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].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the articles emphasizes the Hong Kong government's commitment to developing an artificial intelligence ecosystem as a key industry for the region's future growth [1][2] - The Hong Kong government has launched the first local large language model "港文通," which has over 12,000 internal users, with a mobile version "港话通" set to be released in the second half of the year [1] - The government has allocated HKD 1 billion in the latest budget to establish the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research Institute, aimed at further promoting AI research and application [1] Group 2 - A three-year AI funding program of HKD 3 billion has been introduced to encourage local institutions and enterprises to utilize the computing resources of the Cyberport Supercomputing Center [2] - Since its launch in October last year, the funding program has approved multiple projects focusing on local large language models, new materials, synthetic biology, and medical large models [2] - The first phase of the Cyberport Supercomputing Center was put into service at the end of last year to support local computing power demands and enhance research capabilities in various fields [1]

Core Insights - The Hong Kong government is actively promoting the development of artificial intelligence (AI) through various initiatives and funding programs aimed at enhancing research, application, and talent cultivation in the sector [1][2][4]. Group 1: Government Initiatives - The establishment of the AI Supercomputing Center at Cyberport aims to strengthen high-performance computing capabilities in Hong Kong [2]. - A funding plan of HKD 3 billion has been introduced to support local universities, research institutions, and enterprises in utilizing the supercomputing resources [2]. - The government plans to allocate HKD 10 billion in the 2025-2026 budget to establish the Hong Kong AI Research Institute, focusing on upstream research and downstream application of AI [3]. Group 2: Talent Development - The government encourages local universities to develop courses aligned with the needs of the AI industry, supported by the Education Bureau's funding [4]. - A new Hong Kong Information Technology Institute has been established to provide training in IT and related fields, including AI, to meet industry demands [5]. - The "Technology Talent Admission Scheme" facilitates the entry of overseas AI professionals to Hong Kong, with 152 non-local AI experts approved for entry as of January 2025 [5]. Group 3: AI Applications - The Hong Kong Generative AI Research Center has been established to focus on generative AI research, promoting global collaboration [2]. - The government is implementing AI applications in public services, including the development of a chatbot based on a locally developed large language model [6]. - Nearly half of the upcoming digital government and smart city initiatives will involve big data analysis and AI technology applications [6]. Group 4: Regional Collaboration - Hong Kong is leveraging its unique position to enhance collaboration with mainland China, particularly within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area [7]. - The Hong Kong government has signed cooperation agreements with Guangdong to deepen technological innovation exchanges, particularly in AI [7]. - The Lok Ma Chau Loop is identified as a key platform for collaboration, focusing on the development of core technologies, including AI [7].