Closing remarks by PSITI at Cathay Hackathon 2026 Awards Ceremony (English only)
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Ronald (Chief Executive Officer of Cathay Group, Mr Ronald Lam), Lawrence (Cathay Director Digital and IT of Cathay Group, Mr Lawrence Fong), fellow judges, and our brilliant participants,
Good afternoon. It is my pleasure to join you today at the culmination of the Cathay Hackathon 2026.
Over the past 24 hours, this venue has been charged with incredible energy, the energy of boundless creativity, intense collaboration, and relentless problem-solving. I have seen first-hand how our bright innovators have woven together emerging technologies like AI and data analytics to tackle complex real-life challenges and reimagine the future of the aviation industry. Your dedication has proven that when it comes to innovation, the sky is the limit.
That same spirit of pushing boundaries is exactly what is driving Hong Kong's future. Under our First Five-Year Plan, innovation and technology (I&T) is placed at the centre of our high-quality development in the coming years, serving as a core engine that is going to supercharge our traditional industries and unlock new opportunities for growth. Our destination is clear: After 2030, we will basically have established an international I&T centre based in the Greater Bay Area, serving the entire country and connected to the world.
To realise this vision, the First Five-Year Plan outlines a comprehensive roadmap to propel our ecosystem forward. From strengthening our institutional frameworks to charting the course for future industries, and from optimising local infrastructure layout to expanding our global connectivity, we are elevating Hong Kong's technological capabilities on all fronts. At the heart of our strategies lies the Loop Hong Kong Park, which is destined to be developed into a world-class I&T hub. By facilitating the cross-boundary flow of innovation elements between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, the Park combines the complementary strengths of both cities and provides an unparalleled testing ground for frontier technologies, offering pioneers the exact ecosystem needed to turn visionary concepts into tangible commercial solutions.
Ultimately, our world-class infrastructure and forward-looking policies are designed with one purpose: to empower the talent who will bring them to life. We are committed to supporting the development of technology talent and accelerating the development of a strategic technology talent pool. The aviation sector, one of Hong Kong's most vibrant industries, provides the perfect runway for this vision. Deeply rooted in technology, the aviation industry offers talent direct engagement with complex systems such as autonomous robotics, advanced data analytics, and smart mobility engineering, equipping them with the crucial hands-on experience required to tackle real-world problems. In return, these very individuals will engineer groundbreaking technological solutions, from advanced air traffic algorithms to autonomous ground operations, that expand the boundaries of flight, ensuring Hong Kong's aviation sector continues to soar.
Industry-led initiatives like the Cathay Hackathon are especially important to our endeavours. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Hackathon has established itself as a pillar for nurturing the next generation of innovators. By opening its doors and sharing invaluable operational insights, Cathay provides a platform that bridges bold ideas with practical needs, young innovators with experienced professionals, and local talent with global opportunities. Collaborations like these do more than spark solutions that define the future of travel; they are actively driving Hong Kong towards becoming an international I&T centre.
I speak from a personal place when I say that this partnership is close to my heart. Having served as the Deputy Director-General of Civil Aviation, and later as the Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics, I have had a front-row seat to the extraordinary synergy between Hong Kong and Cathay Pacific. I have seen how our city gave Cathay its home, and how Cathay has given our city its wings, connecting us to the world and fuelling our success as an international aviation hub. The challenges you have tackled this weekend, whether in passenger experience, operational efficiency, or sustainability, are exactly the kind of real-world problems that will define the next chapter of our aviation story.
Regardless of the final results, you have already proven yourselves as catalysts for change. As you continue your journey in innovation, know that Hong Kong stands ready to be your strongest supporter, providing the foundation you need to let your ideas take flight. Well done, and thank you!
Ends/Sunday, November 15, 2026
Issued at HKT 18:00
Issued at HKT 18:00
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