Hong Kong's Commitment to Innovation Highlighted at Nobel Heroes Forum

Speech by CS at Nobel Heroes Forum: Shaping Science and Future (with photos/video)

Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the Nobel Heroes Forum: Shaping Science and Future today (January 12):

Dr Wong (Chairman of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) Council, Dr Peter Wong), Professor Zhang (President and Vice-Chancellor of the HKU, Professor Zhang Xiang), Mr Turner (Executive Director of Foundation Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, Mr Nikolaus Turner), distinguished Nobel Laureates, esteemed scientists,ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you today for the Nobel Heroes Forum: Shaping Science and Future.

To our Nobel Laureates – we are truly privileged to have you with us. You represent the very best of human curiosity and perseverance. Your ground-breaking work expands our understanding of the universe, lights the path for future discovery, and inspires generations. Thank you for joining this extraordinary gathering.

And to all our distinguished guests from around the world – a very warm welcome to Hong Kong.

Today's dialogue is more than an academic event. It is a powerful convergence of the world's finest scientific minds, right here in a city that is determined to play its part in global innovation.

Hong Kong's mission is clear and unwavering: to become a premier international innovation and technology centre. A hub where top scientists, scholars and entrepreneurs can thrive, collaborate and serve the world.

To achieve this, the Government is fully committed. We are building a world-class ecosystem and nurturing the talent to power it.

First, we are building the infrastructure for greatness.

We have established a strategic I&T framework centred on three major I&T (innovation and technology) parks and five key research and development institutions.

Building on the success of the Science Park and Cyberport, we officially launched the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone last month.

The Hetao Co-operation Zone is a major co-operation platform in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area under the National 14th Five-Year Plan. The Hong Kong Park is envisioned as a world-class hub for technological innovation, connecting the Chinese Mainland with the international community, and serving as an important source for fostering new quality productive forces.

Together with our five key R&D (research and development) institutions focus on frontier technologies, these developments will create more favourable conditions for Hong Kong to attract global I&T resources and talent.

Second, we are investing decisively.

We back our words with resources. We have launched significant funding schemes across the entire innovation chain.

To support excellent and impactful research, the Research Grants Council (RGC) under the University Grants Committee administers more than 20 competitive research grant and fellowship schemes.

Furthermore, last year we launched the 3 billion HK dollars Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme to empower ground-breaking basic research led by world-class researchers and academics.

To accelerate the midstream and downstream development, we rolled out three separate 10 billion HK dollars initiatives to drive the commercialisation of R&D outcomes and new industrialisation.

Third, and most crucially, we are nurturing and attracting top talent.

Talent is our ultimate driving force. We are expanding our talent pool through multiple strategies.

On nurturing young research talent, the Government has launched the Young Collaborative Research Grant to support early-stage researchers in leading and managing collaborative research. We are also actively fostering research collaboration between Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and overseas research funding agencies through operating various Joint Research Schemes. These partnerships not only foster academic exchange but also provide opportunities to nurture researchers in exploring new frontiers in their respective fields.

On attracting global talent, the RGC Junior Research Fellow Scheme has supported some 300 doctoral graduates from Hong Kong and around the world to pursue research careers at our universities.

Our international research flagship, the InnoHK research clusters, is also there to bring together brilliant minds from all over the world to conduct world-class scientific research. To date, our two existing InnoHK research clusters – one focusing on healthcare technology and another on AI and robotics – have successfully built links with over 30 world-class universities and research institutes from 12 economies, pooling together around 3 000 researchers locally and across the globe.

To go further, the Government is now expediting the development of the third InnoHK research cluster, with the focus on sustainable development, energy, advanced manufacturing and materials.

Our strategy follows a powerful cycle: promoting technology with talent, leading industries with technology, and attracting talent with industries.

And we are seeing results. Hong Kong ranks third globally in "Technology" in the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking. The Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster ranks first in the 2025 Global Innovation Index Ranking of the World's Top 100 innovation clusters.

Our startup community has grown nearly fivefold in the past decade, producing homegrown unicorns.

This progress is no accident. It is built on Hong Kong's unique strengths. Under "one country, two systems", we enjoy unwavering national support and unparalleled global connectivity. Our robust rule of law, free-flowing capital and vibrant multicultural society make Hong Kong the perfect incubator for scientific exploration and technological breakthroughs.

