Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the 3rd GTI Forum on Digital Intelligence · Hong Kong today (September 8):

尊敬的李鎮主任 (CPC Committee Member and Vice Chairman of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, Mr Li Zhen), 張勇副主任 (Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Zhang Yong), 高同慶主席 (Chairman of GTI, Mr Gao Tongqing), 趙厚麟秘書長 (Honorary Chairman of GTI and former Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union, Mr Zhao Houlin), 李慧鏑副總裁 (Executive Vice President of China Mobile, Mr Li Huidi), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you at the 3rd GTI Forum on Digital Intelligence · Hong Kong, and exchange insights with professionals like you all on cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and innovative applications.

     As the world accelerates towards an AI-driven future, AI has become an important part of an economy's core competitiveness. Echoing this global momentum, the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government has elevated AI into a key industry. We are integrating into the national "AI+" action at full steam while developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre.

     When I spoke at the past two editions of this forum, I shared Hong Kong's ongoing breakthroughs in our I&T journey. Today, this momentum is gathering pace. On strategy formulation, a Committee on AI+ and Industry Development Strategy was established this year to formulate priorities for AI-driven industrial transformation and to foster deeper integration of AI with various industries. We are also establishing the Hong Kong AI Research and Development Institute this year to spearhead upstream R&D (research and development), alongside midstream and downstream translation and industrial application. Infrastructure-wise, in addition to our existing computing power, the Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster now under construction will provide 180 000 PFLOPS (peta-floating point operations per second) by 2032, multiplying our existing computing power by 36-fold to further Hong Kong's position as a regional data hub.

     While the Government has been actively promoting the development and application of AI technology, we are equally aware of the importance of ethical use of AI. The Digital Policy Office published application guides to offer practical guidance to technology developers, service providers, and users.  

     To promote the widespread adoption of AI across society, we launched the $50 million "AI for All" Inclusive Programme in partnership with three institutions: Cyberport which popularises the basics and promotes AI awareness and a culture of responsible AI use among the general public; the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks which enhances professional empowerment and translates AI knowledge into practical skills and employability; and the Hong Kong Productivity Council which focuses on practical training and optimisation tailored to AI-workplace scenarios. There will be altogether over 200 activities organised to enhance AI literacy across all sectors of society.

     Ladies and gentlemen, all the initiatives I just mentioned demonstrate how the HKSAR Government promotes the development of the core AI technology, while emphasising its widespread application and security. We welcome I&T enterprises from all over the world to leverage Hong Kong's unique advantages in international networks and professional services to scale their businesses and to bring innovative solutions to the global market.

     I wish the GTI forum another year of success and all of you a fruitful experience. For those who are visiting Hong Kong for the first time, a big welcome and I wish you a memorable stay in this vibrant city. Thank you.

Ends/Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Issued at HKT 10:45

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