Speech by the Assistant Commissioner (Data Applications), Mr Brian Sun, at the “AI Governance, Methodology & Standards Training for Experienced Project Leaders” (with photos)

Dave (President of the Hong Kong Computer Society (HKCS), Mr Dave Chen), Keen (Executive Vice President of the Project Management Institute Hong Kong Chapter (PMIHK), Mr Keen Lam), Kelvin (Vice President of PMIHK, Co-Chair of the HKCS x PMIHK AI Alliance, and Master Trainer, Professor Dr Kelvin Wan), Mr Futterer (Master Trainer of HKCS, Mr Alfons Futterer), and AI leaders from across industries,

Good afternoon, everyone. It is my honour to join you today at the closing ceremony of the “AI Governance, Methodology and Standards Training for Experienced Project Leaders”.

First, I would like to express my gratitude to the Hong Kong Computer Society (HKCS) and the Project Management Institute Hong Kong Chapter (PMIHK) for organising this timely and profoundly needed programme. It serves as a remarkable platform to nurture and recognise talent in AI governance, and expand the pool of well-trained AI project leaders for Hong Kong’s future.

Hong Kong is driving its digital transformation amid global technological advancement. The Government has established the “Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute” (AIRDI), which will commence operation in the second half of this year, to accelerate the development of a vibrant AI ecosystem in Hong Kong. Beyond its core functions of promoting frontier research and transformation of R&D outcomes, the Institute is dedicated to raising public awareness and literacy regarding AI and promoting the widespread adoption and application of AI. This training programme directly aligns with the Government’s vision for building AI knowledge and skills in the community.

As you may have learnt in the training, effective AI governance is crucial for enhancing the transparency of AI systems and building public trust. To support the safe and responsible development and use of AI, the Digital Policy Office (DPO in short) has promulgated the “Ethical Artificial Intelligence Framework” and “Hong Kong Generative Artificial Intelligence Technical and Application Guideline”. The framework outlines 12 guiding principles including human oversight, fairness, accountability, among others. These principles provide a practical and solid foundation for the responsible development and adoption of AI in different contexts.

From a broader perspective, we are advancing “AI+” development in Hong Kong. On one hand, the Government fosters “Industries for AI” by creating favourable conditions for local AI research, AI application, and industry development. Meanwhile, we are actively aligning with the national “15th Five-Year Plan Outline”, which emphasises AI as the engine for economic and social development, that is “AI for industries”, with strong focus on strengthening infrastructure and fostering application-driven development.

The Budget Speech this year earmarks AI in every corner of the society, with a view to enabling all citizens to develop an understanding of safe and responsible AI and its ethical principles. As our inaugural promotional event, the eight-episode “AI Masters Series” (in Chinese, “AI 大講堂”) is currently airing on TVB Jade on Saturday evenings. We hope that through such engaging and down-to-earth popular science education, we can enhance public AI literacy and application skills, allowing this technology to truly become part of everyday life.

Finally, I congratulate you all on completing this training. As you return to your offices, I encourage you not only to apply these new skills to your own projects, but also to serve as “AI champions” within your organisations. When you return to your team, please share at least one lesson your learnt here to your teams to continue the important dialogue of AI governance. By sharing your knowledge to your peers and your teams, we will educate, empower and innovate together.

I hope you had a fulfilling experience and are leaving with many fruitful takeaways. Let’s champion AI that is ethical, trustworthy, and for the benefit of all. Thank you.

- ENDS -