The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (May 17) officiated at the CE's Reception for Awardees of International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva 2021 to commend Hong Kong research and development (R&D) talents for their inventions winning worldwide acclaim.

     Among over 350 exhibitors this year, the Hong Kong delegation won 14 Gold Medals with Congratulations of the Jury, 47 Gold Medals, 62 Silver Medals and 13 Bronze Medals, totalling a record high of 136 awards (see Annex).

     Speaking at the reception, Mrs Lam said that the Hong Kong delegation comprised teams from universities, secondary schools, R&D centres, start-ups and government departments, reflecting a fervent innovation and technology (I&T) atmosphere in Hong Kong with flourishing I&T developments in the government, industry, academic and research sectors that exemplify Hong Kong's strong innovation and R&D capabilities.

     She said that, for the first time, the National 14th Five-Year Plan clearly states the support for Hong Kong to develop into an international I&T hub and has included the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Loop as one of the four major platforms of co-operation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. This demonstrates the great importance the Central Government attaches to and its support for Hong Kong's I&T, and there will be much more room for further development.

     In addition, the Government has been promoting R&D through various measures, including the establishment of the InnoHK research clusters at Hong Kong Science Park, the introduction of the Global STEM Professorship Scheme and the development at full speed of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park located in the Lok Ma Chau Loop.

     The International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva is the largest global exhibition devoted exclusively to inventions. All the exhibited inventions have been evaluated by an international jury of specialists. The event was held online for the first time this year, showcasing about 600 inventions from 24 countries and regions. Details are available at its website (inventions-geneva.ch/en/home).

     The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Alfred Sit; the Permanent Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Ms Annie Choi; and the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Ms Rebecca Pun, also attended the event today.

Ends/Monday, May 17, 2021
Issued at HKT 18:35

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