Speech by SITI at "Session 1: Facilitating Digital and AI Innovation to Address Challenges" of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting in Incheon, Korea
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at "Session 1: Facilitating Digital and AI Innovation to Address Challenges" of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting in Incheon, Korea, today (August 4):
Good morning, chair and distinguished fellow colleagues.
On behalf of Hong Kong, China, I would like to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to Korea for the warm hospitality and impeccable arrangements for this meeting. It is an honour to stand among leaders who share a common vision - harnessing digital and AI innovation to address the profound socio-economic challenges across the Asia-Pacific region with precision, impact and inclusivity.
AI is not just the future. It is the here and now. Among the emerging technologies reshaping our world, AI stands out as the defining force of our time. The numbers speak for themselves. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, AI is projected to become a US$4.8 trillion global market by 2033. This is not just an opportunity but a call to action. In Hong Kong, China, AI is at the forefront of our strategic agenda, as set out in the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint. The blueprint underscores our commitment to turning ambition into action by advancing infrastructure, fostering cutting-edge research, and supporting enterprise innovation, thereby harnessing the power of AI to drive economic transformation, strengthen our tech-powered economy, and secure a sustainable future.
To realise this vision, Hong Kong, China has made meticulous preparations to build the infrastructure and ecosystems needed to thrive in this AI-driven era. Among them, Cyberport, one of our major tech flagships, has set up an AI Supercomputing Centre to support the growing local demand for high performance computing power. We have also established two research clusters under our InnoHK platform, one of which focuses on AI and robotics technologies and houses the Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center (HKGAI), which developed Hong Kong's first large language foundation model.
Here is what is more exciting. The HKGAI is set to launch the "HKChat", an AI-powered chatbot mobile app powered by our homegrown large language foundation model, bringing the benefits of AI directly to the public this year. Alongside setting up the Hong Kong AI R&D (research and development) Institute, we are doubling down on the R&D and industrial applications of AI.
But we are not stopping there. Digital transformation is equally central to Hong Kong, China's strategy for public service excellence, economic upgrading and transformation. Our "iAM Smart" one-stop personalised digital services platform has already transformed how our people access government and commercial online services, providing a seamless, secure and efficient experience. By 2025, it will be the single portal for all online government services. And by the end of 2026, we will have rolled out the "Digital Corporate Identity" platform, which is set to be a game changer for businesses by enabling secure, convenient and frictionless transactions. We are confident that these advanced digital infrastructures will accelerate the development of the digital economy in Hong Kong, China, delivering greater benefits to our people and businesses.
The promise of digital and AI innovation demands collaboration. Hong Kong, China stands ready to play a more constructive role in advancing this collective vision, advocating for the safe and responsible adoption of AI, ICT (information and communications technology) and digital technologies. By working together, we can boost productivity and efficiency, strengthen resilience, and foster innovation across the region. Let us seize this moment to drive inclusive growth, deepen regional ties, and secure a prosperous and sustainable future for every citizen in the Asia-Pacific region.
Thank you.
Source: AI-found images
Seven persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operation
The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted an anti-illegal worker operation codenamed "Contribute" today (January 15).During the operation, ImmD Task Force officers raided premises under renovation in a newly built public housing estate in Sheung Shui district.A total of six suspected illegal workers and one suspected employer were arrested. Thearrested suspected illegal workers comprise six men, aged 22 to 41. Furthermore, one man, aged 45, suspected of employing the illegal workers, was also arrested. An investigation into the suspected employers is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.
Apart from mounting the enforcement operation, ImmD officers and a promotional vehicle have been deployed to distribute "Don't Employ Illegal Workers" leaflets and convey the message in the estate.
An ImmD spokesman said, "Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years' imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties."
The spokesman stressed that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years' imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years' imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee's identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker's valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.
Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) and/or forced labour victims. When any TIP and/or forced labour indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP and/or forced labour elements. Identified TIP and/or forced labour victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP and/or forced labour victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.
For reporting illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 3861 5000, by fax at 2824 1166, email to anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit "Online Reporting of Immigration Offences" form at www.immd.gov.hk.
Seven persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Seven persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
