SITI Advocates Collaboration for a Secure Digital Future at 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit

Speech by SITI at Government-Enterprise Dialogue of 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Government-Enterprise Dialogue of the 2026 World Internet Conference (WIC) Asia-Pacific Summit today (April 13):

Thank you Secretary-General Ren Xianliang (the Secretary General of the WIC). Good morning, everyone. It is a great honour to cochair this Government-Enterprise Dialogue. A very warm welcome to everyone, and a particular welcome to those visiting Hong Kong for the first time.

Today's Dialogue brings together distinguished policymakers, leading WIC member enterprises and organisations from all over the world. We are here to hold in-depth discussions on AI security and governance, cross-boundary data flow, and digital financial regulation with a view to shaping a secure, reliable and innovative digital economy for the future.

In Hong Kong, we believe robust partnerships between government, enterprise, academia and research are the cornerstone of technology-driven growth. We have in place various funding schemes to encourage enterprises to transform research and development outcomes into viable solutions and commercial products. We also launched the $10 billion Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund to channel more social capital to invest in innovation and technology industries and support the development of emerging and future industries of strategic importance to Hong Kong.

To deepen co-operation with major cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), we have taken steps to facilitate cross-boundary data flows. With the support of the Cyberspace Administration of China, we introduced the Standard Contract for the Cross-boundary Flow of Personal Information Within the GBA (Mainland, Hong Kong), so that all business sectors can use this voluntary, streamlined mechanism to transfer personal data compliantly between Mainland GBA cities and Hong Kong. This not only provides companies with a consistent mechanism to get hold of cross-border data but reduces their operating costs and uncertainty.

Beyond the GBA, Hong Kong also actively engages, collaborates and co-designs with regional partners to shape interoperable and reliable digital frameworks across the Asia-Pacific. As a participant in the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement accession process, we are working towards cross-border data standards and AI governance frameworks that promote seamless digital trade and build confidence across regional markets.

The HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government also accords high priority on the governance and risk management of AI applications. To this end, our Digital Policy Office has published and continuously updates documents such as the Ethical AI Framework and the Hong Kong Generative AI Technical and Application Guideline. These documents provide the AI governance framework tailored to the Hong Kong context for the development and application of AI technologies, and cover key principles and safety standards for identifying and managing potential AI risks.

Looking ahead, Hong Kong will continue to serve as an Asia-Pacific hub for digital enterprise co-operation. Through platforms such as the Hong KongASEAN Summit on Digital Economy Co-operation and the WIC AsiaPacific Summit, we aim to deepen publicprivate partnerships that facilitate reliable data exchange, advance AI governance dialogue, and foster collaborative innovation across the region.

An innovation ecosystem that fully unleashes technological potentials while safeguarding ethics and data security requires the wisdom and collaboration of all. I very much look forward to your valuable insights and to working together towards a more prosperous and secure digital future. Thank you.

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, Photo by Bastille Post

Speech by SITI at Government-Enterprise Dialogue of 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by SITI at Government-Enterprise Dialogue of 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by SITI at Ministerial Meeting of 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Ministerial Meeting of the 2026 World Internet Conference (WIC) Asia-Pacific Summit today (April 13):

Honourable Zhuang Rongwen (Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China), Honourable Wang Jingtao (Deputy Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China), Professor Francis Gurry (Vice-Chairman of the WIC), Secretary-General Ren Xianliang (Secretary-General of the WIC), distinguished ministers and guests, ladies and gentlemen,

On behalf of the Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government, it is my honour to welcome you to this Ministerial Meeting in the WIC Asia-Pacific Summit, an exceptional opportunity that brings together technology ministers from around the globe and leaders from international organisations. Your presence reflects our shared commitment to shaping a digital future that is beneficial to all our economies.

The rapid growth of AI is reshaping the technology landscape and economic activities. Recent breakthroughs in agentic AI have vividly demonstrated its transformative power. It cannot be more timely and relevant for today's meeting to explore how AI can empower high-quality economic growth.

For Hong Kong, AI is a strategic future industry that will underpin the next stage of high-quality development. We see AI as a transformative force capable of enhancing productivity, upgrading traditional sectors, and fostering new engines of sustainable growth. Our commitment is reflected in a series of forward-looking initiatives.

On financing support, our Innovation and Technology Fund has approved over HK$2.4 billion (i.e. US$307 million) to support research and development on AI, strengthening of innovation capacity, and AI technology transfer. Under the New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme, strategic industries may receive up to HK$200 million (i.e. US$26 million) per project to set up smart production facilities in Hong Kong. The HK$10 billion Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund to be launched this year is expected to guide market capital investment into emerging and future industries, including AI and robotics, and digitalisation, upgrading and transformation. All these initiatives aim to empower enterprises to integrate AI into their operations, enhance productivity and drive high-quality economic growth.

Infrastructure is equally essential. The Hong Kong AI Research and Development Institute will begin operations in the second half of the year, further supporting AI innovation, research, industrial applications, and better AI governance in Hong Kong. We are also constructing a world-class international data facility cluster to align with the national "AI+" action.

The Hong Kong SAR Government attaches great importance to the ethical and responsible use of AI. We have instituted robust frameworks that set out ethical principles and personal data protection for responsible AI development and use. With the rapid rise of generative AI, we have also promulgated technical standards and employee guidelines to ensure the safe deployment of AI in various settings. Balancing innovation with a rigorous governance framework, Hong Kong ensures that AI adoption is pursued responsibly and sustainably.

As AI continues to advance, there will be unlimited opportunities and possibilities, and so are the associated risks. AI-empowered high-quality growth requires international co-operation. Hong Kong stands ready to work closely with all economies to advance responsible AI development and promote sustainable growth across the Asia-Pacific region. I look forward to the insights that we will share so that together we may shape a better AI future. Thank you.

Source: AI-found images