6G Global Summit Kicks Off in Hong Kong, Uniting Leaders to Shape Future of Mobile Technology

Hong Kong hosts first 6G Global Summit in Asia-Pacific region to explore future of next-generation communications

The two-day 6G Global Summit, held for the first time in the Asia-Pacific region, opened today (May 8) in Hong Kong, bringing together top-level industry and policy representatives from around the world to explore the potential of the sixth-generation (6G) mobile communications technology in shaping a better future.

With the support of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Communications Authority (CA), which is the statutory regulator for the telecommunications industry, is hosting the Summit in a hybrid format today and tomorrow (May 9). The prominent international conference attracted over 600 participants from more than 80 countries, including high-level representatives from policymakers, regulatory bodies, international organisations, telecommunications operators and corporations, as well as industry experts and scholars.

In his keynote speech at the Summit, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, said that Hong Kong's hosting of the Summit not only reflects the city's long-standing stature as a global and regional telecommunications hub, but also underscores the Government's commitment to driving innovation and fostering collaboration in this transformative field.

Mr Yau highlighted Hong Kong's highly acclaimed position in leading the development of 6G, with the city's telecommunications market being one of the most advanced and dynamic in the world and having a proven track record of embracing innovation and driving connectivity. He also shared with the audience Hong Kong's various achievements in telecommunications, which showcase the city's readiness to embrace the future of telecommunications.

Mr Yau stressed that the Government is fully committed to fostering a conducive environment that drives technological advancement and prepares Hong Kong for the 6G era. These include releasing suitable spectrum through auctions to support the development of advanced mobile communication services, exploring further facilitation measures from telecommunications perspectives to support the development of the low-altitude economy, and conducting a review on streamlining the licensing procedures of Low Earth Orbit satellites to enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness in satellite development.

Addressing the opening ceremony this morning, the Director-General of Communications, Mr Chaucer Leung, said that the first set of technical standards for 6G is expected to be finalised in 2029 so that commercial service can be introduced in 2030, adding that the Summit serves as an opportunity for the participants to delve into various key aspects of 6G and have better preparation for it.

Delivering his keynote speech in the afternoon session, the Chairman of the CA, Mr Jenkin Suen, outlined the roles and functions of the CA, and emphasised Hong Kong's unique role as the gateway between Mainland China and the rest of the world. "Being a telecommunications hub in the Asia-Pacific region and a gateway to Mainland China, Hong Kong is an ideal place for exploring, developing and deploying the new generation of mobile technology," Mr Suen said.

Over the two days, the Summit will feature discussions on the key priorities shaping 6G developments, including standardisation, technological innovations, sustainability and potential applications, as well as the strategic role of the Asia-Pacific region and the opportunities presented by a more connected and intelligent global network. In addition to the main programme, the Summit also includes a networking reception hosted by the Communications Association of Hong Kong. Details of the Summit are available at www.global6gsummit.com.

First held as a virtual conference in 2022 by Forum Global, the Summit has entered its fourth edition this year. The previous two editions were held in Bahrain in 2023 and the United Kingdom in 2024.

Hong Kong hosts first 6G Global Summit in Asia-Pacific region to explore future of next-generation communications Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong hosts first 6G Global Summit in Asia-Pacific region to explore future of next-generation communications Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong hosts first 6G Global Summit in Asia-Pacific region to explore future of next-generation communications Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong hosts first 6G Global Summit in Asia-Pacific region to explore future of next-generation communications Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes

Two incoming passengers were sentenced to nine weeks imprisonment and six weeks imprisonment and fined $2,000 respectively by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (March 5) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted a 60-year-old incoming female passenger at Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point (HYWBCP) on January 22 and seized 437 duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of $1,966 and a duty potential of $1,444 from her personal baggage. She was subsequently arrested. She was sentenced to nine weeks' imprisonment and fined $2,000 by the courts today.

In addition, Customs officers intercepted a 63-year-old incoming male passenger at the HYWBCP on January 23 and seized 181 duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of $814 and a duty potential of about $598 from his personal baggage. He was subsequently arrested. He was sentenced to six weeks' imprisonment and fined $2,000 by the courts today.

Customs welcomes the sentences. The custodial sentences have imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.

Under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/en).

Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases