Professor Sun Promotes Hong Kong's Innovation Potential in Bangkok to Foster Tech Collaboration with Thailand

2026-01-28 22:42 Last Updated At：01-29 11:47

SITI visits Thailand

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, visited Bangkok in Thailand today (January 28) to promote Hong Kong's edges and vast potential to the local innovation and technology (I&T) sector with a view to strengthening collaboration in I&T between the two places.

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SITI visits Thailand Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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SITI visits Thailand Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Professor Sun attended a dinner seminar, themed "Building growth and resilience for the future: Hong Kong as the strategic hub for technology, innovation and investment", co-organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Invest Hong Kong and the Thai-Hong Kong Trade Association during which he delivered a keynote speech to the local I&T community. Professor Sun said that Hong Kong is currently moving full speed ahead in building a world-class I&T ecosystem. Thailand has made significant strides in recent years in terms of strengthening its digital infrastructure, nurturing start-ups, advancing smart manufacturing, and promoting specific sectors such as healthtech, agritech and greentech. These developments align closely with Hong Kong's strengths and lay fertile ground for deeper collaboration between the two economies.

"Hong Kong's I&T landscape is characterised by 'three major I&T parks' and 'five key R&D (research and development) institutions'. This ecosystem is designed to accelerate technological advancement, attract global talent, and strengthen the city's position as a rising international I&T hub. While embracing international co-operation through our InnoHK Platform, we welcome universities and research institutes in Thailand to join the venture."

Professor Sun stressed that Hong Kong is the perfect destination for Thai companies that wish to connect with the Mainland Chinese market, with the official opening of the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone last December.

The Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Mr Terry Wong, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited, Mr Vincent Ma, who also joined the visit, introduced to the guests at a panel discussion the latest developments of their respective parks.

This morning, Professor Sun visited the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) of Thailand under the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society of Thailand to understand the DEPA's strategies in promoting digital economy and innovation development, which cover digital transformation for industries and small and medium-sized enterprises, digital platform building, and supporting measures for development of digital-related industries as well as Thailand Digital Valley project. Both sides had an exchange on collaboration between the DEPA, and the Hong Kong Science Park and the Hetao Hong Kong Park.

Professor Sun also visited Charoen Pokphand Group, a Thailand-based conglomerate with a highly diversified business portfolio. He had a discussion with the Group's management to learn about its latest development and investment plans in advanced manufacturing, as well as those of the Group's telecommunication enterprise, True Corporation, in digital infrastructure, AI, cybersecurity, and retail businesses.

Professor Sun then visited the Institute for Technology and Innovation Management, Mahidol University and toured its frontier research facility. As a key innovation hub in Thailand, the institute specialises in supporting technology transformation, innovation management and research commercialisation. Both sides explored collaboration opportunities in areas including joint research, technology transfer and start-up incubation between Hong Kong and the institute.

In addition, Professor Sun met with the Federation of Thai Industries and exchanged views with the local industrial and manufacturing sectors on co-operation in new industrialisation and industrial upgrading and transformation. During the meeting, he invited Thai enterprises to leverage Hong Kong as a platform to jointly develop the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and international markets.

Upon his arrival in Bangkok yesterday afternoon (January 27), Professor Sun immediately met with the Thai Health Tech Association, to learn about the association's work in promoting digital health innovation. He was briefed by leading local health tech enterprises and start-ups as well as representatives of hospital organisations on their technology, product development and market planning.

Professor Sun then visited the True Digital Park of the True Corporation to learn about the Park's operation in fostering the growth of I&T enterprises and facilitating the application of technologies. The Park features modern offices, co-working spaces, innovation laboratories and event venues, offering an I&T ecosystem that brings together international and local technology enterprises, start-ups and venture capitalists.

Professor Sun also called on the Chinese Ambassador to Thailand, Mr Zhang Jianwei, to introduce the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's plans in promoting I&T, emerging industries, digital economy and more, and to exchange views on further I&T co-operation between Hong Kong and Thailand.

Professor Sun will depart for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, tomorrow (January 29) to continue the visit.

Hang Seng Gold ETF Launch Marks New Era for Hong Kong's Gold Market

Speech by SFST at Listing Ceremony of Hang Seng Gold ETF (English Only)

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the Listing Ceremony of Hang Seng Gold ETF (exchange-traded fund) today (January 29):

Kelvin (Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission, Dr Kelvin Wong), Luanne (Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, Ms Luanne Lim), Rosita (Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hang Seng Investment Management Limited, Ms Rosita Lee), ladies and gentlemen, and distinguished guests,

Good morning. It is a great privilege to address you today as we mark a pivotal new chapter in Hong Kong's financial market. With our determined efforts to position the city as a premier international gold trading hub, as indicated by the Chief Executive's Policy Address, the listing of the Hang Seng Gold ETF represents strong support for this vision and contributes to the growth and innovation of Hong Kong's gold market.

In recent years, sovereign and financial investors have increasingly sought diversification for reserves and asset allocation. Gold's attributes - as a commodity, an investment vehicle, and a safe-haven asset - have strengthened further, driving sustained price appreciation. Global gold demand in value terms surged 44 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter of last year, reaching a record US$146 billion. Gold ETF holdings also rose substantially, climbing by 222 tonnes in the quarter to exceed 3 800 tonnes, underscoring robust investor appetite amid geopolitical uncertainties and market volatility.

We are delighted to welcome the listing of the Hang Seng Gold ETF. As the first ETF in Hong Kong that supports physical gold redemption at bank, it seamlessly blends the flexibility and liquidity of an ETF with the security of physical commodities. This enables smooth trading, secure storage, and flexible redemption - all conducted entirely within Hong Kong. We are also encouraged by the continued momentum of financial innovation here and look forward to even greater advancements. The exploration of distribution through licensed digital asset exchanges will help bridge traditional and digital finance, unlocking new opportunities.

This initiative aligns fully with the vision set out in the Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address, which calls for accelerated development of a world-class international gold trading market. Key measures include establishing a central clearing system for gold in Hong Kong that provides efficient, reliable services in strict compliance with international standards, while inviting participation from the Shanghai Gold Exchange to facilitate collaboration with the Mainland.

A landmark milestone was achieved this Monday with the signing of a co-operation agreement between my bureau and the Shanghai Gold Exchange at the Asian Financial Forum earlier this week. This partnership lays a solid foundation for Hong Kong's gold central clearing system to connect with the Mainland market.

The Hong Kong Precious Metals Central Clearing Company Limited, wholly owned by the Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government, will operate this system. Together with our partners, we will drive its efficient development, ensuring alignment with international standards and also promoting greater trust, transparency, and innovation in the gold market.

In closing, I wish the listing every success. By working hand in hand with the market, we are building a more connected, efficient, and innovative gold ecosystem that benefits investors regionally and also globally. Thank you.

Professor Sun Promotes Hong Kong's Innovation Potential in Bangkok to Foster Tech Collaboration with Thailand

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