Culsin (Ms Culsin Li, Founder & Chief Visionary Officer, Baobab Tree Event Management Co., Ltd., Organiser of AI+ Power 2025), members of the judging panel, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening! It’s truly my honour to stand before you at this AI+ Power Awards 2025 Award Presentation Ceremony. This is a momentous occasion that celebrates the remarkable achievements and tireless efforts of everyone here. This year’s specific focus on AI reflects the emergence of AI as the key driver of new quality productive forces and highlights its transformative role in developing the digital economy. To all the winners, my heartfelt congratulations! Please join me in a round of applause to celebrate the spirit of innovation and the inspiring work of all the winners!

Our Government recognises AI’s unlimited possibilities and has been unwavering in exploring its full potential. In 2022, we promulgated the “Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint” to prioritise developing AI as a core industry and provide clear direction for building a vibrant AI ecosystem in Hong Kong. Following the guidance of the Blueprint, we are implementing a range of measures on various fronts for advancing AI in Hong Kong, including establishing robust digital infrastructure, enhancing AI research and development, strengthening funding to accelerate the growth of the industry, fostering secure data flow and promoting AI adoption. Let me highlight some key examples here.

On digital infrastructure, Cyberport has taken a significant step forward by establishing the AI Supercomputing Centre last year to address the strong local demand for computing power. The first-phase of the facility provides computing power of approximately 1 300 petaflops (PFLOPS) and will be ramped up to 3 000 PFLOPS by the end of this year. In addition, we launched a HK$3 billion AI Subsidy Scheme last October to support local institutions, R&D centres and enterprises in leveraging the computing power of the AI Supercomputing Centre. We look forward to the scientific breakthroughs and innovative applications enabled by this scheme that push the boundaries of what AI can achieve.

On R&D, the Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center (or HKGAI for short), established with funding support from the InnoHK platform, launched Hong Kong’s first AI large language model in February this year. This model harnesses DeepSeek technology and is optimised for Hong Kong’s cultural and language environment. HKGAI has integrated the model into its generative AI document processing application, which is now in pilot use across all government departments. To further accelerate the R&D and application of AI in Hong Kong, we have set aside HK$1 billion in this year’s Budget for the establishment of the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute to spearhead and support innovative R&D and industry applications of AI.

That said, to allow Hong Kong to fully and safely reap the benefits of AI, governance must be a cornerstone of our AI strategy. In April, we promulgated the Hong Kong Generative Artificial Intelligence Technical and Application Guideline, with a view to balancing AI innovation, application and responsibility, thereby constructing a governance framework with local characteristics. The Guideline covers the scope and limitations of applications, potential risks and governance principles of generative AI technology. It also offers practical operational guidance for technology developers, service providers and service users to ensure the responsible and ethical deployment of AI across industries.

In closing, I express my gratitude to everyone here for your dedication and contributions to the advancement of AI. Your efforts are shaping a future filled with innovation and possibility. Let us continue to work together to unlock the full potential of AI, inspire others to join our journey of discovery, innovation and transformation, and create a brighter, more prosperous tomorrow for all. Thank you.

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