SCST: Hong Kong Hosts IAAPA Expo Asia 2026, Celebrating Tourism and Innovation in Amusement Attractions

Speech by SCST at opening ceremony of International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo Asia 2026

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the opening ceremony of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo Asia 2026 today (June 10):

President and CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, IAAPA, Mr Jakob Wahl, Chair of the IAAPA Global Board of Directors, Ms Luciana Periales, Mr Jack Chan (Executive Director and Vice President of IAAPA Asia Pacific), distinguished guests, tourism industry friends, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Hong Kong for the opening of the IAAPA Expo Asia 2026. I still need a script unlike Jack just now. I shouldn't be because I am among friends here. This is not the first IAAPA Expo I have attended. But still, I think I should stick to the speech because I have so much to share with you.

First of all, I am deeply honoured for Hong Kong to host this premier industry gathering once again. Your return is a powerful endorsement of Hong Kong as Asia-Pacific's leading tourism and exhibition hub.

Hong Kong's tourism momentum speaks for itself. In 2025, we welcomed 49.9 million visitors - I'd like to call it 50 million - a 12 per cent increase year on year. In the first five months of 2026 alone, we received about 23 million arrivals, a remarkable 14 per cent rise over the same period last year. We are now on track to receive 53.8 million visitors in 2026, representing an 8 per cent annual growth. These numbers represent Hong Kong's enduring appeal and the strength of our recovery as a world-class destination.

This year's theme, "Pursue the Wonder", resonates deeply with Hong Kong's spirit. Here in Hong Kong, wonder is not an abstract idea - it is woven into the very fabric of our urban life. With over 300 exhibitors from around the globe, this Expo stands as the definitive platform for exploring the future of immersive and sustainable attractions.

As your host, Hong Kong itself is a destination built on wonder. At Hong Kong Disneyland, beloved stories come to life through spectacular shows and immersive lands, bringing joy to families from around the world. Having just celebrated its 20th anniversary, the park is now moving ahead with a unique Pixar-themed experience debuting next year - using cutting-edge technologies to take visitors on a fun and magical journey. A Marvel-themed area is also in the pipeline, set to further position the park as a must-visit destination for fans of heroic adventures.

Hong Kong Disneyland, Photo source: reference image

At Ocean Park, adventure meets conservation. It is currently home to six magnificent and giant pandas and many other exotic animals that capture the hearts of visitors. A brand-new adventure zone, set for completion in 2028, will feature thrilling experiences such as bungee jumping and ziplining, adding a new dimension to the park's offerings. By pairing heart-pumping rides with unforgettable animal encounters, a visit to Ocean Park will turn a day of pure fun into a passion for conservation.

Ocean Park, Photo source: reference image

Beyond our renowned theme parks, iconic landmarks - including Ngong Ping 360, the West Kowloon Cultural District, the Peak Tram and our legendary Victoria Harbour, honoured as one of the world's must-visit places - offer timeless and captivating experiences.

Ngong Ping 360, Photo source: reference image

On top of all these attractions, Hong Kong also offers a dynamic calendar of mega events that deliver wonder at every turn. The Kai Tak Sports Park is a shining example: Since opening last March, it has hosted over 120 international and local events and attracted over 7 million visitors. I know that some of you should have been there, for Coldplay, concerts, or for the international Rugby Sevens tournament. This vibrant events landscape - featuring a continuous lineup of international sports, cultural festivals, and entertainment spectacles - constantly renews the reasons to visit Hong Kong.

Ladies and gentlemen, today's Expo is an invaluable platform for collaboration. Here, we can imagine, innovate, merge with each other and build the future of wonder together. Let us seize the opportunity to share inspiration and create more joyful experiences for millions around the world.

I wish the Expo a resounding success, and all of you a wonderful stay in our vibrant city, Hong Kong. Thank you.

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, Photo source: reference image

Keynote address by PSITI at HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) 2026 Future Industries Zone Opening Ceremony

Following is the keynote address by the Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Mr Kevin Choi, at the HKTDC (Hong Kong Trade Development Council) Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) 2026 Future Industries Zone Opening Ceremony today (October 13):

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It is a pleasure to join you all at the opening of the Future Industries Zone at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) 2026.

Electronics remains central to Hong Kong's economy. Electronic products accounted for close to 80 per cent of Hong Kong's total exports in the first eight months of this year. Yet the significance of the industry goes beyond trade figures. Electronics is the foundation of artificial intelligence, advanced computing, smart manufacturing, healthcare technologies and many of the industries that will shape our future.

