SIE Fund invites proposals for implementation of new round of "Smart Silver" Digital Inclusion Programme
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.
Source: AI-found images
Marine parks 30th anniversary "Together We Treasure, Together We Explore" series celebration events (with photos/video)
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of marine parks, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) is organising the "Marine Parks 30th Anniversary" Roving Exhibition at D·PARK in Tsuen Wan from today (June 12) to June 18, kicking off a series of marine parks 30th anniversary celebration events.
From now until December this year, the AFCD will organise a wide range of marine parks 30th anniversary celebration events under the theme of "Together We Treasure, Together We Explore". Through roving exhibitions, ecotours, workshops and various experiential activities, the AFCD will introduce Hong Kong's rich marine biodiversity and years of conservation achievements to the public, and encourage the public to experience the natural beauty of marine parks and actively participate in marine conservation.
The "Marine Parks 30th Anniversary" Roving Exhibition showcases the history and conservation journey of marine parks and marine reserve over the years. It also promotes responsible marine life appreciation practices and sustainable marine recreational activities. The exhibition features information panels, interactive installations such as virtual reality experiences, photo spots, and marine conservation booths. On weekends, free public workshops such as marine wildlife illustration, coral reef clay-making, seashell upcycling, and fishing net weaving experiences will be held to bring marine conservation education closer to the community.
In addition, the AFCD, in collaboration with partner organisations, will launch various ecotours, including glass-bottom boat tours in Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, coral-safe snorkelling tours, and Chinese White Dolphin tours. All activities are free of charge. Through hands-on experiences, the public will be encouraged to explore and cherish the ocean in a friendly, responsible, and sustainable manner.
For details of the events and registration, please visit the marine parks 30th anniversary webpage
(www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_vis/cou_vis_mar/cou_vis_mar_wha/cou_vis_mar_cel.html).
Since the establishment of the first batch of marine parks and the marine reserve in 1996, the AFCD has been committed to implementing various conservation measures. Currently, Hong Kong has designated eight marine parks and one marine reserve, covering a total area of 8 517 hectares, which are crucial for maintaining the marine biodiversity of Hong Kong waters. The marine parks in the eastern waters of Hong Kong are renowned for their coral communities, particularly Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park and Tung Ping Chau Marine Park, where Hong Kong's overall coral diversity surpasses that of the Caribbean. In the western waters, the North Lantau Marine Park, the Brothers Marine Park, together with the Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park, and the Guangdong Pearl River Estuary Chinese White Dolphin National Nature Reserve form a network of protected areas for conserving Chinese White Dolphins. Over the past 30 years, these marine protected areas have played a vital role in nature conservation, public education, and scientific research, effectively preserving and sustaining precious marine ecological resources.
Marine parks 30th anniversary "Together We Treasure, Together We Explore" series celebration events (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Marine parks 30th anniversary "Together We Treasure, Together We Explore" series celebration events (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Marine parks 30th anniversary "Together We Treasure, Together We Explore" series celebration events (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Marine parks 30th anniversary "Together We Treasure, Together We Explore" series celebration events (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Marine parks 30th anniversary "Together We Treasure, Together We Explore" series celebration events (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Marine parks 30th anniversary "Together We Treasure, Together We Explore" series celebration events (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Marine parks 30th anniversary "Together We Treasure, Together We Explore" series celebration events (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
