The final round of the inaugural "AI x Cybersecurity Challenge", jointly organised by the Digital Policy Office (DPO), the Chinese Academy of Cyberspace Studies, the Hong Kong Cybersecurity Professional Association, and China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited, was held at Cyberport today (August 23). The event aims to explore practical applications of AI in cybersecurity defence and foster cross-regional technical exchange and collaboration.

     In his opening remarks, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, said that AI is reshaping every aspect of people's life at a breathtaking speed. He noted that although innovation may at times bring new threats, these same technologies can also spur defensive capabilities. As such, the Government champions an "AI versus AI" strategy, leveraging AI to forge the strongest shields to effectively manage risks associated with the use of AI.

     Professor Sun added that the Government is continuously strengthening related policies, guidelines and ethical frameworks, as well as conducting regularly cyber-attack-and-defence drills to better prepare for cybersecurity readiness. Through multipronged efforts, the Government hopes to guide society to apply AI responsibly, foster a healthy ecosystem, and strengthen city-wide resilience in face of cyberattacks.

     The inaugural "AI x Cybersecurity Challenge" received an overwhelming response, attracting a total of 290 teams from local, the Chinese Mainland and overseas. The competition comprises preliminary and final rounds. The preliminary round was held in July in an online problem-solving challenge format, where 40 top-tier teams secured their spots in today's four-hour onsite final. The teams had to use their AI algorithm and automated tools to identify vulnerabilities in a simulated environment to compete for the championship. In addition, technical experts were also invited to introduce to the delegated observers the design and setup of the competition platform, as well as to share their practical application experience, thereby fostering deeper professional and technical exchanges.

     The DPO will continue to enhance Hong Kong's cybersecurity standards and raise public awareness of cybersecurity through diversified activities and training initiatives. In the coming weeks, the DPO will collaborate with industry partners to organise a series of activities and lead a delegation to attend forums at the China Cybersecurity Week on the Mainland, deepening collaboration in areas such as information sharing, technical exchange, and talent cultivation. Furthermore, the DPO will continue to spearhead the organisation of the third Hong Kong Cybersecurity Attack and Defence Drill to further fortify Hong Kong's cyber defence capabilities and resilience, laying a secure and reliable digital foundation for the city's development into an international innovation and technology hub.

Ends/Sunday, August 23, 2026
Issued at HKT 14:35

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