“Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Robot Contest 2026” (ABU Robocon 2026) was held today (August 23) at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium. The event is jointly organized by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP). 16 university teams from 15 countries and regions worldwide compete in the largest university-level robotics competition in the Asia-Pacific region. The contest highlighted Hong Kong’s role as a hub for innovation and a center for nurturing young talent, in support of the Government’s alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan. It also fostered regional ties through student collaboration and friendly competition, promoting cultural and human exchange across the Asia-Pacific. After a series of intense battles, the University of Hong Kong’s “Sapientia” team and the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s “Power Builder” team, through steady performance and outstanding skill, successfully claimed the champion and runner-up titles, bringing honor to Hong Kong.
At the opening ceremony, the Financial Secretary Paul Chan, the Director of Broadcasting Angelina Kwan, the Chairman of HKSTP Cordelia Chung, and the Secretary-General of ABU Ahmed Nadeem, officiated at the event. Hong Kong martial artist Samuel Hui, a children’s martial arts troupe, and Chinese percussionists joined robots, which had performed at CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala, to deliver a spectacular showcase of human-robot collaboration. The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry (SITI), Prof Sun Dong, and the President of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, Ir Prof Frank Chan, serve as award presenters.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan said, "It is a great pleasure to welcome ABU Robocon back to Hong Kong. Hong Kong is Asia's leading international financial centrer and one of the world's most active markets for listing and fundraising. We are also moving at full speed to establish ourselves as an international innovation and technology hub, a direction firmly supported by our country in the National 15th Five-Year Plan. Hong Kong's I&T ecosystem is thriving, bringing together world-class universities, research institutions, start-ups, technology parks, international capital, and a unique connectivity advantage linking the Chinese Mainland and global markets. Complemented by the Greater Bay Area's vast I&T and advanced manufacturing capabilities, innovations can move swiftly from research and development, design and prototyping, through to testing, production and commercialisation, offering young technology talent and I&T enterprises an exceptionally broad platform on which to grow and succeed.”
Secretary-General of ABU Ahmed Nadeem mentioned in his speech that, ABU Robocon had inspired thousands of students in the past 25 years and had become one of the region’s most respected educational robotics competitions. More importantly, it had fostered collaboration among broadcasters, educational institutions, industry partners, and students, creating opportunities for learning, friendship, and innovation across borders.
Chairman of HKSTP Cordelia Chung, also expressed her pride in welcoming the competition back to Hong Kong. She noted that this year’s theme, “Kung Fu Quest”, is a gruelling test of robotic agility, tactical wisdom, and flawless execution under pressure, showcasing the students' collective brainpower and teamwork. As the city's largest I&T ecosystem, Hong Kong Science Park now hosts over 2,600 technology companies, with more than 550 of them specialising in AI. She welcomes all global talents to experience the abundant platforms and opportunities offered by the Park. HKSTP will continue to build on its solid 25-year foundation to create greater possibilities for the next generation of innovators to grow and thrive.
Professor Sun Dong, SITI, delivered in his speech that the robots built by the students showed how technological innovation can bridge culture and modernity, while their passion and teamwork embodied perseverance that defines both martial arts and scientific discovery. The HKSAR Government is enhancing the I&T ecosystem across the full spectrum, from upstream basic research, to midstream and downstream industry development. With innovation hubs like the Hong Kong Science Park, offering comprehensive incubation, mentorship and business-matching support, Hong Kong is an ideal place for global talents to unlock potentials and realise aspirations.
“ABU Robocon 2026” adopted the theme “Kung Fu Quest,” inspired by the spirit of Chinese martial arts. Each team’s two robots were required to cooperate in forging traditional Chinese weapons, collecting martial arts manuals, and engaging in strategic duels that demonstrated precision and tactics, combining martial arts philosophy with advanced robotics and automation technology. The 16 participating teams came from 15 countries and regions, including: Chinese Mainland, Cambodia, Egypt, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia, Macao and Hong Kong. The teams competed for 18 awards, including the Champion, First Runner-up, Second Runner-up, and the ABU Robocon Award. Prior to the award presentation ceremony, the Director of Broadcasting Angelina Kwan, and the Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP Terry Wong, took part in a handover ceremony alongside Indonesia’s representative, Ihwan Susila, marking Indonesia as the host of the next ABU Robocon.
“ABU Robocon 2026” was emceed by Joey Leung, Rikko Lee, Alice Yu and Brian Yuen. The lively atmosphere was further enhanced by the participation of cheerleading team CMLN and a lineup of singers including Lagchun, Kacey Chan, Phil Lam, IdG Bubbles, and Hung Kaho.
The Contest attracted about 2,000 spectators, including more than 650 participants, supporters, and media representatives from Chinese Mainland and overseas. The competition was broadcast live on RTHK TV31 and RTHK’s YouTube channel, while ABU member organisations also relayed or will air the event to audiences across the globe, reaching hundreds of millions, showcasing Hong Kong’s innovation and technology strength to the international community. Beyond the competition, the teams will visit Hong Kong Science Park and local enterprises, as well as explore Hong Kong’s tourist attractions to experience the city’s charm. Nearly 100 young participants will also travel to Qianhai, Shenzhen, to gain firsthand insight into the nation’s achievements in innovation and technology.
“ABU Robocon”, established in 2002, aims to foster exchange and collaboration among young people in engineering, technology, and innovation. The competition features a unique theme every year, encouraging teams to demonstrate creativity by designing and building robots to complete various challenges. Team Hong Kong has achieved remarkable results in this international competition, clinching the “ABU Robocon” Grand Prix three times (in 2019, 2022 and 2024), with a cumulative record of 3 championships, 5 first runner-ups, and 2 second runner-ups. This brings the total to 10 international awards that testify to the creativity and strength of Hong Kong's youth.
