Following is a speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the PolyU Academy of Artificial Intelligence (PAAI) Inauguration today (December 10):
 
Professor Teng (President of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Professor Teng Jin-guang), Professor Yang (Director of PAAI of PolyU, Professor Yang Qiang), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     On this day of the opening of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academy for Artificial Intelligence, I am pleased to witness another accomplishment of the PolyU, one of the city's leading tertiary institutions, in promoting global collaboration and innovation in artificial intelligence (AI). 
 
     The country's Recommendations for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan reaffirm Hong Kong's strategic position as the international innovation and technology centre. Our vision to become a global hub for AI development was underscored in the 2025 Policy Address delivered by our Chief Executive, with promotion of AI being top of our agenda, taken forward through multi-pronged measures on key enablers, including talent, data, industry applications, and more.
 
     Talents are vital in driving the growth of AI. Supported by landmark programmes such as the AIR@InnoHK research cluster, Hong Kong has gathered over a thousand AI and robotic experts worldwide. New initiatives like the Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme fortify our talent pool by attracting world-class scholars and scientists to Hong Kong and provide a nurturing and thought-provoking environment to foster technological breakthroughs in frontier fields, including AI and quantum information.
 
     Data is indispensable to AI training and innovation. Secure and trusted flow of data is key. With Hong Kong's unique position under "One Country, Two Systems", we are privileged to leverage our distinct advantages in being a meeting point of voluminous amount of data from different places and use cases. 
 
     On this front, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding two years ago in June 2023 with the Cyberspace Administration of China on cross-boundary data flow within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Specific measures were launched to promote the secure and orderly transfer of personal data within the GBA, facilitating more transparent cross-border flow and use of data.
 
     Besides, the Government is exploring with relevant Mainland authorities to establish a mechanism to allow cross-boundary flow of research data from the Mainland to the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, thereby supporting, among others, the development of AI and application of big data.
 
     In parallel, we endeavour to broaden the impact of AI across industries by realising potentials through practical AI applications. Closely following the national strategy of "AI+" unveiled last year, the Government's pursuit of the dual objectives of "industries for AI" and "AI for industries" seeks to embed AI application in both public and private sectors.  
 
     Taking on the leading role to implement AI in public services, the Digital Policy Office of the Government is introducing AI solutions in areas such as data analytics, customer service and document processing, ensuring that applications are both extensive and secure. Where strong business cases exist, government departments are also encouraged to develop their own tailored AI solutions.  
 
     On infrastructure, we are also forging ahead to set up the Hong Kong AI Research and Development Institute (AIRDI) next year. With the mission to link up the academia, industry and government on AI innovation and skill development, the AIRDI will encourage research and breakthroughs in the field of AI, take forward the transformation of research and development outcomes, and enrich application scenarios. I am also happy to share with all of you that a site at Sandy Ridge of Northern Metropolis has also been put to tender in the market for the development of a data facility cluster. We hope this will further strengthen Hong Kong's position as a regional digital infrastructure hub, and advance the development of a digital economy and smart city initiatives. 
 
     With AI influencing every segment of our society, the inauguration of the PolyU Academy for AI marks not just a milestone, but a new chapter in our city's united efforts to expedite the AI development. I am confident that this Academy could inspire ideas, foster collaboration and fuel Hong Kong's AI ecosystem. Thank you.

Ends/Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Issued at HKT 10:40

NNNN