6G Global Summit 2025 Kicks Off in Hong Kong, Paving Way for Future Telecommunications Innovation

Speech by SCED at 6G Global Summit 2025

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, at the 6G Global Summit 2025 today (May 8):

Mr Kondo (Secretary General of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity, Mr Masanori Kondo), Mr Macfarlane (Chief Executive Officer of Forum Global, Mr Bruce Macfarlane), distinguished guests, our friends and partners from the global telecommunications community, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It is a great pleasure to welcome you all today at the 6G Global Summit 2025, hosted for the very first time here in the Asia-Pacific region.

The 6G Global Summit

This Summit marks a pivotal moment for the global telecommunications industry. While 5G has been a progressive step in the history of telecommunications development, delivering faster data speeds, lower latency, and wider coverage, the rapid pace of technological advancements compels us to think ahead and look beyond 5G, to prepare for the next transformative leap to 6G.

This is why we are all here today, thinking ahead of what 6G exactly is - the technology and standardisation; what 6G will bring about - the potentials and benefits, and how it will transform or even reform our industry and society; and when will it happen; as well as what we need to prepare for the underlying challenges, such as the sustainability and accessibility of the technology. In the next two days, with hundreds of experts and top industry leaders here, in person and online, I am sure that we would be able to come up with brilliant ideas through fruitful discussions and exchanges in this Summit, which will shape the future of connectivity for the years to come.

Hong Kong, a pioneer in telecommunications technology

Being able to host the 6G Global Summit for the first time ever in Hong Kong not only reflects our city's long-standing stature as a global and regional telecommunications hub, it also underscores our commitment to driving innovation and fostering collaboration in this transformative field. Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to play a leading role in the development of 6G.

Our city's telecommunications market is one of the most advanced and dynamic in the world, with a proven track record of embracing innovation and driving connectivity. Allow me to share some highlights that showcase Hong Kong's readiness to contribute to the global 6G journey. Since the full liberalisation of our telecommunications market in 2003, we have successfully created a level playing field that encourages competition, growth and innovation, enabling our citizens to enjoy a wide range of world-class telecommunications infrastructure and services. Hong Kong has already achieved territory-wide 5G coverage with about 8 million users, representing over 105 per cent of the population last year. Our 5G availability ranks first in the Asia-Pacific region. With our extensive network infrastructure, our fibre-to-the-home or building penetration rate is around 90 per cent, placing us in the top five globally according to a report issued by the Fibre to the Home Council Europe in March 2025. This robust infrastructure serves as a strong foundation for 6G deployment and reflects our ability to support cutting-edge applications and services. We also lead the world in mobile voice affordability, rank second globally in mobile broadband affordability and seventh in fixed broadband affordability, ensuring our telecommunications services are affordable and accessible to all. These achievements are not just about numbers; they also reflect our readiness to embrace the future of telecommunications.

HKSARG's commitment to innovation and 6G development

Notwithstanding the above accomplishments, we will not be complacent or stop there. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSARG) is fully committed to fostering a conducive environment that drives technological advancement and prepares us for the 6G era. In this regard, we are already planning ahead and taking concrete action to embrace 6G development. To name a few, we became the first city in the world to auction radio spectrum in the 6/7 GHz band last November, which is a critical step in preparing for the deployment of 6G mobile communications services, demonstrating our proactive approach to adopt and enable the next-generation technologies.

Our major mobile network operators in Hong Kong have already actively commenced testing and successfully validating 5G-Advanced, commonly known as 5.5G, network in various applications, for example, in large-scale drone shows, world class sport events, etc. Such technology allows us to create a smarter connected network, facilitate businesses in monitoring operations in real-time, share data more efficiently, and analyse collected images and information through advanced platforms.

We also see great potential in developing low-altitude economy, with its wide applicability in different areas and various industries, thereby injecting new impetus into Hong Kong's economy.The success of this initiative requires sound infrastructure, particularly a comprehensive, stable and efficient communications network.As Hong Kong is well covered by 5G network and progressing into 5.5G as mentioned just now, the city is well-positioned to support this development. We are also proactively exploring further facilitation measures from a telecommunications perspective to support the development of low-altitude economy.

Beyond terrestrial networks, we see Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites as a game-changer in telecommunications. With their low latency, high transmission rates and cost efficiency, LEO satellites are transforming industries worldwide. To strengthen Hong Kong's competitiveness in this field, the Government is conducting a study to streamline relevant licensing procedures for LEO satellites, with a view to attracting global operators, talent and investment to establish Hong Kong as a hub for satellite innovation. Recently, we have also seen exciting collaboration between LEO satellite operators and our mobile network operators on satellite-mobile connectivity. This is all happening in Hong Kong, and we welcome our partners from the Mainland and other parts of the world to join us in transforming new telecommunications technology into promising innovative applications that enhance the quality of life, thereby benefitting the general public as a whole.

We will spare no effort in continuing our betterment to create an ideal environment to embrace the 6G era. To turn excellence into perfection, achieving this vision will require collaboration on a global scale. Platforms like the 6G Global Summit are essential for uniting brilliant minds from around the world, fostering innovation, and collectively shaping the future of telecommunications.

Closing remarks

Today's Summit is a testament to the critical role that collaboration plays in driving the future of telecommunications. As we gather here today, let us not forget the importance of collaboration. The development of 6G will require unprecedented partnerships, including governments, industries, academia, and organisations like those present here today must work hand in hand to ensure that 6G networks are inclusive, sustainable and transformative.

Hong Kong is proud to play a pivotal role in this transformative journey. Hosting this inaugural 6G Global Summit in the Asia-Pacific region reflects our city's commitment to innovation and collaboration. It is through gatherings like this that we can spark bold ideas and partnerships to shape the future of connectivity for generations to come.

Today, we are honoured to welcome over 600 guests from around the globe. Your presence is the key to the success of the Summit. I hope you could also take a moment to enjoy what Hong Kong has to offer. Wishing you all a pleasant stay in Hong Kong. Thank you.

Source: AI-generated images

Update on chikungunya fever

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced that, as of 5pm today (January 11), 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 Control dedicated pageof the FEHD.

Source: AI-found images