will be held on the same day, is open to public and has free admission. For more information and to register for the summit, please visit http://ift.tt/2sp312o.

For the editor:

About Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association

Wireless Technology Industry Association (WTIA), established in 2001, is a not-for profit, politically-neutral trade association dedicated to the wireless and mobile industry.  The Association acts as a platform, an aggregator, and community for industry professionals to learn and drive emerging wireless and mobile technologies, governance, and standards.  It facilitates networking between like-minded professionals, boost interoperability between networks and devices, and strives to help all organizations apply these technologies to existing or new businesses.  WTIA also represents and is supported by digital industries pertaining to mobile such as digital entertainment, digital marketing & media, and start-up sectors. To know more about WTIA, please visit www.hkwtia.org.

About Create Hong Kong

Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to spearhead the development of Hong Kong's creative industries.  Set up in June 2009, CreateHK co-ordinates the Government policy regarding creative industries, focuses Government's resources catering for the promotion and speeding up of the development of creative industries in Hong Kong, and works closely with the trade to boost the development of creative industries. CreateHK sponsors the Asia Smartphone Apps Contest since its inception in 2012.

Disclaimer: Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organizers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Communications and Creative Industries Branch of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, Create Hong Kong, the CreateSmart Initative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

Survey results, finalists' bios, and hi-res images download link: http://ift.tt/2rTCAhC

Read this news on PR Newswire Asia website: Hong Kong Mobile Apps Industry Survey 2017 Reveals an Increase in AR and NFC Apps Developed in Hong Kong as part of The Latest Industry Trends

[saasboxy]

📢 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬?

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✨ What Taja Does for You: 🚀 Auto-generate platform-specific shorts & posts 🎥 📅 Optimize, schedule, and publish everywhere in a click! ⏳ Turn one video into weeks of content instantly 💡 Never run out of ideas – fresh content suggestions in seconds!

💥 More reach. More engagement. Less effort. Try Taja today and transform your content game! 🚀

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[olliejennabn]

Creative industries bolstered

The CreateSmart Initiative, a dedicated fund the Government set up in 2009 to promote the development of creative industries, has achieved positive results.

 At the end of September, $1.07 billion had been committed under the initiative to support 449 projects.

 New local band, The Sulis Club, found it difficult to network in the industry until they joined the “Ear Up Music” programme, funded by the initiative.

 The band’s manager Jonathan Synn said through the programme, they met a lot of industry people such as label managers, producers and famous bands, and that they learned a lot from these people.

 “If we didn’t have this programme, we would stay in our circle and we would never be able to step up and really reach out and go abroad and really expand our vision,” he said.

 Young fashion designer Angus Tsui is one of the awardees of the Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award, sponsored by the initiative.

 He said this helped in developing his own career, particularly in connecting with the industry.

 The CreateSmart Initiative Exhibition organised by Create Hong Kong is being held from today at Tai Kwun in Central to showcase more than 100 exhibits of projects the initiative funded covering seven sectors, namely advertising, architecture, design, digital entertainment, music, television and printing and publishing.

 Speaking at the exhibition's opening ceremony, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Edward Yau said the current-term Government has put special emphasis on nurturing young creative talents.

 The Government will continue to earmark no less than 50% of the initiative’s funding for nurturing talents, such as enhancing collaboration among the industries of Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas, Mr Yau said.

 The exhibition runs until November 25. Admission is free.

from news.gov.hk - Business & Finance http://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2018/11/20181122/20181122_144638_673.html

[olliejennabn]

High-end manufacturing in focus

The label of "Made in Hong Kong" represents a shared vision of the past, present and future generations of Hong Kong. Many of us may still remember the days in the 60s and 70s when we found solace in stumbling upon a toy or a shirt labelled "Made in Hong Kong" as we travelled or studied abroad.

