Speech by CE at 2026 WAIC UP! Global Summit (English only) (with video)
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Distinguished guests, friends from the world of AI, ladies and gentlemen,
A very warm welcome to Hong Kong. It is a pleasure to join you today, at this year's WAIC UP! Global Summit.
A gathering that brings together top experts, industry pioneers and academic leaders, the WAIC UP! Global Summit is a platform under the renowned World Artificial Intelligence Conference. I'm glad to add that the Summit is held for the very first time in Hong Kong this year. The theme of this Summit, "WAKE UP MORE!", underscores the infinite possibilities of artificial intelligence. We must harness the power of AI, not just to innovate, but to build - to build more inclusive economies, more resilient communities, and a more sustainable future for all.
The Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development supports Hong Kong's development into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre, as well as an international hub for high-calibre talent.
Hong Kong is moving at full steam to develop into an international I&T centre. Central to this vision is our commitment to advancing the development of AI. Our approach is multifaceted, built upon the solid pillars of government investment, world-class research, strategic infrastructure, and a dynamic, open market.
Under the unique "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong is the only world city that converges both the China advantage and the global advantage. We are also the only city that counts as many as five universities in the world's top 100. Our institutions equip Hong Kong's next generation with the versatility and knowledge key for future development. They also bring together a world of academics, researchers and talent to contribute to our ever-growing research and innovation capabilities.
We reached a significant milestone in our innovation journey, just last month, with the official opening of the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone. We will develop the Hong Kong Park into a world-class hub for technological innovation that connects the Mainland with the international community. It will become an important source for fostering and advancing new quality productive forces for China, our country.
Accelerating the flow of talent, data and capital, the Hong Kong Park will allow AI projects to rapidly progress from fundamental research in Hong Kong, to commercialisation and large-scale application in the broader market.
Last September, we launched the Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme to subsidise universities in attracting top-notch scientific researchers from the world in AI, and other fields, to come to Hong Kong to spearhead basic research in frontier technologies.
We have also earmarked HK$1 billion for the establishment of the Hong Kong AI Research and Development (R&D) Institute this year, to facilitate upstream AI R&D, the midstream and downstream R&D outcomes, and the expansion of use cases.
In addition, we have taken a concrete step within the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government by establishing a new AI Efficacy Enhancement Team. More than just showcasing our resolve to AI development, this team has a clear mission - to co-ordinate all government departments in applying AI technology, and to explore process re-engineering and promote technological reform. This will significantly improve government efficacy to better meet public demands, through the important tool of AI.
Ladies and gentlemen, in this era of rapid technological transformation, Hong Kong is in a distinct position. With the robust rule of law, a welcoming business environment, and a vibrant multicultural setting, Hong Kong is the perfect incubator for scientific exploration and technological breakthroughs.
Let us leverage today's summit as a springboard for deeper partnerships. Together, we can pioneer the technologies, establish the standards, and forge the future we wish to see - an AI-empowered future that is equitable, sustainable, and prosperous for all.
I wish you all a most fruitful and inspiring summit. Thank you very much.
Ends/Friday, January 16, 2026
Issued at HKT 11:00
Issued at HKT 11:00
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Audio / Video
Speech by CE at 2026 WAIC UP! Global Summit