The Fourth Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Statistical Forum was held yesterday (September 26) via live streaming. Under the guidance of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the forum was hosted by the Guangdong Provincial Bureau of Statistics (GPBS) and jointly organised by the Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Statistics and the People's Government of Huangpu District of Guangzhou Municipality. The Commissioner for Census and Statistics, Mr Leo Yu, and some C&SD statistical professionals participated in this major annual event. 

     This year's forum, themed "Statistical Innovation and Technological Breakthroughs in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area", aimed to foster statistical exchange and co-operation in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). It provided a platform for statistical professionals from the "9+2" cities to brainstorm collectively and drive innovation in statistical methods and technologies through creative thinking, jointly addressing the current complex and ever-changing environment. In addition to the participation of leaders from the NBS and the GPBS, the forum brought together statistical experts from various fields, including representatives from the government statistical agencies of the "9+2" cities in the GBA, as well as those from higher education institutions and research institutes from the Chinese Mainland. 

     Speaking at the opening ceremony of the forum, Mr Yu pointed out that the C&SD has consistently adhered to the guiding principles of "upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground; establishing the new before abolishing the old" on the path of advancing statistical reform and innovation. While upholding the spirit of professionalism in statistics, maintaining objectivity and neutrality, respecting privacy and ensuring data security, he encourages his colleagues to boldly break boundaries, actively embrace new techniques, strive for excellence, and continuously enhance the work cost-effectiveness and service quality.

     Mr Yu also remarked that in today's rapidly changing digital era, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer merely a tool but a powerful force profoundly transforming our ways of working and thinking. In the field of statistics, the collection, processing, analysis and interpretation of massive data are often time-consuming and labour-intensive. AI can efficiently handle repetitive tasks, freeing up the team's energy and time to focus on strategic assessment and innovative applications. Therefore, instead of replacing statistical professionals, AI will become an indispensable "new member" of the team, by effectively enhancing the team's ability to process and analyse data.

     Senior Statistician of the C&SD Mr Ronald Chan also delivered a presentation entitled "Strategies for application of data science in official statistics" at one of the sessions of the forum. The staff members of the C&SD who participated in the forum unanimously expressed that this forum enabled them to acquire insights into the ongoing advancement of statistical techniques on the Chinese Mainland, and reminded them to strive for innovation and actively pursue breakthroughs in the dynamic era of big data, so as to seize opportunities and tackle challenges in the future.

     The forum, held online, was attended by representatives of statistical organisations from Beijing, Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao, etc. Relevant officials from the statistical systems of the cities in the GBA, as well as experts and scholars from national think tanks and renowned universities, also shared their valuable insights on topics such as applications of data science techniques, development of statistical talent, statistical reform and innovation, economic monitoring and forecasting, etc.

Ends/Saturday, September 27, 2025
Issued at HKT 13:30

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