 We all know how the story unfolded afterwards. Exactly 40 years ago, the economic reform of Mainland China took off. As Hong Kong manufacturers gradually moved north, Hong Kong began to transform into a service-oriented economy. During the course of development, we rode out the storm of the 1998 Asian financial crisis and survived the 2008 financial crisis. Nine years on, Hong Kong's GDP grew 3.8% in 2017, much stronger than the average of 2.7% among developed economies. Retail sales rebounded from the slump several years ago and grew 2.2% in 2017. Trade volume grew 8.4% the same year. In fact, our merchandise trade volume is three times the size of our GDP - a rarity in the world. Our unemployment rate hit a 20-year low at 2.8% or full employment this year.

 Today, the service sector accounts for 92.2% of our GDP, supplying 88.2% of all jobs in Hong Kong across tourism, financial services, logistics, wholesale and retail, and business services. Meanwhile, the manufacturing sector accounts for less than 2% of Hong Kong's GDP.

 Some overseas economists wonder how Hong Kong's economy could survive over the years with such a small manufacturing sector while most developed economies still maintain a sizeable mix of manufacturing in their economy. On average, manufacturing constitutes 14% of GDP in OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development) markets, ranging from 21% GDP in Germany to 11% in the US. Even for small economies like Singapore, they still retain a manufacturing sector representing 18% of its GDP.

 Certainly, the vast opportunities offered by the enormous market in Mainland China are a big factor that sustains the thriving economy of Hong Kong, but the tremendous efforts that Hong Kong people have made to diversify our economy and bolster our competitiveness on the experience gained in the past also play an indispensable role.

 Innovation and Technology 

The current-term Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is determined to strive for innovation and develop a high value-added and diversified economy. Innovation and technology (I&T) is crucial to promoting economic development, raising the competitiveness of the city and the quality of living of its people.

 Over the past two years, we have invested over $60 billion for supporting I&T development, including allocating $20 billion for the first-phase development of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation & Technology Park located at the boundary with Shenzhen and in an area known as the Lok Ma Chau Loop, injecting $10 billion into the Innovation & Technology Fund and earmarking $10 billion to support the establishment of two research clusters - one on healthcare technologies and another on artificial intelligence and robotics technologies.

 We also have a vibrant I&T ecosystem in Hong Kong. We are home to some 100 biotech companies, some 300 fintech businesses and over 2,200 startups. In 2017, we attracted about US$1.1 billion venture capital. We have set a target to double gross domestic expenditure on R&D (research and development) to 1.5% of GDP by 2022 or $45 billion a year. The 2018-19 Budget earmarked over $50 billion to expedite Hong Kong's I&T development. To encourage greater corporate investment in R&D, we have introduced a super tax deduction for research and development spending. The first $2 million eligible R&D expenditure will enjoy a 300% tax deduction, and the remainder at 200%.

 While Hong Kong is a service-oriented economy, high-end and high value-added manufacturing has a promising prospect, following the development of I&T and promotion of research and development. Indeed, Hong Kong has all the qualities needed to promote high-end manufacturing. We have world-class I&T facilities, R&D capability, outstanding scientific research talent, financing platforms, geographical location, business environment, legal system and a well-developed regime to safeguard intellectual property rights.

 More importantly, manufacturing has never left us. Home-grown industrialists may have moved their factories to Mainland China and other emerging markets but Hong Kong remains the home of their headquarters. Many of them who have grown into global companies and built their own product brands as businesses are passed on to the second or third generation. They are also a key feeder of business to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Hong Kong accounting for 98% of companies in the city.

 To capitalise on our experience in manufacturing, we will collaborate with the industry to promote integration of innovative technologies with industrial production and rejuvenate the "Made in Hong Kong" label. To this end, the second Policy Address announced by the Chief Executive just three days ago (October 10) proposes to promote high-end manufacturing through expedition of re-industrialisation. We will establish a $2 billion re-industrialisation funding scheme to subsidise manufacturers on a matching basis to set up smart production lines in Hong Kong.