That is why the launch of the Future Industries Zone is timely. A new generation of technologies is creating new industries and transforming established ones. The challenge is no longer confined to making a scientific discovery. We must also turn that discovery into a product, validate it in a real setting, establish a viable production process and bring it to the market.

This is the essence of new industrialisation, and a practical way to develop new quality productive forces. It connects technological innovation with industrial innovation, so that research can create real economic value. For hardware companies in particular, transforming a prototype into a commercial product involves design for manufacturability, rigorous testing, certification and supply chain management, demanding clear validation before meeting operational needs.

The Future Industries Zone responds directly to these needs. It brings together future microelectronics, future computing, future marine and quantum technology, future manufacturing and future wellness. More importantly, it places researchers and technology developers alongside manufacturers, users, investors and industry partners. This can help close the gap from research and development to design for manufacturing and mass production, while strengthening the wider electronics supply-chain ecosystem.

The direction of the Zone is closely aligned with national and Hong Kong development priorities. This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. The Plan calls for deeper integration between technological and industrial innovation, the development of a modern industrial system and the fostering of new quality productive forces according to local conditions. It also supports Hong Kong in developing into an international innovation and technology centre.

Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan and this year's Policy Address translate these national priorities into concrete action for Hong Kong. Building on our strengths in basic research, international connections and professional services, and the Greater Bay Area (Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area)'s strong manufacturing capabilities and complete supply chains, Hong Kong is developing a new industrialisation system with three major innovation and technology parks and five research and development institutions as its backbone.

A central task is to strengthen the path from research and development to testing, pilot production, industrial application and market development. Pilot production is particularly important. It allows companies to verify whether a technology can be manufactured reliably and at the required quality, and to resolve technical problems before moving to full-scale production.

In microelectronics, the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute is establishing pilot lines for third-generation semiconductors. They will support research, proof-of-concept fabrication, pilot production and low-volume production. The Institute will also take the lead in operating the first national manufacturing innovation centre to be established in Hong Kong, bringing together resources from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and overseas, including local enterprises and start-ups participating in the Zone today, to strengthen our microelectronics ecosystem and accelerate commercialisation.

Technology needs to be tested in real operating environments. This is another area where the Future Industries Zone can make a practical contribution. Through scenario-based displays, enterprises and start-ups can show how their hardware and software solutions work, engage prospective users and obtain direct feedback. These are not merely product showcases. They give companies a valuable opportunity to validate and improve their technologies with reference to real needs.

This year's Policy Address also supports the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation in exploring the establishment of the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Application Scenario Promotion Centre. By helping technology companies identify opportunities for validation and adoption in public services and different industries, the proposed centre will enable more promising solutions to move from demonstration to wider use.

The Top 100 Future Industries Pioneer List adds another important dimension. By identifying promising enterprises in the frontier fields featured at the Zone, it gives them greater visibility and creates opportunities to connect with technology partners, manufacturers and potential users. This complements the Government's efforts to support enterprises through various policy initiatives such as the $10 billion New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme in establishing smart production facilities in Hong Kong.

The Zone also provides a link to the international technology community. The debut of CES Asia Unveiled Hong Kong, made possible through the HKEIA (Hong Kong Electronic Industries Association)'s partnership with the Consumer Technology Association, brings an internationally recognised technology platform to the Fair. The pitch competition offers high-potential start-ups an opportunity to present their technologies, while the winning company will receive complimentary exhibition space at CES 2027 Eureka Park.

This international exposure is valuable, but it rests on the same foundation: strong technology, effective validation and the ability to turn an idea into a product. By combining these elements in one place, the Future Industries Zone can help companies progress further along the path from research to industrial application, and support the formation of future industry clusters in Hong Kong.

The Government will continue to work with industry, universities and research institutions to strengthen that path. The HKEIA's collaboration with the Government and the industry demonstrates how the wider innovation and technology ecosystem can work together.

I thank theHKEIA, HKTDC and all partners for creating this new platform. I look forward to seeing the Future Industries Zone foster practical collaboration, accelerate the commercialisation of promising technologies and contribute to Hong Kong's new industrialisation and technology development.

I wish the Future Industries Zone and the Hong Kong Electronics Fair every success, and all of you a productive and rewarding event. Thank you.

Source: AI-found images

Keynote address by PSITI at HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) 2026 Future Industries Zone Opening Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Source: AI-found images