Partner for Growth and Transformation
Putting cloud and AI technology to work, IBM helps organizations and people capture new opportunities in Hong Kong and beyond
“Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre and a smart city is triggering new demand for AI and big data solutions across industries and on varied technologies.”
Headquartered in New York, IBM has operations in more than 175 countries. It supports clients’ digital transformations with an industry-leading portfolio of software, hardware, and consulting services, and a deep incumbency in mission-critical systems, all bolstered by one of the world’s leading research organizations.
Since coming to Hong Kong in 1957, IBM has leveraged it technologies and expertise to improve efficiency and productivity for government and business. It changed banking in the city in 1968 when it deployed Hong Kong’s first mainframe computer for HSBC to enable online transactions. IBM introduced the personal computer to Hong Kong in the 1980s and brought the concept of e-business to the city in the 1990s, setting up the E-business Technology Institute with The University of Hong Kong.
Now transformed into a hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) company, IBM continues to expand its ecosystem of business partners in Hong Kong and to foster local innovation and technology development through nurturing talents.
Investing in Hong Kong
Innovation and technology (I&T) skills are crucial for an economy’s digital transformation and growth. IBM has a longstanding commitment to education in Hong Kong. Over the decades, it has collaborated with local universities to encourage and enable students to embrace new skills and help the city adopt new technologies. For example, IBM set up the world-first data-driven Marketing Engineering Lab at The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2013.
In 2020, IBM collaborated with The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to launch the CLAP-TECH Pathway. Based on P-TECH, a learning model pioneered by IBM, it prepares students for technology-related careers to address digital skills shortages in Hong Kong. In 2021, IBM partnered with the Vocational Training Council to equip students with valuable tech skills and workplace training to nurture digital-ready talent for Hong Kong.
IBM is confident in continuing to invest in Hong Kong, where demand for its solutions is rising.
“Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre and a smart city is triggering new demand for AI and big data solutions across industries and on varied technologies . We see great potential for FinTech, InsurTech, PropTech, EdTech, and RegTech solutions in particular, and believe that demand will only grow as sustainability, Web 3.0, and Trustworthy AI initiatives gather pace,” Mimi Poon General Manager, IBM Hong Kong, explains.
Expanding across borders
Uniquely positioned as the gateway to Mainland China, Hong Kong has a number of competitive advantages that make it an ideal location as a base for technology companies.
“Hong Kong has a simple tax system, a robust legal system, and a world-class business environment. Its people’s skills, work ethic, can-do spirit, and regional knowledge further make this an appealing place for overseas companies to set up operations and expand into China,” Poon says.
“We suggest newcomers take the time to learn how to do business on the Mainland and leverage major plans like Belt and Road and Greater Bay Area. There are massive opportunities here, but patience and commitment are required.”