Barriers in Capabilities and Resources Impede Growth Potential as Companies Navigate the Modern Economy
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 July 2026 – Dah Sing Bank, Limited (“Dah Sing Bank”) has released insights from its latest SME Survey, revealing that Hong Kong SMEs are swiftly progressing in digital and business transformation. They are actively pursuing opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI) and the Northern Metropolis development to find new avenues for growth amid the evolving economic landscape.
Dah Sing Bank is committed to understanding SMEs’ needs and the hurdles they encounter during their transformation journeys. To gather valuable insights into these trends, the Bank conducted a survey[1] in May 2026, collaborating with a leading local media outlet, and interviewed over 340 Hong Kong SMEs to investigate how they are responding to current challenges and reshaping their strategies, particularly related to AI adoption, opportunities in the Northern Metropolis, and business improvements.
– Advertisement –
Transformation Gathers Pace
The Survey suggests that around 23% of enterprises have already integrated AI or generative AI (GenAI) into their operations, with an additional 32% planning to adopt these technologies within the next one to two years, indicating significant momentum in transformation. Concurrently, nearly 70% of respondents view developments in the Northern Metropolis and the Hetao-Hong Kong Science Park as relevant to their future business opportunities, showcasing a strong interest in engaging with the emerging new economy.
AI Adoption Remains in Early Stages
Regarding AI applications, SMEs are mainly focusing on relatively simple uses like marketing and content generation (56%) and customer support (42%). A smaller group is leveraging AI for sales assistance (35%) and data analysis (30%).
Conversely, adoption is limited in more complex areas, such as process automation or workflow improvement (14%), illustrating that overall AI utilization among SMEs is still in its early stages and not yet fully embedded in core business functions.
Capability Gaps Challenge Transformation
The Survey also highlights significant barriers to advancing AI adoption. Approximately 45% of SMEs have not yet embraced AI technologies, with over half attributing this to a lack of relevant knowledge or expertise (57%) as a critical obstacle. Additionally, 38% noted unclear return on investment as a concern, while others highlighted insufficient use cases (29%) and inadequate time and resources for further exploration (24%).
These findings suggest that capability shortages, resource distribution, and application strategy challenges are major impediments to SMEs’ capacity to scale their transformation efforts.
Evolving Business Models and Skill Requirements
SMEs are also progressing in their digitalization endeavors, widely implementing social media marketing (51%), e-commerce platforms (43%), and electronic payment solutions (50%), reflecting a shift towards more flexible, multi-channel business approaches.
– Advertisement –
As AI adoption gradually rises, workforce needs are changing. About one-quarter of respondents believe AI will reallocate employees to higher-value roles, while approximately one in five foresee an increasing demand for new skills and talents. This suggests a gradual transition towards more knowledge- and technology-driven operational models.
Northern Metropolis Fosters New Opportunities
In connection with happenings in the Northern Metropolis and the Hetao-Hong Kong Park, SMEs generally prefer to engage as service providers and collaborative partners within the broader ecosystem. This includes offering specialized services or solutions to businesses in the area (44%), teaming up with research institutions or tech firms (29%), and participating in pilot projects or proof-of-concept initiatives (25%).
Moreover, some SMEs plan to supply products and services to future residents, businesses, and workers in the district (51%) or engage in construction and infrastructure-related supply chains (36%). These insights reveal that SMEs are actively seeking entry points that align with their strengths to integrate into burgeoning industry ecosystems.
Dah Sing Bank Facilitates SME Transformation
To address the challenges of transformation, Dah Sing Bank acknowledges that SMEs need not only financial support but also clear, practical guidance. The Bank adopts a comprehensive strategy by providing flexible financing solutions catered to evolving business needs, streamlining digital banking processes, and enhancing cross-border financial services to boost SMEs’ operational efficacy and adaptability.
Furthermore, Dah Sing Bank is devoted to equipping SMEs with pertinent market insights and actionable knowledge. These initiatives include sharing the latest market dynamics and business strategies via the Bank’s online educational platform, the “SME Info Hub.” Additionally, the Bank organizes customized SME seminars through its “328 Business School” platform on various topics, such as AI technology and digital marketing. Collectively, these efforts aim to deepen businesses’ understanding of emerging technologies and market trends, enabling them to navigate an increasingly dynamic economic environment.
Dah Sing Bank’s Deputy Chief Executive, Senior Executive Director and Head of Group Personal Banking, Ms. Phoebe Wong, commented: “The Survey indicates that Hong Kong SMEs are increasingly exploring AI applications and opportunities within the new economy. However, many enterprises still face technology adoption and resource allocation challenges. Dah Sing Bank has long been a trusted ally for SMEs on their transformation journeys. Beyond offering flexible financing options, we are committed to providing market insights and various value-added services aimed at empowering businesses to better understand new technologies and market trends. Through a blend of financial services and tangible support, we strive to enable SMEs to seize opportunities presented by AI and the Northern Metropolis, fostering sustainable growth.”
# # #
To borrow or not to borrow? Borrow only if you can repay!
The service(s) / product(s) referenced in this document are not aimed at customers within the European Union.
Risk Disclosure Statement
Foreign Exchange Transactions: Foreign exchange involves risk. Currency investments are susceptible to exchange rate fluctuations, which may lead to gains or losses. Clients converting foreign currencies into HKD or other currencies may incur losses due to exchange rate changes. Investors should assess and comprehend all offering documents, including risk disclosures and warnings, prior to making any investment decisions.
Currency Risk (RMB): Converting RMB into HKD or other currencies is subject to exchange rate variations. Customers may experience gains or losses due to RMB exchange rates. RMB is currently subject to exchange controls imposed by the PRC government, and its exchange rate may be impacted by policy shifts.
Unless otherwise specified, this promotional material does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to engage in any foreign exchange transaction, nor does it predict future exchange rate movements. This material has not been reviewed by the Securities and Futures Commission or other regulatory authorities in Hong Kong.
Hashtag: #DahSingBank
https://www.dahsing.com/html/en/index.html
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Dah Sing Bank
Dah Sing Bank, Limited (the “Bank”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dah Sing Banking Group, Limited (HKG:2356). Established in Hong Kong over 75 years ago, the Bank has been delivering quality banking products and services with a vision to be “The Local Bank with a Personal Touch.” Throughout the years, the Bank has consistently adhered to its brand slogan, growing alongside its customers in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and beyond – “Together We Progress and Prosper.” Building on our experience and solid foundation in the industry, our range of professional services spans retail banking, private banking, business and commercial banking. Simultaneously, the Bank is making substantial investments in its digital banking capabilities to keep pace with smart banking advances in Hong Kong and promote broader financial inclusion.
In addition to its operations in Hong Kong, the Bank has subsidiaries including Dah Sing Bank (China) Limited, Banco Comercial de Macau, S.A., and OK Finance Limited. It is also a strategic shareholder of the Bank of Chongqing, holding about 13.5% of its shares. Dah Sing Bank and its subsidiaries currently operate 63 locations across Hong Kong, Macau, and the Chinese Mainland.
SEE TODAY’S TOP HEADLINES ACROSS LEADING PUBLICATIONS
Powered by WPeMatico
– Advertisement –
