MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, at the Biopharmaceutical Session of the Global Bay Area Economic Forum 2025 today (November 3):

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon. It is my honour to join you at the Biopharmaceutical Session of Global Bay Area Economic Forum 2025. On behalf of the Health Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, I extend my thanks to Our Hong Kong Foundation, the Guangzhou Institute of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and the Macao Foundation for convening this meaningful dialogue.

In an era of complex global dynamics, the vibrant economic Global Bay Area clusters serve as engines of innovation and growth. Today, I will articulate the role and outlook of Hong Kong, not merely as a participant, but as a critical “super connector” within the biomedical innovation ecosystem of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Just two years ago, in late 2023, the HKSAR Government articulated a clear and ambitious vision to develop Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub. This was a strategic imperative, supported by our nation’s 14th Five-Year Plan. This vision aligns perfectly with the decisions of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, which emphasised deepening healthcare reform and establishing robust mechanisms to support innovative drugs and medical devices. The HKSAR is uniquely positioned to advance these national priorities, with our intrinsic strengths such as our international connectivity, rule of law, high-quality and efficient healthcare systems, robust data integrity, world-leading financial centre, and life-science research backed by two of the world’s top medical schools.

We are systematically transforming that vision into tangible reality in the GBA. A world-class biomedical innovation hub requires a world-class regulatory regime. We embarked on a landmark reform towards primary evaluation for medical products. Our first step was the launch of the “1+” mechanism in November 2023, which allows new drugs supported by local clinical data, to be registered in Hong Kong with approval from just one reference regulatory authority, instead of two. Today, we have already approved 15 new drugs under this mechanism, with seven of them being listed on the Hospital Authority (HA) Drug Formulary, bringing real benefits to patients.

In June this year, we announced a roadmap to establish the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation next year, with a view to establishing the centre as an internationally recognised regulatory authority for medical products. we will start implementing “primary evaluation” for new drug registration in phases. To further accelerate patient access to the most advanced treatments, we will also pilot a priority evaluation and approval of innovative drugs recommended by the HA for treatment of clinically urgent, severe or rare diseases. Furthermore, the HA is establishing a dedicated Office for Introducing Innovative Drugs and Medical Devices. It will proactively facilitate the entry of innovative, cost-effective treatments into Hong Kong, ensuring our patients are among the first to benefit from global breakthroughs.

The Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute (GBAICTI), which we envisioned in 2023, is now fully operational in the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone. Operating under the innovative “one zone, two parks” model with our Shenzhen counterparts, BAY TRIAL (Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trials Center) in Shenzhen park, the GBAICTI combines Hong Kong’s world-class clinical standards, data integrity, and international recognition with the vast patient population and diverse disease profile in the GBA.

In May this year, the GBAICTI started a partnership with the medical faculties of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Chinese University of Hong Kong to provide comprehensive support for over 70 new clinical trial projects in the coming year. This will effectively consolidate Hong Kong’s world-class research capabilities into a unified force.

At the same time, we establish collaboration across the boundary. In July, the GBAICTI signed a pivotal MOU with its Shenzhen counterpart, the GBA International Clinical Trials Center, or BAY TRIAL, and established a unified GBA Clinical Trial Collaboration Platform. This platform streamlines matching services through artificial intelligence, provides a one-stop platform for applications, protocol approval and execution; and builds shared talent pools. This partnership has already yielded its first major project, a cross-border Phase II clinical trial for ICVAX, a therapeutic HIV vaccine co-developed by ImmunoCure and the AIDS Institute of HKU.

The Real-World Study and Application Centre is set to launch by the end of this year. Its core function is to systematically harness the high-quality and comprehensive real-world data from Hong Kong’s public healthcare system, which covers over 11 million patient records.

The Centre will provide robust real-world evidence to support multiple functions, such as to accelerate the development, regulatory approval, and market access of innovative medical products, particularly through data integration across the GBA. A key part of this strategy is the establishment of a unified GBA Real-World Data Platform, which will standardise and connect clinical data from both sides of the boundary, creating a seamless data ecosystem.

