Opening remarks by SITI at Hong Kong Science Summit (English only) (with photo)
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Professor Dennis Lo (President of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you all today at the Hong Kong Science Summit. This summit gathers distinguished scientists and academic leaders from around the world to exchange views on the latest global scientific developments. Science and technology are instrumental for scientific progress. I am glad that we are here together to build a better future for the younger generations and make Hong Kong, and even this world, a better place in our pursuit for scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs.
In recent years, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been investing vigorously in innovation and technology (I&T). With three major I&T parks and five key research and development institutions as the framework, we are poised to promote the co-ordinated development of, and positive interaction among, the research and development in the upstream, technology transfer in the midstream and development of industry in the downstream. We hope to leverage Hong Kong's traditional strengths in research and development to drive industrial innovation and build a healthy I&T ecosystem.
Our efforts are gradually bearing fruit. With the staunch support of our country, as well as our close collaboration with neighboring cities, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster has ranked first for the first time in the 2025 Global Innovation Index Ranking of the World's Top 100 Innovation Clusters. Riding on our tremendous potential in technology development, Hong Kong also rose to rank fourth globally in digital competitiveness in the latest World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2025. These achievements are a testament to our dedication and the innovative spirit of our city, laying a robust foundation for high-quality development.
To keep up the momentum, we are expediting the development of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen I&T Park in the Loop, with a view to joining hands with Shenzhen to create an international talent hub. Together with Hong Kong Science Park and Cyberport, the Hong Kong Park in the Loop would further propel our I&T development. The Government has also been bolstering its efforts to nurture local talents and attract overseas and Mainland professionals. The existing two InnoHK research clusters, namely AIR@InnoHK and Health@InnoHK, have already pooled over 3 000 experts from around the globe. Building on the success of the two clusters, we are taking forward the establishment of the third InnoHK research cluster, namely SEAM@InnoHK. This new cluster will focus on research areas such as sustainable development, energy, advanced manufacturing, and materials, and is expected to broaden our high-calibre talent pool. We have also launched the $3 billion Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme in September this year to provide funding support to universities in attracting international top-notch scientific researchers to Hong Kong, so as to spearhead basic research in frontier technologies. These recent measures signify our commitment to developing Hong Kong as an international I&T centre and talent hub.
Hong Kong's development is underpinned by our unique "one country, two systems" principle, which makes us the only world city which enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. With the enormous opportunities arising from the development of the Greater Bay Area, we are at the dawn of an unprecedented golden era for Hong Kong's I&T development. Nurturing young talents is vital to bringing Hong Kong's I&T development to a whole new level. The Hong Kong Academy of Sciences, including its Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences, has been our close partner in empowering the next generation of scientists. As this year marks an important milestone of the 10th anniversary of the Academy, let us continue to join hands in building a vibrant I&T ecosystem and nurturing more talents who will contribute to the high-quality development of both Hong Kong and the country.
In closing, may I wish you all a fruitful and inspiring experience at the summit. Thank you.
Ends/Friday, December 12, 2025
Issued at HKT 10:56
Issued at HKT 10:56
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