Speech by FS at Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum 2025 (English only) (with photos/video)
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Simon (Chairman of the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, Mr Simon Chan), Rocky (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, Dr Rocky Cheng), 楊健處長 (Director of the Department of Youth Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Yang Jian), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you once again at the Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum. Over the past few years, this Forum has firmly established itself as Hong Kong’s premier digital entertainment event, and one of the most influential platforms of its kind in Asia. It brings together industry leaders, creators, innovators and members of the public for a vibrant and stimulating exchange of ideas, also showcasing a rich tapestry of local and global innovations that are shaping the future of digital entertainment.
"AI-charged Adventure" is a most fitting theme for the Forum this year. AI is a transformative force for nearly every aspect of our lives. In the realm of digital entertainment, AI is revolutionising the way we create and experience content. From automated scriptwriting and music composition, to smarter NPCs (non-playable characters) and ultra-realistic visuals in games, AI is speeding up production, lowering costs and delivering more personalised content that responds to user preferences. For instance, in the popular game "Black Myth: Wukong" (《黑神話:悟空》), AI played a pivotal role in its production.
Indeed, the opportunity is immense. Estimates suggest that in 2024, revenues in the global entertainment and media industry stood at around US$3 trillion, and will grow to US$3.5 trillion in 2029. AI is a key driver behind this. It is transforming content delivery models, lowering barriers to entry, curating new user experiences, and enabling more targeted and effective advertising.
However, alongside these opportunities come important and timely questions. In a world increasingly shaped by AI, are we relying more - or less - on human ingenuity? Can we ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically? How do we guard against algorithmic bias, deepfakes and digital scams? And how do we protect intellectual property rights in the AI era?
Addressing these questions requires thoughtful dialogue and collaboration across sectors. That is why forums like this one are so important. It provides a platform where stakeholders come together to explore opportunities and address challenges. I very much look forward to the insights and ideas arising from this forum, as distinguished speakers share their perspectives across a wide range of topics in this dynamic space.
For our part, the Government is committed to driving innovation by AI. We have prioritised AI as a core industry, advancing on five fronts: data, algorithms, computing power, capital and talent. Cyberport is a key partner in this effort. It is home to Hong Kong’s AI Supercomputing Centre, and plays a vital role in supporting start-ups and fostering cross-sector innovation. Meanwhile, we are also keen to apply AI in our creative industries. A good example is the "Future Animation" programme launched by our Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency. This initiative supports local creative companies in using AI to produce short animations. Some of the works have good potential to be developed into full-length features.
Ultimately, the success of Hong Kong’s digital entertainment sector comes down to people. It is the imagination, creativity and pursuit of excellence by the professionals in the industry that will drive us forward. To support this endeavour, Hong Kong will maintain an environment that is open and welcoming to talent from around the world - whether they are producers, artists, innovators, engineers or entrepreneurs. Together, we will build an even more vibrant digital entertainment ecosystem.
Ladies and gentlemen, with the Government’s proactive support, a thriving creative community, and the collaborative spirit displayed here, Hong Kong is ready to embark on an exciting new adventure in digital entertainment. Every breakthrough, every innovation, will be another piece in the puzzle that unlocks new possibilities. Let us explore the uncharted territories, connect the dots, and build a future where creativity and technology shine hand in hand.
I wish you all an inspiring and rewarding forum, and the best of health and entertainment. Thank you.
Ends/Friday, September 12, 2025
Issued at HKT 14:55
Issued at HKT 14:55
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