Ladies and gentlemen, the biomedical innovation landscape is rapidly evolving, and so are we. Over the past two years, we have systematically transformed vision into infrastructure, infrastructure into capability, and capability into tangible results – 15 new drugs approved, over 70 clinical trials in the pipeline, and a regulatory body ready to serve the region and the world. But our ambition extends beyond our shores. We envision Hong Kong as the nexus where Eastern and Western medical innovation converge.

For international companies, we offer a trusted gateway: conduct trials here under globally accepted standards with patients recruited from the 86 million population in the GBA. Our legal framework, intellectual property protection, and capital mobility provide the confidence needed for bold investment. For our nation’s burgeoning biotech sector, we provide the springboard to the world: leverage our ecosystem to conduct international multicentre trials, access global capital markets, and use Hong Kong registration as your passport to international markets.

Hong Kong will continue to strengthen its role as the unparalleled “super connector” in the global biomedical landscape, building a healthier future for the region and the world. The Government’s good efforts need the support of the community. The Legislative Council (LegCo) election day, the important day, will be on December 7 this year. We will be electing a highly competent and supportive LegCo for the new term. And hopefully, the new LegCo will work with the Government together and with all the stakeholders here to drive Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub. Thank you so much and I wish you a wonderful afternoon. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will lead a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government delegation to visit Shanghai tomorrow (November 4) and will attend the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE).

Members of the HKSAR Government delegation include the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; and the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip.

On November 5, Mr Lee will attend the opening ceremony of the eighth CIIE and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum, and he will visit the Hong Kong exhibition area to show support for Hong Kong enterprises.

Mr Lee said, “The CIIE attracts international attention and will feature participation from over 3 200 enterprises across more than 110 countries and regions in the Enterprise and Business Exhibition, offering vast business opportunities for Hong Kong enterprises.

“Hong Kong has always actively participated in and supported the CIIE. In addition to the attendance of senior government officials, over 350 Hong Kong enterprises from various industries are exhibiting at the Expo this year. This record-high participation reflects that Hong Kong enterprises consider the CIIE the premier platform for tapping into the domestic market and showcasing Hong Kong brands and their innovative strengths.”

In addition, Mr Lee will officiate at the Hong Kong – The Ideal Platform for Mainland Enterprises in Going Global Promotion Conference hosted by the HKSAR Government. This will be the first large-scale publicity event on the Mainland organised by the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, newly established by the HKSAR Government, bringing together cross-sector speakers to highlight the strengths of Hong Kong as an international platform for going global.

Mr Lee will meet with leaders of Shanghai during his visit to deepen Hong Kong-Shanghai co-operation. He will also engage with Hong Kong people and representatives of Hong Kong enterprises in Shanghai.

Mr Lee will return to Hong Kong on November 6. During his absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will be the Acting Chief Executive.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesperson for Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) announced a sentinel event involving a patient suspected suicide today (November 2):

A 52-year-old male patient was admitted to a ward of the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics in PWH on October 20 because of abdominal pain.

At around 6.45pm today, the patient was found missing in the ward. The ward staff promptly notified hospital security to conduct a local search within the hospital compound, reported the incident to the Police for assistance, and kept communicating with the patient’s family. The hospital was informed by the Police at around 7.20pm that the patient was found fell from height and was subsequently certified dead.

The patient was not found to have suicidal risk during admission screening, and his emotional status was stable all along. The hospital was deeply saddened by the incident and expressed deep condolences to the patient’s family. The hospital will provide assistance to the family and will co-operate with the Police investigation.

