DSE seeks to boost e-commerce through website subsidies scheme

DSE officials present the SME website funding scheme

The Macau Economic Service (DSE) held its first introductory seminar yesterday to explain, in detail, the Subsidy Scheme for Small and Medium Sized Enterprise Websites. The bureau hopes that the scheme will be able to promote e-commerce amongst small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) so that they can further explore the local and international markets in a more modern and economical manner.
The provisional budget for the scheme is approximately MOP30 million. DSE expects around 1,500 applications from SMEs aiming to create a new website with the subsidies and about 500 for those hoping to upgrade their existing websites.
During the seminar, Chan Weng Tat, the head of DSE’s department of convention and exhibition and economic activities development, explained that the ultimate goal of the scheme is not to provide financial support to SMEs, but to encourage them to create their own websites for the future development of e-commerce in Macau.
“Therefore, the scheme will only provide SMEs with upgrading subsidies if they already own a website,” he said.
One of the issues that raised more questions and concerns is the creation of mobile phone applications. Several participants wanted DSE to clarify whether they can apply for the subsidies if their website building project also includes a new mobile phone application.
Chan Weng Tat said that DSE will also subsidize the creation of apps if it is part of the website, rather than an individual project.
“During the conception of the subsidies scheme, DSE has noticed that promotion through mobile apps is popular in the market (…) If [SMEs] are creating the apps when they are building their websites, the [app-building fee] should be considered part of the website building fee,” Mr Chan clarified.
He added that, due to the speedy development of information technology, it is difficult for DSE to include or exclude a particular tool.
“The principle is, if you think it meets your requirement when creating your website, you can put apps in it. Of course, if there are some apps created just for games, these are certainly not allowed,” he said.
As for those SMEs that have already created a website, Mr Chan said that they can still apply for the subsidies to create a mobile app for their current website and count it as an upgrade.
Moreover, DSE does not consider webpages on Facebook or other social media as the formal website of a company. As a result, if an SME already has a Facebook page, it can still apply for subsidies to create a brand new website.
Chan Weng Tat also reminded potential applicants that if their company already owns a domain name, even if it is used solely for operations such as sending and receiving e-mails, DSE would still consider it ownership of a website and would only allow the company to apply for subsidies to upgrade it.
Applications for first time website building subsidies will also be rejected if a SME had previously owned a website but decided to shut it down and create a new one.
Amongst the attendants at yesterday’s seminar was Mr Lei, an owner of a local IT company. He said that it is not common for SMEs in Macau to own a website because they do not have the resources to build and maintain them. He believes that the scheme will entice more businesses to set up websites.
According to the information available on the DSE’s website, DSE requires SMEs to look for local companies to create their webpages. Successful applicants can receive a maximum of MOP14,000 for the creation of a new website, as well as MOP6,000 for three years’ maintenance; or MOP5,000 to upgrade an existing website.
The scheme’s application period starts on September 15 and will remain open until March 16 next year.

João Pedro Lau