Govt Needs To Boost HK In Tech Race: Holden Chow

DAB lawmaker Holden Chow says Hong Kong is lagging behind other cities in innovation and technology because of a reluctance from government to coordinate and accommodate work.

Speaking on RTHK's Letter to Hong Kong, Chow noted that talented local researchers had relocated to Dongguan because mainland authorities could not only provide them with financial resources, but also help facilitate their research.

He said in Hong Kong, there is no incentive for bureaucrats to take up new challenges, as major mistakes could kill careers.

"But the future of Hong Long in this regard might not look bleak," Chow said.

"Hong Kong indeed has (an) advantage due to our renowned rule of law and our robust legal systems in protecting intellectual property rights."

If Hong Kong could make full use of these advantages and had genuine support from the government, the SAR could still attract international talent and technology institutions, Chow said.

He said President Xi Jinping had also pledged to support Hong Kong, with the aim of transforming the SAR into a global innovation and technology hub.