The hospital is very concerned about the incident. The incident has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office via the Advance Incident Reporting System. A root cause analysis panel will be formed to investigate the incident.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the Link Hong Kong Open 2025 Prize Giving Ceremony today (November 2):

Peter (President of the Hong Kong Golf Club, Dr Peter Lam), Andy (Captain of the Hong Kong Golf Club, Mr Andy Kwok), George (Executive Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of the Link Asset Management Limited, Mr George Hongchoy), Andrew (President of the Legislative Council, Mr Andrew Leung), Kenneth (President of Golf Association of Hong Kong, China, Mr Kenneth Lam), Minn Thant (Commissioner and Chief Executive Officier of the Asian Tour, Mr Cho Minn Thant), Dominic (Regional Managing Director Asia Pacific of the R&A, Mr Dominic Wall), esteemed guests, golfers, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon, everyone. It is my great pleasure to present the Hong Kong Open trophy to our champion, Mr Tom McKibbin, in recognition of a truly exceptional achievement on winning total of 27-under-par, the lowest-ever tournament record. Congratulations!

I would like to commend every golfer here for their marvelous performance – a true reflection of their wonderful talent, unwavering devotion and tireless practice. Their commitment, embodied in every skillful swing and precise putt, inspires all of us to strive for excellence.

My heartfelt gratitude goes to the Golf Association of Hong Kong, China and the Hong Kong Golf Club. Their vision and dedication have made this annual event one of Asia’s most prestigious professional tournaments, earning the winner a place at the 2026 Masters Tournament and the 154th Open Championship. As a long-established “M” Mark event, held alongside with LIV Golf Hong Kong, it showcases Hong Kong’s prowess in hosting world-class golf tournaments and reinforces our status as a centre for major international sports events.

A special note of thanks goes to our distinguished guests and avid fans who have travelled from far and wide. Your deep passion for the game infuses every shot with excitement and every hole with anticipation, creating a truly vibrant spectacle.

Ladies and gentlemen, as you can see at the clubhouse there, Hong Kong’s Legislative Council election will take place on December 7. I encourage all registered voters among us to cast our vote on the day, to elect capable, dedicated legislators who are committed to serving the people of Hong Kong and contributing to our country.

Finally, my sincere thanks to everyone here for making this event an unforgettable extravaganza, filled with masterful golf and cherished memories.

To our esteemed golfers, we wish you continued success. May you continue to swing into victory. Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A lorry driver, aged 59, was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment by the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts today (November 3) for attempting to export unmanifested cargo and prohibited articles not under and in accordance with a licence, in contravention of the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO) (Cap. 60).

Through risk assessment, Hong Kong Customs officers earlier intercepted an outbound lorry declared as carrying hair clips at the Lok Ma Chau Control Point. A batch of unmanifested cargo, including 240 human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, 96 tablets of pharmaceutical products, 100 blood collection tubes, three mobile phones and 120 tablets of health products, with an estimated market value of about $830,000, was found in the cargo compartment.   

Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence imposes a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.

Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the IEO, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction. Any person who exports pharmaceutical products and medicines without a valid licence commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
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Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

       A spokesman for the Development Bureau (DEVB) said today (November 3) that the contractor involved in the fatal industrial incident that happened on November 2 at a non-governmental construction site in Sau Mau Ping was on the List of Approved Contractors for Public Works. 
 
      The DEVB, being the party to procure services for public works, attaches great importance to the site safety performance of all construction sites under the purview of contractors on the List, regardless of whether the sites are public works construction sites or not. The DEVB issued a notification to the contractor concerned today to suspend it from tendering for public works contracts in the buildings category with immediate effect pursuant to the regulating regime. The contractor concerned has to conduct an independent safety audit to review its safety management system. Taking cognisance of the outcome of the independent safety audit, the contractor is required to submit an improvement action plan and implement improvement measures, with a view to demonstrating that it has an effective safety management system before the lifting of the suspension from tendering can be considered. The suspension from tendering is not only confined to tender exercises within the period of suspension from tendering, but is also applicable to tender exercises with procedures initiated but not concluded.

