Events (27-07-2026) 1 | Digital Policy Office

Chair and distinguished fellow colleagues,

Good morning. It is my honour to join you today to share Hong Kong, China (HKC)’s comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to building a vibrant artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem, with a focus on our top-level design, research and development (R&D), infrastructure and talent cultivation.

To propel industries forward with the rapid development of AI technology, we have recently established the Committee on AI+ and Industry Development Strategy. Comprising leading experts, academics, representatives from businesses and innovation and technology companies, the Committee is dedicated to formulating forward-looking strategies and fostering the deep integration of AI to catalyse industrial transformation and development. Meanwhile, the Government is leveraging the power of AI as a cornerstone for digital government. We have established the AI Efficacy Enhancement Team to coordinate and steer government departments to apply AI technology effectively to their work, explore process re-engineering, and promote technological reform to improve governmental efficacy. With an overall work plan and timeline formulated, we aim to roll out AI tools covering 100 administration procedures by end of this year and expand the coverage to no less than 200 by the end of 2027.

HKC is also leveraging world-class research platform to drive foundational AI research and talent development. Our flagship innovation and technology initiative, InnoHK, was launched to develop HKC into a global research collaboration hub. Among the three research clusters established, the “AIR@InnoHK” Research Cluster has funded 16 R&D laboratories, bringing together leading global and local R&D institutions to push the boundaries of AI and robotics technologies. Notably, the “Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center” is undertaking cutting-edge research on a series of generative AI applications based on its locally developed large language model.

In parallel, we are rapidly expanding our digital infrastructure to meet the fast-growing demand for advanced computing power. The forthcoming Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster is set to deliver 180 000 PFLOPS of computing power by 2032, providing critical, secure and high-capacity digital infrastructure to power advanced AI applications and research in HKC. Together, these strategic measures are laying a strong foundation for a dynamic and thriving AI ecosystem.

HKC is also fully committed to fostering AI talent development and promoting AI literacy across the community. To this end, the Government has allocated $50 million for the “AI for All” Inclusive Programme to promote the widespread adoption and training of AI. In collaboration with public organisations and technology enterprises, we are organising a variety of courses, seminars and competitions targeting students, young people and members of the public to enhance their AI awareness, application skills and responsible use of AI. As its name suggests, the programme is leaving no one behind. Participating organisations will design targeted activities for the vulnerable groups, such as gamified learning for students with special education needs, as well as community outreach programmes for fostering broader interest in innovation and technology. In addition, we have also released the eight-episode “AI Masters Series” to boost public AI literacy and practical application skills through down-to-earth popular AI education.

HKC will continue to cultivate a robust AI ecosystem on all fronts, through strong top-level design, world-class R&D capabilities, advanced digital infrastructure and comprehensive talent development initiatives. As AI transforms our world at an unprecedented pace, we look forward to deepening international exchanges and collaborations with fellow APEC member economies. Through our concerted efforts, we can harness AI as a transformative force for innovation, prosperity, and societal advancement. Thank you.

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The Assistant Commissioner (Mainland and Industry Collaboration), Ms Cari Wu, delivered a speech at the “Policy Approaches and Practical Experience with AI Applications” session of the “APEC 2026 Digital Weeks (Digital Economy Steering Group Meeting)”.

The Assistant Commissioner (Mainland and Industry Collaboration), Ms Cari Wu (seventh right, front row), in group photo with the participants at the “APEC 2026 Digital Weeks (Digital Economy Steering Group Meeting)”.