Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) are organising the fourth edition of the InnoEX at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for four consecutive days starting yesterday (April 13). To demonstrate fruitful achievements in advancing the development of innovation and technology (I&T) and smart city successes in Hong Kong brought about by the concerted efforts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and industry, the Digital Policy Office (DPO) has again set up a large-scale Smart Hong Kong Pavilion at the exhibition to showcase over 100 technology solutions that benefit both the public and businesses. Through interactive experiences and on-site demonstrations, the Pavilion fully illustrates the solid progress in advancing Hong Kong’s I&T and smart city development.

     During the first two days of the Pavilion’s opening, officials including the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, and the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, visited the Pavilion. They were briefed by the Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Daniel Cheung, on how the DPO has been taking the lead in steering a wider adoption of AI across government departments to deliver more convenient and efficient public services for citizens and businesses. The DPO has been working closely with the local I&T sector to actively promote the development of innovative solutions, with a view to shaping Hong Kong into a major global AI hub.

     Themed “AI+ Hong Kong”, this year’s Smart Hong Kong Pavilion highlights how AI is being applied across different domains in Hong Kong. It showcases I&T solutions contributed by over 20 government departments and public organisations, as well as outstanding award-winning projects by the local I&T sector and students from the Hong Kong ICT Awards, the Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest – Hong Kong Chapter and the Open Data Hackathon, to recognise local I&T excellence, encourage various sectors to develop innovative solutions, and promote Hong Kong’s I&T achievements to visitors and experts from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and overseas.

Following are highlights of the eight zones of the Smart Hong Kong Pavilion:

“AI+ Public Services”: The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department’s AI Surveillance System for Monitoring of Illegal Feeding that detects illegal feeding to enhance enforcement efficiency, and the Drainage Services Department (DSD)’s biosensing platform, Remedix, that rapidly detects antibiotic pollution in wastewater.

“AI+ Medical Innovations”: The Department of Health’s AI dental diagnosis project that automatically generates dental charts to enhance diagnosis efficiency, and CHIMP, a wearable electrocardiogram chest patch that monitors patient data in real time to ensure safety.

“AI+ Everyday Experience”: The upgraded “iAM Smart” platform that provides one-stop personalised digital services, and the Transport Department (TD)’s AI smart glasses that assist visually impaired persons in identifying obstacles.

“AI+ Robotics Innovation”: The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department’s Autonomous Cleaning Robot that reduces the physical exertion of cleaning workers; the Housing Authority (HA)’s Construction Robot that uses AI to plan construction paths, enhancing construction safety; and the Water Supplies Department’s Smart Inspection Robot Dog that automatically patrols and monitors waterworks facilities.

“AI+ Mobility Revolution”: The TD’s smart bridge inspection system that comprehensively scans bridge structures to enhance road safety, and the Airport Authority’s Hong Kong Air Import SmartCollect that digitalises the cargo collection journey to enhance efficiency.

“AI+ Safety and Security”: The Civil Engineering and Development Department’s AI-empowered Landslip Warning System that predicts landslide risks in real time and optimises the issuance of warnings, and the Hong Kong Fire Services Department (HKFSD)’s Internet of Things Fire Detection System Pilot Scheme that immediately transmits fire alarm signals to expedite rescue operations.

“AI+ Infrastructure Development”: The Development Bureau’s SmartEye Co-supervision Platform that offers round-the-clock and remote monitoring of construction sites; the DSD’s Flood MoXAIC that delivers real-time flood forecasts to support flood prevention and management; and the HA’s AI-enabled pile foundation design that generates accurate plans and accelerates decision-making.

“AI+ Low-altitude Economy”: The HKFSD’s Unmanned Aircraft System Auto-pilot for Early Detection of Vegetation/Vessel Fire & Immersion that analyses videos with AI to immediately issue alerts for vegetation fires and drowning incidents, and the Hong Kong Police Force’s Pilot Scheme for Operational Deployment of Drones that supports patrols to enhance community safety.

