Hong Kong's Budget Focuses on Innovation and Technology Development Initiatives

Opening remarks by SITI at LegCo Finance Committee special meeting

Following are the opening remarks (English translation) by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the special meeting of the Legislative Council Finance Committee today (April 11):

Chairman, Members,

Technological and industrial innovations are the fundamental pathways for developing new quality productive forces. This year's Budget continues to place focus on accelerating Hong Kong's high-quality development through the promotion of Hong Kong's innovation and technology (I&T) development and announced various new initiatives to lead Hong Kong steadily towards our vision of becoming an international I&T centre. I will give an overview of the relevant key measures along three directions.

(1) To enhance the I&T ecosystem and promote "new industrialisation" in Hong Kong and to enlarge the I&T talent pool to create strong impetus for growth

Artificial intelligence (AI) is at the core of accelerating the development of new quality productive forces, and we are endeavouring to develop AI as a core industry. The Budget has set aside $1 billion for the establishment of the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute, which will spearhead and support Hong Kong’s innovative research & development (R&D) and industrial applications of AI. Furthermore, Cyberport's Artificial Intelligence Supercomputing Centre (AISC) has commenced operation, and with the support of the Government's Artificial Intelligence Subsidy Scheme, several R&D projects related to large language models, large models in new materials and synthetic biology that utilise the AISC's computing power have already started.

On promoting the development of I&T industries, we launched the New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme and enhanced the New Industrialisation Funding Scheme last year. Also, the Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund is under preparation, and we plan to seek funding approval from the Legislative Council in the middle of this year. Furthermore, we will launch the Pilot Manufacturing and Production Line Upgrade Support Scheme this year to provide funding of up to $250,000 each on a 1(Government) : 2(Company) matching basis to enterprises operating production lines in Hong Kong to support their formulation of smart production strategies and introduction of advanced technologies into existing production lines. We are also preparing for the launch of the Pilot I&T Accelerator Scheme to further strengthen the support to start-ups.

To promote R&D, we are taking forward the establishment of the third InnoHK research cluster, which will focus on advanced manufacturing, materials, energy and sustainable development, and have established the Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Centre under the InnoHK Research Clusters, with the aim of developing a robot which will contribute to the Chang'E-8 mission. The Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute is preparing the set-up of two pilot lines at the Microelectronics Centre in Yuen Long this year, striving to put them into operation next year to support product development and trial production. Furthermore, we have invited institutions to submit proposals for the Subsidy Programme for the Setup of Life and Health Technology Research Institute(s), and will also seek funding approval from the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council in the middle of this year for the implementation of the Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme.

As for I&T land, the Government is taking forward the development of the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (the Hong Kong Park) at full steam. The Hong Kong Park is developed in two phases from west to east. With the first three buildings in Phase 1 approaching completion, the Park will officially enter into its operational phase later this year. The construction of the other five buildings is in full swing and is expected to be completed progressively from 2027 onwards. As for the remaining sites of Phase 1, we will identify suitable land parcels for invitation of private development proposals this year, with a view to taking forward the development of the Park with enhanced speed and quantity through collaboration between the Government and the market. In addition, $3.7 billion has been earmarked in the Budget to expedite the completion of infrastructure and public facilities of Phase 1 of the Park. At the same time, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will continue to work with relevant Mainland authorities to explore the implementation of innovative policy measures, with a view to promoting the convenient cross-boundary flow of innovation elements.

The San Tin Technopole of the Northern Metropolis will serve as a strategic key for the I&T industry planning and the base for developing new quality productive forces of Hong Kong in the future. The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation is conducting a master planning study for the first batch of 20-hectare land. The study is expected to be completed in the third quarter of this year. The Government commenced the re-zoning procedures for a 10-hectare site at Sandy Ridge for use as data centres and related facilities in end-2024, and is actively making preparations for land disposal to fulfil the needs of the industry for digital infrastructure.

(2) To promote digital economy development and develop Hong Kong into a smart city

The Government is committed to providing more efficient public services to citizens through leveraging technology. The "iAM Smart" has over 3.3 million registered users and over 1 100 online services and e-forms provided by the Government and public and private organisations. We are driving the comprehensive upgrade of "iAM Smart" to realise "single portal for online government services" by the end of this year. Meanwhile, The "Digital Corporate Identity" Platform will be rolled out progressively from end-2026, with a view to facilitating digital transformation of corporations and enhancing government departments’ efficiency in processing corporate online applications.

In addition, the Digital Policy Office will continue to co-ordinate all bureaux and departments to use the HKPilot developed by the Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center on a trial basis, and gradually increase the number of participants in the pilot programme. This will help reduce the manpower required of government personnel to handle general document processing tasks, allowing manpower to be deployed to other areas of need.

