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.

CHP reminds public to take precautions against cold weather

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (January 10) reminded the public, particularly the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, pregnant women, infants and children, to adopt appropriate measures to protect their health in view of the cold weather.

Elderly and people with chronic illnesses

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A spokesman for the CHP said that in general, elderly people have less insulating fat, and their body temperature control mechanisms would be weaker. Their body may not respond appropriately to the cold weather. In addition, some senior persons may have decreased mobility, which can impair their ability to generate and conserve body heat.

Chronic illnesses, such as hypertension, diabetes or hypothyroidism, would lower their metabolic rate, subsequently causing their body to generate less heat. Besides, persons with chronic illnesses, such as chronic respiratory illnesses or cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, are vulnerable to disease aggravation due to cold weather.

The spokesman reminded the public, in particular the elderly and persons with chronic illnesses, to adopt the following preventive measures:

Take note of the weather forecast. Wear warm clothing, including hats, scarves, gloves and socks, accordingly;

Consume sufficient food to ensure adequate calorie intake;

Perform regular exercise to facilitate blood circulation and heat production;

Stay in a warm environment. Avoid going out in the morning and at night when the temperature is lower, and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure;

Use heaters with care and maintain adequate indoor ventilation;

Avoid alcoholic beverages. Drinking alcohol cannot keep you warm. Alcohol accelerates the loss of body heat through dilated blood vessels, resulting in chilling instead; and

Seek medical advice if feeling unwell.

Infants, children and pregnant women

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Infants and young children are more susceptible to heat loss during the cold weather. The spokesman reminded parents that they should ensure babies are sufficiently warm, but it is also important to keep babies relatively lightly clothed to avoid overheating them. When children engage in outdoor activities, their clothing should be adjusted accordingly, and changed quickly if soaked. Infants, young children and pregnant women should also try to avoid going out in the morning and at night when the temperature is lower.

Parents should observe the following safety measures when putting their children to bed:

Keep the room well ventilated and at a comfortable temperature;

Always place babies on their backs to sleep. Leave their heads, faces and arms uncovered during sleep;

Babies do not need pillows. Place babies on a firm and well-fitted mattress to sleep. Avoid soft objects, pillows and loose bedding;

Let babies sleep in a cot placed near their parents' bed; and

Maintain a smoke-free environment.

Outdoor workers

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Outdoor workers should take heed of the weather report and wear appropriate warm clothing for work. Clothing should be changed as soon as possible if soaked. When the Cold Weather Warning is in force, they should take appropriate precautions. They should take a break immediately and seek help and medical attention if feeling unwell.

General public

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In addition, many respiratory pathogens, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2, may have increasing activity and community transmission during winter. Seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications. Persons at higher risk of getting influenza and its complications, including the elderly and children, should receive seasonal influenza vaccinations early. Please see details of the vaccination schemes on theCHP'swebsite.

A person who gets influenza and COVID-19 at the same time may become more seriously ill and would have a higher risk of death. It is important for elderly persons, especially those residing in residential care homes, to receive both a seasonal influenza vaccination and a COVID-19 vaccination. They should also receive an additional booster against COVID-19 according to recommendations as soon as possible. The public should also maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against respiratory illnesses and note the following:

Surgical masks can prevent transmission of respiratory viruses from ill persons. It is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;

Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;

Avoid touching one's eyes, mouth and nose;

Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;

When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;

Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;

Maintain good indoor ventilation;

When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending classes at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and

Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

Food-borne diseases, particularly those linked to hotpot cuisine, are also common in cold weather. The following preventive measures should be taken:

Wash hands before handling and consuming food;

Do not patronise unlicensed vendors or those with poor hygienic standards while selecting food;

Wash and cook all food thoroughly;

Vegetables should be washed thoroughly in clean running water before cooking and consumption. When appropriate, scrub vegetables with hard surfaces with a clean brush to remove dirt and substances, including pesticide residues and contaminants, from surfaces and crevices;

Shrimps should be fully cooked until the shells turn red and the flesh turns white and opaque;

For shellfish such as scallops and geoduck, scrub the shells thoroughly and remove internal organs;

Do not eat any undercooked freshwater aquatic products. To ensure that the food is thoroughly cooked, the centre of the food should reach a temperature of at least 75 degrees Celsius so as to destroy pathogens;

Most hotpot ingredients should be stored in a refrigerator at 4 degrees C or below, while frozen food should be stored in a freezer at -18 degrees C or below;

Never use raw eggs as a dipping sauce for hotpot; and

Use different sets of chopsticks to handle raw and cooked food to avoid cross-contamination.

In addition, when using fuel-burning appliances, especially in indoor areas, the public should ensure adequate ventilation to avoid harmful exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) and prevent CO poisoning.

Fr more health information, the public may call the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111) or visit theCHP's websiteandFacebook Fanpageas well as press releases of the Labour Department on precautions against cold weather for outdoor workers and their employers when the Cold Weather Warning is in force.

The public may also call Dial-a-Weather (1878 200) or visit thewebsite of the Hong Kong Observatoryfor the latest weather information and forecasts, or itspage on Weather Information for Senior Citizens.

Source: AI-found images