To every scientist, researcher and innovator here today: Hong Kong is open for you. We provide the platform, the funding, the freedom and the connections to turn visionary ideas into reality.

We invite you to build your legacy here. To join us in shaping not just the future of Hong Kong, but the future of science for humanity.

On this note, let the dialogue begin. I look forward to the fruitful and inspirational exchanges. Thank you.

Speech by CS at Nobel Heroes Forum: Shaping Science and Future Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by CS at Nobel Heroes Forum: Shaping Science and Future Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Located in Tsing Yi, Ching Fu Jolly Net is redefining community support for the elderly. Subsidised by the Social Welfare Department and operated by Po Leung Kuk, the centre will officially open in mid-March, providing tailored services for seniors and their carers.

As one of three Jolly Net facilities managed by Po Leung Kuk, the centre aims to challenge traditional stereotypes of elderly care. By offering a diverse range of modern and engaging activities, it empowers seniors to lead fulfilling lives within their own communities.

These vibrant programmes have already become a significant draw for local residents, fostering a culture of active ageing.

Before retirement, Mr Sam So (right) navigated the city’s streets as a taxi driver, and now he has found a new outlet in the world of e-sports racing games.

Virtual vistas

After undergoing surgeries on both knees, Mr Sam So could not move and spent his days at home feeling bored. By chance, he saw the Po Leung Kuk Jolly Net nearby. Since they had an e-sports class, he decided to join.

Before retirement, Mr So navigated the city’s streets as a taxi driver and possessed a strong knack for car maintenance. Now, he has found a new outlet in the world of e-sports racing games, where he often outperforms younger players. 

“Life is vibrant and colourful now. I teach my friends the techniques I have learned and we play together.

“Everyone is happy. Recently, the centre even arranged for us to compete against some teenagers from Tuen Mun.

“We were lucky enough to win the championship. My friends and I were thrilled,” he added.  

The centre's diverse programmes take a holistic approach to wellness, enhancing both the physical health and mental well-being of its members.

Among those benefiting is Ms Lucia Tam. Previously struggling with poor health and requiring mobility assistance to walk, her life took a positive turn after she joined the centre. By actively participating in stretching and yoga classes, she has seen a significant improvement in her physical fitness and now enjoys a clearer, more vibrant mind.

“Discovering the centre had opened was a happy accident and I thought why not give it a try.

“So, I became a member. Now, I never miss a stretching class and I also take part in yoga.

“I have noticed a real improvement in my body. I used to struggle with simple movements and needed help just to walk or sit. Since joining the centre, I have completely set aside all worries.

“This is why I am so eager to take part in activities here.” 

Ms Lucia Tam (left) previously struggled with poor health, but her life took a positive turn after joining the centre’s stretching and yoga classes.

Golden opportunities

Po Leung Kuk Assistant Principal Social Services Secretary Rebecca Wong said traditional elderly centres often focus on basic care and social activities. While these services are important, she said they do not fully meet the expectations of younger seniors for growth and development.

“We aim to provide innovative and specialised activities that offer seniors more opportunities to develop their skills, showcase their abilities and achieve self-fulfilment,” she explained.

The centre offers a wide range of physical activities, including yoga classes, mountain climbing, canoeing and pickleball. These programmes are designed to help seniors maintain mobility, independence and overall health, while also providing opportunities to connect with nature.

To support emotional well-being, the centre also provides horticultural therapy, aroma therapy, art work sessions, latte art workshops and wine tasting activities.

These therapeutic programmes aim to reduce stress, alleviate anxiety and depressive symptoms, and help participants regulate their emotions.

To foster digital inclusion, the centre organises courses on artificial intelligence applications and e-sports activities. These initiatives empower seniors to keep pace with technological advancements, maintain mental agility through strategic thinking and strengthen their social bonds.

For many participants, Jolly Net is more than just a meeting point; it is a platform where they can showcase their talent, contribute to the community and lead fulfilling lives in their golden years.

Ms Rebecca Wong (left) says traditional elderly centres often focus on basic care and social activities, while they aim to provide activities that offer seniors opportunities to develop their skills.