The annual I&T mega event, InnoEX, brings together leading I&T exhibitors from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and around the world to jointly promote I&T advancements and applications, and explore global collaboration opportunities. Themed “Innovate • Automate • Elevate”, this year’s InnoEX showcases cutting-edge technology solutions in five key areas, namely AI+, robotics, the low-altitude economy, property technology and retail technology. Interested parties from the trade can register free of charge at the HKTDC’s website (www.hktdc.com/event/innoex/en).

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Department of Justice (DoJ) today published, for the first time, the Panel List of Hong Kong Legal Services Providers Supporting “Go Global”, comprising more than 70 legal services providers in Hong Kong.

The list aims to facilitate precise connections of Mainland enterprises with Hong Kong’s legal professional services for expanding overseas, and encourage the Mainland enterprises to use Hong Kong as their preferred springboard of going global. 

The panel list covers international arbitration institutions, practising barristers and 60 local, international and registered foreign law firms of various sizes. All service providers have track records in the relevant professional fields of going global.

Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan noted that the National 15th Five-Year Plan gives explicit support to Hong Kong in leveraging its professional strengths to assist enterprises in their going global endeavours. The release of the panel list at the outset of the 15th Five-Year Plan is a timely and practical response. 

“By capitalising on Hong Kong’s strengths as an international legal hub, it supports Mainland enterprises in improving risk management as they go global, enhancing their international competitiveness and making steady and sustainable progress in international markets.”

Mr Cheung added that the panel list fully reflects the breadth of Hong Kong’s legal professional services as the city’s legal sector has strong professional capabilities to respond to different going global models, stages of development, and industry demands for high-quality legal services, providing enterprises with comprehensive professional support across the full business cycle. 

The panel list also highlights the depth of Hong Kong’s legal professional services by showcasing the specialised practice areas of each legal service provider. 

Apart from listing service providers’ names and contact information, it also sets out, with reference to their track records or case submissions to the DoJ, the service providers’ business and professional strengths. 

Mr Cheung said this will help the Hong Kong Professional Services GoGlobal Platform play the role of a “golden matchmaker”.

In addition, the DoJ released the inaugural edition of the Collection of Success Stories: Hong Kong’s Professional Services Supporting Chinese Mainland Enterprises Going Global (bilingual in Chinese and English) last year. 

Mr Cheung noted that the DoJ has received a positive response from stakeholders of different sectors and is currently preparing to release a second edition. 

Meanwhile, it will invite representatives from the professional services sector and enterprises going global to share their successful experiences and produce short videos, providing practical references for Mainland enterprises which are interested in learning more about Hong Kong’s legal and other professional services.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today met United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Director General Gerd Muller at the Central Government Officers, during which they exchanged views on strengthening co-operation in industrial development and witnessed the signing of a joint statement on collaboration.

Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Li Yongsheng, also attended the meeting.

The joint statement was signed by Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong, and Deputy to the Director General of UNIDO and Managing Director of the Directorate of Technical Co-operation & Sustainable Industrial Development Zou Ciyong.

It aims to establish a co-operative framework to strengthen collaboration, information sharing and exchange of best practices to advance industrial innovation, technology transfers and capacity development, including the exploration of the joint development of a centre of excellence on global advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence (AI) in Hong Kong.

At the meeting, the Chief Executive welcomed Mr Muller’s delegation to visit Hong Kong, noting that the National 15th Five-Year Plan clearly supports Hong Kong to develop into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre. Hong Kong enjoys the advantage of connecting the Mainland and the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, and is accelerating its development into an international I&T centre.

Mr Lee added that with the signing of the joint statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government and UNIDO will strengthen collaboration to jointly promote development including industrial innovation and technology transfers.

He also remarked that both sides will also seize opportunities in the new round of the technological revolution to accelerate high-quality industrial development and transformation, and further leverage the city’s role as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder” to attract enterprises from the Chinese Mainland and overseas to expand businesses in Hong Kong, promote new industrialisation, and cultivate and strengthen new quality productive forces.

