Speech by SITI at Hong Kong Laureate Forum 2025 Gala Dinner
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Hong Kong Laureate Forum 2025 Gala Dinner today (November 8):
Professor Tong (Chairman of the Council of the Hong Kong Laureate Forum, Professor Timothy Tong), Dr Lam (Vice Chairman of Henderson Land Group and Director of Lee Shau Kee Foundation, Dr Colin Lam), esteemed Shaw Laureates, distinguished guests, young scientists, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. It is a profound honour to join you tonight at the Gala Dinner of the Hong Kong Laureate Forum 2025.
Over the past four days, we have witnessed a remarkable convergence of minds. The Hong Kong Laureate Forum has brought together brilliant Shaw Laureates and promising young scientists to share valuable insights in science and innovation.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Council of the Hong Kong Laureate Forum, the Lee Shau Kee Foundation, and the Shaw Prize Foundation for their unwavering support and hard work. Their vision and dedication continue to inspire a global community committed to scientific research and breakthroughs. It is through gatherings like this that we plant the seeds of discovery which will shape the next generation and bring benefits to humankind.
Hong Kong is proud to host this Forum, and proud to be a place where ideas take root and innovation flourishes. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has placed innovation and technology (I&T) at the core of our development strategy. We spare no effort to build a vibrant and sustainable I&T ecosystem that supports the chain of innovation - from fundamental research to industrial application.
Just a few days ago, the International Institute for Management Development released its World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2025, placing Hong Kong fourth globally. This marks a steady ascent: three places higher than last year and another three from the year before. We are also excited to have five local universities ranked among the top 10 in the QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) University Rankings for Asia 2026 announced in the same week. These achievements reaffirm Hong Kong as a global hub for scientific excellence and world class talent.
But we won't stop here. With the opening of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park later this year, alongside new I&T land in San Tin Technopole and Sandy Ridge situated in the Northern Metropolis, Hong Kong offers not just supportive policies and infrastructure, but abundant opportunities for I&T talent and enterprises. As a "super connector" and a "super value-adder", Hong Kong is an ideal partner for global I&T collaboration and business explorations.
To our esteemed Shaw Laureates: your accomplishments are a testament to the spirit of perseverance and adventurousness. As the saying goes, "one minute on the stage takes ten years of practices off the stage (台上一分鐘，台下十年功)". Behind every breakthrough lies decades of tireless quest for knowledge, unwavering determination, and steadfast belief in the power of science. We honour not only your achievements, but also the journey that made them possible.
While the four-day programme of the Hong Kong Laureate Forum officially concludes tonight, the pursuit of scientific excellence continues. As we close this remarkable chapter, let us carry forward the spirit of the Forum to continue the dialogue, deepen the partnerships, and expand the horizons of possibility.
And finally, a warm reminder to every eligible voter in Hong Kong: please cast your vote on December 7 at the Legislative Council Election to make your voice heard!
Congratulations again on the resounding success of the Hong Kong Laureate Forum 2025. I wish you all a pleasant evening. Thank you.
Speech by SITI at Hong Kong Laureate Forum 2025 Gala Dinner Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CE: Government to drive reform with new-term LegCo as election successfully concludes
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, made the following statement today (December 8) after the announcement of the results of the eighth Legislative Council (LegCo) General Election:
The eighth LegCo General Election has successfully concluded, with the election results for all 90 seats announced. On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, I would like to extend my congratulations to all LegCo Members successfully returned. I also thank the 161 candidates from different sectors, professions and backgrounds, as well as all sectors of the community, for their active participation.
The smooth and successful conduct of the election at a time when the Hong Kong community is collectively facing a difficult period carries profound significance. It demonstrates electors' support for the Government's commitment to recovery and reform following the tragedy, and for electing capable and committed LegCo Members to drive institutional reform. It showcases the spirit of unity, mutual care and support among the people of Hong Kong.
The successful conclusion of the LegCo General Election as scheduled reflects our adherence to and respect for the constitutional order and the rule of law. The election was the second LegCo General Election held after the implementation of the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" and the improved electoral system. Candidates actively participated in 39 open election forums, engaging in a high-quality, high-standard and healthy competition based on the principle of broad representation, balanced participation and fair competition.
I thank every one of the electors who have cast their vote for actively exercising their civic rights and responsibilities. Their passion for the election at this crucial time of recovery showed their unity in the face of challenges. They have elected an eighth-term LegCo composed of patriots who love Hong Kong and possess both integrity and capability, who will work with the Government in building a better Hong Kong - a home for us all.
To facilitate electors, the Government introduced a number of pioneering arrangements in this election, including extending polling hours by two hours to 16 hours, setting up Designated Polling Stations and Outreach Polling Stations for the convenience of various groups, and establishing Near Boundary Polling Stations to facilitate electors travelling to and from the Mainland and overseas. The overall polling process was smooth. The Government will review the experience to further enhance the procedures. I thank the Electoral Affairs Commission for its comprehensive and meticulous preparations, and the participation and efforts of all staff and volunteers involved in the election. Their work have ensured the election was concluded smoothly in an open, fair, honest, safe and orderly manner.
The community has gone through this difficult period brought by the fire together.I expect the eighth-term LegCo Members to join hands with the HKSAR Government to undertake support and recovery work following the tragedy. Through initiating debates, promoting the review and updating of legislation, and driving systemic reforms, we will make Hong Kong a safer city where citizens could live with greater peace of mind.
Under the executive-led system and the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong", the executive and the legislature will further engage in constructive interaction, complementing each other with due checks and balances to open up new ground for Hong Kong through innovation and reform, continuously develop the economy, and enhance people's livelihood. I am confident that the new-term LegCo Members will actively engage with the community and various sectors, better understand public opinion, proffer their views and advice, and lead the deepening reforms of Hong Kong together with the HKSAR Government to create a shared future together.
Source: AI-found images
