In recent years, TIRAIN Technologies has played a key role in the Hong Kong Lands Department’s 3D Digital Map project and was selected as one of the first pilot participants in Hong Kong’s low-altitude economy “Regulatory Sandbox”, undertaking aerial photogrammetry testing. The company has also obtained an Advanced Operator Permit (AOP) from the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department for UAV operations, positioning it as a core technology service provider in the development of the city’s smart city digital infrastructure.
In an interview with Ta Kung Pao, President Chen Li said that delivering projects to Hong Kong’s exacting standards has enabled the company to turn its technical capabilities into a “Hong Kong solution” with strong international credibility. This has not only built valuable global operating experience but also attracted top-tier talent with an international outlook.
Building on this foundation, the company is accelerating its overseas expansion, with a target to increase the share of international business from 20% to 50% within the next year, and to develop into a world-class remote sensing and surveying enterprise within five to ten years.
“Compared with Chinese Mainland projects, Hong Kong presents a very different set of challenges in terms of business environment, project management, and technical standards,” Chen noted. In its early days in the city, the company had to adopt more stringent, internationally aligned project management practices, comply fully with local regulations, and adapt to local cultural norms.
Today, those challenges have become one of its greatest assets — driving the company to build world-class capabilities in precision, compliance, and operational excellence, while supporting its strategic transition from a domestic technology provider to an international solutions supplier.
InvestHK Support Provides Clear Pathway to Market Entry
Chen highlighted the strong support received from Invest Hong Kong during the company’s set-up and expansion in the city, such as landing assistance, policy consultation, market development, and strategic integration. This included assistance with entry into Hong Kong Science Park, introductions to local legal and accounting service networks, and clear guidance on company registration and talent acquisition.
In her view, InvestHK acts not merely as an “administrative facilitator”, but as a “strategic partner” with a global perspective.
TIRAIN Technologies is now bringing the technologies, products, and service models it has developed in 3D Real Scene China, smart city development, and aerospace remote sensing applications to international markets. Looking ahead, the company will use Hong Kong as its base to target global opportunities, particularly in Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, where demand for aerospace remote sensing, smart city solutions, and spatial digital infrastructure is rapidly growing.
Hong Kong Track Record Boosts Global Client Confidence
Chen said the successful delivery of Hong Kong’s high-precision 3D Digital Map project will serve as a strong demonstration for the company’s technical capabilities and brand credibility in overseas markets. The firm aims to offer end-to-end solutions spanning data acquisition, data processing, platform services, capability building, and industry applications.
“To scale internationally, we need to combine our strength in advanced R&D with Hong Kong’s global brand, regulatory framework, and resource network,” she said. “That’s how we can accelerate overseas growth.”
Chen also cautioned against simply replicating the Chinese Mainland’s success overseas. “A product that performs strongly in the Chinese Mainland market will not necessarily succeed in Hong Kong or internationally,” she said.
She advised Chinese Mainland companies with global visions to clearly define their stage of expansion and specific needs, and to leverage Hong Kong’s strengths strategically, integrating their core technologies with the city’s international regulatory standards, capital markets, and global networks and achieve complementary value creation. Hong Kong can serve as a launchpad for product rollouts and business model iteration, with companies also considering establishing a physical presence or international headquarters in the city to ensure effective localisation.
Driving 3D Data Management to Deliver High-Quality Mapping Services
TIRAIN Technologies’ connection with Hong Kong dates back to 2013. Chen explained that the company initially supported the Lands Department with aerial image scanning and high-resolution 3D model generation, gradually building a deep understanding of the city’s high standards.
Looking ahead, she hopes to expand the adoption of Hong Kong’s 3D Digital Map, 3D data management, and application platforms across more government departments, delivering high-quality mapping services to businesses and the wider public.
Since 2021, the company has participated multiple times in the city’s 3D Digital Map programme. Chen Li explained that the territory-wide mapping work has now been basically completed, with about half of the work undertaken by TIRAIN Technologies, which continues to provide ongoing updates. In 2024, it also supported the Lands Department with aerial photography and photogrammetry data processing as part of the low-altitude economy “Regulatory Sandbox” pilot projects.
