Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the 3rd Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference and Xiangjiang Nobel Forum 2026 today (April 12):
 
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you all today at the Xiangjiang Nobel Forum, an invaluable occasion that gathers distinguished scientists and academic leaders from around the world, including Nobel Laureates and Academicians. This Forum is also one of the highlights of Hong Kong's annual Business of Innovation and Technology Week (BIT Week).
 
     Hong Kong is proud to be a place where ideas take root, and innovation flourishes. The Hong Kong SAR Government is determined to take a bold and proactive step to propel the I&T development. Under the principle of "one country, two systems", Hong Kong enjoys the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the Motherland and being closely connected to the world.      
 
     In terms of our I&T ecosystem, we support the chain of innovation - from fundamental research to industrial application through targeted policies and infrastructure. We are establishing a new I&T ecosystem with three major I&T parks and five key research and development institutes as its framework. We are also home to five universities ranking among the global top 100. These institutions are producing cutting-edge research and cultivating next generation of scientists and innovators. For talents, we provide dedicated support - both funding and policies - to attract international talents to land in Hong Kong. 
 
     I am happy to share that our efforts have been recognised worldwide. Hong Kong ranks third globally in "Technology" in the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking published by the International Institute for Management Development. Moreover, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster ranked first globally for the first time in the 2025 Global Innovation Index Ranking of World's Top 100 Innovation Clusters published by the World Intellectual Property Organization. We take pride in these achievements, but we will not stop there. We will continue to make Hong Kong an ideal partner for global I&T collaboration and business explorations.
 
     Later today and tomorrow, there will be a couple of dedicated sessions on various transformative technologies. From unlocking the secrets of human well-being to exploring how technology shapes the future of humankind, I believe that the dialogues here will spark new insights and collaborations. May the discoveries shared not only expand our understanding in science but also ignite a lasting spark of curiosity and ambition in the next generation of scientists.
 
     Innovation does not happen in isolation but thrives through collaboration. May I thank the Hong Kong Alumni Association of Beijing Universities for organising this event and bringing us together for meaningful exchanges.    
 
     On this note, I wish everyone all the best in your scientific endeavours, and a rewarding time in Hong Kong - the Asia's world city that is full of opportunities, dynamics and creativity. Thank you.

Ends/Sunday, April 12, 2026
Issued at HKT 11:40

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