Following is a question by Professor the Hon William Wong and a reply by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, in the Legislative Council today (June 3):

Question:

     The Government has announced that the Committee on AI+ and Industry Development Strategy will be established to formulate strategies for AI to empower the transformation and development of industries, with an initial focus on embodied AI and other technologies. However, it has been reported that a recent incident occurred in Macao, in which some members of the public called the police after being frightened by robots, has aroused public concern about the safety of embodied intelligence technologies. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it will draw reference from the mode of regulation under the Small Unmanned Aircraft Order to require developers of embodied intelligence systems to maintain records concerning algorithm decision-making, their operations and incidents of failures for at least six months, and to ensure that such information is accessible in Hong Kong, so as to facilitate investigations and pursuit of responsibility in the event of the occurrence of incidents; and

(2) given the rapid development of embodied intelligence technologies, whether the working group established by the Government to review legislation to support the application of AI will first focus on studying the tiered management system for embodied AI and the related mandatory professional qualification recognition?

Reply:

President,

     The National 15th Five-Year Plan underscores a forward-looking layout for future industries by stating expressly the need to advance the building of Digital China, deepen and expand the Artificial Intelligence (AI)+ Initiative, and support the development of embodied intelligence as a new driver of economic growth. As an important technological strength for the country, Hong Kong must proactively align with national strategies and actively develop embodied intelligence-related industries to ensure that people from different walks of life can share the dividends of development.

     As an important form of interaction between AI and the physical world, embodied intelligence has already become the key area for fostering new quality productive forces and driving industrial upgrading. It was proposed in last year's Policy Address that the Government would step up the promotion of AI as a core industry for Hong Kong's development by adopting the strategy of "strengthening infrastructure and promoting the application-oriented approach", with a view to achieving "industries for AI" and "AI for industries", while under the premise of placing strong emphasis on safety risk prevention. Furthermore, it was announced in this year's Budget that the Government would establish the Committee on AI+ and Industry Development Strategy to formulate strategies and create favourable conditions for AI to empower the transformation and development of industries. The committee will comprise experts, academics, enterprises and industry park companies with embodied intelligence as one of its initial focuses.

     In consultation with the Transport and Logistics Bureau and the Department of Justice, the consolidated reply to the question raised by Professor the Hon William Wong is as follows:

     The Government has been closely monitoring the overall development of embodied intelligence in Hong Kong. In view of the different scenarios and forms of embodied intelligence, corresponding regulatory measures have been put in place to address their specific characteristics. These include the Small Unmanned Aircraft Order (Cap. 448G), which regulates the operation of small unmanned aircraft based on a risk-based approach; and the Road Traffic (Autonomous Vehicles) Regulation (Cap. 374AA), which oversees the testing and pilot use of autonomous vehicles in Hong Kong.

     In terms of information security, the Digital Policy Office has formulated a comprehensive set of Government Information Technology Security Policy and Guidelines, which includes application scenarios involving AI tools. The relevant guidelines have been uploaded to the Government website. Policy bureaux, departments and relevant organisations may adopt appropriate information technology security risk management measures according to their circumstances to enhance information security awareness and capabilities across the community and to strengthen the ability to guard against AI-related risks.

     There is currently no specific legislation in Hong Kong governing the development or application of embodied intelligence. However, all organisations and persons must comply with the existing rules and regulations applicable to the sectors or scenarios concerned. Any person, whether using embodied intelligence or not, must strictly abide by the law. Many of the existing laws in Hong Kong are formulated under a technology-neutral principle, providing a legal basis for addressing the risks and illegal acts related to applications of technology. Although there are currently no specific rules and regulations targeting embodied intelligence, in the field of AI and robotics which embodied intelligence mainly relies on, the Government has been closely monitoring the development and application of such technologies, and will take decisive and appropriate action as necessary, including considering the enactment of bespoke legislation or implementation of administrative measures.

     In terms of application, in addition to the Ethical AI Framework already formulated by the Government, the Government is also actively reviewing whether current legislation is sufficient to cope with the development of AI. To evaluate whether the laws under different policy areas can keep pace with technological developments, the Secretary for Justice convened a Steering Committee meeting in March this year on the establishment of the Inter-Departmental Working Group to Review Legislation to Support Wider Application of AI. The objective is to explore targeted and practicable solutions (including considering the need for and feasibility of enacting bespoke legislation and implementing administrative measures) in light of the technology development and Hong Kong's actual circumstances, upon conducting a comprehensive and in-depth review of the existing laws by respective bureaux and departments. The Working Group is working in close collaboration with various policy bureaux and relevant departments and striving to complete the preliminary review as soon as possible.

     Meanwhile, education on the development and application of relevant technologies as well as the associated risks is equally important. Legislation alone is inadequate to address all the challenges brought by new technologies. It is also crucial to enhance the overall level of understanding in society and foster a culture of responsible development and use. The society must take a candid and proactive approach with respect to the possible risks and necessary regulatory requirements that may arise from the development and application of relevant technologies. It is essential to strike a balance between promoting development and mitigating risks, so that the potential benefits of technologies will be fully harnessed in society while the legitimate rights and interests of all stakeholders will be safeguarded. To promote AI Training for All, this year's Budget has earmarked $50 million for inviting difference public organisations, in collaboration with technology enterprises and tertiary institutions, to organise AI application learning courses, seminars and competitions, with a view to enhancing the awareness of AI and relevant technologies and application capabilities of students, young people and the public, fostering AI literacy, and promoting a culture of responsible AI use. The relevant activities are expected to be rolled out progressively this summer.

     Looking forward, the Government will continue to listen to the views of different sectors of the community and keep a close eye on the overall development of embodied intelligence in Hong Kong while continuously promote the development of relevant technologies in a responsible manner.

Ends/Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Issued at HKT 15:15

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