Masters Games 2025/26 to open for enrolment soon
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will hold the Masters Games 2025/26 to encourage members of the public aged 35 or above to join competitions with peers and enjoy the fun of sports. Enrolment for different events will open from mid-October in stages.
Held biennially, the upcoming Masters Games will be held from January to June next year. A total of six competition events will include badminton, distance run, swimming, table tennis, tennis and Tai Chi. Medals will be awarded to the champion, the first runner-up, the second runner-up and the third runner-up of each division for each competition event.
Enrolment dates and the competition schedule are as follows:
Events |
Dates of making e-application |
Competition schedule |
Table tennis |
October 15 to 21, 2025 |
January 10 to February 8, 2026 |
Distance run |
November 15 to 21, 2025 |
February 8, 2026 |
Tai Chi |
December 15 to 21, 2025 |
March 15 and 22, 2026 |
Tennis |
January 15 to 21, 2026 |
April 10 to June 28, 2026 |
Badminton |
January 22 to 28, 2026 |
April 25 to May 10, 2026 |
Swimming |
March 12 to 18, 2026 |
June 14, 2026 |
Interested persons should make e-applications for balloting through SmartPLAY. Any remaining quotas after balloting will be released for fresh applications in the open enrolment period on a first-come, first-served basis. Details are available on the dedicated website www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/mg.
The enrolment fees for individual and team events are $20 and $60 respectively. Participants aged 60 or above, full-time students or persons with disabilities are eligible for a 50 per cent concessionary rate. For enquiries, please call 2601 7673.
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
