Progress Report

Your First Progress Report: The Most Important Step to Receiving Your Funding

If you’re applying for the Hong Kong Research Talent Hub (RTH), the progress report is not just another administrative step—it is essential for receiving your funding. Many first‑time applicants underestimate this stage, but the truth is simple: no approved progress report, no reimbursement.

Why the First Progress Report Feels Harder

Your very first progress report is always the most demanding. Unlike later reports, which are more routine, the first one includes:

• An interview

• A deeper discussion of your project’s objectives, methodology, and progress

• Verification that your actual work matches what you promised in the application

This can feel intimidating, especially for founders or small teams juggling multiple responsibilities. But here’s the reassuring part:

the progress report is not asking for anything beyond what you already disclosed in your application.

What Is Really Checking

The purpose of the first progress report is straightforward:

• Are you doing the project you said you would do?

• Is the talent working on the tasks described in the application?

• Is the project progressing in a reasonable, traceable way?

If your application was clear and your project is genuinely running, the progress report becomes a structured confirmation—not a test.

Think of It as Demonstrating Alignment, Not Defending Yourself

The interview and documentation review are simply opportunities to show:

• Your office is real

• Your project is real

• Your talent is contributing

• Your milestones are on track

• Your work environment and supervision meet RTH expectations

In other words, you’re not reinventing anything—you’re showing the Secretariat that what you promised is exactly what you’re doing.

If you want help preparing your progress report, understanding what evidence to prepare, or ensuring your documentation aligns with RTH expectations, you’re welcome to schedule a consulting session. It’s the fastest way to avoid delays and secure your funding smoothly.