Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at "Session 1: Facilitating Digital and AI Innovation to Address Challenges" of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting in Incheon, Korea, today (August 4):

     Good morning, chair and distinguished fellow colleagues.

     On behalf of Hong Kong, China, I would like to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to Korea for the warm hospitality and impeccable arrangements for this meeting. It is an honour to stand among leaders who share a common vision - harnessing digital and AI innovation to address the profound socio-economic challenges across the Asia-Pacific region with precision, impact and inclusivity.

     AI is not just the future. It is the here and now. Among the emerging technologies reshaping our world, AI stands out as the defining force of our time. The numbers speak for themselves. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, AI is projected to become a US$4.8 trillion global market by 2033. This is not just an opportunity but a call to action. In Hong Kong, China, AI is at the forefront of our strategic agenda, as set out in the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint. The blueprint underscores our commitment to turning ambition into action by advancing infrastructure, fostering cutting-edge research, and supporting enterprise innovation, thereby harnessing the power of AI to drive economic transformation, strengthen our tech-powered economy, and secure a sustainable future. 

     To realise this vision, Hong Kong, China has made meticulous preparations to build the infrastructure and ecosystems needed to thrive in this AI-driven era. Among them, Cyberport, one of our major tech flagships, has set up an AI Supercomputing Centre to support the growing local demand for high performance computing power. We have also established two research clusters under our InnoHK platform, one of which focuses on AI and robotics technologies and houses the Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center (HKGAI), which developed Hong Kong's first large language foundation model.

     Here is what is more exciting. The HKGAI is set to launch the "HKChat", an AI-powered chatbot mobile app powered by our homegrown large language foundation model, bringing the benefits of AI directly to the public this year. Alongside setting up the Hong Kong AI R&D (research and development) Institute, we are doubling down on the R&D and industrial applications of AI.

     But we are not stopping there. Digital transformation is equally central to Hong Kong, China's strategy for public service excellence, economic upgrading and transformation. Our "iAM Smart" one-stop personalised digital services platform has already transformed how our people access government and commercial online services, providing a seamless, secure and efficient experience. By 2025, it will be the single portal for all online government services. And by the end of 2026, we will have rolled out the "Digital Corporate Identity" platform, which is set to be a game changer for businesses by enabling secure, convenient and frictionless transactions. We are confident that these advanced digital infrastructures will accelerate the development of the digital economy in Hong Kong, China, delivering greater benefits to our people and businesses.

     The promise of digital and AI innovation demands collaboration. Hong Kong, China stands ready to play a more constructive role in advancing this collective vision, advocating for the safe and responsible adoption of AI, ICT (information and communications technology) and digital technologies. By working together, we can boost productivity and efficiency, strengthen resilience, and foster innovation across the region. Let us seize this moment to drive inclusive growth, deepen regional ties, and secure a prosperous and sustainable future for every citizen in the Asia-Pacific region.

     Thank you.

Ends/Monday, August 4, 2025
Issued at HKT 12:10

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