Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Opening Ceremony of AI x Cybersecurity Challenge Final Round today (August 23):
      
尊敬的李曙光主任 (Director-general of the general office of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), Mr Li Shuguang), 王江院長 (Director-General of Chinese Academy of Cyberspace Studies, Mr Wang Jiang), 王敏偉副主任 (Deputy Director of the Cyberspace Administration of Guangdong Province, Mr Wang Minwei), Daniel (Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Daniel Cheung), Rocky (President of Hong Kong Cybersecurity Professional Association, Dr Rocky Cheng), 曉萍 (Director and Chief Executive Officer of China Mobile Hong Kong, Ms Shi Xiaoping), Duncan (member of the Legislative Council (Technology and Innovation Constituency) Mr Duncan Chiu), Francis (Commissioner of Critical Infrastructure (Computer-system Security), Mr Francis Chan), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
      
     Good morning everyone. I am delighted to join you all today for the final round of the inaugural "AI x Cybersecurity Challenge".
      
     This competition received 290 entries spanning the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and overseas. All of them have demonstrated technical excellence and dedication to safeguarding our digital future. May I extend my warmest congratulations to the 40 finalist teams here today, and my gratitude to the Chinese Academy of Cyberspace Studies, the Hong Kong Cybersecurity Professional Association, China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited, and all co-organisers for joining hands with our Digital Policy Office to build this platform. This has brought together academia, industry professionals and young talents to advance cybersecurity in this AI-driven era.
      
     In today's interconnected world, AI is reshaping every aspect of our life at a breathtaking speed. Although innovation may at times bring new threats, these same technologies can also spur our defensive capabilities. This is why we champion an "AI versus AI" strategy, leveraging AI to forge our strongest shields to effectively manage risks associated with the use of AI.
      
     Today's competition challenges participants to identify vulnerabilities in simulated environments using AI. Beyond testing these cutting-edge capabilities, the event serves as a platform for cross-region professional exchanges. Cyber threats recognise no borders, so neither should our collaboration. By exchanging our knowledge and working hand in hand, we multiply our strengths and build collective resilience that benefits everyone.
      
     At the same time, the Hong Kong SAR Government is continuously strengthening our policies, guidelines and ethical frameworks, as well as conducting regular cyber-attack-and-defence drills to better prepare for cybersecurity readiness. Through multi-pronged efforts, we hope to guide society to apply AI responsibly, foster a healthy ecosystem, and strengthen our city-wide resilience in face of cyber attacks.

     To all our contestants here today, I encourage you to continue harnessing new technologies for cybersecurity, and to always innovate with responsibility. May the skills and insights you gain here empower you as you step into the role of tomorrow's cybersecurity guardians.

     ​I wish today's competition a great success, and all the teams perform at your very best.

Ends/Sunday, August 23, 2026
Issued at HKT 10:10

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