      The Labour Department is investigating this industrial incident and will handle it in accordance with the law. Subject to the investigation findings, the DEVB may impose further regulating actions on the contractor concerned later on, including extension of the period of suspension from tendering for public works contracts and even removal from the List.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Local young guzheng virtuosi Grammy Yeung will grace the stage this early December as the grand finale of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s (LCSD) “Hong Kong Artists” Series. In this recital, Yeung will collaborate with esteemed artists of both Chinese and Western instruments, presenting a curated programme of classic and contemporary guzheng compositions, which include a world premiere work by renowned local composer Professor Chan Hing-yan. Through her exquisite artistry, Yeung will reveal the multifaceted expression of guzheng. This highly anticipated collaboration is not to be missed by music lovers.
 
     In the first half of the recital, Yeung will open with the Henan zhang piece “Song of the Homebound Fishermen”, performed with huqin artist Chan Pik-sum. She then will take the stage alone with the modern solo “The Ballad of Lotus Flower”, followed by “Qin River on My Mind”, a piece infused with Shaanxi tongzhou bangzi music elements, alongside celebrated pianist Colleen Lee. Subsequently, the three musicians will combine with percussionist Abby Chan to present the world premiere of Professor Chan’s new commissioned work “Three Realms of Awakening” – a three-movement pieces feature guzheng in dialogue with erhu, piano and percussion, showcasing the sublime harmony of Eastern and Western soundscapes with different perspectives in Buddhist iconography.
 
     The second half will feature two guzheng duets with Yeung’s guzheng teacher Chin King, including “Sound of Emerald”, which is inspired by tea-picking motifs, and “Suo-Ma”, enhanced with percussion. In addition, Yeung will present the delicate Cantonese tune “Lament in Autumn” on a steel-string guzheng accompanied by Chan Pik-sum on the yehu. A highlight follows as Yeung will collaborate with Lee in the Hong Kong premiere of “A Tender Dream”, a guzheng-piano duet that gracefully transforms jazz melodies into Eastern poetic tones, weaving an elegant cross-cultural dialogue. The recital will conclude with the duo performing “Calming Storms and Waves”, ending the evening on a profoundly expansive and reflective note.
 
     Yeung is currently the Education University of Hong Kong’s guest instrumental tutor. She holds a master’s degree in music (zheng) from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and is a music major graduate from the University of Hong Kong. Yeung received a gold medal in the 6th International Zheng Contest (Professional Youth Group), and was featured as one of the finalists in the Young Music Makers 2017 of RTHK 4. She was also invited to perform in Bali, Singapore and Macao, and has held various solo recitals at Tai Kwun, the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Palace Museum and universities in Hong Kong.
 
     The “Hong Kong Artists” Series: Guzheng Recital by Grammy Yeung will be staged at 8pm on December 1 (Monday) at the Theatre of Hong Kong City Hall. Tickets priced at $200 and $240 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. Package discounts will be available for purchasing different recitals under the “Hong Kong Artists” Series 2025 (including the Vocal Recital by Viola Cheung on November 13). For discount schemes and programme enquiries, please call 2268 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/programs_1838.html.
 
     The “Hong Kong Artists” Series of the LCSD aims to provide a platform for local artists to showcase their remarkable talent. In addition to individual performances, it also encourages cross-genre works to highlight their unique styles. This year’s series introduces 12 distinguished musicians in seven stunning programmes, featuring violin, piano, cello, guzheng and vocal arts. Among them, a cross-genre performance of music and painting was staged to showcase Hong Kong’s unique cultural character, embracing diversity and innovation. For more information, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/groups_1823.html.

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 Hong Kong Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics (HKIAA) Inauguration Ceremony & the First HKIAA Symposium today (November 3):

Professor Zhang Xiang (President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong), Professor Zhang Bing (Founding Director of the HKIAA and Chair of Astrophysics, Department of Physics of the University of Hong Kong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

     Good morning. It is my great pleasure to witness the inauguration of the Hong Kong Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics today. On behalf of the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government, I would like to extend my warm congratulations to the University of Hong Kong for reaching this significant milestone.

