Sensechat Empowers SMEs through AI to Promote Tourism, Retail and the Mega Event Economy in Hong Kong

With an increasingly wider range of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications, businesses are looking to leverage more AI-driven solutions to enhance operational efficiency and maintain competitiveness. Recognizing the support that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will require to keep pace with these advancements, SenseTime announced a partnership with the Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Association (HKSMEA) during the “Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Symposium,” co-organized by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and SenseTime. Through the partnership, Sensechat, SenseTime’s Cantonese AI assistant, will progressively optimize its data and responses through operational information of local restaurants and shops (e.g. opening hours and locations) provided by HKSMEA. This collaborative effort aims to provide residents and visitors to Hong Kong with easy access to information about stores and event details, thereby driving the revitalization of the local tourism, dining, and retail sectors.

Visitors using Sensechat can obtain comprehensive information about popular local attractions and events to enhance their travel experience. Local users can also discover personalized recommendations for nearby restaurants, as well as cultural activities and art events, tailoring their leisure and travel plans to their preferences. 

Hoi-yan Yung, Legislative Council member from the New People's Party, stated, “AI represents a new frontier that will have a significant impact on social development. I am pleased to support this collaboration, enabling SenseTime to empower SMEs and expand AI applications in Hong Kong, promoting a thriving innovation and technology ecosystem. In addition to encouraging the adoption of innovative technologies, I am also dedicated to supporting SMEs, as the tourism, dining, and retail sectors are vital pillars of Hong Kong’s economy. I hope that through Sensechat, everyone can explore Hong Kong's many unique attractions, which have garnered the city its reputation for being a gourmet paradise and events hub.”

Andrew Kwok, President of Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Association, said, “In recent years, the global economy has experienced bouts of instability, posing challenges for SMEs across different industries that are now actively seeking solutions. This collaboration with SenseTime is expected to create new opportunities for SMEs, boost consumer engagement, and help tourists discover a variety of local specialties, ultimately benefiting the dining and retail sectors in our collective efforts to revitalize the local economy.”

Alvin Zou, Vice President, SenseTime Asia Pacific Business Group, remarked, “It is particularly meaningful that we launched Sensechat, our Cantonese AI assistant, to contribute to the local Hong Kong community as we celebrate our 10^th anniversary this year. By leveraging Sensechat’s industry-leading capabilities to empower SMEs, we remain committed to empowering Hong Kong's growing ecosystem through our leading AI technologies. As we look towards the next decade, we will continue to develop responsible and sustainable AI technologies that harness our AI infrastructure SenseCore’s robust capabilities, catalyzing positive societal transformations through localized solutions.’”

As part of its efforts to foster the growth of AI applications in Hong Kong, SenseTime launched the Sensechat mobile app and its web version(chat.sensetime.hk) in July 2024. Users can download the app by searching for “Sensechat - 商量” on the App Store or Google Play Store, which is available to the public for free. Sensechat possesses an in-depth understanding of Cantonese and local culture, as well as familiarity with the latest local information and popular social topics. Users can interact with Sensechat in Cantonese, and have it carry out various tasks such as image generation and copywriting, which contribute to a localized AI experience.

Photo Caption: From left: Hoi-yan Yung, Legislative Council member from the New People's Party; Andrew Kwok, President of Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Association; Lewis Fung, Managing Director, SenseTime Hong Kong and Macau, Asia Business Group