Following is a question by the Hon Duncan Chiu and a reply by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, in the Legislative Council today (September 25): 

Question: 

     The Opinions on Deeply Implementing the "AI+" Initiative ("the Opinions") issued last month by the State Council proposed accelerating implementation of six key actions and reinforcing eight fundamental support capabilities in order to enable all the people to share in the dividends of artificial intelligence ("AI") development. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it will study in depth the specific content of the Opinions and the ensuing opportunities and challenges for Hong Kong, and explore how Hong Kong should align and dovetail with the actions proposed in the Opinions, as well as its proposed drive towards reinforcing fundamental support capabilities, including formulation of specific plans and timetables, so as to support the country in achieving the objectives set out in the Opinions;

(2) whether it has reviewed Hong Kong's strategy, as well as its effectiveness, in promoting AI development, including areas requiring enhancement and optimisation in terms of policy support, technological innovation, talent training, capital chain, application scenario, community awareness and so on; and

(3) whether it will formulate comprehensive regulations for data protection and governance, including data security legislation, to ensure the secure and effective access, transmission and use of data, particularly cross-boundary data exchange and flow, and establish an internationally aligned data flow mechanism to realise Hong Kong's goal of becoming an international data hub?

Reply: 

President, 

     Having consulted the relevant bureaux, my reply to the questions raised by the Hon Duncan Chiu is as follows:

(1) & (2) Hong Kong has been taking proactive steps to build a vibrant artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem, having conducted meticulous planning and implemented comprehensive measures over the past few years.

     Following the launch of the "AI Plus" initiative last year, our motherland issued in August this year the "Opinions on Deepening the Implementation of the 'AI Plus' Initiative" (the Opinions), with a view to promoting the close integration of AI with various industries and sectors of the economy and society.

     To advance Hong Kong's "AI Plus" development, the 2025 Policy Address advocates the broadening of AI applications to empower industries while consolidating Hong Kong's strengths in AI research, talent, funding and data, etc. For example, in terms of research, we are seeking a provision of $1 billion from the Legislative Council for the establishment of the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute (AIRDI) in 2026, which will facilitate upstream AI research and development (R&D), midstream and downstream transformation of R&D outcomes, as well as expansion of use cases. The $3 billion Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme will also be launched shortly to help local subsidised institutions in attracting top-notch international scientific researchers in areas such as AI to Hong Kong.

     In respect of financing, the Government will launch the Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund to proactively channel market capital to invest in emerging and future industries of strategic importance including AI. The Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited as a wholly government-owned "patient capital" institution will continue to invest in AI enterprises to support the development of the AI industry.

     As regards computing facilities, Cyberport's AI Supercomputing Centre will enhance its computing power, and the $3 billion AI Subsidy Scheme has already approved over ten projects to fuel scientific research and large-scale AI applications. We will also put up for tender a site of about 10 hectares at Sandy Ridge in the North District soon for the development of a data facility cluster, providing advanced computing power facilities and promoting the development of AI-related industries.

     Regarding talent development, in addition to setting aside $2 billion in the Quality Education Fund to support digital education for primary and secondary schools, the Government will formulate a Blueprint for Digital Education, including establishing an "AI literacy" learning framework. Besides, the Government will collaborate with professional bodies to roll out pilot schemes on AI education and enhance AI-related training for teachers. Digital platforms and tools equipped with AI will also be launched progressively under the e-Learning Ancillary Facilities Programme for schools.

     AI application is key in taking forward the "AI Plus" initiative. In addition to expanding AI application scenarios in public services and various sectors, we will also enhance the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme to provide small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with subsidies to apply AI solutions, thereby promoting "industries for AI" and "AI for industries".

(3) The development of AI must be steered by safety and driven by application. As the core element of AI technology, the security, openness and sharing of data are pre-requisites for "AI Plus" development.

     Our policy objective is to foster proper data management and data usage, balancing the needs and risks of data-driven AI development. The Digital Policy Office has released the Ethical AI Framework, the Principles of Data Governance and the Hong Kong Generative AI Technical and Application Guideline, providing guidance and recommendations for the development, design, processing and secure use of AI services, while advocating data flow and secure application.

     Regarding cross-boundary data, we have introduced the "Standard Contract" facilitation measure based on the "Memorandum of Understanding on Facilitating Cross-boundary Data Flow within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area" to facilitate the safe and orderly cross-boundary flow of data. We will also proactively explore the compliant and secure flow of Mainland data to the Hong Kong Park in the Loop for scientific research purposes, supporting AI application testing and innovation.

     In view of the AI development, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data has released various guidelines, providing recommendations on AI governance and personal data privacy protection. The Department of Justice will also establish an inter-departmental working group to review the legislation needed to support a wider application of AI.

     The Government will continue to monitor AI development trends and the needs of Hong Kong, adopting a multi-pronged strategy to enhance the data governance of Hong Kong, thereby fully unleashing the development potential of "AI Plus" on the premise of ensuring safety.

Ends/Thursday, September 25, 2025
Issued at HKT 11:45

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