UNIDROIT Establishes First Asia-Pacific Liaison Office in Hong Kong, Enhancing International Legal Collaboration

HKSAR Government and UNIDROIT sign memorandum of administrative arrangements concerning establishment of UNIDROIT Asia-Pacific Liaison Office in Hong Kong

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, and the Secretary-General of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT), Professor Ignacio Tirado, signed a memorandum of administrative arrangements (MAA) concerning the establishment of the UNIDROIT Liaison Office for the Asia-Pacific Region in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China, at a virtual signing ceremony today (March 12).

The General Assembly of UNIDROIT, at its 85th session in December 2025, decided on the establishment of its Asia-Pacific Liaison Office in the HKSAR. It will be the first regional presence of UNIDROIT outside its seat in Rome in its 100 years of history.

Mr Lam said in his opening remarks at the ceremony that the HKSAR, as an international legal hub, is underpinned by a robust common law system and a world-class legal infrastructure, adding that the city stands as an ideal home for UNIDROIT's first regional presence. The signing of the MAA is an important step in implementing the establishment of the Liaison Office in Hong Kong, marking that the relevant work is proceeding at full speed. Mr Lam expressed his gratitude to UNIDROIT for its enduring trust in and support for the HKSAR and the work of the Department of Justice (DoJ). He noted that the Liaison Office is expected to open in November this year, and that the DoJ will organise the Asia-Pacific International Private Law Summit and the Centenary Regional Event with UNIDROIT during the Hong Kong Legal Week 2026, further strengthening the close collaborative relationship between the DoJ and UNIDROIT.

UNIDROIT is an independent intergovernmental organisation with its seat in Rome. Currently, UNIDROIT has 65 member states from five continents. The purpose of UNIDROIT is to study the needs and methods for modernising, harmonising and co-ordinating private and, in particular, commercial law among states and groups of states and to formulate uniform law instruments, principles and rules to achieve those objectives.

HKSAR Government and UNIDROIT sign memorandum of administrative arrangements concerning establishment of UNIDROIT Asia-Pacific Liaison Office in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKSAR Government and UNIDROIT sign memorandum of administrative arrangements concerning establishment of UNIDROIT Asia-Pacific Liaison Office in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKSAR Government and UNIDROIT sign memorandum of administrative arrangements concerning establishment of UNIDROIT Asia-Pacific Liaison Office in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Government announces appointments to Board of Directors of Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute

The Government announced today (March 12) the appointments of the Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute, marking a milestone in the development of AI in Hong Kong.

The Board of the Institute comprises a total of 14 members, with Professor Harry Shum Heung-yeung being the Board Chairperson, and Mr Hendrick Sin being the Deputy Chairperson. The Non-official directors are appointed for a term of two years from March 13, 2026, to March 12, 2028.

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, welcomed the Institute's new appointments. He said, "As an AI institute wholly-owned by the Government, its objectives are to spearhead and support Hong Kong's innovative research and development (R&D) as well as the industry application of AI. The Institute is an important initiative to expedite the development of AI in Hong Kong. It also serves as a key measure to align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, drive key technology development, advance the 'AI+' initiative, and promote the deeper integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation."

Professor Sun continued, "The Board consists of experts with different backgrounds and industry leaders. I am confident that the Institute, under the leadership of Professor Shum and the Board, will live up to expectations, achieve its vision and enhance Hong Kong's status in the field of AI."

The Institute aims to facilitate upstream R&D, midstream and downstream transformation of R&D outcomes and expand application scenarios. By serving as a bridge connecting the Government, academic institutions, research entities, and the industry, the Institute will promote R&D applications and industry empowerment in AI, offer to the Government recommendations conducive to the promotion of AI development, as well as enhance public awareness, literacy, and skills in AI.

The membership of the Board of Directors of the Institute is as follows:

Professor Harry Shum Heung-yeung (Chairperson)

Mr Hendrick Sin (Deputy Chairperson)

Mr Leonard Chan Tik-yuen

Professor Guo Yike

Professor Alan Lam Hiu-fung

Mr Liu Lidong

Professor Ma Weiying

Professor Ma Yi

Professor Joe Qin Sizhao

Professor William Wong Kam-fai

Mr Ken Wong Kin-hang

Professor Yang Hongxia

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

Commissioner for Digital Policy or his/her representative

Source: AI-found images