Prof. Poon (Chair of HKIX Board and Provost of Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prof. Isabella Poon), distinguished guests, friends from the local and regional Internet community, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. It is my great pleasure to join you today in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Hong Kong Internet Exchange (HKIX). I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the HKIX for three decades of outstanding service to Hong Kong’s digital infrastructure. Your vision, which began at the Chinese University of Hong Kong 30 years ago, has been fundamental to shaping Hong Kong’s internet backbone and enabling the seamless connectivity we rely on every day.

It is easy to forget just how different the internet in Hong Kong was in 1995, before the founding of the HKIX. Back then, using the internet was time-consuming and expensive since local data often had to travel slowly across half of the world and back. The establishment of the HKIX changed everything. By creating a central point for local traffic to be exchanged directly, the HKIX made our internet faster, more affordable, and vastly more efficient. This was a strategic move that cemented Hong Kong’s role as a digital “super-connector” and laid the very foundation of Hong Kong’s vibrant digital economy.

That fundamental shift in connectivity did not just benefit the private sector, it also transformed how the Government delivers digital services to the public. As a direct participant of the HKIX, the Digital Policy Office (DPO) ensures that digital government platforms like “iAM Smart”, a platform trusted by over 3.8 million users, operate with low latency and high reliability. By routing traffic locally, we reduce dependence on costly international transit and strengthen network resilience. Even when external internet conditions are unstable, essential platforms will remain accessible to the public. The DPO’s Internet Bandwidth Service exemplifies this approach, using HKIX’s infrastructure to deliver uninterrupted access to critical services. This collaboration is more than just a technical arrangement. It reflects our commitment to building a secure, efficient, and citizen-centric digital government. The HKIX has played a crucial role in enabling that vision through its trusted and robust infrastructure.

This strong foundation of trusted connectivity does more than support today’s services. It also lays the groundwork for the next wave of innovation, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI). HKIX’s infrastructure powers this ecosystem, moving data swiftly and securely to support innovation and growth. Recognising AI as a transformative force, the Government is driving concerted efforts from policy, industry, academia, research and investment sectors to build Hong Kong into a leading centre for AI development. The latest Policy Address announced that the Government will facilitate the early establishment of a compliant and secure mechanism to enable the cross-boundary flow of Mainland data to the Hong Kong Park in Hetao Co-operation Zone to support scientific research, AI application testing and innovation. In addition, a site of over 10 hectares at Sandy Ridge in the North District has been tendered for the development of a data facility cluster. Together with initiatives like Cyberport’s AI Supercomputing Centre and the AI Subsidy Scheme launched by the Government, these efforts will enhance Hong Kong’s computing power capabilities and accelerate the growth of data and AI-related industries. As AI reshapes global development, the HKIX continues to play a vital role in enhancing Hong Kong’s digital connectivity and resilience, and advancing the AI ecosystem.

In closing, I want to express my sincere appreciation to the HKIX for its 30 years of excellence as a trusted partner in Hong Kong’s digital journey, from early connectivity to today’s AI-powered future. The HKIX is an indispensable partner in the Government’s mission to make Hong Kong an international innovation and technology centre. We deeply value the outstanding contributions of the HKIX and trust that it will keep up the excellent work.

Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to remind all Hong Kong citizens an important day for Hong Kong — the Legislative Council General Election will be held on December 7. The election is of utmost importance for accelerating the development of Hong Kong’s economy and improving people’s livelihood. I encourage all of you to actively participate in helping to elect capable and committed legislators who will work for us to build a more prosperous and better future for our city. Thank you.

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