New HKIMR Report Explores Long-Term Investing Opportunities in Hong Kong's Digital Economy.

Report on "Long-term Investing in Hong Kong: Developments and Opportunities in a Digital Economy"

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Institute for Monetary and Financial Research (HKIMR), the research arm of the Hong Kong Academy of Finance (AoF), today (September 22) released a new Applied Research report, titled "Long-term Investing in Hong Kong: Developments and Opportunities in a Digital Economy".

The report, building upon the HKIMR's prior research on demographic changes and long-term asset markets, provides a comprehensive and updated analysis of Hong Kong's long-term investing landscape and opportunities within the context of an evolving digital economy. The report covers two surveys that were commissioned by the HKIMR. The first survey, carried out in collaboration with the Investor and Financial Education Council, explored Hong Kong residents' long-term investment decisions. The second survey, administered in collaboration with a consulting firm, focused on local market participants to gain insight into their perspectives on product development, distribution strategies, and the adoption of technology.

The study highlights that while Hong Kong residents exhibit a strong foundation for basic financial knowledge, there is a need for greater awareness of specific financial products, particularly those related to long-term investing and financial planning. As for products, Hong Kong already possesses a diverse suite of globally competitive accumulation products. However, 67 per cent of the surveyed market participants saw the crucial need to increase the supply of decumulation product options to accommodate their customers' demand for long-term financial planning.

The study also reflects that digital adoption among both survey groups is high. In the study, 72 per cent of surveyed residents reported using digital financial services in the past year, and about 70 per cent of the surveyed market participants reported they are currently adopting or plan to adopt mobile and web platforms to distribute long-term financial products. Based on these survey findings, the study suggests some considerations to foster a healthy long-term investment ecosystem in Hong Kong. Among those, embracing frontier technologies is key to drive innovative product and services, increase cost efficiency, and further enhance product distribution to support more effective long-term investing and financial planning.

"The trend of population ageing continues, making it imperative to prioritise long-term investing. The insights of this report can be helpful for market participants as they navigate existing challenges and foster business opportunities that contribute to developing a more comprehensive and healthy long-term investment ecosystem in Hong Kong," said the Chief Executive Officer of the AoF and Executive Director of the HKIMR, Mr Enoch Fung.

The report is available on the AoF/HKIMR website.

About the AoF

The AoF is set up with full collaboration amongst the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Securities and Futures Commission, the Insurance Authority and the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority. By bringing together the strengths of the industry, the regulatory community, professional bodies and the academia, it aims to serve as (i) a centre of excellence for developing financial leadership; and (ii) a repository of knowledge in monetary and financial research, including applied research.

About the HKIMR

The HKIMR is the research arm of the AoF. Its main remit is to conduct research in the fields of monetary policy, banking and finance that are of strategic importance to Hong Kong and the Asia region. The Applied Research studies undertaken by the HKIMR are on topics that are highly relevant to the financial industry and regulators in Hong Kong, and they aim to provide insights on the long-term development strategy and direction of Hong Kong's financial industry.

Source: AI-found images

Report on "Long-term Investing in Hong Kong: Developments and Opportunities in a Digital Economy" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Source: AI-found images

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