Speech by SITI at Hong Kong Laureate Forum 2025 Press Conference (English only) (with photo)
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Professor Tong (Chairman of the Council of the Hong Kong Laureate Forum, Professor Timothy Tong), Dr Lee (Chairman of Henderson Land Group and Director of Lee Shau Kee Foundation, Dr Martin Lee), Dr Chan (Chair of The Shaw Prize Foundation, Dr Raymond Chan), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. It is my great pleasure to join you all at the press conference for the Hong Kong Laureate Forum 2025.
Two years ago, the inaugural Hong Kong Laureate Forum set a bold precedent for international scientific exchange. It was a resounding success, welcoming over 2,400 participants, including 23 Shaw Laureates, 200 young scientists from nearly 30 countries and regions, and 1,500 secondary students. They brought unique perspectives, aspirations and energy to cross-sectional dialogue that continues to inspire.
This year, we build on the momentum. From November 5 to 8, 12 Shaw Laureates in astronomy, life science and medicine, and mathematical sciences, as well as over 200 young scientists from around the world, will be gathered at the 2025 forum under the theme of "Meeting of Inspirational Minds", and it will surely once again elevate Hong Kong's profile as a global hub for scientific excellence and innovation.
The Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government has made innovation and technology (I&T) the cornerstone of our economic transformation. We have strategically invested in I&T infrastructure, talent, and industry development to create a vibrant and sustainable I&T ecosystem in Hong Kong. Today, our investment and initiatives are bearing fruits.
Early this month, the World Intellectual Property Organization announced its Global Innovation Index 2025. The Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster ranked first globally among the top 100 innovation clusters, which is an extraordinary recognition of the I&T capacity of the Greater Bay Area. And just last week, Hong Kong was also ranked first in Asia in the International Institute for Management Development's World Talent Ranking. These remarkable achievements reaffirm Hong Kong's position as an international I&T centre and high-calibre talent hub.
Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong is a place where policy meets purpose, and talent meets opportunity. The Hong Kong Laureate Forum is more than a scientific gathering. It is also an investment for the youth in curiosity and inspiration that will echo for decades. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Council of the Hong Kong Laureate Forum, the Lee Shau Kee Foundation as well as the Shaw Prize Foundation for organising and supporting the event. As we prepare to welcome brilliant minds this November, I extend a heartfelt invitation to all partners to join, support and share this collective endeavor.
The future is not just something we await. It is something we build. Please stay tuned for the Hong Kong Laureate Forum 2025 and I look forward to welcoming all our distinguished guests to Hong Kong in November. Thank you.
Ends/Monday, September 15, 2025
Issued at HKT 15:52
Issued at HKT 15:52
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