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Stable economy and digital transformation power Hong Kong SMEs to decade high performance, CPA Australia survey

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 April 2026 – Hong Kong’s small businesses delivered their strongest performance in a decade in 2025, while confidence in the year ahead has climbed to a record high, according to CPA Australia’s latest Asia‑Pacific Small Business Survey 2025–26.

The survey shows that 68 per cent of Hong Kong SMEs recorded growth in 2025, up from 65 per cent in 2024 and marking the highest result on record. This positive momentum is expected to continue this year, with 71 per cent of SMEs expecting their businesses to grow and 76 per cent anticipating growth in the local economy — both at record highs. Customer loyalty and a strong workforce were identified as key drivers behind SMEs’ solid performance last year.

Mr Cliff Ip, Councillor of CPA Australia’s Greater China Divisional Council, said Hong Kong’s improving business environment played a critical role in supporting SME growth. “Hong Kong’s business confidence and economic growth strengthened last year, supported by robust capital markets, a recovery in tourism and consumption, and signs of stabilisation in the property market,” said Mr Ip. “Against this stable and supportive backdrop, small businesses not only benefited from increased business activity, but were also able to expand in a healthy and sustainable manner.”

Looking ahead, Mr Ip noted that while global geopolitical tensions and external uncertainties pose rising challenges, Hong Kong’s underlying strengths remain a key advantage for SMEs. “Rising geopolitical risks are likely to create headwinds for many sectors such as trade and logistics through higher fuel costs and supply chain disruptions. However, I remain confident about Hong Kong’s overall business outlook this year,” he said. “As many regions become more unpredictable or less secure, Hong Kong’s stable and consistent business environment, together with supportive policy settings including the city’s low and simple tax regime stand out as important advantages in attracting international companies and investors.”

Mr Ip added that these developments also present new opportunities for local SMEs, particularly as increased international interest creates scope to build partnerships, expand networks and tap into new markets. “This environment also creates favourable conditions for younger entrepreneurs to explore emerging markets and pursue new business opportunities,” he said.

Improved business performance has strengthened the solvency of many local SMEs. The share of businesses reporting difficulty paying debts fell sharply from 22 per cent in 2024 to just 3 per cent in 2025, while only 4 per cent expect to face difficulties this year, down markedly from 26 per cent previously. As a result, Hong Kong small businesses are now the least likely among the surveyed businesses to report solvency concerns.

Mr Ip said, “The solvency of many SMEs has notably improved, driven by stronger cash flow from improved business growth, a robust capital market and a recovering property market over the past year. This healthier cashflow has both supported easier access to external finance and reduced the need for such finance.”

Hong Kong SMEs have also strengthened their capability to invest in technology that delivers rapid improvements in profitability. In 2025, 64 per cent of SMEs reported that their technology investment in that year helped improve profitability, up from 59 per cent in 2024. Two in five Hong Kong SMEs invested in artificial intelligence (AI) last year, making it the leading technology investment among local SMEs, followed by customer relationship management (CRM) software.

At the same time, cyber protection has improved, with the share of Hong Kong businesses reporting losses from cyber incidents falling sharply from 72 per cent in 2024 to 43 per cent in 2025. However, as digitalisation accelerates, cyber risks remain elevated, with nearly three in five SMEs expecting to face cyber threats this year, above the survey average 42 per cent.

Mr Davy Leung, Deputy Chairperson of CPA Australia’s SME and Entrepreneurship Committee of Greater China, said the growing maturity and availability of AI tools is helping SMEs enhance productivity, reduce operating costs and improve customer experience.

(Left) Mr Davy Leung, Deputy Chairperson of SME and Entrepreneurship Committee 2026 from CPA Australia (Right) Mr Cliff Ip Greater China Divisional Councillor 2025 from CPA Australia
(Left) Mr Davy Leung, Deputy Chairperson of SME and Entrepreneurship Committee 2026 from CPA Australia (Right) Mr Cliff Ip Greater China Divisional Councillor 2025 from CPA Australia

“However, rising digital fraud, wider AI adoption and SMEs’ increasing reliance on digital banking have prompted the Hong Kong Government to significantly strengthen banking security and cybersecurity resilience over the past year. This includes the rollout of low-cost and practical initiatives such as the Cybersec One Programme and the continued implementation of the ‘9+5’ SME support measures. The decline of cyberattack-related losses reported in the survey in part reflects the effectiveness of these measures.

“As cybersecurity threats and digital fraud risks continue to escalate, SMEs should make better use of these available resources, including free website risk assessments and vulnerability identification services, to strengthen their defence capabilities and safeguard business operations.”

Mr Leung also suggested that the Government consider revamping the Technology Voucher Programme to support broader digitalisation efforts, including the adoption of both AI and non-AI technologies. He added that enhanced training support would help SMEs identify and implement modern tools to drive innovation, improve efficiency and strengthen long-term competitiveness.

Rising costs remain a key challenge for Hong Kong SMEs in 2025, with 29 per cent reporting it having a negative impact on their business. However, this was the second‑lowest level among all surveyed markets, underscoring Hong Kong’s relatively low inflationary environment last year. Notably, the share of SMEs citing staff costs as a negative factor rose from 35 per cent to 42 per cent, making it the most significant cost pressure for Hong Kong businesses in 2025. This increase may help explain why the proportion of SMEs hiring additional staff declined from 42 per cent to 38 per cent last year.

Mr Leung said, “Increasing costs remain a significant barrier for many SMEs across Asia‑Pacific region, but Hong Kong’s relatively low inflation has helped cushion the impact on local small businesses,” Mr Leung said.

Mr Leung added that while headcount growth has moderated, overall staff costs have continued to rise as businesses invest in higher‑value talent. “Greater digitalisation and automation have helped ease labour constraints in Hong Kong. When SMEs do add staff, they are increasingly recruiting employees with digital and AI capabilities, or creating new roles to support business transformation. These positions typically command higher salaries, which has contributed to higher overall staff costs despite slower hiring growth.”

The annual survey collected the views of 4,166 small businesses across 11 Asia-Pacific markets, including Singapore, the Chinese Mainland, and Australia, with 305 respondents from Hong Kong.
Hashtag: #CPAAustralia

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About CPA Australia

CPA Australia is Australia’s leading professional accounting body and one of the largest in the world. We have more than 176,000 members in over 100 countries and regions. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on local, national and international issues affecting the accounting profession and public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. A CPA is a Certified Practising Accountant. More at

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SKYWORTH Solar Accelerates Thailand Expansion as Part of New Global Growth Strategy

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SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 June 2026 – SKYWORTH Solar has reinforced its commitment to Thailand’s growing clean energy sector following the opening of its Bangkok office and the signing of a 100MW commercial and industrial (C&I) solar project memorandum of understanding with local partner CapSolar.

The announcement forms part of SKYWORTH Solar’s newly unveiled global growth strategy, revealed at the 2026 SNEC Exhibition and Global Customer Summit in Shanghai, where the company introduced its new positioning as a “Global Smart Energy Ecosystem Leader” and outlined plans to accelerate expansion across key international markets.

Thailand has emerged as one of SKYWORTH Solar’s strategic markets in Southeast Asia, driven by rising energy demand, increasing electricity costs for businesses, and growing momentum behind renewable energy adoption.

The opening of the company’s Thailand office at Empire Tower in Bangkok strengthens SKYWORTH Solar’s local presence. It enables the company to provide customers and partners with enhanced support across consultation, project execution, after-sales service, supply chain coordination and project delivery.

“Thailand represents a significant growth opportunity for SKYWORTH Solar as businesses increasingly seek reliable and cost-effective clean energy solutions,” said Wanfei Qu, Chief Investment Officer of SKYWORTH Group, CEO and Director of SKYWORTH Solar. “Our strategy is built on the principle of ‘Global Vision, Local Execution’, combining global expertise with strong local partnerships to support Thailand’s energy transition and long-term sustainability goals.”

As part of its expansion plans, SKYWORTH Solar signed a 100MW C&I solar project MOU with CapSolar, supporting the growing demand for rooftop solar solutions among commercial and industrial businesses.

The company is also strengthening its local ecosystem through investments in project development, financing partnerships and service capabilities. This includes a strategic banking collaboration with ICBC Thai and access to a US$500 million investment fund to support solar project development and deployment in Thailand and other international markets.

One example of SKYWORTH Solar’s growing footprint in Thailand is its 3MW rooftop solar project at UMC Steel Plant in Chonburi Province. The project is expected to generate approximately 4.4 million kWh of clean electricity in its first year, helping reduce energy costs while supporting the facility’s sustainability objectives.

The developments in Thailand were highlighted as part of SKYWORTH Solar’s broader global strategy unveiled at SNEC 2026. The company announced plans to expand its solar, energy storage, and integrated smart energy solutions across Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, in response to increasing global demand for renewable energy technologies.

As governments and businesses accelerate their decarbonisation efforts, SKYWORTH Solar aims to support customers through a combination of advanced technology, flexible business models and localised service capabilities.

For more information about SKYWORTH Solar and its clean energy solutions, please visit https://www.skyworth-pv.com.
Hashtag: #SKYWORTH

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About SKYWORTH

SKYWORTH Solar, the cutting-edge PV brand under SKYWORTH Group, is a global leader in providing comprehensive one-stop solar solutions. Comprehensive end-to-end services are provided, encompassing consulting, design, and product O&M, all supported by a portfolio of self-developed solutions.

As a leading global renewable energy developer, service provider and energy solutions provider, SKYWORTH is actively shaping the future of energy. With a strong presence in EPC services and one-stop product solutions, SKYWORTH delivers high-quality, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. SKYWORTH ‘s commitment to originality and excellence has earned widespread recognition in international markets such as Germany, Italy, the UK, Brazil, and Senegal.

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Registration Now Open for Free Public Admission to Fifth Hong Kong Science Fair

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Over five years, nearly 9,000 teachers and students have participated in the Fair to drive youth engagement in innovation and technology

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 June 2026 – Organised by the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation (‘HKIF’), the Fifth Hong Kong Science Fair (‘Science Fair’) will take place from 27 to 28 June 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event will showcase around 120 shortlisted teams from primary and secondary schools across Hong Kong, presenting creative inventions that integrate artificial intelligence with a diverse range of technology applications. With Sino Group as Principal Patron, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau of the HKSAR Government (ITIB) as the Supporting Bureau, and the Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification (HKCTC) as Strategic Partner, HKIF is also honoured to have, for the first time, invited the Foundation for the Development of Science and Technology in China as an Advisory Organisation. Representatives from the Foundation will attend the award ceremony to witness the announcement of this year’s winning teams. Consistently a major draw for the community, the Science Fair is now open for online registration with free admission, and the public is warmly invited to attend in person.

Since its launch in 2021, the Science Fair has attracted participation from over 400 local schools, engaging nearly 9,000 students and teachers from Primary 4 to Secondary 6. To date, more than 2,200 creative invention submissions have been received, and the event has established itself as a key platform for youth I&T exchange.

Following Hong Kong’s first astronaut, Dr Lai Ka-ying, into space, the local innovation and technology ecosystem has attracted even greater attention. This year’s Science Fair has specially incorporated aerospace engineering elements, enabling the public to learn about the daily work and challenges of payload specialists, gain insight into the reality of aerospace research and development, and spark greater interest among young people in space exploration. Dr Lai launched aboard the Shenzhou-23 manned spacecraft and is expected to remain in space for approximately six months to conduct space science experiments and maintenance tasks. Visitors can express their support and encouragement by creating message cards for her. In addition, UBTECH Robotics, a globally leading enterprise in embodied AI robotics, will participate in the exhibition, showcasing multiple humanoid robots and offering visitors the opportunity to experience the appeal of embodied intelligence up close.

Professor Sun Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, stated: ‘The Hong Kong SAR Government is fully committed to developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre, with talent being a key driver of this growth. Now in its fifth edition, the Hong Kong Science Fair – organised by the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation – has become an annual flagship I&T education event. It offers students a valuable platform to turn their innovative ideas into practice, deepen their interest and confidence in I&T, and help bring I&T into schools and the wider community, thereby fostering a more innovation-friendly atmosphere. I look forward to seeing more young people unleash their potential through this platform, pursue careers in I&T, and contribute to the high-quality development of Hong Kong and our nation.’

Mr Daryl Ng, SBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation and Chairman of Sino Group, said ‘Innovation and technology are key to Hong Kong’s long-term sustainable development and are integral to the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan. It is vital for Hong Kong to strengthen its I&T capabilities and actively contribute to national development, as underscored by the historic moment when Dr Lai Ka-ying became Hong Kong’s first astronaut. We are encouraged to see growing recognition of I&T opening up new opportunities for young people aspiring to pursue scientific research. As the Hong Kong Science Fair enters its fifth edition, its growth has been made possible by the support of the HKSAR Government, industry partners, tertiary institutions, research organisations, and our panels of judges. This year, we are grateful for the guidance and support of the Foundation for the Development of Science and Technology in China. Moving forward, the Science Fair will remain committed to nurturing talent from an early age, bringing together all sectors to promote I&T and inspire more young people to pursue careers in science and technology.’

Professor Anderson Shum, MH, Chairman of Judging Panel, Hong Kong Science Fair, President of The Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences, said, ‘The Science Fair adopts the format of “integrating competition with exhibition,” enabling students to translate their learning into tangible and verifiable outcomes. This plays an important role in nurturing Hong Kong’s youth I&T ecosystem. I am delighted to have served as a judge for this major event over the years, witnessing students progressively enhance their presentation skills, build confidence, and broaden their horizons through exchanges with experts, participation in workshops and showcasing their work to the public. The standard of participating projects continues to improve each year, with increasing integration of artificial intelligence and diverse technological applications across different fields. Scientific research is a journey that demands passion and perseverance, and the growth of young scientists often begins with curiosity during their primary and secondary school years. Through these exchanges, we hope to leverage the role-model influence of young scientists, inspiring more students to pursue I&T as their lifelong career. I look forward to seeing our younger generation continue to grow and excel in scientific research and innovation, and officially join the community of scientists in the near future to jointly drive Hong Kong’s I&T development.’

Mr Michael Tam, Chief Brand Officer of UBTECH, said, ‘Humanoid robots are among the most promising real-world embodiments of artificial intelligence, reflecting a future in which intelligent systems are deeply integrated with the physical world. As a global pioneer in humanoid robotics, UBTECH has remained at the forefront of innovation for more than 14 years, with a long-standing commitment to I&T education. The company is dedicated to translating advanced technologies into practical, accessible educational resources. Through collaboration with like-minded partners such as the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation, we aim to inspire greater interest and engagement among both teachers and students in humanoid robotics and artificial intelligence. We are committed to supporting the development of Hong Kong’s I&T education ecosystem, helping to nurture future-ready talent and build a strong, sustainable foundation for long-term growth.’

Since its launch in 2021, the Science Fair has attracted participation from over 400 local schools, engaging nearly 9,000 Primary 4 to Secondary 6 students and their teachers. To date, more than 2,200 creative invention submissions have been received and total attendance has exceeded 120,000 visitors. The Science Fair has gradually established itself as a key platform for youth innovation and technology (‘I&T’) exchange and one of Hong Kong’s most representative I&T education initiatives. This year’s response has been enthusiastic, with over 500 project submissions received. Following preliminary judging, around 120 shortlisted teams took part in a series of workshops and mentorship sessions, and will present their projects at the exhibition in late June to compete for top awards. Gold award-winning teams from each category will have the opportunity to participate in the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva in Switzerland, fostering idea exchange with global I&T talents.

The Hong Kong Science Fair draws tens of thousands of visitors each year. During the exhibition period, the venue will be transformed into a catalyst for city-wide I&T inspiration. In addition to student showcases, five interactive zones will offer hands-on experiences, including DIY bubble bath bomb workshops, freezer-free slushie making, themed games celebrating the Science Fair’s fifth anniversary, and modified remote-controlled cars made from upcycled household appliances, allowing visitors of all ages to explore science and innovation through engaging and enjoyable activities.

  • Bulu Bulu Bubble Factory: Blending science with sensory experiences, visitors can mix and mould from scratch to create a delightful ‘bathroom blind box’.
  • Shake Shake Ice Factory: Applying the principle of freezing point depression, participants will see how temperature can be rapidly lowered using only salt, ice and water to create personalised slushies — all without a freezer.
  • Scan2Play: Scan the QR Code on your phone to join the themed game celebrating the Hong Kong Science Fair’s Fifth Anniversary.
  • Racing Homey Kart 2.0: Showcasing the spirit of upcycling and upgrades, visitors can transform old, small household appliances into remote-controlled racing cars and compete on a dedicated track.
  • UBTECH Robotics Base: Featuring a wide range of robots, this zone provides a comprehensive showcase of the integration of artificial intelligence with mechanical engineering.

To celebrate the Science Fair’s fifth edition, various special experiences will be introduced. The venue will feature a hidden Science Fair character treasure hunt and check-in activity, through which visitors can redeem curated gifts upon completion. Limited-edition souvenirs, including the ‘HKSF-5 Metal Standee Collection’ and the ‘Special Edition Robo K’ blind boxes, will also be available in limited quantities. All proceeds from the HKSF Bazaar, with no deduction, will go directly to charity to support local community technology initiatives.

