SITI: Hong Kong Emphasizes AI's Role in Economic Growth at 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit

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.

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, and the Secretary-General of the World Internet Conference, Mr Ren Xianliang, cohosted the Ministerial Meeting of the 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit today (April 13). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, and the Secretary-General of the World Internet Conference, Mr Ren Xianliang, cohosted the Ministerial Meeting of the 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit today (April 13). Photo shows Professor Sun attending the meeting. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cocaine worth about $2.9 million at airport

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (April 18) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport. About 3.9 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $2.9 million were seized.

A 43-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia yesterday. During Customs clearance, a total of about 3.9 kilograms of suspected cocaine was found in his check-in suitcase. The male was subsequently arrested.

The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Court tomorrow (April 20).

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/en).

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cocaine worth about $2.9 million at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases