Core Insights - The "Hong Kong Computer and Communications Festival 2025" has commenced, focusing on the theme "AI Without Borders, Unlimited Opportunities" [1][3] - The event aims to showcase the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into daily life and promote digital transformation among businesses [1][3] Group 1: Event Overview - The festival is held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for four days, starting from August 22 [1][3] - Over 800 booths are set up, with participation from more than 200 local and overseas companies, indicating a positive sales outlook among exhibitors [3] Group 2: Government Initiatives - The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Sun Dong, emphasized the government's commitment to promoting digital transformation [3] - The Hong Kong Generative AI Research Centre (HKGAI) has developed a local large language model and several vertical applications, including "港文通" and "港会通," which are currently in use within the government [3] - A chatbot named "港话通" is in the testing phase and is expected to be available to the public within the year [3] Group 3: AI and Digital Transformation - The festival features an "AI and Digital Transformation Zone" to help businesses understand the latest AI technologies and digital solutions [3] - Local innovative companies have created a "Robot Experience Zone" to demonstrate how robotics technology can transform future lifestyles and work patterns [3]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint emphasizes that innovation and technology (referred to as "创科") have become the core driving force for high-quality development in Hong Kong, marking a significant shift from previous economic focuses [1] - The contribution of innovation and technology to Hong Kong's economic growth is substantial, with related activities such as product design, data and software services, and technical development gaining increasing importance [2] - The value added from "computer programming, data, and industrial internet services" increased from HKD 5 billion to HKD 25.5 billion from 2000 to 2023, representing a growth of over four times [2] Group 2 - The development of innovation and technology is changing the local economic ecosystem and creating a more favorable business environment, particularly benefiting the financial market [3] - In the first half of the year, the total amount raised through IPOs in Hong Kong reached HKD 107.1 billion, a sevenfold increase year-on-year, making it the highest globally [3] - Notable mainland tech companies are using Hong Kong as a strategic base for international expansion, with companies like CATL successfully raising funds for European projects [3][5] Group 3 - The innovation and technology sector is fostering a vibrant employment and entrepreneurial ecosystem in Hong Kong, with record applications for internships and job vacancies in related fields [5] - The number of startups in Hong Kong has surged to approximately 4,700 by the end of last year, indicating a thriving innovation ecosystem that is expected to generate more job opportunities [5] Group 4 - Hong Kong is home to five world-class universities, which rely on excellent research outcomes and talent to maintain their global rankings [6][9] - The presence of top researchers in various fields has led to significant scientific achievements, enhancing Hong Kong's reputation in global research [7] Group 5 - The contribution of innovation and technology extends to enhancing smart city initiatives and improving government governance, with the "Smart Convenience" platform serving nearly 3.6 million users [10] - The government is leveraging technology to improve public services, including collaborations with research institutions to enhance efficiency in various sectors [12] Group 6 - The rapid evolution of generative artificial intelligence is showcasing its potential in social governance and public services, with numerous projects utilizing AI technology [13] - The establishment of the Hong Kong Generative AI Research Center aims to develop local AI models and applications to improve government operations and public service delivery [13] Group 7 - The flourishing innovation and technology sector is enhancing Hong Kong's soft power, with the city hosting various international tech events and awards [14] - Events like the "Hong Kong International Innovation and Technology Expo" and the "Future Science Prize" are elevating Hong Kong's global influence in the innovation sector [14]

Core Viewpoint - Innovation and technology (referred to as "创科") have become the core driving force for high-quality development in Hong Kong, marking a significant shift from traditional industries to a more technology-driven economy [2][3]. Group 1: Economic Contribution of Innovation and Technology - The contribution of innovation and technology to Hong Kong's economic growth has become substantial, with activities related to product design, data and software services, technology development, and professional technical services gaining increasing importance [4]. - From 2000 to 2023, the value added from "computer programming, data, and industrial internet services" increased from 5 billion HKD to 25.5 billion HKD, more than quadrupling; the value added from "R&D, design, testing, and environmental engineering services" rose from 3.3 billion HKD to 13.3 billion HKD, growing approximately threefold [4]. - In 2023, the value added from "manufacturing and new industrial sectors" was 76.8 billion HKD, a 7.6% increase from the previous year, accounting for 2.6% of local GDP [4]. Group 2: Changing Business Environment - The development of innovation and technology is transforming Hong Kong's economic ecosystem, creating a more favorable business environment, particularly in the financial market [6]. - In the first half of the year, the total amount raised through IPOs in Hong Kong reached 107.1 billion HKD, a sevenfold increase year-on-year, making it the largest globally, with tech sector companies playing a significant role [6][7]. - The Hong Kong Stock Exchange has optimized listing rules to facilitate the listing of tech companies, which is expected to attract more innovation-driven enterprises to raise funds in Hong Kong [7]. Group 3: Employment and Talent Development - The innovation and technology sector is fostering a vibrant employment and entrepreneurial ecosystem, with record applications for internship programs at the Hong Kong Science Park [9]. - In the first quarter, there was a 10% increase in full-time job vacancies for local university graduates in electronics, industrial, electrical, and mechanical engineering [9]. - The number of startups in Hong Kong has rapidly increased, reaching approximately 4,700 by the end of last year, supported by the Innovation and Technology Bureau [9]. Group 4: Research and Development - Hong Kong is home to five universities ranked among the world's top 100, which is supported by high-quality research and a strong academic environment [11]. - The city has 1,534 scholars listed among the top 2% of scientists globally, with notable achievements in various fields, including non-invasive prenatal genetic testing and Alzheimer's disease detection [12][14]. Group 5: Smart City and Governance - The contribution of innovation and technology extends to enhancing smart city initiatives and optimizing government governance, with the "Smart Convenience" digital service platform registering nearly 3.6 million users [16]. - The government is leveraging technology to improve public services, including collaborations with research institutions to enhance efficiency in various sectors [16][17]. Group 6: Global Influence and Soft Power - The robust development of innovation and technology in Hong Kong is enhancing its global influence, with the city hosting significant international innovation and technology events [20]. - Events like the "Hong Kong International Innovation and Technology Expo" and the "Future Science Prize" are elevating Hong Kong's status as a global innovation hub [20].