The Fifth Hong Kong Science Fair Details:

  • Date: 27 to 28 June 2026 (Saturday and Sunday)
  • Time: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
  • Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hall 3FG
  • Admission: Free of Charge (Pre-registration online is required)
  • Registration Website: https://reghksciencefair.org.hk/public

Photos download: https://shorturl.at/mgawb

Hashtag: #HKIF #ScienceFair

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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Exploring European Expansion Opportunities for China’s Manufacturing and Logistics Industry

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Cushman & Wakefield Hosts “Europe Unlocked” Summits in Shanghai and Guangzhou

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 June 2026 – This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union. The principles of mutual respect, openness, cooperation, and win-win outcomes have long defined China–EU collaboration, laying a solid foundation for Chinese manufacturing enterprises expanding overseas.

Europe has now become a key strategic destination for Chinese companies going global, backed by its high-quality consumer markets, abundant labor force, mature industrial supply chains, and well-established legal framework. In response, Cushman & Wakefield hosted summits on the topic of Europe Unlocked — New Opportunities for China’s Manufacturing & Logistics Industry in Shanghai on June 2 and in Guangzhou on June 4, 2026.

These summits brought together Cushman & Wakefield’s industrial real estate experts from Europe, APAC and Greater China, along with representatives and leading industrial park enterprises from the United Kingdom, Germany, Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic. The events provided in-depth insights into the characteristics and advantages of European industrial investment and key industrial park investment opportunities, and attracted broad interest and participation from corporate representatives.

Matthew Bouw, Chief Executive, APAC & EMEA, Cushman & Wakefield, opened the Guangzhou summit and said: Leveraging our global platform to bring our logistics and industrial sector leads to China to provide in-person intelligence on the current dynamics and strategic opportunities across Europe’s markets is what Cushman & Wakefield is all about. The trading relationship between China and Europe is long established, and is now entering a new phase, as opportunities in e-commerce continue to evolve. Our significant investment in our digital ecosystem, including all things data, analytics, and AI, together with our local brokers’ deep market expertise, is helping clients make well informed, data-driven decisions to drive value for their businesses. It has been our pleasure to partner with our leading European developer clients to host these summits – and we look forward to continuing this working relationship going forward.”

KK Chiu, Chief Executive, Greater China, Cushman & Wakefield, commented: “Over the past five years, European investment in China has continued to grow steadily, with countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and Switzerland recording double-digit growth. European companies’ deep familiarity with China’s industrial supply chains also provides strong support for Chinese enterprises to expand into Europe and integrate into local markets. At the same time, Chinese enterprises are increasingly adopting a more strategic and long-term approach to overseas expansion, with greater emphasis on operational resilience, regional diversification, and proximity to customers. Through hosting Europe Unlocked summits, we aim to provide practical market insights and local expertise to help companies better navigate Europe’s diverse industrial landscape and make more informed expansion decisions”

Europe continues to attract strong interest from Chinese enterprises: Chinese inward investment into Europe reached almost €17 billion in 2025, up 67% on 2024 volumes and accounting for nearly a quarter of total global Chinese FDI in 2025[1]. European logistics and industrial markets show positive signs for businesses looking to locate in Europe with occupational demand rallying over the past year, availability of real estate options having grown in many markets since 2022 and developers keen to deliver more high-standard buildings to the market. Additionally, investor conviction in the asset class in Europe remains high with more capital being raised in 2025 to deploy specifically into logistics and industrial real estate assets in Europe than any other single sector[2].

Michael Carson, Head of Supply Chain & Logistics Consulting, APAC & EMEA, Cushman & Wakefield, added: “We’ve built strong credentials in core industrial markets across the region, including Germany, the UK and Eastern Europe. With deep experience, strong connectivity and best in class tools, we will help China manufacturing and logistics enterprises grow business and expand strategically into new markets across the globe.”

Tony Su, Managing Director and Head of Industrial & Logistics Services, China, Cushman & Wakefield, noted: “In recent years, we have drawn on our global resources and professional expertise to successfully support multiple enterprises in entering the European market. We have also assisted dozens of multinational companies in establishing operations in China. Looking ahead, we will continue to leverage our strengths to support the global expansion of Chinese manufacturing and logistics enterprises, providing efficient and professional on-the-ground services.”

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1 Rhodium Group
2 Realfin

Hashtag: #Cushman&Wakefield

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for property owners and occupiers with approximately 53,000 employees in nearly 350 offices and 60 countries. In Greater China, a network of 23 offices serves local markets across the region. In 2025, the firm reported revenue of $10.3 billion across its core services of Valuation, Consulting, Project & Development Services, Capital Markets, Project & Occupier Services, Industrial & Logistics, Retail, and others. Built around the belief that Better never settles, the firm receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture. For additional information, visit or follow us on LinkedIn ().

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