Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the 2026 International Academicians Hong Kong Forum today (April 14):
 
Professor Nancy Ip (Chair of the International Alliance of Academicians (IAA) and President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology), Mr Liu (the First-level Inspector of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Liu Maozhou), Professor Tu (Secretary General of the IAA and President of the Hong Kong Association of Overseas-Returned Scholars, Professor Tu Wenwei), Professor Yau (Director of Yau Mathematical Sciences Center and Qiuzhen College and Chair Professor at Tsinghua University, Professor Yau Shing-Tung), Professor Warshel (Nobel Laureate 2013, Professor Arieh Warshel), distinguished guests and speakers, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you today at the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 International Academicians Hong Kong Forum.
 
     As an international academic organisation rooted in Hong Kong, the Alliance of International Academicians, IAA, has demonstrated remarkable foresight in fostering deep interdisciplinary collaboration. By building a distinguished platform for high-level academic exchange, IAA has capitalised on Hong Kong's connectivity and academic strength to enhance academic excellence, accelerate knowledge transfer, spark innovation partnerships, and reinforce Hong Kong's role as a nexus for global scientific excellence.
 
     Today's forum exemplifies this vision, bringing together leading minds to explore two themes of profound global relevance, namely "Ageing and Chronic Disease Management: Challenges and Innovations" and "AI and Innovation in Higher Education". The Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government has introduced a series of forward‑looking initiatives in recent years to strengthen our innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem - particularly in AI and life and health technologies. We are investing strategically in research funding, talent development, and world‑class infrastructure. 
 
     At present, there are 30 research centres under the two InnoHK research clusters, focusing on health technologies, and AI and robotics, bringing together 3,000 top-notch researchers from more than 12 jurisdictions. Eight more centres on sustainable development, energy, advanced manufacturing and materials will be established within this year. We also are pressing ahead with the development of the Hong Kong‑Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, as well as the construction of the San Tin Technopole and the Sandy Ridge data facility cluster. Through funding schemes such as the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme and the forthcoming Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund, we are building robust cross‑sector collaboration platforms that connect the Government, the industry, academic, research and investment sectors to create an ideal I&T environment where scientific discovery can translate swiftly into real-world impact.
 
     Hong Kong's solid R&D (research and development) capability and unique role as a "super connector" and a "super value-adder" place us in a pivotal position to foster international I&T collaboration. This week's events offer a vivid demonstration of Hong Kong's role. Alongside this forum, Hong Kong is hosting two flagship I&T events - the World Internet Conference Asia- Pacific Summit and the InnoEX. Their presence here underscores Hong Kong's capability to gather global talent, capital, and enterprises, and to bring together scientific leaders, industry pioneers, and policymakers within a single week. It is a powerful reminder that Hong Kong is a place where the world comes together to chart the future of innovation.
 
     As we look ahead, I encourage all participating experts to make full use of Hong Kong as a platform for deeper collaboration with both Chinese Mainland and international partners. Whether in healthy ageing, chronic disease management, AI‑enabled education, or frontier technologies yet to emerge, Hong Kong offers a fertile ground where ideas flourish and global challenges are addressed. May I also take this opportunity to invite you to visit our InnoEX, which is taking place next door at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, to experience Hong Kong's robust I&T ecosystem.
 
     In closing, I wish you all an inspiring, impactful, and visionary day ahead. Thank you.

Ends/Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Issued at HKT 11:18

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