Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the International Summit of AI for Science "Empowering Breakthroughs at the Intersection of AI and Science" today (November 21):

Professor Liu (Director General of the Bureau of International Cooperation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Professor Liu Weidong), Professor Boey (President and University Distinguished Professor of the City University of Hong Kong, Professor Freddy Boey), Professor Luo (Co-Chair of the International Summit of AI for Science 2025, Professor of the Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Professor Luo Jiebo), Professor Ma (Co-Chair of the International Summit of AI for Science 2025, Director of the Hong Kong Institute of AI for Science of the City University of Hong Kong, Professor Ma Weiying), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you all today at the International Summit of AI for Science 2025, cohosted by the Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the City University of Hong Kong.

     The theme of today - "Empowering Breakthroughs at the Intersection of AI and Science" - underscores the pivotal role of AI as a catalyst for innovation and technology (I&T) development. From life sciences to material sciences, AI is accelerating discovery. It is not merely a tool but a transformative force that reshapes the very paradigms of scientific research and technological revolution, as well as industry transformation. Today's summit is a collective exploration of how AI can define the boundaries of human knowledge.

     Hong Kong is proud to stand at the forefront of this transformation. The Hong Kong SAR Government has identified AI as a key industry for future growth and has set out clear goals for the development of AI. With a focus on "strengthening infrastructure and promoting the application-oriented approach", we introduce multidimensional policies to promote the development of AI in Hong Kong, in line with the national "AI+" initiative and consistent with the global development path of AI.

     Amongst others, InnoHK is a major government I&T initiative to foster global research collaboration. The InnoHK platform has successfully established collaborations with more than 30 world-renowned universities and research institutes. On the AI and robotics side, we have so far brought together a total of 16 R&D (research and development) centres and laboratories and over 1 700 leading research talents locally and globally to drive breakthroughs in robotics and enhance Hong Kong's AI capabilities. We are delighted that the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics established by the Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation under the Chinese Academy of Sciences also participated in this important initiative, with a focus on innovative integration of AI and life sciences. Besides, we are working on the establishment of the Hong Kong AI Research and Development Institute in 2026, which will facilitate upstream AI R&D, midstream and downstream transformation of R&D outcomes, as well as expansion of application scenarios.

     According to the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2025 by the International Institute for Management Development, Hong Kong ranked fourth globally, rising three spots from the previous year. The new ranking is based on improvements in "technology", "knowledge", and "future readiness", with the city achieving the top global spot in "technological framework" and "adaptive attitudes". This achievement reaffirms our progress in developing Hong Kong into a global digital hub. 

     We are excited to learn that the International Summit of AI for Science is a platform that connects Hong Kong with top international research talent to promote global collaboration and exchange among scientists. Many brilliant minds from all over the world have come together today to share their expertise across various fields and exchange ideas on AI. In this connection, I congratulate the Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the City University of Hong Kong for organising this Summit.

     Last but not least, may I invite all voters to cast your votes in the upcoming Legislative Council election on December 7. This is important for Hong Kong. I wish today's event every success. Thank you.

Ends/Friday, November 21, 2025
Issued at HKT 11:10

NNNN