International Summit Explores Low-Altitude Economy Development and Collaboration in Hong Kong

2025-10-09 17:45 Last Updated At：18:33

International Low-Altitude Economy Summit convenes global experts to explore new opportunities in low-altitude economy

The International Low-Altitude Economy Summit, organised by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and co-organised by the Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Greater Bay Area Low Altitude Economy Alliance, was held today (October 9). The Summit brought together over 1 000 government representatives, industry leaders, academic experts and members of international organisations from places including Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Europe and Singapore to explore the development prospects, policy frameworks and technological innovations of the low-altitude economy (LAE), fostering regional and international collaboration. A number of staff and students from PolyU also joined the Summit.

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International Low-Altitude Economy Summit convenes global experts to explore new opportunities in low-altitude economy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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International Low-Altitude Economy Summit convenes global experts to explore new opportunities in low-altitude economy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Summit featured a kick-off ceremony, keynote speeches, fireside chats, an innovation showcase and multiple parallel sessions, with an aim to establish a cross-disciplinary and cross-regional exchange platform to promote collaboration among government, industry, academia and research sectors, injecting new impetus into the LAE development in Hong Kong, the region and the world.

Officiating at the kick-off ceremony, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, said that the Government is rapidly advancing the development of the LAE. Of the first batch of 38 Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects, 17 have already commenced and another 11 are expected to be launched by the end of this month. On the legislative front, the first phase of amendments has been completed, covering drones weighing 25 to 150 kilograms and allowing unconventional aircraft to conduct trials under specific conditions. Mr Wong mentioned that the Government will soon roll out advanced "Regulatory Sandbox X" pilot projects, which will encompass more complex application scenarios such as cross-boundary routes and passenger-carrying low-altitude aircraft. He expressed his sincere gratitude to PolyU for hosting the Summit, establishing the Research Centre for the LAE and launching a related master degree programme to nurture talent.

Subsequently, the Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Kevin Choi, moderated a fireside chat on Policy Dialogue on the LAE. He engaged in in-depth discussions from an international perspective with top experts from the Guangzhou Municipal Development and Reform Commission, the Thales Group, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore on four key areas, namely top-level planning, technological empowerment, regulatory safeguards and regional co-ordination. Mr Choi shared his experiences from years ago in promoting the new Air Traffic Management System and planning the operation of the Three-Runway System at Hong Kong International Airport in an orderly manner. He led the experts to focus on discussing how Hong Kong can currently, and in the future, participate in and advance the national LAE development blueprint, transforming enormous LAE potential into tangible economic value, advancing global standard harmonisation and strengthening regional and international co-operation, with an aim to providing a stable and forward-looking policy environment for industry growth.

In the afternoon, Co-Head of the Project Facilitation Task Force under the Working Group and Deputy Director of Civil Aviation Mr Dominic Chow hosted a roundtable discussion at a parallel session on Policy and Regulation. He discussed the collaboration and standard-setting for the LAE in the Greater Bay Area with political and business leaders from Zhuhai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou Nansha and Hong Kong. The discussion also explored Hong Kong's connectivity to promote the prospects for Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises to expand into the Asia-Pacific region and international markets.

The Summit was held in support of the directives on promoting the LAE outlined in "The Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address", fostering research and development and its applications, as well as reviewing talent development strategies. The Government will continue to support the industry and universities in organising more training and flagship events to showcase business opportunities and innovation achievements of the LAE, and jointly building an innovative, efficient and safe LAE ecosystem, propelling Hong Kong as an Asia-Pacific hub for innovative low-altitude applications.

Hong Kong Celebrates Shenzhou-23 Launch and Local Astronaut's Historic Achievement in Manned Spaceflight.

ExCo Non-official Members congratulate successful launch of manned Shenzhou-23 spacecraft

The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:

Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo) today (May 24) warmly congratulate the successful launch of the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship. They extend their highest respect to all crew members, including Dr Lai Ka-ying, the first payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The Convenor of ExCo Non-official Members, Mrs Regina Ip, said, "This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. This mission is the first manned spaceflight during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and the first time a Hong Kong expert has participated, which is a truly momentous occasion. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent with this invaluable opportunity to take part in the country's aerospace endeavours. Dr Lai has successfully undergone the rigorous selection and training process to become one of the country's fourth batch of astronauts, and China's fourth female astronaut to reach space, contributing Hong Kong's strength to the national aerospace endeavours. She has exemplified the Lion Rock spirit of rising to challenges with resilience and perseverance. Her courage and determination are truly admirable, and all Hong Kong citizens are immensely inspired and proud of her. The understanding and support of her family are also essential for her to participate in this mission with resolution. I am deeply grateful for their support and commitment.

"The HKSAR Government is actively developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre and supporting promising research projects through various funding schemes. As an example, the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO) camera, developed under a project led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and funded by the Government's Innovation and Technology Support Programme Special Call on Aerospace Technology, has successfully arrived at China's Tiangong Space Station, becoming Hong Kong's first scientific payload aboard the station. This fully demonstrates Hong Kong's innovation and technology edge and talent advantages."

Non-official Members of the Executive Council expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the country for its high recognition of Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent, development and achievements, as well as its profound emphasis, care and support for Hong Kong's scientific and technological development. They firmly believe that the HKSAR Government will seize this historic moment to nurture more outstanding innovation and technology talent for the country and Hong Kong, and better integrate into and serve the country's overall development.

International Summit Explores Low-Altitude Economy Development and Collaboration in Hong Kong

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