The Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund (SIE Fund) Task Force today (June 12) invited proposals from interested institutions/organisations for the implementation of the "Smart Silver" Digital Inclusion Programme (Programme) (2027-2028). An applicant must be registered on the list of charitable institutions and trusts of a public character, which are exempt from tax under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112).

     The Government announced in the 2024-25 Budget that the SIE Fund would allocate $100 million to implement the digital inclusion programme for the elderly in the territory. The Digital Policy Office (DPO) launched the "Smart Silver" Digital Inclusion Programme for Elders in December 2024, consolidating existing digital inclusion measures and providing funding support from the SIE Fund to district service organisations that offer technical support and basic training on digital technologies in the community. The Programme aims to help the elderly enhance their capabilities in using digital technologies and integrate into the digital society. The first round of the Programme will end in December 2026, and a new round of the Programme will run from January 2027 to December 2028.

     The new round of the Programme aims to provide technical support and basic training on digital technologies for the elderly as well as other people in need. The Programme will focus on assisting the public in using mobile applications and e-services, including major digital government services, AI, daily life applications, anti-fraud awareness, and the online self-learning platform "Smart Silver" Elderly IT Learning Portal. The appointed implementing organisations will enhance the support for the elderly in sub-districts, rural areas, and islands through community collaboration, and will also organise digital training activities to meet the needs of ethnic minorities.

     The SIE Fund has prepared the invitation brief setting out the service requirements, eligibility, assessment criteria, submission arrangements and notes to applicants. Interested institutions/organisations may contact the SIE Fund Task Force Secretariat via email (siefund@digitalpolicy.gov.hk) to obtain the invitation brief and designated proformas.

     All submitted application documents must be placed in a sealed envelope clearly marked "The Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund - Proposal for the 'Smart Silver' Digital Inclusion Programme (2027-2028)", and must reach the DPO at 14/F, Treasury Building, 3 Tonkin Street West, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon, at or before noon on August 7, 2026. For enquiries, please contact the Secretariat at 2165 7261.

     The SIE Fund was inaugurated in 2013 and is overseen by the SIE Fund Task Force under the Commission on Poverty. The Secretariat is established in the DPO under the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau. The SIE Fund acts as a catalyst for social innovation in Hong Kong. By facilitating social innovation and cultivating social entrepreneurship, the Fund aims to make an impact in alleviating poverty and social exclusion, promote social integration, and enhance the well-being and cohesion of society.

Ends/Friday, June 12, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:00

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