Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Award Presentation Ceremony of Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Asia-Pacific Robot Contest (ABU Robocon) 2026 today (August 23):
      
Mr Ahmed Nadeem (Secretary General of the ABU), Angelina (Director of Broadcasting, Ms Angelina Kwan), Cordelia (Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Ms Cordelia Chung), esteemed judges, brilliant young innovators, ladies and gentlemen, 
      
     Good evening. It is my honour to join you today at the ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest 2026 as Hong Kong proudly hosts this flagship competition again after 14 years.
      
     This year's theme, "Kung Fu Quest", perfectly blended traditional martial arts with cutting-edge technologies in robotics. Thank you and congratulations to all participants, for letting us witness agility, precision, and strategy reimagined through your brilliant engineering. The robots you built showhow technological innovation can bridge culture and modernity, while your passion and teamwork embody perseverance that defines both martial arts and scientific discovery.

     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is fully committed to developing Hong Kong into an international I&T (innovation and technology) centre. We are enhancing the I&T ecosystem across the full spectrum, from upstream basic research, to midstream and downstream industry development. Seeing your incredible creations today reinforces our confidence in the future. Bright young talents like you would provide impetus to I&T development, and we spare no effort in providing support to turn your boldest ideas into reality. Through innovation hubs like the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, we offer comprehensive incubation, mentorship and business-matching support. Wherever you come from, Hong Kong is an ideal place to unlock your potentials, to groom your passions and to realise your aspirations.
      
     To all our participants tonight, you are all champions in my eyes. Carry this "Kung Fu" spirit of discipline and continuous self-improvement into your future journeys. Keep questioning the impossible, and never stop innovating!
      
     Finally, I wish you all a memorable evening and all overseas participants an enjoyable stay in Hong Kong. Thank you.

Ends/Sunday, August 23, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:12

NNNN