Prof Sun supplemented Hong Kong looks forward to a closer collaboration with UNIDO under the joint statement to share best practices on advanced manufacturing, AI applications and digital transformation; encourage multi-stakeholder dialogue on technology trends and experiences; as well as explore avenues of co-operation in innovation, knowledge transfer and skills development.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

To support the Northern Metropolis and other infrastructure projects, the Chief Executive in Council has, in accordance with the Exchange Fund Ordinance, approved the transfer of $150 billion from the Exchange Fund to the Government’s Capital Works Reserve Fund (CWRF).

The transfer will be made through a designated account under The Financial Secretary Incorporated, with $75 billion per annum being credited to CWRF’s account in each of 2026-27 and 2027-28.

The Government will implement the relevant arrangement after the passage of the Appropriation Bill 2026 by the Legislative Council.

The Exchange Fund Ordinance sets out the mechanism that empowers the Financial Secretary (FS) to make transfers from the Exchange Fund, with the principal condition that the FS is satisfied that any transfer will not adversely affect the Exchange Fund’s main function of maintaining the stability of the Hong Kong dollar’s exchange value, and the stability and integrity of the city’s monetary and financial systems.

The Exchange Fund achieved a record breaking performance last year, delivering investment income of $330 billion. As at the end of 2025, the total value of assets under the Exchange Fund exceeded $4.1 trillion, enough to maintain monetary and financial stability.

As such, on the premise that the Exchange Fund’s main functions will not be compromised, the FS proposed, in the 2026-27 Budget, transferring $150 billion from the Exchange Fund to the CWRF over two years.

The Government emphasised that the transfer is an exceptional arrangement and not a recurring measure.

It added that the funds will be used for infrastructure projects that require long-term investment, with a view to accelerating and increasing development capacity, rather than as part of the Government’s operating expenditure.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong today officiated at the opening ceremony of the fourth InnoEX at the Convention & Exhibition Centre. This year’s event features more than 550 exhibitors and delegations from 21 countries and regions, alongside 17 Mainland provinces and cities.

In his opening address, Prof Sun noted that this year’s InnoEX fully embodies the “T-E-C-H” elements: Thriving Participation, Elevation, Connection & Collaboration and Hong Kong.

He emphasised that InnoEX has evolved beyond an annual showcase of the city’s innovation and technology (I&T) strengths. It now serves as a premier international platform that connects startups with investors, research institutions and industry, while helping local enterprises bridge with global markets.

Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization Gerd Müller was the Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony.

The four-day InnoEX is being held from April 13 to 16 under the theme “Innovate • Automate • Elevate”.

The exhibition focuses on five core I&T sectors: AI+, robotics, low-altitude economy, property technology and retail technology. This year’s event has seen a marked increase in both exhibitor numbers and international reach, with new participants arriving from countries including Austria, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, the Philippines and the United States.

Mainland participation is equally robust with 18 pavilions on display. While Liaoning, Chongqing and Shanghai have sent larger delegations than in previous years, Xi’an and Inner Mongolia are making their debuts at the event.

A major highlight this year is the “RoboPark” zone, featuring over 100 robots from more than 50 technology companies across Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas. The zone focuses on three application themes – Commercial & Industrial, Health & Living and Entertainment & Social – and includes around 40 interactive demonstrations and thematic seminars.

In addition, the Digital Policy Office (DPO) has set up the “Smart Hong Kong Pavilion” under the theme “AI+ Hong Kong”. The pavilion showcases over 100 Government-developed I&T solutions designed to benefit the public and businesses, alongside award-winning projects from local industry and students, highlighting the city’s progress in smart city development.

