Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn's Beijing Visit Focuses on Cultural Heritage and Hong Kong-Mainland Cooperation

SDEV continues visit to Beijing

The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, continued her visit to Beijing today (July 24).

Accompanied by the Director of Art Exhibitions China, Mr Tan Ping, Ms Linn first visited the Department of Conservation and Restoration of the Palace Museum to learn about the conservation and restoration work of various types of cultural relics, including calligraphy and paintings, woodenware, lacquerware, clocks and watches, in particular the modern technology and craftsmanship involved. She then had lunch with Deputy Administrator of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, Mr Sun Deli, where they exchanged views on the co-operation in conservation and promotion of cultural relics between the Mainland and Hong Kong. She also visited the Capital Museum to gain insights into the rich history of Beijing's urban development.

In the afternoon, Ms Linn held a working meeting with Deputy Director-General of the Bureau of International Cooperation of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, Mr Xie Hui, to update him on the latest development of the Northern Metropolis, including the Hong Kong Special Administrative RegionR Government's work on land planning and develpment, infrastructure, market participation and industry introduction. Ms Linn said that the Northern Metropolis will become the new engine for Hong Kong's economic development and a new platform for co-operation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). From the development to the operation stage, the Northern Metropolis will provide numerous quality investment opportunities for Mainland enterprises, including state-owned enterprises. Mainland enterprises are welcome to invest in the Northern Metropolis, so as to promote the economic co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong as well as the development of the region.

Afterwards, Ms Linn called on the Ministry of Water Resources to exchange views with Vice Minister of the Ministry of Water Resources, Mr Liu Dongshun, on topics of water management and co-operation between Hong Kong and the Mainland, as well as the comprehensive water resources management, flood prevention and emergency response. This year marks the 60th anniversary of Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong, Ms Linn expressed her gratitude to the country for providing reliable and stable supply of Dongjiang water to Hong Kong in the past 60 years, supporting the sustainable economic development of Hong Kong and providing the citizens with a better living environment. Looking ahead, the Development Bureau and the Ministry of Water Resources will, through a solid exchange and co-operation mechanism, enhance the extent, quality and effectiveness of water-related collaboration between both parties with a view to jointly support and safeguard water resources to contribute to the high-quality development of Hong Kong as well as the GBA.

Ms Linn will continue the final day of her visit to Beijing tomorrow (July 25).

SDEV continues visit to Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SDEV continues visit to Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SDEV continues visit to Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SDEV continues visit to Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SDEV continues visit to Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by SITI at 2026 WAIC UP! Global Summit

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the 2026 WAIC UP! Global Summit today (January 16):

Professor Sun Dong, Photo by Bastille Post

Ms Qiu (Vice President of DLG Exhibitions & Events Co Ltd, Ms Qiu Haoming), Hendrick (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's Deputy to the 14th National People's Congress, Mr Hendrick Sin), Terry (Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Mr Terry Wong), Duncan (Member of the Legislative Council, Mr Duncan Chiu), Alex (President of the Hong Kong Information Technology Federation, Dr Alex Chung), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. I am delighted to join you at the 2026 WAIC UP! Global Summit.Today's theme, "Wake Up More!", is a call not only for any single company, city, or country but also a timely reminder for all of us to embrace a new era of intelligence, possibility, and shared responsibility.

A big thank you to the organiser for choosing Hong Kong as a destination for this remarkable Summit. This is another testament to Hong Kong's unique position as a "super connector" and a "super value-adder" that thrives on global connection and creativity. We are delighted to see that world-class academics, industry experts and leading entrepreneurs from around the world gather here today to explore the future of AI and the opportunities it brings to us.

AI has become a core engine driving global technological and economic progress, and all economies recognise its strategic importance.Under the unique advantages of "one country, two systems", Hong Kong is also seizing this AI moment.With a focus on "strengthening infrastructure and promoting the application-oriented approach", Hong Kong is steadily advancing a series of AI initiatives.

In terms of R&D (research and development), the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government is working to establish the Hong Kong AI Research and Development Institute within this year, which is a new engine for discovery, translation, and real-world impact.Through our AIR@InnoHK research cluster, we have funded the establishment of 16 R&D laboratories focusing on AI and robotics technologies.Notably, the "HKChat" AI chatbot developed by the Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center has already launched its public version.

Hong Kong's total computing power has now reached 5 000 PFLOPS, with the Cyberport AI Supercomputing Centre contributing 3 000 PFLOPS. This centre is a critical hub that supports Hong Kong's AI development, and its capacity will continue to expand to meet growing demand. The upcoming data facility cluster at Sandy Ridge in North District will further provide advanced computing power facilities, promoting the development of data and AI-related industries in Hong Kong.

And at the heart of all progress is talent. We recognise that people, not algorithms, will shape the future of AI. Our strategy is simple yet powerful: "Promote technology with talent, lead industries with technology, and attract talent with industries". To this end, we have included in the Talent List a number of professions in the I&T (innovation and technology) segment, including experienced AI Specialists, to facilitate global experts, like all of you here, in developing your careers in Hong Kong.

Looking ahead, the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to foster strong collaboration among the Government and the industry, academia, research and investment sectors. The future of AI cannot be built by anyone or any place alone. It requires a global community that is awake, aware, and aligned.I am confident that this Summit will spark new ideas and inspire us to wake up more for high-quality AI development.

I wish the Summit great success. Thank you.

The 2026 WAIC UP! Global Summit, Photo by Bastille Post