​Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Hong Kong Laureate Forum 2025 Gala Dinner today (November 8):
 
Professor Tong (Chairman of the Council of the Hong Kong Laureate Forum, Professor Timothy Tong), Dr Lam (Vice Chairman of Henderson Land Group and Director of Lee Shau Kee Foundation, Dr Colin Lam), esteemed Shaw Laureates, distinguished guests, young scientists, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good evening. It is a profound honour to join you tonight at the Gala Dinner of the Hong Kong Laureate Forum 2025.
 
     Over the past four days, we have witnessed a remarkable convergence of minds. The Hong Kong Laureate Forum has brought together brilliant Shaw Laureates and promising young scientists to share valuable insights in science and innovation. 
 
     I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Council of the Hong Kong Laureate Forum, the Lee Shau Kee Foundation, and the Shaw Prize Foundation for their unwavering support and hard work. Their vision and dedication continue to inspire a global community committed to scientific research and breakthroughs. It is through gatherings like this that we plant the seeds of discovery which will shape the next generation and bring benefits to humankind.
 
     Hong Kong is proud to host this Forum, and proud to be a place where ideas take root and innovation flourishes. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has placed innovation and technology (I&T) at the core of our development strategy. We spare no effort to build a vibrant and sustainable I&T ecosystem that supports the chain of innovation - from fundamental research to industrial application.
 
     Just a few days ago, the International Institute for Management Development released its World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2025, placing Hong Kong fourth globally. This marks a steady ascent: three places higher than last year and another three from the year before. We are also excited to have five local universities ranked among the top 10 in the QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) University Rankings for Asia 2026 announced in the same week. These achievements reaffirm Hong Kong as a global hub for scientific excellence and world class talent.
 
     But we won't stop here. With the opening of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park later this year, alongside new I&T land in San Tin Technopole and Sandy Ridge situated in the Northern Metropolis, Hong Kong offers not just supportive policies and infrastructure, but abundant opportunities for I&T talent and enterprises. As a "super connector" and a "super value-adder", Hong Kong is an ideal partner for global I&T collaboration and business explorations. 
 
     To our esteemed Shaw Laureates: your accomplishments are a testament to the spirit of perseverance and adventurousness. As the saying goes, "one minute on the stage takes ten years of practices off the stage (台上一分鐘，台下十年功)". Behind every breakthrough lies decades of tireless quest for knowledge, unwavering determination, and steadfast belief in the power of science. We honour not only your achievements, but also the journey that made them possible.
 
     While the four-day programme of the Hong Kong Laureate Forum officially concludes tonight, the pursuit of scientific excellence continues. As we close this remarkable chapter, let us carry forward the spirit of the Forum to continue the dialogue, deepen the partnerships, and expand the horizons of possibility. 
 
     And finally, a warm reminder to every eligible voter in Hong Kong: please cast your vote on December 7 at the Legislative Council Election to make your voice heard! 
 
     Congratulations again on the resounding success of the Hong Kong Laureate Forum 2025. I wish you all a pleasant evening. Thank you.

Ends/Saturday, November 8, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:40

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