(3) To proactively integrate into the overall development of the country and consolidate our role as a bridge connecting the Mainland and the world

Hong Kong will continue to deepen I&T co-operation with the Mainland for better integrating into overall national development. Regarding cross-boundary data flow, the "Standard Contract for the Cross-boundary Flow of Personal Information Within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Mainland, Hong Kong)" facilitation measure has been extended to all industries, promoting the safe and orderly cross-boundary flow of personal information within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. In addition, Cyberport has been actively collaborating with the Qianhai Management Authority to facilitate the landing of start-up enterprises at respective parks, and the World Intellectual Property Organization Global Innovation Index 2025 Science and Technology Cluster Launch will be held in Hong Kong later this year.

Conclusion

With our country's staunch support, Hong Kong has been making steady progress towards our vision of developing into an international I&T centre. The Government will continue to deploy resources and join hands with stakeholders to promote the development of a vibrant I&T ecosystem. I would like to express my gratitude to all Members again for their support of I&T development all along. I appeal for the continual support of Members and the public for the work of the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau. Thank you, Chairman.

Update on chikungunya fever

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced that, as of 5pm today (January 3), no new cases of chikungunya fever (CF) had been recorded.

Latest surveillance data

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Hong Kong has recorded a total of 82 confirmed CF cases last year. Among them, 11 were local cases, and the rest were imported cases.

Since the beginning of 2025, and as of December 10, 2025, a total of 502 264 CF cases and 186 CF-related deaths have been reported in over 40 countries/territories. Cases have been reported in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Although the northern hemisphere has entered the winter season, temperatures in subtropical and some temperate regions remain elevated due to climate change, creating favourable conditions for mosquito breeding. In addition, CF outbreaks continue to occur in many countries worldwide. The risk of imported cases persists. Members of the public should check the situation of the destinations before travelling abroad, especially when travelling to Southeast Asian countries.

Government's comprehensive follow-up actions

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Given that some local cases of CF have visited the Tsing Yi Nature Trails or the surrounding area in November last year, the trails are currently closed until further notice. Relevant government departments continue to conduct large-scale mosquito control and prevention efforts along the trails, and the CHP appeals to the public not to enter the area in order to reduce the risk of contracting CF and to avoid exposure to chemicals or interfering with the mosquito control operations. Since the confirmation on December 10, 2025, of a case involving a person who had visited the Tsing Yi Nature Trails on November 30, 2025, no further local cases have been recorded to date. The CHP continues to urge individuals who have recently hiked along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails to seek medical attention as soon as possible if they develop relevant symptoms and to call the enquiry hotline (Tel: 2125 2373), which operates from 9am to 6pm.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has been continuously conducting intensive fogging operations to eliminate adult mosquitoes along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails and the surrounding area. At suitable locations, large ultra-low volume foggers have been deployed, and a robot dog is being put on trial to enhance operational effectiveness. The FEHD has also set up new mosquito trapping devices, cleared discarded containers and garbage that could cause stagnant water, and applied larvicide oil or larvicides in areas with stagnant water that cannot be removed immediately. The FEHD has been collaborating with the Kwai Tsing District Office, the Lands Department and the Drainage Services Department to strengthen efforts in eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails. Pamphlets have been distributed to hikers in the area, urging citizens to be vigilant against mosquito infestations and take personal protective measures. The FEHD has also held meetings of the interdepartmental task forces on anti-mosquito work across districts to discuss the latest developments regarding the situation and plan accordingly to co-ordinate relevant departments and stakeholders in strengthening mosquito prevention and control measures in areas under their purview.

Continuously strengthening prevention and control

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The FEHD and relevant departments have comprehensively enhanced the mosquito control operations in Hong Kong since July last year, and this has continued. Among these, the FEHD has conducted vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations against the imported and local cases. In light of the local case, the FEHD has immediately conducted follow-up actions, including:

carrying out intensive fogging in scrubby areas within a 250-metre radius of the relevant locations to kill adult mosquitoes;

carrying out inspections of the locations, removing stagnant water, applying insecticides and disposing of abandoned water containers every week with a view to preventing mosquito breeding; and

enhancing public education efforts through organising health talks, setting up mobile education stations, and distributing publicity leaflets.

The abovementioned measures will be continued. Furthermore, the Government will further enhance the mosquito control efforts in addition to the existing measures.

Preventive measures to be taken by the public

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Members of the public should use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients properly to prevent mosquito bites, but the following precautions should be taken when using them:

read the label instructions carefully first;

apply right before entering an area with a risk of mosquito bites;

apply on exposed skin and clothing;

use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children (for children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent);

apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent;

reapply only when needed and follow the instructions; and

in addition to DEET, there are other insect repellents available on the market containing different active ingredients, such as IR3535 and picaridin. When using any insect repellent, the public should follow the usage instructions and precautions on the product label.

The FEHD also appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as empty cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and property management agencies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems, and may visit the following pages for more information: the CF page of theCHPand theTravel Health Service, the latestTravel Health News,tips for using insect repellents, and the CHPFacebook Page,Instagram AccountandYouTube Channel, and also theMosquito Prevention and Cntrol dedicated pageof the FEHD.

Source: AI-found images