The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting (DMM) and other Digital Weeks high-level events in Chengdu today (July 23). Under this year's theme "Digital and AI Technologies for Empowerment of the Asia-Pacific Community", Professor Sun called for APEC's concerted efforts to advance digital and AI technologies and their sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific community, and build a human-centric and inclusive digital society.

     In his speech at the thematic session "Enhancing Digital and AI Technologies for Development", Professor Sun said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has identified AI as a core industry and is advancing the "AI+" initiative to support the high-quality development for both the nation and Hong Kong. Hong Kong has developed an innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem anchored by three major I&T parks and five key research and development (R&D) institutions. Through the InnoHK research clusters, Hong Kong stands ready to work with global partners to build a global innovation powerhouse. Hong Kong has also put in place substantial policy and financial support measures, including three $10 billion funding schemes and the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme, to accelerate R&D commercialisation and new industrialisation, and while enabling small and medium-sized enterprises to upgrade and transform.

     Professor Sun also highlighted that Hong Kong is promoting AI empowerment across sectors. The HKSAR Government has established the Committee on AI+ and Industry Development Strategy and the AI Efficacy Enhancement Team, to steer AI-driven industrial transformation and co-ordinate intergovernmental efforts in AI adoption respectively.

     Speaking at another thematic session, "Supporting Digital Inclusion and Digital Skills Improvement", Professor Sun introduced the comprehensive range of digital inclusion measures of Hong Kong, including outreach, mobile service stations, and a web portal, to equip citizens with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the digital world. The HKSAR Government provides technical support and basic digital training for the elderly and other people in need, as well as free advanced courses. 

     Professor Sun also shared that the HKSAR Government further promotes the widespread adoption of AI through the "AI for All" initiative, aiming to foster the broad application of AI. The initiative will engage public organisations to organise a wide array of courses, competitions and activities including those for vulnerable groups, thereby inspiring greater interest in I&T across society. Hong Kong is also strengthening the Government's digital capability and nurturing responsible digital citizens of tomorrow.

     In the joint ministerial statement adopted by the APEC DMM, representatives of the member economies acknowledged the positive progress made by member economies in expanding the digital economy, fostering connectivity and digital transformation, and encouraged the further exploration of ways to leverage digital technologies and AI to empower the community.

     During the ministerial meeting, Professor Sun also met with the Vice President, Government Affairs and Public Policy of Google, Mr Wilson White, to discuss the development trend of AI in Hong Kong.

     Professor Sun visited the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China National Science Park (Tianfu Park) and met with the President, Professor Hu Jun. Professor Sun briefed Professor Hu on the development of the Northern Metropolis and the Northern Metropolis University Town Area, and learned about the university's initiatives in nurturing I&T talent and promoting R&D transformation. 

     Upon his arrival in Chengdu yesterday afternoon (July 22), Professor Sun immediately met with representatives of Adaspace Technology Co Ltd, to learn about the company's work and developments in AI satellite and aerospace technology. The company's business model spans satellite design, production, management and application, and satellite-based solutions. Through the application of AI and commercial aerospace technologies, the company offers scenario-specific solutions across sectors such as space intelligence and computing services, digital city applications and urban governance.

     Professor Sun then visited the Service Platform for the Digital Economy of the Chengdu High-Tech Zone to learn about the Zone's industrial layout and innovation ecosystem in frontier fields. The Service Platform showcases the achievements of the Zone's high-quality digital economy development, and provides services for digital economy enterprises, including policy information, resource matching, and exchanges and co-operation.

     Professor Sun will continue his visit to Chengdu tomorrow (July 24).

Ends/Thursday, July 23, 2026
Issued at HKT 18:33

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