 The Precision Manufacturing Centre established by the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC) in Tai Po Industrial Estate and the Advanced Manufacturing Centre to be completed in Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate will provide the industries with facilities for smart production. This year's Policy Address further recommends allocation of an additional $2 billion for the HKSTPC to identify suitable land in industrial estates for building manufacturing facilities required by the dedicated advanced manufacturing sector.

 We believe that high-end manufacturing will generate R&D needs, which is conducive to raising R&D investment by the industries, thus contributing to robust and sustainable development of the R&D work of local universities and research institutes. High-end manufacturing will also provide quality jobs for local I&T talent, particularly young people, for the long-term development of Hong Kong.

 To nurture talent to support our I&T development, we have launched a $500 million Technology Talent Scheme in August this year to recruit talent from outside Hong Kong to carry out research and development activities and train their local staff to apply cutting-edge technology for adding value to their businesses. The Postdoctoral Hub founded under the scheme provides funding support for enterprises to recruit postdoctoral talent for scientific research and product development. The scheme will also fund local companies on a 2 to 1 matching basis to train their staff in high-end technologies, especially those related to Industry 4.0 through its Reindustrialisation & Technology Training Programme. Response to the schemes has been positive. So far, 124 applications under the Postdoctoral Hub have been approved and 54 applications from the matching grant have been granted.

 In parallel, we launched the Talent List last month to draw in high quality talents from all over the world in respect of 11 specified professions, including fintech professionals and innovation and technology experts under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme to support Hong Kong's development as a high value-added and diversified economy.

 Creative Industries 

To unleash the potential of our young people and promote emerging industries, the current-term Government has introduced an array of measures to support our creative industries. They are not merely a cluster of emerging professions mainly in the design, arts, cultural and communications sectors, but are also a powerhouse that will drive the economy, add value and revitalise the label of "Made in Hong Kong" internationally. From 2005 to 2015, the creative industries grew at an average annual rate of 5.4%. It is noteworthy that, the design industry grew 15% a year in the same period. In 2016, it contributed 4.5% to our GDP and employed 212 800 persons.

 To promote the development of design and other creative sectors, we have injected $1 billion into the CreateSmart Initiative, of which $300 million has been earmarked for the Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) mainly to fund mega activities. The Government, in collaboration with the Urban Renewal Authority and the HKDC, has secured space in a redevelopment project in the district for establishing a design and fashion project to combine design and industry, to bring Hong Kong's fashion design development to a new level, and to groom young designers. Construction works of the project will soon commence and are expected to be completed in 2023-24.

 The film industry, a key sector among the eight creative industries in Hong Kong, does not only enrich our cultural life, but has also successfully built up a brand name for "Hong Kong Films".

 Whilst the global film market has undergone major changes in recent years, and there is a significant decline in the number of local productions, Hong Kong filmmakers are doing well in other markets, and many talented and enthusiastic young people still choose to pursue their career in the film industry.

 We believe that there is strong potential for our film industry to prosper. It is important for the Government to work closely with industry players to turn challenges into opportunities so that Hong Kong films can shine again. To this end, this year's Policy Address has just announced to make a one-off injection of $1 billion into the Film Development Fund to support initiatives for boosting the development of our film industry in the next few years. We will realise this vision through measures under the following four broad directions, including nurturing talent, enhancing local production, promoting the brand of "Hong Kong Films" to more markets on the Mainland and overseas and building local audience.

 To strengthen further our support for Hong Kong-based businesses in tapping overseas markets, we have enhanced two funding schemes administered by the Trade & Industry Department, namely, the SME Export Marketing Fund and the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading & Domestic Sales or the BUD Fund. The SME Export Marketing Fund aims to encourage small and medium enterprises to expand their markets outside Hong Kong by providing financial assistance to them for participation in export promotion activities. To enhance support to SMEs in exploring new markets and new business opportunities, we have injected $1 billion into the fund, raised the cumulative funding ceiling for enterprises and relaxed the limitation on the types of eligible marketing activities since August this year.

