TD's Autonomous Vehicle Applications Promotion Working Group convenes second meeting
The Commissioner for Transport, Miss Winnie Tse, today (June 29) chaired the second meeting of the Autonomous Vehicle Applications Promotion Working Group, bringing together experts, industry stakeholders and interdepartmental representatives to continue advancing the transition of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology from the research and development testing phase to actual operation.
At the meeting, members were first briefed on the progress of trials approved with an AV pilot licence so far, and examined the necessary support and co-ordination efforts for each project. Members were also introduced by a pilot proprietor to the road tests and operation of a remote control centre prior to driverless operation.
In addition, the Working Group discussed the special study on "how to promote AV development and popularisation"; explored opportunities for autonomous driving development in the Northern Metropolis, and members provided views on introducing different scenarios for autonomous driving trials and applications. The meeting also followed up on directions for enhancing the Code of Practice for Trial and Pilot Use of Autonomous Vehicles, and discussed public education activities to promote autonomous driving in the community.
Miss Tse said, "The Government will continue to adopt a multipronged approach through policy support, regulatory backing and financial subsidy. Drawing on the local, Mainland and overseas practical experiences of AVs, we will adhere to the principles of ensuring safety, facilitating the industry, optimising technologies and managing risks. We will promote and scale up the safe driverless development of AVs in a proactive and orderly manner towards commercial operation, further integrating digital technologies and artificial intelligence into public transport."
The Working Group will monitor the progress of various AV trials, oversee the trial and application of AV or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) initiatives, and strengthen publicity and public education to enhance public understanding of autonomous driving. A sub-committee has been set up under the Working Group to provide technical support on AV and V2X projects.
TD's Autonomous Vehicle Applications Promotion Working Group convenes second meeting Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
TD's Autonomous Vehicle Applications Promotion Working Group convenes second meeting Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Speech by SITI at 2025/26 HKMA/HKT Global Innovation Award Presentation Ceremony
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the 2025/26 HKMA/HKT Global Innovation Award Presentation Ceremony today (June 29):
Ir T K Chiang (Deputy Chairperson of Hong Kong Management Association (HKMA), Mr Chiang Tung-keung), Professor Susanna Hui (Executive Committee and Council Member of HKMA), Professor Randy Lai (Deputy Chairperson of HKMA), Ir Professor Sunny Lee (Chairperson, Organising Committee of HKMA/HKT Global Innovation Award), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. I am delighted to join you all today at the Global Innovation Award Presentation Ceremony organised by the Hong Kong Management Association and sponsored by Hong Kong Telecom (HKT).
In Hong Kong and across the globe, businesses are transforming at unprecedented speed. Industries are being reshaped, business models reinvented, and technologies deployed in ways that redefine how value is created. In this fast-evolving landscape, innovation and technology (I&T) has become the lifeblood of competitiveness, resilience, and long-term success.
The launch of this Award is therefore both timely and visionary. It recognises organisations that have not only adapted to change, but have embraced it. I had the honour of attending the Kick-off Ceremony of this Award in 2022. It is a pleasure to return today and witness how it has grown from strength to strength, attracting 800 entries across its first three editions, including close to 100 non-local submissions from the Chinese Mainland and overseas economies. These achievements reflect not only the Award's rising influence, but also the vibrant spirit of innovation that defines Hong Kong's business community.
Hong Kong is now entering a new chapter of development under the National 15th Five Year Plan, which positions Hong Kong as an international I&T centre. Over the past few years, the Hong Kong SAR Government has been investing heavily in I&T infrastructure, talent development, cross-border collaboration, and the transformation of the industrial base. From the Hong Kong-Shenzhen I&T Park in Hetao to the San Tin Technopole; from the Sandy Ridge Data Cluster Facility to the expansion of our InnoHK research clusters, we are building the foundations of a world-class I&T ecosystem that connects the international market with the innovation engine of the Greater Bay Area.
At the same time, we are accelerating our embrace of AI and digital transformation at full speed. The Government is moving toward full digitalisation of its services. Today, all licensing and government services involving application and approval now support submission, payment and document collection by electronic means. We have rolled out over 100 new digital government and smart city initiatives by end-2025, covering the use of AI, blockchain technology, geospatial analysis and automation. The HKGAI (Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center), one of our InnoHK centres, has launched a series of generative AI applications built on a locally developed large language model, such as HKPilot and HKChat, and has received positive feedback with more than 720 000 registered users. These initiatives, together with the collective effort of stakeholders across sectors, have propelled Hong Kong to place second globally this year in the latest World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026, with particularly outstanding performance in "Government efficiency" and third in "Business efficiency".
Let me take this opportunity to congratulate all the awardees and finalists. Your achievements are a testament to what Hong Kong's talent and enterprises can accomplish when they innovate with ambition and purpose. As we celebrate your success, I encourage all organisations in Hong Kong to continue investing in innovation, not only as a one-off project, but a continuous journey.
I would also like to thank the HKMA, HKT and all supporting partners for launching this meaningful Award to recognise excellence and encourage innovation across sectors. Let us continue to embrace new ideas and build a Hong Kong that is not only competitive today, but ready for the opportunities of tomorrow. Thank you.
Speech by SITI at 2025/26 HKMA/HKT Global Innovation Award Presentation Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
