Speech by the Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Daniel Cheung, JP, at the “Award Ceremony of Huawei ICT Competition 2025-2026 Hong Kong SAR” (with photos)

Honourable Ng Wun-kit (Legislative Council Member (Election Committee)), Alex (Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Huawei International Co. Limited, Mr Alex Wong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon! It is my pleasure to join you all at this year’s “Award Ceremony of Huawei ICT Competition 2025-2026 Hong Kong SAR”. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Huawei for organising the competition, which not only inspires young people to explore Information and Communications Technology (ICT), but also strengthens Hong Kong’s talent pool in innovation and technology (I&T).

Hong Kong is accelerating its digital transformation amid global technological advancement. The Government is executing the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint to position our city as an international I&T hub, with ICT driving smarter operations, data-informed decisions, and elevated public services.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a catalytic force powering Hong Kong’s technological evolution. The Government has adopted a strategic approach to build a world-class AI ecosystem. As announced in the 2024-25 Budget, the Government has launched a HK$3 billion AI Subsidy Scheme (AISS), which supports local institutions, R&D centres, AI start-ups and strategic enterprises, in leveraging the advanced computational infrastructure of Cyberport’s AI Supercomputing Centre (AISC) to achieve breakthroughs in scientific research.

The Digital Policy Office is coordinating the AI Efficacy Enhancement Team (AIEET), established following the 2025 Policy Address. AIEET guides government bureaux and departments in process re-engineering and AI adoption, targeting the application of AI tools covering 100 public administration procedures by end-2026. This initiative, coupled with planned AI flagship projects in 2026-28 to accelerate licensing and service approvals, will deliver smarter, more efficient public services to citizens.

Moreover, the Hong Kong AI Research and Development Institute will be established in 2026 to spearhead the development of AI in Hong Kong. It will serve as a bridge connecting the Government, academic institutions, scientific research organisations and the industry. It will help promote scientific research, technological applications and industry transformation in AI, injecting new momentum into the development and upgrading of Hong Kong’s economy.

Apart from advancing infrastructure and research capabilities, talent is the key driver on innovation. To attract and develop I&T professionals, we are implementing a series of targeted measures. At the policy level, the Committee on Education, Technology and Talents, established in 2024, plays a pivotal role in formulating strategies to attract and nurture skilled individuals, advance technological development, and promote Hong Kong as a global hub for top-tier talent.

At the tertiary level, to nurture future I&T professionals and further strengthen Hong Kong’s R&D capabilities, we have launched initiatives such as the STEM Internship Scheme and the Research Talent Hub. These programmes enable university students to gain valuable I&T-related work experience during their studies and offer graduates opportunities to pursue R&D careers.

Regarding primary and secondary education, more STEAM elements have been integrated into school curriculum. Initiatives such as the “Enriched Module on Coding Education for Upper Primary Level” and the “Module on Artificial Intelligence for Junior Secondary Level” provide students with early exposure to coding and AI. Together, these initiatives aim to build a more resilient and forward-looking talent pool to support Hong Kong’s long-term I&T development. These efforts dovetail with competitions like Huawei ICT to propel I&T development.

In closing, I would like to thank Huawei once again for its continued dedication nurturing young ICT talent. This aligns with the Government’s ongoing efforts to build a strong and sustainable I&T talent pool. I would also like to warmly congratulate all the participating students for their outstanding efforts and wish you success in your future endeavours and contributions to Hong Kong’s I&T advancement.

Thank you!

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