尊敬的葉海強董事長 (Mr Haiqiang YE, Chairman & CEO, Hillstone Networks), Honourable Duncan CHIU (Legislative Council Member (Technology & Innovation Constituency)), distinguished guests and friends from the cybersecurity industry of Mainland and Hong Kong, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. I’m delighted to join you today at the Hillstone Networks GBA & APAC Cybersecurity Summit.

The theme today—“AI-Secured, ASIC-Powered. Securing & Connecting HK, GBA, APAC”—is not just a statement, but a reflection of our collective commitment to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) to build a more secure, connected, and resilient digital future for our region.

In this new digital era, AI-driven security is no longer a luxury; it is the very bedrock upon which we must protect our sensitive data and our critical systems. As cyber threats grow in scale and sophistication, our defenses must not only keep pace but leap ahead.

In Hong Kong, we are embracing this challenge with determination and strategic focus.

Our approach is built on a foundation of responsible innovation. We have refined an Ethical AI Framework to guide organisations, and this April, we launched the Hong Kong Generative AI Technical and Application Guideline—a clear, practical roadmap for harnessing this powerful technology safely and effectively within our unique context.

But our vision extends beyond frameworks. Our recent commitment on the establishment of the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute signals our target to becoming a leader in this field. As we integrate AI across government and business, we are embedding robust cybersecurity into its very core, ensuring the integrity of our models and the safety of our data.

Yet, technology alone is not enough. It is the human element—our expertise and our collective awareness—that truly completes the circuit. That is why, in partnership with the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation (HKIRC) and the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT), we have launched initiatives like the “Cybersec One Programme” and the “Cybersecurity Service Providers Connect Programme” to support our SMEs, NGOs and schools. Through our annual Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign and talent exchanges, we led delegations of Hong Kong’s cybersecurity professionals to Kunming, Zhuhai and Macau, participating in this year’s national cybersecurity week main forum and regional subforums and fostering collaboration within the Greater Bay Area and the Mainland. We also participated in the Greater Bay Area Cybersecurity Competition, fostering a new generation of cyber-defenders and strengthening the bonds of collaboration across the region.

Looking ahead, Hong Kong will host significant events, including the 15th National Games in November and the Legislative Council General Election in December. These events heavily rely on the use of information technologies, making cybersecurity crucial for their success.

To prepare for these challenges, we recently concluded an intensive 60-hour Cybersecurity Attack and Defence Drill. This was not a simple exercise; it involved 34 Blue Teams from 25 government departments and nine public organizations, collaborating with 15 Red Teams from Hong Kong and the Mainland. Additionally, we invited 15 top-notch cybersecurity service providers from the Mainland, including Hillstone Networks, to provide technical support to the red and blue teams, further enhancing our defense capabilities and regional collaboration on cybersecurity. Furthermore, some 250 representatives of over 60 organisations attended as observers, gaining valuable insights for future exercises.

We will continue to challenge ourselves with these real combat simulations, because to stay ahead of evolving threats, we must know our enemy and constantly evolve our defenses.

In conclusion, Hong Kong is emerging as an innovation and technology hub and a key player in the Belt and Road Initiative, through its strategic position as a financial centre, its strong talent pool, and its role as a bridge between the Mainland and the world. The Hong Kong SAR Government is actively navigating the opportunities presented by AI development alongside industries, providing the necessary support as you fulfill your responsibilities.

I look forward to strengthening our collaborative efforts towards a more secure digital future. I wish this Summit great success and an enjoyable experience for all. Thank you.

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