Speech by SCED at plenary session of APEC Ministerial Meeting (1) (English only)
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Thank you, Chair.
On behalf of the Hong Kong, China (HKC) delegation, let me begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to Korea for the warm hospitality and for hosting us in this historic and beautiful city of Gyeongju.
The rapid development of digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), is fundamentally changing our societies at an unprecedented pace. To fully harness the benefits and smoothen the transformation process, HKC strongly supports deepening APEC's digital co-operation to foster economic growth and address common challenges. To this end, I would like to offer three suggestions.
First, we must provide an enabling environment for digital innovation to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth. This calls for strengthening infrastructure and adopting an application-oriented approach to promote deep integration of AI across the economy. HKC has been taking concrete actions. In terms of infrastructure, apart from the Cyberport's AI Supercomputing Centre established last year, we will develop an additional high-performing data facility cluster to provide advanced computing power for innovation. To promote AI adoption, we are attempting regulatory innovations like the AI sandbox for financial institutions, accelerating the digital transformation of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and upgrading our trade architecture with AI. Our Government is also leading by example. As announced by our Chief Executive in his Policy Address last month, we are forming an AI Efficacy Enhancement Team to drive technological reform and modernise workflows across government agencies.
Second, we must ensure that the benefits of digital advancement are shared across all sectors. With a people-centred approach, HKC is tackling key challenges such as digital divides and job displacements that are impeding an inclusive digital transition. Besides developing a strategic blueprint that will incorporate AI literacy into the core curriculum and enhance teacher training to ensure our next generation is future-ready, we are also reforming retraining programmes and strengthening re-employment support for our current workforce.
Third, we should leverage APEC's unique role as an incubator of ideas to advance digital co-operation. Over the past decade, APEC has made significant strides in its digital agenda, from the APEC Internet and Digital Economy Roadmap to the APEC AI Initiative this year. We particularly commend Korea's leadership in mainstreaming AI across APEC's agenda, effectively connecting it to both traditional and emerging issues such as trade, demographic changes as well as cultural and creative industries. HKC is pleased to endorse these efforts and will continue to actively contribute to APEC's co-operation.
In closing, HKC recognises AI as a key enabler to realise the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040. We look forward to working together with fellow member economies to leverage digital co-operation and build a vibrant digital ecosystem across the Asia-Pacific region for the prosperity of our people and future generations. Thank you.
Ends/Thursday, October 30, 2025
Issued at HKT 12:22
Issued at HKT 12:22
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