Speech by SITI at Main Forum and Distinguished Contributors Gala of 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit (English only) (with photo)
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尊敬的王京濤副主任 (Deputy Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China, Mr Wang Jingtao), 任賢良秘書長 (Secretary-General of the World Internet Conference, Mr Ren Xianliang), Professor Francis Gurry (Vice-chairman of the WIC), Financial Secretary Mr Paul Chan, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. Welcome to Hong Kong and to the Main Forum of this Summit. We are gathered here today not only to strengthen dialogue and co-operation, but to chart a more inclusive, secure and innovative digital future. This year's Summit is especially meaningful, as the World Internet Conference distinguished contributors are joining us to share their insights and experience in advancing global Internet development.
The world is experiencing a powerful wave of digital transformation. Only through technological innovation and international co‑operation can we build a sustainable digital future for all. This direction aligns closely with China's National 15th Five‑Year Plan, which calls for deeper integration of technology and industry. Hong Kong has embraced this mission with determination. We are pressing ahead to develop Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre and to support the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in becoming a world‑class innovation hub.
Guided by the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint, we are shaping a new Hong Kong I&T landscape anchored by "three major I&T parks" and "five key research and development (R&D) institutions". Our industry policy focuses on strategic technology areas such as life and health technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, and advanced manufacturing and new energy, which will define Hong Kong's global competitiveness in the decades ahead.
Home to five of the world's top 100 universities, Hong Kong's academic excellence continues to fuel our R&D capability. Our two existing InnoHK research clusters are driving breakthroughs in healthcare, AI and robotics. A new InnoHK cluster, focusing on sustainable development, energy, advanced manufacturing and new materials, will be established in the first half of this year. At the moment, over 3 000 researchers from around the world are contributing their expertise at the InnoHK clusters, building a vibrant platform for long‑term innovation and global R&D collaboration.
The HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government continues to invest strategically in infrastructure and talent to accelerate the transformation of R&D outcomes and foster tech industry development. For example, the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute, one of the five key R&D institutions, is set to launch this year to drive the strategic development of AI.
With the kick-off of the Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster project last month, running in parallel with Cyberport's AI Supercomputing Centre, Hong Kong's computing power is set to increase by more than thirtyfold by 2032, meeting the fast‑growing demands of the AI industry. We will also set up the first National Manufacturing Innovation Centre outside the Chinese Mainland, contributing directly to the nation's breakthroughs in core technologies, particularly in semiconductors.
Hong Kong's open and friendly business environment, world-class infrastructure, global university partnerships and international talent pool make us a magnet for talents and enterprises. Our unique advantage under "one country, two systems" positions us as both the gateway to the Chinese Mainland and a bridge to the world. As a "super connector" and a "super value-adder", Hong Kong facilitates the flow of ideas, capital and talents for ventures that are keen to harness comparative strengths across jurisdictions.
Hong Kong's I&T transformation is already yielding visible results. Our start-up ecosystem has grown rapidly, now home to more than 5 200 start-ups, representing a surge of around 40 per cent compared to that of five years ago and reflecting Hong Kong's growing appeal to global innovators. International rankings also affirm our momentum: Hong Kong placed third worldwide in the "Technology" factor and fourth overall in the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2025, and we are the first in Asia and fourth globally in the World Talent Ranking 2025. Even more significant, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster topped the Global Innovation Index 2025 Ranking of World's Top 100 Innovation Clusters for the first time. All these achievements are not isolated milestones, but demonstrate Hong Kong's solid capability and rising influence in shaping global I&T development.
Building a community with a shared future in cyberspace requires the concerted efforts of all parties. We look forward to working with partners from all regions to deepen co-operation, share opportunities and generate real benefits through digital and intelligent development.
In closing, I wish the WIC Asia-Pacific Summit every success. Thank you all for your presence, and I trust the Summit will be most fruitful. Thank you.
Ends/Monday, April 13, 2026
Issued at HKT 17:05
Issued at HKT 17:05
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