 In parallel, we have injected another $1.5 billion into the BUD Fund which aims to provide funding support to individual Hong Kong enterprises in undertaking projects to develop brands and restructure their business operations and promote sales on the Mainland market and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) market. To help SMEs, including start-ups, grasp economic opportunities and boost their competitiveness, we have extended the geographical scope of the BUD Fund to include the Association of Southeast Asian Nations markets by launching the ASEAN Programme and increase the cumulative funding ceiling per enterprise for projects involving the Mainland market.

 Belt & Road and greater bay area 

There is much more to share on the work that the HKSAR Government has undertaken to maintain our competitiveness and boost Hong Kong's brand. The key policy initiatives that I would like to use the remaining time to cover are the enormous opportunities for Hong Kong to seize in the development of the Belt & Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (greater bay area). These two national development strategies will have a direct bearing on the future of Hong Kong's economy and will open up opportunities for us to achieve new heights.

 Our city's growth potential is intertwined with that of our motherland - the world's second largest economy. Hong Kong's strengths as a well-connected global business and financial hub will play an important part in these far-reaching economic initiatives.

 The greater bay area aims to unleash the economic potential of the cluster of 11 cities in the Pearl River Delta region, including Hong Kong, Macau and nine cities in Guangdong Province. Hong Kong has a key role to play in the greater bay area given our strong global connectivity, well-established institutional strengths, and competitive edges in trade, finance, innovation, and legal services. We provide an important platform for Mainland enterprises to go global and overseas investments to penetrate the huge and lucrative China market.

 To put the scale of this development into perspective, the greater bay area covers a population of nearly 70 million, similar to that of the UK; generates GDP of around UK$1.2 trillion, over half that of the UK or the size of Korea and Australia and spans an area of 56,000 sq km. The greater bay area is thus a huge market in its own right.

 Brand new mega transport infrastructure, including the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge will significantly reduce travel time, cut costs, promote connectivity and boost the flow of capital, talents, goods, business and information in the region.

 Just last month, the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail came on stream. The Vibrant Express, as the sophisticated trains are most fittingly named, links vibrant Hong Kong to the mainland's state-of-the-art express rail network covering more than 25,000 km, including services to Guangzhou in 48 minutes and Beijing in less than nine hours. Meanwhile, the impressive Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is expected to spring to life soon. It is the world's longest bridge-tunnel sea crossing, spanning 42 km across the Pearl River Estuary linking Hong Kong with Zhuhai and Macau.  

 Meanwhile, construction work of the third runway system is underway at Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok. Our airport is the world's largest air cargo hub (handling 4.94 million tonnes of cargoes in 2017) and one of the busiest for passengers (handling 72.9 million in 2017). Once the Three-Runway System takes off in 2024, our airport will be able to handle altogether nine million tonnes of air cargo and over 100 million passengers annually.

 These mega infrastructure projects will further consolidate Hong Kong's pivotal role in the greater bay area for many years to come. In fact, the greater bay area is also a key link to the far-reaching Belt & Road Initiative, serving as a converging point for flows of trade, investment and talent between Mainland China, Southeast Asia and all the way to Europe.

 The Belt & Road Initiative is a mammoth national strategy, promoting land, sea, energy, financial and cultural links among more than 60 countries in Asia, Africa and Europe. These countries account for about 31% of global GDP and 33% of global merchandise trade.

 Since its inception in 2013, the Belt & Road Initiative has made headway under the watch of the world. More than 100 countries and international organisations have joined in. By the first half of 2018, trade volume between Mainland China and Belt & Road countries exceeded US$600 billion, while our country's outward financial investment amounted to over US$7 billion. Chinese firms have built more than 80 overseas economic and trade co-operation zones, with a total investment of more than US$25 billion, creating over 244,000 jobs.

 Hong Kong is destined to play an important role in the development of the Belt & Road Initiative. As a highly open economy with extensive connections and international experience, Hong Kong is the freest market, allowing free flow of capital, goods, talent and information while keeping close ties with our motherland.