     Hong Kong has always been a place where curiosity meets opportunity. With the establishment of the HKIAA, we are taking a vital and visionary step to position our Hong Kong at the forefront of astrophysical research and technological innovation. Astronomy and astrophysics study the stars, planets, galaxies, and the universe itself, seeking answers to fundamental questions about dark matter, dark energy, black holes, the origins of the universe, and even the possibility of life beyond Earth. Addressing these profound mysteries requires brilliant ideas, advanced technology for developing state-of-the-art telescopes, and fruitful collaboration among scientists from diverse backgrounds.

     The HKIAA will serve as a dynamic platform where scientists, researchers and students from around the world can collaborate on frontier projects that expand our understanding of the cosmos. It will strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a global hub for scientific excellence, attracting top talent and fostering partnerships with leading international institutions. It will also create unique opportunities to promote collaboration on emerging industries between Hong Kong and the Mainland, especially within the Greater Bay Area.

     Astronomy and astrophysics are deeply intertwined with the aerospace industry. The former inspires the scientific vision and theoretical foundation, while the latter provides the engineering solutions such as satellites, telescopes and probes, that make explorations possible. To promote the development of aerospace science and technology, and support space economy, the Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Centre has been set up under the InnoHK research clusters to support the country’s Chang’e-8 mission. The Innovation and Technology Support Programme Special Call on Aerospace Technology has also allocated funding of more than $100 million to support six R&D (research and development) projects of universities.

     The establishment of HKIAA aligns with the Government’s vision to cultivate a thriving I&T (innovation and technology) ecosystem and provides academic and R&D support to building a robust space economy in Hong Kong. It is not just an academic study, it is about igniting the spark of innovation here on Earth. I am confident that the HKIAA will become a beacon of knowledge and discovery, illuminating the path toward a brighter and more innovative Hong Kong.

     Last but not least, December 7 is a big day for Hong Kong. Please call on your family, friends and colleagues to vote at the Legislative Council General Election together, to create a brighter future for Hong Kong. Let us embrace this new chapter with enthusiasm and chart a bold course towards the stars.

     May I wish the first HKIAA Symposium a great success. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Hong Kong Fintech Week x StartmeupHK Festival today (November 3):

Honourable Deputy Governor Lu Lei (Deputy Governor of the People’s Bank of China, Mr Lu Lei), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

     Good morning. A warm welcome to this year’s Hong Kong FinTech Week and StartmeupHK Festival, running concurrently for the very first time – as we enter a new era of innovation.

     This strategic alliance, on the 10th anniversary of both flagship events, creates an unparalleled opportunity to amplify innovation, technology and global collaboration on an unprecedented scale.

     Your presence this week is equally unprecedented. This year’s event is the largest fintech gathering in Hong Kong’s history, bringing together more than 37 000 executives, 800 speakers and 700 exhibitors from over 100 economies. Networking never looked so good.

     Hong Kong is made for collaboration. Built for innovation, for companies, entrepreneurs, investors and professionals like you – each and every one of you here today and throughout this eventful week. 

     Our unique positioning is well recognised by the world. In September, Hong Kong placed third, overall, and tops in Asia, in the Global Financial Centres Index. The Index also named Hong Kong’s fintech hub number one, globally.

     Not surprising, given that Hong Kong is now home to more than 1 200 fintech companies, up 10 per cent from last year. Given, too, that our fintech sector is expected to exceed US$600 billion in total revenue by 2032, with a cheering growth rate exceeding 28 per cent a year.

     More good news. In September, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster finished first in the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s top 100 innovation clusters – after placing second, overall, the previous five years. 

     It helps, too, that we continue to attract talented professionals. Indeed, Hong Kong placed fourth, globally, and first in Asia, in the World Talent Ranking. That’s up from ninth last year, and 16th the year before. And, let me add, Hong Kong finished number one in Asia, and world’s best in the percentage of science graduates. 

     In this year’s World Investment Report, released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, our city moved up to third place, overall, in foreign direct investment inflows. 

