Hong Kong Launches Scheme to Attract Global Researchers and Boost Frontier Technology Research

Appointments to Assessment Panel of Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme

To support the eight universities funded by the University Grants Committee in attracting international top-notch researchers to Hong Kong and procuring facilities to conduct research projects in frontier technology fields, the Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme under the Innovation and Technology Fund was launched in September2025. The Scheme aims to expand Hong Kong's research capacities, promote the integrated development of education, technology and talent, and dovetail with the country's strategic planning for frontier technologies.

The Government will set up an Assessment Panel to consider applications received under the Scheme. The Innovation and Technology Commission today (December 18) announced that the Assessment Panel will be chaired by Dr Chung Shui-ming, with members from academia and representatives of the Government. The appointments will be for a term of two years starting from January 1, 2026. The membership of the Assessment Panel is as follows:

Chairman:

Dr Chung Shui-ming

Non-official Members:

Dr Joe Fang Zhou

Professor Paul Lam Kwan-sing

Professor Timothy Tong Wai-cheung

Professor Yang Guangzhong

Ex-officio Members:

Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry or his/her representative

Commissioner for Innovation and Technology or his/her representative

The National 15th Five-Year Plan indicates clear support for Hong Kong's development into an international innovation and technology centre and sets out key strategies to modernise the industrial system and accelerate the realisation of self-reliance on high-standard technology. The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, expressed hope that the Scheme can attract international top-notch talent to inject greater momentum into basic research in frontier technology fields, aligning with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and establishing Hong Kong as an international hub for high-calibre talent, enabling the city to better integrate into and serve the overall national development.

The first round of applications has ended on November 25,2025. The Innovation and Technology Commission expects that the application results will be announced in the first quarter of 2026. For enquiries, please contact the Secretariat of the Scheme (Tel.: 35435904; e‑mail: ftrss@itc.gov.hk).

Source: AI-found images

Local premiere of film "Pass and Goal" financed by Film Development Fund

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Film Development Council (HKFDC):

The local premiere of the film "Pass and Goal", which has funding support from the Film Production Financing Scheme (Relaxation Plan) (FPRP) under the Film Development Fund (FDF), will be held tomorrow evening (December 19).

"Pass and Goal" is directed by Jill Wong, produced by O Sing-pui and Kinnie Cheung, written by Kwok Yat-choi Ambrose, and starring Gigi Leung, Chan Charm-man Peter, Ling Man-lung and Rachel Leung. The leading character of the story was once a successful businesswoman who lost her fortune due to an investment mishap. She is tasked by a client to form a youth football team comprising children from grassroots families. She hopes to rewrite the children's first half of their lives with her second half. The film will be theatrically released in Hong Kong on December 25.

The film was selected as the closing film of the 22nd Hong Kong Asian Film Festival and the opening film of the Golden Rooster Chinese-Language Film Section of the 38th China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival.

The Film Production Financing Scheme (including the FPRP) has financed over 70 films since its launch in 2007. The Chairman of the HKFDC, Dr Wilfred Wong, said that the film depicts an inspirational story and is the collaboration between a group of young filmmakers and child actors, full of vigour and vitality. The film conveys positive energy and embodies Hong Kong's spirit of fearlessness in the face of adversity and strong teamwork.

​He said, "We will continue to work closely with the Government to support the film industry through the FDF to nurture more film talent and foster the long-term development of the local film industry."

Source: AI-found images