The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, began his visit to Sydney, Australia, today (June 22, Sydney time). The visit aims to further deepen exchange and collaboration between Hong Kong and Australia in innovation and technology (I&T).

     In the morning, Professor Sun met with the Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Minister for Building and Minister for Corrections of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, Mr Anoulack Chanthivong, and exchanged views on issues of mutual concern including I&T, transformation of research and development outcomes, development of start-ups, talent nurturing, and industrial collaboration between Hong Kong and NSW. NSW has a solid foundation in higher education, scientific research and an innovation ecosystem, while Hong Kong, with its unique advantages under the principle of "one country, two systems", is an important bridge connecting the Chinese Mainland and the world in areas such as innovation, scientific research collaboration, emerging industries and talent exchange. There is potential for further co-operation in various areas between the two places.

     Professor Sun visited the University of Sydney in the afternoon and met with the Vice-President (External Relations), Ms Kirsten Andrews, and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research-Enterprise), Professor Julie Cairney, as well as several professors from the university specialising in AI, digital health, biomedical engineering, data science, and life and health technologies. They engaged in in-depth discussions on collaboration between Hong Kong and Australia in I&T, healthcare technology, scientific research collaboration, transformation of research outcomes, and talent exchange. The University of Sydney is Australia's first university and a globally leading research-intensive university.

     Professor Sun also called on the Consul-General of the People's Republic of China in Sydney, Mr Wang Yu, to introduce Hong Kong's strategic positioning as an international I&T centre, and pointed out that under the National 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong will actively expand co-operation with international I&T partners, including Australia, and continuously enhance its innovation capabilities and international competitiveness.

     Professor Sun met with a group of Chinese Mainland scholars and scientists from different universities in Sydney. They exchanged views on strengthening academic, scientific and research collaboration and talent exchanges between Hong Kong and Australia. Professor Sun said that Hong Kong is in a golden age of I&T development and is committed to building an international hub for high-calibre talent. He welcomed Australian scientific research talent to participate in the innovation development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the country through Hong Kong.

     After concluding his visit that day, Professor Sun travelled to Melbourne in the evening to continue his visit.

Ends/Monday, June 22, 2026
Issued at HKT 18:12

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