 In December last year, we signed the Arrangement between the National Development & Reform Commission & the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for Advancing Hong Kong's Full Participation in & Contribution to the Belt & Road Initiative.

 The arrangement allows us to give full play to our unique advantages under "one country, two systems" to contribute to our country and, at the same time, seize the opportunities brought by the initiative to give new impetus for our economic growth. The relevant measures will help reinforce and elevate Hong Kong's position as international financial, transport and trade centres, promote partnership between Mainland and Hong Kong enterprises, spawn the demand for Hong Kong's professional services and present our home-grown talents with promising prospects, thus enhancing the upward mobility of our younger generations.

 Hong Kong enterprises and professionals are already participating in quite a number of projects in regions along the Belt & Road. Notable examples include the metro system in Saudi Arabia, airports in Cambodia and Sri Lanka, power plants in Thailand and Vietnam as well as a waste management system in Bangladesh. This testifies to our professional and project management capabilities in delivering world-class professional services that are "Made in Hong Kong" across the globe.

 Ladies and gentlemen, the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, just announced the second Policy Address of the current-term Government, which set out 244 new initiatives and 470 on-going initiatives to propel Hong Kong forward. We will continue to perform the roles as facilitator and promoter to proactively foster Hong Kong's long-term economic and social development, provide more land for housing and future economic activities, reinforce Hong Kong's advantages by stepping up investment in education, as well as innovation and technology, scale up our established industries, improve people's livelihood and promote quality living. Our aim is for the Government to join hands with the whole community to strive ahead and build a future full of hope and opportunities.

  Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung gave these remarks at the CUHK EMBA Annual Conference on October 13.

from news.gov.hk - Business & Finance http://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2018/10/20181013/20181013_183513_834.html

[olliejennabn]

FS visits Sham Shui Po

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today toured a factory building in Sham Shui Po that has been converted to support local arts.

 The Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre was formerly a factory estate. It now nurtures local creative talent and promotes arts and culture by providing studios, and display and performance venues.

 About 140 artists and organisations from different art disciplines are based in the centre. Mr Chan met several of the artists during his tour.

 He then visited D2 Place, a project under the Scheme on Revitalisation of Industrial Buildings which supports local startups and entrepreneurs in developing businesses by offering lower rents and support for their operations and marketing.

 It also provides a shared space for startups and creative work through the Space Sharing Scheme for Youth.

 Mr Chan said the Government is committed to supporting the development of the city's creative industries, adding it will inject $1 billion into the CreateSmart Initiative in 2018-19.

 The fund injection will help startups and youths. It will also boost the Hong Kong Design Centre's initiatives in enhancing public understanding in the value of creativity and design.

 Mr Chan also met Sham Shui Po District Councillors.

from news.gov.hk - Business & Finance http://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2018/06/20180613/20180613_182533_212.html

[olliejennabn]

Design incubator boosts startups

Many creative entrepreneurs aspire to launch their own businesses, but often struggle with a lack of funds and tight resources.

 To help turn their dreams into reality, the Design Incubation Programme has nurtured more than 200 design startups from a variety of disciplines since 2006, offering them financial assistance and incubation services.

 Spotlighting talent

Multimedia designer Jack Lau teamed up with friends to launch a multimedia video production startup company in Hong Kong four years ago.

 They created a promotional film introducing the century-plus history of the Museum of Medical Sciences, Hong Kong’s first purpose-built public health and clinical laboratory.

 The video won the Golden Pin Design Award in 2015 in Taiwan, a major accolade that celebrates design innovation in Chinese-speaking communities.

 Its success boosted Mr Lau’s confidence in running his own business.

 “When I started my own business, I aspired to have my own product in the market. I hope my video can be seen everywhere.”

 Financial lifeline

However, Mr Lau and his team struggled to gain momentum.

 Although they had an award-winning video under their belts, they found it difficult to grow their client base and bring in adequate income.

 “We made cold calls and sent more than a thousand emails to companies to introduce our work. Less than 20 of them replied,” he said.