Core Insights - The Hong Kong government has allocated HKD 30 billion for an "Artificial Intelligence Funding Program," with HKD 300 million already granted to approximately 10 projects as of June 30, 2023 [1][2]. Group 1: Funding and Projects - The AI Funding Program aims to support local institutions, research organizations, and enterprises in utilizing the supercomputing resources at the Cyberport AI Supercomputing Center to drive AI innovation and application [2]. - The program has received around 20 applications since its launch, with research areas including local large language models, new materials, synthetic biology, and medical large models [2]. - One of the funded projects has been selected as a top 30 finalist for the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference's Excellence in AI Leadership Award [3]. Group 2: Supercomputing Center Utilization - The Cyberport AI Supercomputing Center has utilized over 90% of its computing power, indicating a strong demand from the research and industry sectors for computational resources [2]. - The center is expected to officially commence operations in December 2024, enhancing the AI ecosystem in Hong Kong [2]. Group 3: Research Achievements - A research team from Hong Kong Polytechnic University has developed projects that utilize the supercomputing center's resources, achieving a 28% increase in information accuracy through efficient training of large models [3]. - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has successfully developed the first large model in Hong Kong, significantly reducing experimental time and improving research efficiency by over 50% [3]. Group 4: Competitive Advantages - Hong Kong possesses unique advantages to become a global model for AI applications, including its status as the only region with a sovereign AI system, supported by a robust legal framework and social values [4]. - The Hong Kong government is the largest user of AI, actively promoting and implementing AI applications across various sectors [4]. Group 5: AI Ecosystem Growth - The Cyberport AI ecosystem has attracted over 400 leading AI companies and startups, with more than 120 new AI enterprises established in the past year [6]. - Collaborations with major companies like Baidu, Huawei, and Cisco are being fostered to enhance AI research and innovation [6].

Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong government is actively promoting the development of artificial intelligence (AI) through a funding program, with a total allocation of HKD 3 billion, of which HKD 300 million has already been granted to approximately 10 projects, reflecting a strong commitment to fostering an AI ecosystem [2][4]. Funding Program Overview - The "AI Funding Program" was launched with a budget of HKD 3 billion to support local institutions, research organizations, and enterprises in utilizing the supercomputing resources at the Cyberport AI Supercomputing Center [4]. - As of June 30, the program has received around 20 applications and has approved about 10 projects, covering areas such as local large language models, new materials, synthetic biology, and medical large models [4]. Project Highlights - One of the funded projects has been recognized as a top 30 finalist for the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference Excellence AI Leader Award [2][7]. - The projects funded have begun utilizing the supercomputing services, with over 90% of the computing power already in use, indicating a high demand for computational resources in research and industry [4]. Research Achievements - The research team from Hong Kong Polytechnic University reported a 28% increase in information accuracy by enhancing edge foundational models for advanced reasoning [7]. - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology developed the first large model, HKGAIV1, which reduced experimental time from 6 weeks to 3 weeks, improving research efficiency by over 50% and decreasing the relative error rate in speech recognition by 20% [7]. Ecosystem Development - The Cyberport AI ecosystem has attracted over 400 leading AI companies and startups, with more than 120 new companies established in the past year [10]. - Collaborations with major companies like Baidu, Huawei, and Cisco have been formed to leverage their strengths in computational development, large model construction, algorithms, and data science [10]. Unique Advantages of Hong Kong - Hong Kong is positioned as a global AI application model due to its unique advantages, including a strong legal framework, a high density of talent with five universities ranked in the top 100 globally, and the government's role as a major user of AI technologies [8].