Hong Kong Science and Technology Bureau Chief Sun Dong: Hong Kong's multi-dimensional AI policies are in line with the national "AI+" action.

On October 15, Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation and Technology of Hong Kong, responded to questions from members of the Legislative Council by pointing out that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is leading a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation. Since the introduction of the "Hong Kong Smart City Blueprint" focusing on the development of AI strategies, the government has set clear goals for AI development in Hong Kong. With a focus on "strengthening infrastructure and promoting application-oriented approaches", the government has steadily implemented various measures in key areas such as research, infrastructure, data, industrial applications, and talent training. Hong Kong's multi-dimensional AI policies and specific measures are not only in line with the national "AI+" action plan but also highly compatible with the global AI development path. The government will timely review the implementation and optimize individual policies and support measures as needed to empower high-quality development with AI. In terms of research and innovation, the government has established 16 research laboratories focused on AI and robotics technology through the "AIR@InnoHK" research platform, bringing together over a thousand research talents to strengthen Hong Kong's basic AI research capabilities. In addition, the government recently approved a funding of HK$1 billion to establish the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research Institute by 2026 to promote upstream research and development in AI, downstream results transformation, and the exploration of application scenarios. In terms of computing power infrastructure, the Hong Kong AI Supercomputing Center at Cyberport will further enhance its computing power by the end of this year to support local computing needs. To support local academic institutions, research organizations, and enterprises in fully utilizing the computing power of the center, a HK$3 billion AI funding program has been launched to support large-scale AI research and applications. Over ten key projects have been successfully approved so far. Additionally, the government recently launched a public tender for the development of land in the data park in North District to provide advanced computing facilities to further promote the development of data and AI-related industries. In terms of data supply, the government actively promotes an open data policy and encourages public and private organizations to open up more high-quality data to provide critical elements for the development of AI in Hong Kong. The "Open Data Platform" currently aggregates over 5,600 datasets covering various industries and sectors such as finance, education, transportation, community and social welfare, law, and security, providing vital support for the industry to train algorithms and develop large models. As for cross-border data, the Hong Kong Digital Policy Office has introduced facilitation measures for standard contracts based on the "Memorandum of Cooperation to Facilitate Cross-Border Data Flows in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area", promoting orderly cross-border data flows for data security. Sun Dong stated that active discussions will continue to achieve the timely realization of Mainland data compliant and secure flows to the Hong Kong loop Park for research, assisting in AI application testing and innovation. Sun Dong said that talent is crucial in the global AI competition. The Hong Kong government has been following the development strategy and goal of "enriching the creative and technological talent resources, and building an international talent hub" outlined in the Blueprint, making all-out efforts to attract overseas talent and cultivate local AI talent. Among them, in September this year, a HK$3 billion "Frontier Technology Research Support Program" was launched to support the Education Bureau in attracting top international researchers in AI and other fields to lead cutting-edge basic research projects in Hong Kong. Key measures to cultivate local AI talent include setting up a digital education blueprint for primary and secondary schools, establishing the Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology and offering multiple AI-related training courses, encouraging universities to offer more courses related to STEAM and the National 14th Five-Year Plan "Eight Great Centers", and providing internship opportunities for university students studying STEM-related courses through the "Creative Internship Program" etc.