SITI: HK’s Vision for Promoting Ethical AI Development at Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation High-Level Forum on AI in Chengdu

Keynote speech by SITI at Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation High-Level Forum on AI in Chengdu

Following is the keynote speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation High-Level Forum on AI in Chengdu today (July 24):

Your Excellency Director Zhuang Rongwen (Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China), Secretary Wang Xiaohui (Secretary of the CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee, Chairman of the Standing Committee of Sichuan Provincial People’s Congress), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon. It is my privilege to join this forum today to participate in the shared dialogue on the “Asia-Pacific Pathway to AI Development for Good and for All”, an aspiration we uphold and a responsibility we must shoulder together.

As AI accelerates economic and social transformation worldwide, our common task is not simply to pursue technological breakthroughs, but to ensure that such progress is ethical, equitable and inclusive. This vision requires the support of a sustainable and future-ready AI ecosystem, and that is exactly what Hong Kong, China (HKC), is building.

HKC is determined to advance AI development in a sustainable and responsible manner. On the infrastructure front, our overall computing power has now reached 5 000 PFLOPS (peta-floating point operations per second). With our upcoming Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster, an additional 180 000 PFLOPS will be available around 2030, significantly strengthening our high-performance computing capacity. This will lay a solid foundation for a sustainable AI future and reinforce HKC’s role as a leading regional digital infrastructure hub.

Moreover, through our InnoHK Research Cluster, we have established 16 R&D (research and development) laboratories that bring together top talent from around the world to drive advancements in AI and robotics technologies. Our Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute, which will commence operation soon, is tasked with promoting the integration of AI technology in key industries, accelerating the transformation of research outcomes, and serving as a bridge between academic excellence and industrial needs. Together, these efforts are fostering a vibrant ecosystem in which AI innovation can thrive.

For AI to realise its full potential for the public good, it must be integrated across industries and throughout the economy. To this end, we are pressing ahead with the “AI+” strategy, building bridges between AI and different industries. We have recently formed the Committee on AI+ and Industry Development Strategy to formulate strategies and establish favourable conditions for AI-driven industrial transformations.

Equally important is the establishment of clear and trusted guardrails for AI. HKC has promulgated the Ethical Artificial Intelligence Framework and the Hong Kong Generative Artificial Intelligence Technical and Application Guideline to provide practical guidance for responsible AI development and deployment.

While these guidance documents provide a strong ethical compass, our legal frameworks must also keep pace with technological change. HKC has therefore established the Inter-Departmental Working Group to Review Legislation to Support Wider Application of AI. We are committed to modernising our laws and ensuring that our regulatory environment remains facilitative and responsive to emerging developments, while safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders.

With ethical and legal foundations in place, HKC is putting the “AI for All” vision into practice. Through our “AI for All” Inclusive Programme, we are equipping our general community to navigate and benefit from the AI era by a variety of courses, competitions and activities tailored to the needs of different target groups, such as students, the youth and the general public.

The pathway to AI development for good and for all is one we must walk together. HKC stands ready to share our knowledge and experience. We look forward to further strengthening international exchanges and collaborations in AI across the Asia-Pacific. Thank you.

Director of Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of CPC Central Committee and Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of State Council Mr Xia Baolong holds discussion and exchanges views with all participants of LegCo National Affairs Study Visit

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

The Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, held a discussion and exchanged views with Legislative Council (LegCo) Members on the National Affairs Study Visit in the Hong Kong Hall of the Great Hall of the People yesterday (July 24).

During the discussion, Members shared their reflections on the Study Visit enthusiastically. They also expressed their views on discharging their duties, the latest economic development and social situation in Hong Kong, innovation and technology, and more.

Mr Xia affirmed the work of LegCo. He encouraged Members to step up their learning, strengthen unity and keep fulfilling their duties with diligence. Mr Xia stressed that the Central Authorities will continue to fully, faithfully and resolutely implement “one country, two systems”, and that policy will not change. In this new era, LegCo must assume a greater role to support the Chief Executive and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in administering Hong Kong in accordance with the law, so as to enhance governance efficacy of the HKSAR, inject new impetus for the city’s growth, and tackle the most imminent concerns of the people.

During the discussion, LegCo President, Dr Starry Lee, pointed out that all Members have gained a lot through systematic learning about the country’s development concepts and the institution of state governance. Dr Lee said, “We must establish a holistic outlook, think outside the box, and consider issues from the overall interests of the country and Hong Kong.” She added that, in the face of the major opportunities brought by the National 15th Five-Year Plan and Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan, LegCo must proactively align with these developments. Members should also continuously enrich their knowledge and enhance the capabilities of research and inspection to ensure that all bills scrutinised and policy recommendations made by Members can stand the test of time and practice.

Yesterday morning, Members attended the closing ceremony of the National Affairs Study Visit at the National Academy of Governance. The Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Zhou Ji, attended and presented the certificates of completion to representatives of Members.

LegCo has concluded its Study Visit programme in Beijing. Members will depart for Hong Kong today (July 25) morning.

Click here to watch the video highlight of yesterday’s Study Visit.