Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at "Session 3: Supporting Digital Inclusion and Digital Skills Improvement" of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting in Chengdu today (July 23):

Chair (APEC Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting Chair, Minister of Industry and Information Technology, Mr Li Lecheng), and distinguished fellow colleagues,

     Good afternoon. It is my pleasure to share Hong Kong, China (HKC)'s efforts in digital inclusion and digital skills improvement. 

     HKC implements a comprehensive range of digital inclusion measures, including outreach activities, mobile digital service stations and a web-based learning portal to equip citizens with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the digital world safely and effectively. In particular, we set up community digital support stations under the "Smart Silver" Digital Inclusion Programme to provide technical support and basic digital training for the elderly and other people in need. For seniors with foundational skills, the Enriched Information and Communications Technology Training Programme for the Elderly offers free advanced courses.

     The Government of HKC further promotes the widespread adoption of AI and training through the "AI for All" initiative, aiming to foster the broad application of AI across society. We have engaged three public organisations to organise, in collaboration with technology companies and tertiary institutions, a wide array of courses, competitions, and activities tailored to different target groups.

     Specifically, participating organisations will design activities for the vulnerable groups, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities and low-income families, with multilingual support and community outreach training as necessary. They will also collaborate with schools to help students with special educational needs adopt AI through gamified learning.

     We are also empowering our broader workforce through digital transformation. Our citizens can access I&T training through multiple channels. For example, our Employees Retraining Board will be upgraded as Upskill Hong Kong, offering a wide range of skill-based courses, including AI applications. 

     Within the Government, we are strengthening digital capability to enhance public service delivery. Regular briefings, thematic seminars and training are organised to enhance the core digital skills of senior management, who are instrumental in leading public service innovation. Guided by the AI Efficacy Enhancement Team, we collaborate with industry experts to expand AI adoption, provide technical support and strategic advisory services, as well as upskill government tech talents to build a digital-ready and well-prepared team for ongoing digital transformation and technological innovation.

     While we develop the workforce of today, we are mindful of the need to nurture responsible digital citizens of tomorrow. Last month, HKC launched the Blueprint for Digital Education Development in Primary and Secondary Schools. It sets out clear guidance and implementation strategies for promoting digital transformation of education in schools, with a view to enhancing students' digital literacy and equipping the younger generation to leverage the opportunities and rise to the challenges of the digital era.

     Digital inclusion and digital skills improvement are not final destinations but an ongoing journey. HKC stands ready to share our experience and learn from our partners across the APEC community. Working together, I am sure we will build a human-centric and inclusive digital society. Thank you.

Ends/Thursday, July 23, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:42

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