Speech by SITI at PolyU Academy of Artificial Intelligence Inauguration
Following is a speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the PolyU Academy of Artificial Intelligence (PAAI) Inauguration today (December 10):
Professor Teng (President of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Professor Teng Jin-guang), Professor Yang (Director of PAAI of PolyU, Professor Yang Qiang), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
On this day of the opening of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academy for Artificial Intelligence, I am pleased to witness another accomplishment of the PolyU, one of the city's leading tertiary institutions, in promoting global collaboration and innovation in artificial intelligence (AI).
The country's Recommendations for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan reaffirm Hong Kong's strategic position as the international innovation and technology centre. Our vision to become a global hub for AI development was underscored in the 2025 Policy Address delivered by our Chief Executive, with promotion of AI being top of our agenda, taken forward through multi-pronged measures on key enablers, including talent, data, industry applications, and more.
Talents are vital in driving the growth of AI. Supported by landmark programmes such as the AIR@InnoHK research cluster, Hong Kong has gathered over a thousand AI and robotic experts worldwide. New initiatives like the Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme fortify our talent pool by attracting world-class scholars and scientists to Hong Kong and provide a nurturing and thought-provoking environment to foster technological breakthroughs in frontier fields, including AI and quantum information.
Data is indispensable to AI training and innovation. Secure and trusted flow of data is key. With Hong Kong's unique position under "One Country, Two Systems", we are privileged to leverage our distinct advantages in being a meeting point of voluminous amount of data from different places and use cases.
On this front, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding two years ago in June 2023 with the Cyberspace Administration of China on cross-boundary data flow within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Specific measures were launched to promote the secure and orderly transfer of personal data within the GBA, facilitating more transparent cross-border flow and use of data.
Besides, the Government is exploring with relevant Mainland authorities to establish a mechanism to allow cross-boundary flow of research data from the Mainland to the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, thereby supporting, among others, the development of AI and application of big data.
In parallel, we endeavour to broaden the impact of AI across industries by realising potentials through practical AI applications. Closely following the national strategy of "AI+" unveiled last year, the Government's pursuit of the dual objectives of "industries for AI" and "AI for industries" seeks to embed AI application in both public and private sectors.
Taking on the leading role to implement AI in public services, the Digital Policy Office of the Government is introducing AI solutions in areas such as data analytics, customer service and document processing, ensuring that applications are both extensive and secure. Where strong business cases exist, government departments are also encouraged to develop their own tailored AI solutions.
On infrastructure, we are also forging ahead to set up the Hong Kong AI Research and Development Institute (AIRDI) next year. With the mission to link up the academia, industry and government on AI innovation and skill development, the AIRDI will encourage research and breakthroughs in the field of AI, take forward the transformation of research and development outcomes, and enrich application scenarios. I am also happy to share with all of you that a site at Sandy Ridge of Northern Metropolis has also been put to tender in the market for the development of a data facility cluster. We hope this will further strengthen Hong Kong's position as a regional digital infrastructure hub, and advance the development of a digital economy and smart city initiatives.
With AI influencing every segment of our society, the inauguration of the PolyU Academy for AI marks not just a milestone, but a new chapter in our city's united efforts to expedite the AI development. I am confident that this Academy could inspire ideas, foster collaboration and fuel Hong Kong's AI ecosystem. Thank you.
Speech by SITI at PolyU Academy of Artificial Intelligence Inauguration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Recruitment under Member Self-recommendation Scheme for Youth Phase 9 starts today
The Government today (December 10) started recruitment under the Member Self-recommendation Scheme for Youth (MSSY) Phase 9. The application period will close on January 8, 2026.
A spokesman for the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) said, "The MSSY is one of the key initiatives for youth development as set out in the Chief Executive's 2022 Policy Address and the Youth Development Blueprint. To engage more young people in public affairs and enhance their interaction with and trust in the Government, action has been taken to expand the MSSY, with a view to increasing the number of participating advisory committees from around 60 in 2022 to no less than 180 within the current term of the Government. At present, about 650 posts are held by young people who have been appointed to various advisory and statutory bodies of the Government, directly or indirectly, through the MSSY. The overall ratio of youth members in these bodies has increased from 7.8 per cent in end-2017 to 15.5 per cent in end-2024."
The MSSY has received an enthusiastic response since its launch. From the Pilot Scheme to Phase 8 of the MSSY, a total of about 14 000 applications have been received so far. The list of appointees has been uploaded to thewebsiteof the HYAB.
The MSSY Phase 9 is now open for application. The participating committees for the MSSY Phase 9 are as follows:
Sir David Trench Fund Committee
Standing Committee on Language Education and Research
Electrical Safety Advisory Committee
Food Wise Hong Kong Steering Committee
Coordinating Committee on Basic Competency Assessment and Assessment Literacy
Task Force on Promoting Web3 Development
Committee on Consumer Protection Policy, Trade Practices and Redress under the Consumer Council
Committee on Sustainability, Public Affairs and Education under the Consumer Council
Hong Kong Paralympians Fund Management Committee
Publicity and Promotion Committee under the Award Council of the Hong Kong Award for Young People
Working Group on Elder Abuse
Working Group on Publicity under Finance and Strategic Development Committee of Property Management Services Authority
Commission on Children
Green Tech Fund Assessment Committee
Committee on Community Support for Rehabilitated Offenders
Community Investment and Inclusion Fund Committee
Transport Advisory Committee
Transport Tribunals' Panel
Licensing Committee of the Estate Agents Authority
Professional Development Committee of the Estate Agents Authority
Practice and Examination Committee of the Estate Agents Authority
Disciplinary Committee of the Estate Agents Authority
Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education
Lantau Development Advisory Committee
Appeal Panel (Housing)
Vetting Committee of the Trade and Industrial Organisation Support Fund
Immigration Department Users'Committee
General Support Programme Vetting Committee
"There are 28 participating committees in Phase 9, covering a wider spectrum of policy areas. We encourage young people aged between 18 and 35 on January 8, 2026, i.e. the date of the application deadline, and with a commitment to serving the community to apply for the MSSY Phase 9," the spokesman continued.
The HYAB is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the MSSY. Assessment Panels (APs) will be formed under the 28 participating committees to handle the applications and conduct interviews. Each AP will comprise the respective official and/or non-official member(s) and representative(s) from the responsible bureaux/departments.
The APs will consider whether the applicant has a strong commitment to serving the community, a good understanding of the policy area concerned, and good analytical and communication skills. Following the principle of meritocracy, the Government aims to, through the MSSY, recruit young people who have the commitment to serving the community and the ability to contribute to the committees concerned, for recommending to the relevant B/Ds for consideration of appointment. In general, each participating committee will offer two seats for appointment. Subject to the actual number of applications received and assessment progress, assessment is expected to be completed around the third quarter of 2026.
The application form and other details of the MSSY Phase 9 are available on the website of the HYAB (www.hyab.gov.hk). When completing the application form, applicants are required to write no more than 600 words or provide avideo or audio clip of no longer than three minutes to account for, in either Chinese or English, their suitability for being appointed as a member of the selected committee(s).Applications may be submitted through the online application system, by post or by hand.
Source: AI-found images
