(Hong Kong, 24 April 2025) — The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) hosted the “Developing Hong Kong’s New Quality Productive Forces: 2025 ‘Two Sessions’ on Technology and Innovation Spirit – Hong Kong Presentation” today in Hong Kong Science Park, to promote the implementation of Two Sessions’ spirit among Hong Kong’s innovation and technology community.
The event attracted more than 250 distinguished guests, including Hong Kong deputies to the NPC, members of the National Committee of the CPPCC, member of the Legislative Council, leaders and talent from the I&T sector, as well as cross-industry experts. Participants discussed strategies for advancing the development of new quality productive forces through I&T, with collaboration among government, industry, academia, research and investment sectors – all with the aim of establishing Hong Kong as an international I&T hub.
The event followed the successful conclusion of the third session of the 14th NPC and the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee held in March. Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of HKSTP, delivered the welcome remarks, followed by Mr Leung Chun-ying, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC, who delivered a keynote speech.
Luminaries from various professional domains also shared valuable insights at the Panel Discussion, including three members of the National Committee of CPPCC: Prof Alexander Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of Hong Kong Baptist University; Mr Augustus Tang, Director of John Swire & Sons (H.K.) Ltd.; Prof William Wong, Member of the Legislative Council of HKSAR; alongside Ir Allen Yeung, NPC Deputy and President of the Greater Bay Area International Information Technology Association, who shared the spirit of the Two Sessions from their own professional fields.
In his welcome remarks, Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of HKSTP, shared: “This year, the Two Sessions emphasised ‘technological innovation’ as a key topic, noting that technological and industrial innovation are fundamental pathways to developing new quality productive forces. Under the current complex geopolitical and trade environment, the I&T sector must work together to accelerate industry development. The country has established a clear top-level framework to pursue its goal of becoming a ‘strong nation with advanced science and technology’ by 2035. Hong Kong should, in parallel, promote the deep integration of AI across industries and government services to fully realise the potential value of the technology. As Hong Kong’s innovation flagship, HKSTP carries the important mission to catalyse new quality productive forces while continuing to foster a vibrant I&T ecosystem, unite innovative strengths and attract international tech companies and talent.”
In his keynote speech, Mr Leung Chun-ying, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC, spotlighted the country’s goals and strategies in I&T, including expanding technological openness and cooperation, promoting green development and spurring digital economy innovation. The country also emphasises fostering a nationally integrated technology market, supporting private enterprises in undertaking major technological tasks and deepening education reform. Mr Leung mentioned Hong Kong should help advance the country’s I&T agenda by leveraging its unique advantages and actively integrating into the national I&T ecosystem.
During the Panel Discussion, guest speakers engaged in in-depth discussions on a range of key topics. Prof Alexander Wai proposed establishing a sports dispute resolution centre, leveraging Hong Kong’s common law advantages to help resolve industry disputes and facilitate integration with the national sports system. He also suggested using AI to enhance the quality of education and remarked that, as an international city, Hong Kong can collaborate with mainland China on projects to attract outstanding students and professors to develop their careers in the city.
Mr Augustus Tang shared his proposals from the Two Sessions aimed at boosting business confidence, including building an aviation fuel industry chain, developing the Greater Bay Area aviation hub and optimising commercial land use rights. He urged companies to leverage Hong Kong’s global expertise and relations to bring their innovation achievements to the global stage. This would enrich Hong Kong’s international profile and contribute to the nation’s high-level opening-up and high-quality development, so that Hong Kong and the country can advance together towards a more prosperous future.
Prof William Wong, meanwhile, pointed out that Hong Kong can capitalise on its international advantages to assist mainland AI companies in their global expansion. As compliance with regulatory and ethical standards is a prerequisite for the internationalisation of AI applications, Hong Kong’s robust legal protections can provide the necessary support.
Ir Allen Yeung also shared his proposals from the Two Sessions, championing the positioning of Hong Kong as an international digital trade centre. He highlighted the potential of the Lok Ma Chau Loop to develop into a centre dedicated to researching globally leading AI algorithms, with research outcomes applicable to life sciences and medicine, foundation models and other fields, thereby driving progress in related industries. This would make the Loop not only a hub for technological innovation, but also an important platform for promoting regional cooperation and exchange.
Dr Sunny Chai noted that 2025 is a pivotal year in the country’s development – serving as both the final year of the 14th Five-Year Plan and the important starting point for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan in his closing remarks. He stated: “HKSTP will take a more proactive approach to integrating with the national innovation system while capitalising on opportunities to develop new quality productive forces. This includes ‘bringing in’ top overseas research experts and enterprises alongside leading promising local startups to ‘go out’, which will enable Hong Kong to play an even more significant role in driving the country’s new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation.”