     And, as you know, it’s been a banner year for initial public offerings (IPO) here in Hong Kong. In the first nine months of the year, IPO fundraising had surpassed US$23 billion, underlining and bold-facing Hong Kong’s revitalised status, as the world’s premier listing and capital-raising venue.

     These and other international kudos reflect Hong Kong’s status as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”. We help to link the markets from China, our country, with those around the globe. We help start-ups go from local prototypes to global success. 

     Under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong draws opportunities from both our country and the world. This dual advantage drives our connectivity and development.

     From January 2023 to September 2025, Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), our dedicated investment promotion agency, has helped more than 1 400 overseas and Mainland companies establish or expand their businesses in Hong Kong. They have brought in more than US$24 billion in foreign direct investment, creating some 20 000 jobs within the first year of their operation or expansion.

     This week, we are welcoming more than 30 Mainland and international delegations here for Fintech Week and the StartmeupHK Festival. Tomorrow, the Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit returns, bringing together some 300 global financial leaders, including over 100 group chairmen or CEOs.

     Hong Kong’s role in connecting Mainland and international markets has never been clearer. 

     In my recent Policy Address, delivered in September, I introduced a series of initiatives to drive growth and strengthen Hong Kong’s competitiveness. 

     To cement our status as an international financial centre, we will deepen the equity market and expand world-class bond currency markets, while advancing the insurance and asset and wealth management sectors. 

     In equities, we will support technology companies from the Mainland in fundraising, encourage overseas enterprises to pursue secondary listings here, and welcome the return of China Concept Stock companies from overseas markets, with Hong Kong as their preferred destination.
 
     We are committed to enhancing bond market infrastructure, establishing connections with overseas markets such as Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates.

     Hong Kong is proud to be the world’s largest offshore Renminbi hub. We will continue to support its growing use in our economy. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority will make use of the Currency Swap Agreement with the People’s Bank of China to give companies longer-term Renminbi financing for trade, operations and capital expenditure.

     To strengthen asset and wealth management, we will enhance preferential tax regimes for funds, single-family offices and carried interest. The Capital Investment Entrant Scheme will also be relaxed to encourage more investors.

     In fintech, our Monetary Authority’s Project Ensemble is exploring tokenisation in conventional finance, while applying the supervisory sandbox to boost innovation under prudent risk management.

    We are also accelerating the transformation of innovation and technology, focusing on key sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), life and health sciences, new energy and aerospace. 

     From building AI research clusters and enabling cross-boundary clinical trials to advancing hydrogen infrastructure, our goal is to help emerging industries scale and thrive.

     At the same time, we are strengthening collaboration with the Mainland to build a green and sustainable finance market supporting long-term development.

     We are committed to contributing to national development while deepening international exchanges and co-operation.

     The GoGlobal Task Force, announced in my latest Policy Address, was launched last month. It is designed to help Mainland businesses expand overseas using Hong Kong as their springboard. Working with InvestHK, our Economic and Trade Offices, the Trade Development Council and other governmental agencies, GoGlobal will smooth the way for Mainland companies to find foreign markets and global capital. Plenty of opportunities there for all concerned.

     In short, ladies and gentlemen, the future is bright for Hong Kong and the companies, investors and talent that work with Hong Kong.

     This year’s anniversary editions of Hong Kong FinTech Week and the StartmeupHK Festival will give you a jump-start on the promising future of co-operation. This flagship event, very much like Hong Kong, connects you with a world of promising opportunities, together with the latest insights, intelligence and innovative technology.

     The main conference, today and tomorrow, features 11 targeted forums ranging from health and Insurtech to digital finance and assets, blockchain, AI, a China-Global Innovation Forum and more. And the international exhibition area spotlights finance, fintech and other advanced technology.

     I am grateful to the organisers – the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, and Invest HK, among others – together with our many supporters, for staging this vital global gathering over the past 10 years. A decade of success.

     And while you’re here, with us, I urge you to invest some time exploring Hong Kong, the world’s rising East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange – and good times.

     I wish you all a rewarding week and the best of fintech, start-ups and investment in the coming year.

     Thank you.