The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, continued his visit to Korea today (August 5).
 
     In the morning, Professor Sun visited the Seoul Startup Hub M+, established by the Seoul Metroplitan Government, and met with the hub's management team to learn about its efforts in fostering and supporting the growth of start-ups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) including network building, providing funding support and offering acceleration programmes. He was also briefed on the plan for developing the Magok Industrial Complex into an international research and development (R&D) platform for cutting-edged technologies. During the tour, Professor Sun met with the founder of a start-up that focuses on the application of quantum computing technology, to know more about the comprehensive quantum supercomputing services the company provides to its clients, as well as its future business plan.
 
     After that, Professor Sun visited the AI start-up incubator and accelerator, Seoul AI Hub, which was also established by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. He learned about the hub's operation mode, specific initiatives to support AI start-ups, and plan to facilitate expansion of start-ups in the global market. Both sides also explored ways to further strengthen partnership between their respective innovation and technology (I&T) parks. In addition to providing office space and technical infrastructure, the hub also organises nurturing, R&D and investment matching events regularly. Professor Sun also met with founders of several AI start-ups based at the hub. These start-ups focus on providing comprehensive AI solutions for the semiconductor industry, AI-assisted diagnosis and therapies, etc. He listened to their business expansion plans and encouraged Korean start-ups to expand globally by fully leveraging Hong Kong's unique advantages of having connections to both the Mainland and the world.
 
     Professor Sun then visited the Seoul National University and met with the university's President, Dr Ryu Hong Lim. He received a briefing on the university's latest development and achievements in R&D, plans and projects to promote innovation and entrepreneurship development, as well as initiatives to support and incubate start-ups. Both sides also exchanged views on nurturing I&T talents and R&D collaboration. Professor Sun also toured the Soft Robotics and Bionics Laboratory and learned about its latest R&D outcomes. 
 
     Professor Sun also called on the Chinese Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Mr Dai Bing, to brief him on plans and initiatives by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in promoting the developments of I&T and AI in Hong Kong to support the high-quality development of Hong Kong's economy. They also explored ways to enhance co-operation and exchange between Hong Kong and Korea in the I&T field.
 
     Professor Sun will participate in a visit programme of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting to tour the Incheon Free Economic Zone Promotion Center and the Incheon Smart City Integrated Operation Center tomorrow (August 6). He will respectively learn about the economic zone's development plans and investment opportunities, as well as smart city management.
 
     Professor Sun will conclude his visit tomorrow afternoon and return to Hong Kong.

Ends/Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Issued at HKT 20:49

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