HTHK and AWS Launch Hong Kong’s First Telecom-Led AI Marketplace to Empower SMEs in Digital Transformation
To help SMEs overcome these challenges, Hutchison Telecommunications (Hong Kong) Limited (HTHK), through its corporate brand 3Business, has collaborated with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to launch Hong Kong’s first telecom-led AI Marketplace.
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The global wave of AI is reshaping industries, yet the latest IT Priorities Research shows that Hong Kong enterprises are still in the early stage of adoption. Currently, only 40% of Hong Kong enterprises are actively investing in AI, well below the global average of 60%. For many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a shortage of technical talent coupled with high investment cost remain major hurdles to digital transformation.
To help SMEs overcome these challenges, Hutchison Telecommunications (Hong Kong) Limited (HTHK), through its corporate brand 3Business, has collaborated with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to launch Hong Kong’s first telecom-led AI Marketplace. This innovative platform will bring together over 100 AI solutions, all built on AWS’s secure and reliable cloud infrastructure. Designed with Hong Kong’s market needs, the platform interface focuses on six key industries - construction, property management, education, logistics, professional services and retail - offering tailored AI solutions to help SMEs accelerate transformation and unlock new business opportunities.
A Winning Collaboration: Tackling Why 80% of AI Projects Fail
Henry Yuen, Head of Business Development, Enterprise at AWS, added, "Up to 80% of corporate AI projects fail to reach implementation – not due to technological shortcomings, but because of a lack of localised support. AWS brings over 20 years of AI expertise, accumulated through Amazon's extensive retail operations. By combining this experience with HTHK's understanding of local enterprise needs, we aim to deliver a truly integrated, one-stop AI solutions platform."
Bridging the Transformation Gap: From AI Intimidation to Seamless Adoption
The initial phase of the platform will focus on six key industries and SMEs, given their urgent need for AI-driven transformation and reliance on high-speed and low-latency 5G connectivity. For example, in property management, integrating multiple Internet of Things (IoT) devices with AI-powered analytics platforms can enable smart security patrol and preemptive maintenance, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Jess is particularly optimistic about AI potential in retail, “Hong Kong has long enjoyed its reputation as an international shopping paradise. However, with the rise of e-commerce and the growing prevalence of AI, retailers must evolve to stay competitive. Leveraging big data, enterprises can gain deeper insights into customer behaviours and preferences, enabling more precise ad targeting and delivering personalised shopping experiences. Combined with 3Business Empower’s around-the-clock technical support, merchants can now resolve pain points within the same day. This level of hands-on assistance offers unprecedented convenience – especially for resource-constrained SMEs.”
Looking ahead, Henry shared his vision, "The large-scale adoption of agentic AI will become a defining trend in the next two to three years. By 2028, an estimated 33% of enterprise software will integrate agentic AI, and 15% of daily operational decisions will even be made autonomously by AI. This marks a fundamental shift - AI is evolving from a passive query tool into an intelligent partner capable of proactive planning and execution. From content creation to business process optimisation, agentic AI will pave the way for true end to end intelligent solutions."
A Comprehensive Blueprint: From Talent Development to Ecosystem Building
Possessing advanced technology is only part of the equation – true success in AI-driven transformation required skilled professionals who can turn innovation into reality. The 3Business Empower team has earned the international recognised AWS Certified AI Practitioner certification, and 3Business will continue to enhance employees’ expertise in cybersecurity and AI technologies. This commitment ensures they can deliver greater business value to clients.
The strategic collaboration between HTHK and AWS provides local enterprises with a practical and actionable roadmap for digital transformation. Looking ahead, both parties plan to expand the platform’s portfolio of solutions and extend services beyond Hong Kong, enabling more enterprises to benefit. In an era of rapid AI advancement, the launch of the AI Marketplace lays a solid foundation for local enterprises. helping different industries embrace the new opportunities brought by AI.