On 5 July 2024, the Hong Kong Association of Interactive Marketing (HKAIM) brought more than 100 SME owners, marketers and business leaders together for SME LaunchPad at The Wave in Kwun Tong. I joined the event to exchange practical ideas on how Hong Kong SMEs can use digital tools, artificial intelligence and social media to unlock business growth.
A practical roadmap for SME digital transformation
For many small and medium-sized enterprises, digital transformation can feel like a collection of disconnected projects: a new website, an e-commerce platform, social media advertising, automation tools or an AI pilot. The stronger approach is to begin with the commercial problem, then select the technology that helps the team solve it.
SME LaunchPad organised the discussion around three connected priorities: digital transformation, operational efficiency and social media promotion. This made the programme especially useful for business owners who needed both strategic direction and practical next steps.
Insights from government and technology leaders
The seminar featured specialists from the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, the Trade and Industry Department, Amazon Web Services, SHOPLINE, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, CTgoodjobs, Meta and Microsoft. Participants heard about government support, funding applications, market development, cloud and AI solutions, talent management and effective digital promotion.
The breadth of speakers reflected an important reality: sustainable digital growth rarely comes from one platform. It requires alignment across people, customer experience, data, content and business operations.
What SMEs should take away
- Start with a measurable business need. Define whether the priority is lead generation, customer retention, productivity or expansion before choosing a tool.
- Use AI to strengthen human decisions. AI can accelerate research, content development and analysis, but teams still need brand judgment and customer understanding.
- Connect content with conversion. Social media activity should guide the audience toward a clear next step rather than generate attention without commercial purpose.
- Build capability inside the team. Sustainable transformation depends on employees understanding how and why new tools are used.
These principles also shape my work in AI and digital marketing training and customised corporate workshops: translating emerging technology into accessible methods that participants can use immediately.
Event details
- Event: HKAIM SME LaunchPad — SME 加速懶人包
- Date: 5 July 2024
- Time: 2:00–6:00 pm
- Venue: The Wave, 4 Hing Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
- Language: Cantonese
- Organiser: Hong Kong Association of Interactive Marketing
常見問題
What is SME digital transformation?
It is the coordinated use of digital tools, data and new working methods to improve customer experience, productivity and business growth. It is broader than simply launching a website or adopting one AI tool.
Can AI training be customised for an SME team?
Yes. Effective training can be adapted to an organisation’s industry, customer journey and existing level of digital capability. Practical exercises may cover AI-assisted research, content creation, workflow design and responsible use.
How can organisations invite Dr Bernie Wong for a seminar or workshop?
Visit the contact page to discuss an AI, 數碼營銷, social media or brand storytelling programme for your organisation in Hong Kong or elsewhere in Asia.
Sources: HKAIM event announcement and post-event report; Bernie Wong’s LinkedIn event post.