 However, things turned around after they joined the Design Incubation Programme last year, receiving sponsorship to open an office in Wong Chuk Hang.

 “We can enjoy two years of benefits under this programme. We had our office rent-free for the first year and there were subsidies for the equipment we bought. The programme is very useful for a startup, as startups usually don’t have much money.”

 Mr Lau said the company is running well and he plans to grab more opportunities in the coming year to expand his business.

 “The Design Incubation Programme gave us support and subsidies, so we have more time and opportunities to work on projects in different areas. We plan to develop high-tech business products and we are exploring virtual reality technology and augmented reality technology.”

 Breeding business-savvy

The programme supports creative design startups for a two-year period with a wide range of financial aid, including discounted office rent, and subsidies for operations, marketing and development. It also offers enrichment courses to help designers learn how to run a business and build up their networks.

 It was a game-changer for fashion designer Mim Mak, who is a graduate of the programme.

 “For example, we were asked what our company plan was for the next five years, or two years, or three years. What did we expect in terms of expenses and income? This made me realise I was running a real business. “

 Ms Mak said she learned valuable methods on how to operate a good company.

 “I calculate my company’s income every month, even though I can get someone else to do it. My mindset is, I am the boss and I am responsible for the company’s expenses and revenue. If it is losing money, I need to find ways to solve the problem. If it is making a profit, I can use the money for other investments or to expand the business. “

 Startup sustainability

The Design Incubation Programme is supported and funded by the Government and managed by the Hong Kong Design Centre.

 In her maiden Policy Address last year, Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced an injection of $1 billion into the CreateSmart Initiative to strengthen support for the development of creative industries. A portion of the initiative’s funds will help provide resources for the centre to continue managing the scheme.

 The programme supports startups specialising in various fields including fashion, branding and packaging, jewellery, interior design, visual and spatial arts, and media.

 The Design Incubation Programme is now open for applications. Interested designers can visit this website.

from news.gov.hk - Business & Finance http://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2018/01/20180124/20180124_172803_864.html

[olliejennabn]

$1b boost set for creative industries

Chief Executive Carrie Lam has proposed new measures to boost Hong Kong's creative industries and augment its convention facilities.

 She outlined the measures in her 2017 Policy Address, tabled at the Legislative Council today.

 The Government wants to promote the further development of Hong Kong's creative sectors, particularly the design industry.

 It plans to inject $1 billion into the CreateSmart Initiative, and provide more resources to the Hong Kong Design Centre to implement a series of measures to reinforce Hong Kong's status as a city of design excellence in Asia.

 The Commerce & Economic Development Bureau will find more room for development through integrating design and industry. It will also foster closer links between Hong Kong's design industry and Shenzhen and other Mainland and overseas design cities to open up new markets for Hong Kong.

 To ensure Hong Kong does not miss opportunities to host large conventions and exhibitions that are internationally important or new, Mrs Lam said there is a pressing need for new venues.

 After detailed study, the Government's priority is to build a new convention and exhibition venue of international standard near the Convention & Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.

 To maximise the benefits, Mrs Lam said the new venue must be connected to and integrated with the existing convention centre. The Government's three buildings near the Convention & Exhibition Centre will be redeveloped into a new wing that can be connected to and integrated with the existing convention centre.

 The project is expected to add 23,000 square metres of connected convention and exhibition facilities.

 Hotel facilities, which complement convention and exhibition activities, and Grade A office space, which can help alleviate the market shortfall, can be built on top of the new convention and exhibition venue.

 The Government will continue with the development of a new convention centre above the Exhibition Station of the Shatin to Central Link to provide an additional 15,000 square metres of convention space.

 As a longer-term plan, when the reprovisioning of the Wan Chai Sports Ground is satisfactorily resolved, the site may be earmarked for the further development of convention and exhibition facilities to enhance the status of Wan Chai North as a convention and exhibition hub.

from news.gov.hk - [ERROR] http://www.news.gov.hk/en/categories/finance/html/2017/10/20171011_100403.shtml