Prof Sun toured the Smart Hong Kong Pavilion as well as various international and Mainland pavilions. He expressed his gratitude to the exhibitors for choosing InnoEX as a platform to explore business opportunities and drive global I&T collaboration.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the morning of April 13, the Office of the President held a press conference to announce that President Lai Ching-te will lead a delegation from April 22 to 26 on a visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini, a diplomatic ally of Taiwan, and will return on April 27. On this trip, President Lai hopes to achieve the three core objectives of shared prosperity in security, prosperity in economy, and prosperity in digital technology. While joining in the celebration of the deep-rooted friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini, the president also looks forward to further deepening bilateral cooperation and advancing side by side toward a prosperous future, creating lasting well-being and sincere friendships for the peoples of both nations.
At the press conference, Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) stated that this year marks the 58th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Eswatini. It also coincides with the 40th anniversary of His Majesty King Mswati III’s accession to the throne. A series of celebrations will be held from April 24 to 26 in Eswatini to commemorate this anniversary, as well as His Majesty’s 58th birthday.
Spokesperson Kuo stated that earlier this year, King Mswati III sent a personally signed letter cordially inviting President Lai to attend these historic celebrations, and noted that the king had traveled to Taiwan in 2024 to attend the inauguration of the 16th-term president and vice president. In a positive response to the king’s warm invitation and to demonstrate the importance Taiwan places on its ties with Eswatini, President Lai scheduled this visit from April 22 to 27 to further strengthen our nations’ close partnership and, based on our existing firm foundations, inject new momentum into future bilateral cooperation.
The spokesperson indicated that the theme of this visit is “Celebrating Together, Prospering Together,” symbolizing the two nations standing side by side in celebration at a key historical juncture and highlighting the continued deepening of cooperation on the path to prosperity to create greater well-being for both peoples.
Spokesperson Kuo then elaborated on the three core objectives set by the president for this trip:
The first objective is shared prosperity in security. In recent years, Taiwan and Eswatini have achieved concrete, fruitful results in fields such as agriculture, public health, education, women’s empowerment, and renewable energy. Moving forward, the two nations will collaborate on the construction of a strategic oil reserve facility to further enhance Eswatini’s energy security and promote sustainable national development.
Second is shared prosperity in economy. Located in Africa, Eswatini is a key diplomatic ally with a stable investment environment and talented workforce. It is also an important member of the Southern African Customs Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area. Taiwan is promoting projects in Eswatini such as the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park (TIIP), which will help Taiwanese businesses expand their global presence and connect with African markets while simultaneously creating more local employment opportunities and fostering a firm and mutually beneficial strategic partnership, further promoting national prosperity and development.
The president’s third objective is shared prosperity in digital technology. As a vital node in the global technology supply chain with world-leading capabilities in semiconductors and information and communications technology, Taiwan will assist Eswatini in implementing smart medicine and telemedicine systems. These efforts aim to overcome geographical limitations, narrow the digital divide, and safeguard health in our allied nation.
The spokesperson mentioned that the delegation will include Secretary-General to the President Pan Men-an (潘孟安) and Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍). The group is scheduled to depart on Wednesday, April 22. During the visit, President Lai will meet with King Mswati III to engage in a comprehensive exchange of views on key bilateral cooperation projects and international issues, highlighting Taiwan’s commitment and determination to engage with the world and its spirit of working hand in hand with its allies toward mutual prosperity and development.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Francois Chihchung Wu (吳志中) subsequently provided further details on the itinerary, which is divided into three main components: official meetings, bilateral cooperation, and celebratory activities.
In terms of bilateral cooperation, President Lai will hear briefings on the TIIP and strategic oil reserve project, witness the signing of letters of intent by Taiwanese investors, inspect the smart medicine outpatient services provided by the Taiwan Medical Mission, and attend an exhibition showcasing the results of the microfinance revolving fund for women’s entrepreneurship.
As for celebratory activities, the president will attend the dual celebrations of the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession to the throne and his 58th birthday, as well as a state banquet, the opening ceremony of the International Convention Centre, and a garden party.
Deputy Minister Wu added that President Lai will also host a banquet for the expatriate community in Eswatini and Southern Africa. He emphasized that head-of-state diplomacy and the deepening of friendships between senior officials on both sides are top diplomatic priorities. As this is President Lai’s first visit to Eswatini since taking office, and given the historical significance of the 40th anniversary celebrations, the trip is of profound importance. He stated that all meetings and site visits are currently being meticulously planned and coordinated, and that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work closely with relevant agencies and the government of Eswatini to ensure that all arrangements for the trip are well-planned and that its objectives are successfully accomplished.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Deputy Prosecutor General of the Supreme People’s Procuracy of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Tran Hai Quan signed a bilateral agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters (MLA) today on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Viet Nam respectively.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr Tang said Hong Kong has been sparing no effort in strengthening its international law enforcement capabilities by expanding its network of bilateral arrangements with foreign jurisdictions concerning mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. 

