Financial support and funding emerged as the top priority, with a significant 60% of SMEs identifying it as their primary requirement for government assistance. This marks a substantial increase from 35% in the 2024 survey, underscoring a heightened focus on capital and liquidity. Following closely, SMEs also anticipate market expansion support (43%) and sought business matching and networking opportunities (34%).
Looking ahead to the next 12 months, SMEs are strategically focusing on growth and efficiency, with market expansion (52%) topping their agenda, closely followed by cost management and efficiency improvements (43%) and product or service diversification (43%). The responses underscore the evolving needs of Hong Kong’s SME sector, which is increasingly looking to both government support and technological innovation to overcome current challenges and drive future growth.
Lareina Wang, Managing Director and Head of SME Banking, DBS Bank Hong Kong, said, “While traditional concerns like funding and market expansion remain paramount, we are seeing a growing recognition of the transformative power of AI and digital technologies in the SME sector. At DBS Hong Kong, we are committed to being a trusted partner of businesses, offering comprehensive financial solutions andprofessional advice to help them navigate challenges, seize opportunities and achieve sustainable growth.”
Accelerating AI and Digital Technology Adoption
The survey also sheds light on the accelerating integration of AI and digital technologies within the SME landscape. Around one-third (31%) respondents have already fully or partly adopted these advanced solutions into their business operations, signalling a notable shift towards digital transformation. This trend is set to continue, as a further 40% of SMEs are actively exploring or planning to use such technologies, driven by the desire for enhancing operational efficiency and competitiveness. The survey shows that 60% of SMEs leverage AI and digital tools for streamlining operations and reducing costs, 47% aims to automate routine tasks to free up staff for strategic work and 46% seeks to enhance product or service quality.
However, the SME sector faces clear challenges in the path of AI and digital adoption. Respondents frequently cited high costs (41%) and concerns over data security and privacy (41%) as significant hurdles. Additionally, 38% highlighted a lack of reliable external support or advice as a barrier to effective implementation.
Stablecoins: An Emerging Area of Interest
Reflecting the increasing prominence of digital assets in the financial landscape, the survey explored SMEs’ perceptions of stablecoins. A notable 59% of respondents anticipate that stablecoins may become relevant to their business operations in the future. SMEs identified several potential benefits of stablecoins, with easier and cheaper cross-border transactions (44%), faster payments (43%), lower transaction costs (43%), and reduced currency or foreign exchange risk (40%) being most frequently cited.
DBS Hong Kong SME Banking conducted a survey to understand SMEs’ expectations for Hong Kong’s Policy Address and business growth support by interviewing 228 SME business owners and decision-makers in August 2025.
Recognised as the “Best Bank for SMEs in Hong Kong” by Euromoney and “SME Bank of the Year – Outstanding Performance” by Bloomberg Businessweek in 2025, DBS Hong Kong SME Banking is dedicated to empowering local SMEs and growing together with them – supporting entrepreneurs and fostering a thriving, sustainable ecosystem for Hong Kong’s business community.
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About DBS
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank’s “AA-” and “Aa1” credit ratings are among the highest in the world.
Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia“ award by Global Finance for 16 consecutive years from 2009 to 2024.
DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting social enterprises: businesses with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping communities with future-ready skills and building food resilience.
With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.