Global University Innovation Network Launched at Hong Kong Techathon+ 10th Anniversary Celebration

Speech by SITI at Inauguration Ceremony of Global University Innovation Network and Grand Kick-off of Hong Kong Techathon+ 10th Anniversary

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Inauguration Ceremony of the Global University Innovation Network (GUIN) and the Grand Kick-off of the Hong Kong Techathon+ 10th Anniversary today (July 11):

Albert (Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Mr Albert Wong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon. It is my great pleasure to join you all today at the Inauguration Ceremony of the Global University Innovation Network (GUIN) and the Grand Kick-off of theHong Kong Techathon+ 10th Anniversary. This event brings together energetic young innovation and technology (I&T) talents at the Hong Kong Science Park, and I am thrilled to be part of it.

This year, we celebrate a remarkable milestone - the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong Techathon+. Over the past decade, this platform has transformed into a vibrant and dynamic launch pad for young innovators and entrepreneurs. Since its inception in 2015 as a collaboration between Hong Kong Science Park and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Techathon+ has gathered thousands of young talents to transform bold and creative ideas into potential start-ups. Today, we are proud to see the initiative expanded to include 15 higher education institutions in Hong Kong, along with over 30 partnering institutions and organisations from across the Mainland, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia and the United States. Notable global partners like Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford and NUS (National University of Singapore), have lent their strength to this journey, making Techathon+ not just local, but a truly international event.

Over the years, Hong Kong Techathon+ has welcomed over 7 000 participants and 2 000 start-up projects. It is inspiring to see that some alumni have achieved remarkable success, including recognition in Forbes Asia's 30 Under 30 list. We are excited to have many of them back to celebrate this milestone with us.

Riding on the success of Techathon+, Hong Kong Science Park, together with the 15 local co-organising institutions, has initiated the GUIN to promote Hong Kong's leading position as a hub of research and academic excellence. This powerful network connects local and international universities, fostering multilateral collaborations in talent nurturing, start-up incubation and research translation. It also aligns with the Government's vision to create a vibrant I&T ecosystem and enlarge the I&T talent pool.

Hong Kong enjoys a unique advantage of having strong support from the motherland and a close connection with the world, converging global innovation resources, including high-calibre talents. The Government is committed to developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre. Notable progress has been made. Over the past two years, for example, we have attracted over 200 I&T enterprises with high potential and representativeness to set up or expand their businesses here. To all the young talents present today, I encourage you to seize this opportunity to collaborate, innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible.

In closing, I wish Hong Kong Techathon+ 2026 a resounding success. I look forward to seeing your innovative ideas take flight. Thank you very much.

Speech by SITI at Inauguration Ceremony of Global University Innovation Network and Grand Kick-off of Hong Kong Techathon+ 10th Anniversary Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Online public voting begins for EDB's Parent-Child FUNtastic Free Verse Challenge

Online public voting for the Family Resilience Series: Parent-Child FUNtastic Free Verse Challenge under the Positive Parent Campaign organised by the Education Bureau (EDB) commences today (January 5) and runs until 3pm on January 19. Parents, students, teachers and members of the public are invited to participate actively in voting for The Most Liked Award across each group.

A spokesman for the EDB said, "The competition has received an enthusiastic response, with over 1 200 entries submitted across four groups: kindergarten, primary, secondary and open groups. Participants conveyed messages about actively facing life's challenges, building resilience, and promoting mental well-being in different ways. To encourage public participation and enhance the interactivity of the competition, the EDB has established The Most Liked Award in each group. Members of the public may vote for their favourite entry in each group through the activity website (www.parent.edu.hk/en/smart-parent-net/topics/article/ppc-competition2025) from the 20 outstanding entries selected by the adjudicators. The entry receiving the most 'likes' in each group will be awarded The Most Liked Award. The result and awards will be announced and presented at the Parent-Child FUNtastic Free Verse Challenge Final cum Prize Presentation Ceremony on January 24."

The EDB aims to enhance the understanding of the Positive Parent Campaign among students, parents, and the public through activities under the Family Resilience Series, and to work with parents and schools to create an environment conducive to the healthy development of students through promoting the 4Rs Mental Health Charter.

The EDB has been running the Positive Parent Campaign since June 2020. For updates, please visit the Smart Parent Net website (www.parent.edu.hk/en).

Photo source: parent.edu.hk