Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute
To further promote Hong Kong’s artificial intelligence (AI) development, the 2025-26 Budget announced that $1 billion has been set aside for the establishment of the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute (AIRDI), which will spearhead and support Hong Kong’s innovative research and development (R&D) and industry application of AI, facilitating upstream R&D, midstream and downstream transformation of R&D outcomes, and expanding application scenarios.
In September 2025, the Government obtained funding approval from the Legislative Council for the establishment of the AIRDI. The AIRDI formed its Board of Directors in March 2026. Once the organisational structure is in place, the AIRDI will come into operation in the second half of 2026.
Vision and Mission of the AIRDI
Vision
- Accelerate the development of a vibrant AI ecosystem in Hong Kong;
- Drive innovation in key areas, attract global talent and investment, and enhance Hong Kong’s international standing in AI;
- Develop Hong Kong as an international AI R&D hub; and
- Contribute to the advancement of innovation and technology development in both Hong Kong and the country.
Mission
- Spearhead the development of AI in Hong Kong by serving as a bridge connecting the Government, academic institutions, scientific research entities and the industry;
- Promote scientific research, technological applications and industry transformation in the area of AI; and
- Inject new momentum into Hong Kong’s economic development and upgrading.
Board of Directors of the AIRDI
In March 2026, the Government announced the appointments of the Board of Directors of the AIRDI. The Board of the AIRDI comprises a total of 14 members. The Non-official directors are appointed for a term of two years from 13 March 2026 to 12 March 2028.
The membership of the Board of Directors of the AIRDI is as follows:
- Professor Harry Shum Heung-yeung, BBS (Chairperson)
- Mr Hendrick Sin, MH, JP (Deputy Chairperson)
- Mr Leonard Chan Tik-yuen, MH
- Professor Guo Yike
- Professor Alan Lam Hiu-fung, JP
- Mr Liu Lidong
- Professor Ma Weiying
- Professor Ma Yi
- Professor Joe Qin Sizhao
- Professor William Wong Kam-fai, MH
- Mr Ken Wong Kin-hang, JP
- Professor Yang Hongxia
- Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry or his/her representative
- Commissioner for Digital Policy or his/her representative
Terms of Reference of the Board of Directors
- To steer the AIRDI to achieve its vision and public mission to promote AI research and “AI+” development for strengthening Hong Kong’s strategic positioning in AI;
- To monitor the operational and financial sustainability of the AIRDI and to ensure its achievement of key performance indicators (KPIs) in areas including research quality and impact, talent attraction and cultivation, technology transformation, industry influence, and international collaboration and reputation, etc.;
- To consider and approve major researches, collaborative projects and funding initiatives of the AIRDI;
- To foster collaboration with the Government, academia, industry and related local, Mainland and international organisations to enhance the AIRDI’s standing and resource integration capabilities;
- To establish internal governance mechanisms of the AIRDI, including but not limited to governance structure, financial controls, risk management, information and cyber security, and procurement procedures, with a view to promoting its sustainable operation;
- To examine and endorse the AIRDI’s Annual Plan, Annual Estimates and KPIs;
- To examine and approve the regular reports to the Government, and the AIRDI’s Annual Reports and Audited Accounts; and
- To advise on any other matters concerning the AIRDI and the related issues as may be requested by the Government.
