HKETO Berlin Promotes Hong Kong's Biotech Advantages at 26th Annual Biotech in Europe Forum

HKETO Berlin promotes Hong Kong's biotech advantages at 26th Annual Biotech in Europe Forum

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin), together with Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, participated in the 26th Annual Biotech in Europe Forum held in Basel, Switzerland, from October 7 to 8 (Basel time). The event is part of the promotion efforts under the Economic and Trade Express initiative, which aims to strengthen Hong Kong's economic and trade connections with global partners.

The forum brought together industry leaders to discuss key investment trends and future opportunities in the biotechnology sector. The Director of the HKETO Berlin, Mr Indiana Wong, joined the "China Partnering & Investment Panel", highlighting Hong Kong's roles as a "super connector" and vital gateway for global biopharmaceutical companies seeking to expand into Asia and collaborate with Chinese biotech innovators.

Mr Wong highlighted that Hong Kong has formulated the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030). He introduced that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has established the Greater Bay Area (GBA) International Clinical Trial Institute, and is committed to promoting the co-ordinated development of the biomedical field in the GBA.

Mr Wong said, "Hong Kong offers an unrivalled ecosystem for biotechnology companies seeking to expand in Asia. With world-class research capabilities, a robust intellectual property protection regime, and a regulatory environment that aligns with international standards, Hong Kong is the ideal launchpad for biotech enterprises aiming to access both the Chinese Mainland and global markets."

Mr Wong also highlighted the latest developments of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone and the "1+" drug approval mechanism. As one of the most internationalised cities in the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong has the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and close connection with the world.

About HKETO Berlin

HKETO Berlin is the official representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in Germany as well as Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland.

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) participated in the 26th Annual Biotech in Europe Forum held in Basel, Switzerland, from October 7 to 8 (Basel time). Photo shows the Director of the HKETO Berlin, Mr Indiana Wong (second right), with representatives of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Invest Hong Kong at the forum to promoted Hong Kong's strengths in innovation and technology development. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) participated in the 26th Annual Biotech in Europe Forum held in Basel, Switzerland, from October 7 to 8 (Basel time). Photo shows the Director of the HKETO Berlin, Mr Indiana Wong (second left), and other speakers at a panel of the forum on October 8. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) participated in the 26th Annual Biotech in Europe Forum held in Basel, Switzerland, from October 7 to 8 (Basel time). Photo shows the Director of the HKETO Berlin, Mr Indiana Wong (left), and the Founder and Managing Director of Vogel BioConsulting, Ms Ursula Vogel (right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) participated in the 26th Annual Biotech in Europe Forum held in Basel, Switzerland, from October 7 to 8 (Basel time). Photo shows the Director of the HKETO Berlin, Mr Indiana Wong (right), and the Chief Executive Officer of the Swiss Biotech Association, Dr Michael Altorfer (left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) participated in the 26th Annual Biotech in Europe Forum held in Basel, Switzerland, from October 7 to 8 (Basel time). Photo shows the Director of the HKETO Berlin, Mr Indiana Wong, speaking at the "China Partnering & Investment Panel" on October 8. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKMA announces "ART" Framework to promote responsible AI adoption

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (October 15) the "ART" Framework to support the responsible adoption of AI in the banking sector, fostering an AI-enabled banking ecosystem with "Accountability", "Resilience", and "Trust".

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority. Photo source: reference image

AI systems are becoming more autonomous, with greater access to data, tools and workflows. With the aim of supporting banks in seizing the opportunities presented by AI while maintaining robust governance and operational resilience, key initiatives under the "ART" Framework include:

• Issued the latest Supervisory Guidance for Responsible Adoption of Artificial Intelligence, drawing on insights from the second cohort of the Generative AI(GenAI) Sandbox;

• An AItraining data sharing platform in collaboration with Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited (Cyberport) and the University of Hong Kong, with data quality assurance as a core design principle; and

• Further testing of agentic AIapplications through the GenA.I.Sandbox++and an upcoming discussion paper on a proposed supervisory framework for agentic A.I. governance, exploring intent-anchored accountability, a registry of material AIagents, and effective intervention mechanisms.

The HKMA is also co-hosting the two-day Finance+A.I. Forum with Cyberport on October 15 and 16, marking the successful completion of the technical trials under the second cohort of the GenAI Sandbox, which delivered positive results. Notably, more than 60 per cent of the use cases explored agentic AI, demonstrating the industry's active pursuit of advanced AI applications, such as automated planning and execution of multi-step tasks within defined boundaries and controls.

Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA Mr Arthur Yuen said, "The progression from generative to agentic AI represents an important new stage of innovation for the banking sector. Under Fintech 2030, the HKMA is introducing the 'ART' Framework, which stands for 'Accountability', 'Resiliency' and 'Trust', with the aim of providing a clear foundation for banks to develop and deploy AI responsibly. By pairing innovation with clear accountability, resilient operating models and effective human oversight, banks can fully realise the benefits of AI while maintaining the trust and stability for Hong Kong's financial system."

Photo source: reference image