He pointed out that the signing of the agreement on MLA today represents an important step forward in legal co-operation between Hong Kong and Viet Nam.

Under the Basic Law, the Hong Kong SAR Government may, with the authorisation of the Central People’s Government, make appropriate arrangements with foreign states for reciprocal juridical assistance.

The MLA agreement contains the essential features and safeguards of international agreements of this type. 

The assistance covered by the agreement includes identifying and locating persons, serving documents, taking evidence, executing requests for search and seizure, providing information, confiscating proceeds of crime, and more.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the HSBC Global Investment Summit 2026 today (April 14):

Mr Brendan Nelson (Group Chairman of HSBC), Mr Georges Elhedery (Group CEO of HSBC), Dr Peter Wong (Chairman, Asia Pacific of HSBC), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. And a very warm welcome to Hong Kong. I am delighted to be here, once again, at the HSBC Global Investment Summit, the third edition.

And what a global gathering this is. Joining this summit are more than 4 000 financial leaders, investors, innovators and policymakers from some 1 500 institutions. Over half of you are here from outside of Hong Kong – from some 50 countries and regions.

That’s surely a statement of confidence in Hong Kong, and in HSBC’s commitment to “opening up a world of opportunity”. It’s also a telling statement of your support for Hong Kong as an international financial centre. A position that’s been made possible with the significant contributions of HSBC, among that of many others.

HSBC was born here in Hong Kong, in 1865. To many of us, HSBC is simply the ”Hong Kong Bank”, a global institution that’s been with Hong Kong, in good times and bad, for 161 years – and counting.

That speaks eloquently of our long-standing partnership, something increasingly rare in this 21st century world of formidable uncertainties.

Given today’s geopolitical roller-coaster, the global outlook runs from daunting to dire, fragmenting and hindering trade, supply chains and investment flows. And I don’t have to tell you that stability and certainty are what businesses and investors – banks decidedly included – value most.

These exact values are Hong Kong’s professional calling cards. Stability, certainty and trust are our natural resources – essential to Hong Kong’s economy, society and flourishing future.

Like all global cities, Hong Kong has known its share of crises. But we have always bounced back, and emerged stronger than before. Because you can always bank on the resilience, and perseverance, of the people of Hong Kong, and the ”one country, two systems” principle that guides us.

Under ”one country, two systems”, Hong Kong has developed an internationally respected common law legal system, with a judiciary that exercises its judicial power independently. The free flow of capital, information, goods and talent, plus a low and simple tax regime, enable Hong Kong to play a unique role connecting the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world.

In today’s global landscape fraught with uncertainties and dark clouds, such attributes have never been more vital.

Let me share with you some numbers that underline Hong Kong’s advantages.

In the latest Global Financial Centres Index, published last month, Hong Kong continued to rank third, globally, and with a higher overall rating. We placed first, globally, in ”fintech offerings”, ”banking”, ”finance” and ”insurance”, while rising to second place in ”investment management”.

That reaffirms Hong Kong’s leadership, and our wide-ranging strengths as an international financial centre.

Many of you may share my view that Hong Kong’s market delivered a magnificent performance in 2025. Our Hang Seng Index rose 28 per cent, with average daily turnover soaring some 90 per cent, to over 32 billion US Dollars.

In initial public offerings, our 119 new listings last year raised over 36 billion US Dollars, taking Hong Kong to the top of the global IPO league table.

In asset and wealth management, Hong Kong-domiciled and authorised funds recorded net inflows of about 46 billion US Dollars last year – a ringing affirmation of the confidence international investors place in Hong Kong.

Our family office business remains robust. The number of single family offices now exceeds 3 380, up more than 25 per cent over the past two years.

