The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, continued his visit to Auckland, New Zealand, today (June 26, Auckland time). 

     In the morning, Professor Sun met with the Interim Vice-Chancellor of the University of Auckland, Professor Frank Bloomfield, to understand the entrepreneurship ecosystem of the university in areas such as artificial intelligence, life and health technology, biomaterials, aerospace technology, and sustainable energy. Professor Sun briefed them on Hong Kong's innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem. Both sides also shared experiences in the development of industry-academia-research integration, and exchanged views on deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and New Zealand in areas such as innovative research and development (R&D) and talent exchanges.

     Professor Sun also visited the University's Centre for Automation and Robotic Engineering Science (CARES) and the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) where he received introductory briefings on both centres. CARES is an interdisciplinary robotics research hub specialising in advanced robotics, automation, and sensing technology. It provides innovative solutions in fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, and education, with a commitment to improving societal well-being and propelling the University to the global frontier of robotics research. Meanwhile, CIE fosters an entrepreneurial culture in the University and builds an innovation ecosystem to nurture start-ups through initiatives such as Velocity.

     In the afternoon, Professor Sun had an exchange with Alpha Group, a biotech health supplement manufacturer, and learned about the group's latest business developments, as well as the feasibility of setting up a base for R&D, pilot production and transformation in Hong Kong. He also toured the group's fermentation plant and production facility.

     In the evening, Professor Sun attended a Hong Kong dinner cohosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney and the Hong Kong New Zealand Business Association. In his speech, Professor Sun drew a parallel between New Zealand's agricultural roots and Hong Kong's vertical, fast-paced growth, emphasising a shared belief in nurturing small ideas into remarkable impact. He highlighted that Hong Kong has transformed into an international I&T centre, backed by major I&T parks, strong R&D capabilities, targeted funding, and a competitive business environment with a robust Intellectual Property protection regime and access to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Association of Southeast Asian Nations markets. Pointing out that Hong Kong is positioned as a gateway for New Zealand innovators - particularly in food tech, AI-driven agriculture, and sustainable production, Professor Sun called for deeper collaboration to grow the next chapter of the partnership.

     Professor Sun also called on the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Auckland, Mr Chen Shijie, and introduced the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's active alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and formulation of Hong Kong's own First Five-Year Plan. They also exchanged views on actively expanding I&T collaboration between Hong Kong and New Zealand.

     Professor Sun yesterday (June 25), met with representatives and corporate members from KiwiSaaS and NZTech, as well as Icehouse Ventures. During these meetings, Professor Sun elaborated on Hong Kong's thriving start-up ecosystem and its advantages as a premier investment destination for overseas enterprises. He also introduced the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's relevant policies and initiatives in supporting overseas start-ups to tap the Hong Kong market. The KiwiSaaS community platform focuses on building an ecosystem for New Zealand's Software-as-a-Service industry, while NZTech is a national industry association connecting New Zealand's technology ecosystem. Meanwhile, Icehouse Ventures is a leading venture capital firm in New Zealand with an active network comprising over 3 000 co-investors and a diverse range of funds.

     Professor Sun will return to Hong Kong tomorrow (June 27, Auckland time).

Ends/Friday, June 26, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:56

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