These, and other figures, are clear and compelling proof of trust – in Hong Kong’s financial infrastructure, regulatory framework and buoyant connectivity with the Mainland and the world.

We’re now into the second quarter of the year, and global affairs remain complex and volatile, with the large and looming shadow of conflict in the Middle East continuing to weigh on market sentiment.

This year to date, our financial markets continue to perform well, becoming even more active entering March. The average daily turnover of Hong Kong stocks reached nearly 39 billion US Dollars in March, rising eight per cent over the same period last year.

Our IPO market remains in wonderful shape. As of end-March, fundraising had exceeded 14 billion US Dollars, ranking first globally.

Such spirited activity spotlights Hong Kong’s dynamic role in global financial markets, especially in times of uncertainty.

Yes, when geopolitical tensions send shockwaves through supply chains, energy markets and investor confidence, this part of the world remains remarkably composed. This, however, is not a passive composure. It’s the result of vigilance, proactive engagement and, above all, the commitment to excel in this intricate and inter-connected world.

After all, Hong Kong’s ”one country, two systems” excellence comes not only from the connectivity of the ”two systems”. It lies, more crucially, in ”one country”.

China, our country, is the world’s second-largest economy. More than a manufacturing powerhouse, it is fast rising as an innovation hub and hotspot for entrepreneurs. It values multilateralism, and pursues peaceful resolution to problems that beset humanity.

These give Hong Kong all the more reason to integrate into national development strategies. The National 15th Five-Year Plan, approved last month in Beijing, continues to champion Hong Kong’s development as an international financial, shipping and trade centre.

The staunch backing of such economic superpower as our country ensures Hong Kong’s strengths. It ensures that amid the global chaos, Hong Kong offers what few other international hubs can: uninterrupted business, a stable and secure environment, and a community that understands the hard value of order.

Investors are increasing their asset allocation here. They view Hong Kong as a safe haven for funds. No less important, the stable growth of the Chinese Mainland economy and the large number of high-quality companies listing in Hong Kong offer them – offer you – ample investment opportunities.

More and more of our listings are from fast-emerging technology industries  ̶  artificial intelligence, semiconductors, robotics, autonomous driving, biotechnology and other strategic areas. Right now we have more than 500 applications queuing up for a Hong Kong listing.

More companies now see Hong Kong as a critical centre for going global. And we’re bringing together Hong Kong’s professional services providers from a wide variety of fields, including legal and financial services, marketing and testing and certification, to help companies, in the Mainland and elsewhere, go global. In turn, we help to connect a world of investors to the vast opportunities of the vibrant Chinese market.

We are also capitalising on finance to power high-quality development and sustainable growth, particularly in innovation and technology.

We call it Finance+  ̶  using our world-class financial system to fast-track innovation and industry. Two priorities stand out. First, patient capital: the Hong Kong Investment Corporation has invested in some 190 projects, with one Hong Kong Dollar in public money attracting more than eight Hong Kong Dollars in long-term private capital. That eight-fold growth effectively means every one Hong Kong Dollar of public funding we invest – attracts over one US Dollar of capital.

Second, new professional services: the AI wave will create demand for valuation and financing of intangible assets, and we’re ready to develop the needed expertise.

We are also extending our financial value chain and diversifying our offerings.

That includes building an international gold trading market. We plan to begin trial operations of our central clearing system for gold this year. We’re exploring tax incentives for gold trading and settlement, as well.

We are also building a comprehensive framework to establish Hong Kong as a digital asset hub. We now have 12 licensed digital asset trading platforms, and we continue to expand our key digital asset areas.

Later this year, we plan to introduce a legislative bill for licensing digital asset dealing, custodian, advisory and management services.

Our regulators, let me add, promote digital asset products and services, while working to safeguard investor interests.

Ladies and gentlemen, when it comes to the future of finance, Hong Kong is not, and never will be, a spectator. We are actively building it.

And I invite you to join us in realising the thriving future we all want. Right here in Hong Kong. Where the action is.

For example, there will be no end of action beginning Friday, on and off the pitch, at our world-class Kai Tak Sports Park. Even as a spectator. Yes, it’s the annual Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, this year celebrating its proud 50th anniversary.

The riveting tournament is certainly no stranger to you – as HSBC has long been a sponsor of the event. Over the coming few days, you’ll see that nobody does rugby like Hong Kong – for half a century, this supercharged spectacle is where the world comes to play. To party. To cheer on the South Stand. And to chug some beers along the way. We’re all ready for the revelry!

My thanks to HSBC for this welcome opportunity to talk to you. I wish you all a rewarding Summit, the best of business and investment in this year of risk and reward. Have a memorable stay in Hong Kong, a world city for opportunities, and growth.

Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the 2026 International Academicians Hong Kong Forum today (April 14):
 
Professor Nancy Ip (Chair of the International Alliance of Academicians (IAA) and President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology), Mr Liu (the First-level Inspector of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Liu Maozhou), Professor Tu (Secretary General of the IAA and President of the Hong Kong Association of Overseas-Returned Scholars, Professor Tu Wenwei), Professor Yau (Director of Yau Mathematical Sciences Center and Qiuzhen College and Chair Professor at Tsinghua University, Professor Yau Shing-Tung), Professor Warshel (Nobel Laureate 2013, Professor Arieh Warshel), distinguished guests and speakers, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you today at the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 International Academicians Hong Kong Forum.
 
     As an international academic organisation rooted in Hong Kong, the Alliance of International Academicians, IAA, has demonstrated remarkable foresight in fostering deep interdisciplinary collaboration. By building a distinguished platform for high-level academic exchange, IAA has capitalised on Hong Kong’s connectivity and academic strength to enhance academic excellence, accelerate knowledge transfer, spark innovation partnerships, and reinforce Hong Kong’s role as a nexus for global scientific excellence.
 
     Today’s forum exemplifies this vision, bringing together leading minds to explore two themes of profound global relevance, namely “Ageing and Chronic Disease Management: Challenges and Innovations” and “AI and Innovation in Higher Education”. The Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government has introduced a series of forward‑looking initiatives in recent years to strengthen our innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem – particularly in AI and life and health technologies. We are investing strategically in research funding, talent development, and world‑class infrastructure. 
 
     At present, there are 30 research centres under the two InnoHK research clusters, focusing on health technologies, and AI and robotics, bringing together 3,000 top-notch researchers from more than 12 jurisdictions. Eight more centres on sustainable development, energy, advanced manufacturing and materials will be established within this year. We also are pressing ahead with the development of the Hong Kong‑Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, as well as the construction of the San Tin Technopole and the Sandy Ridge data facility cluster. Through funding schemes such as the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme and the forthcoming Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund, we are building robust cross‑sector collaboration platforms that connect the Government, the industry, academic, research and investment sectors to create an ideal I&T environment where scientific discovery can translate swiftly into real-world impact.
 
     Hong Kong’s solid R&D (research and development) capability and unique role as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder” place us in a pivotal position to foster international I&T collaboration. This week’s events offer a vivid demonstration of Hong Kong’s role. Alongside this forum, Hong Kong is hosting two flagship I&T events – the World Internet Conference Asia- Pacific Summit and the InnoEX. Their presence here underscores Hong Kong’s capability to gather global talent, capital, and enterprises, and to bring together scientific leaders, industry pioneers, and policymakers within a single week. It is a powerful reminder that Hong Kong is a place where the world comes together to chart the future of innovation.
 
     As we look ahead, I encourage all participating experts to make full use of Hong Kong as a platform for deeper collaboration with both Chinese Mainland and international partners. Whether in healthy ageing, chronic disease management, AI‑enabled education, or frontier technologies yet to emerge, Hong Kong offers a fertile ground where ideas flourish and global challenges are addressed. May I also take this opportunity to invite you to visit our InnoEX, which is taking place next door at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, to experience Hong Kong’s robust I&T ecosystem.
 
     In closing, I wish you all an inspiring, impactful, and visionary day ahead. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region