CE Confident In HK As I&T Hub

Chief Executive Carrie Lam today said she is confident that Hong Kong's future innovation and technology (I&T) development will turn the city into an international I&T hub.

Mrs Lam made the remarks at the award presentation ceremony of Hong Kong's first ever City I&T Grand Challenge, organised by the Innovation & Technology Commission with the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation.

She noted that in the past four years, the Government has adopted an eight-pronged approach to develop I&T, with over $130 billion allocated to implement various projects so far.

In her 2021 Policy Address, Mrs Lam pointed out that Hong Kong's I&T industry is flourishing and to sustain the good momentum, the city is keen to develop a more comprehensive I&T ecosystem.

The Policy Address also announced further measures, including providing an additional 150 hectares of land in the Northern Metropolis plan for I&T use, developing the San Tin Technopole and setting up the InnoLife Healthtech Hub.

The Chief Executive expressed confidence that turning Hong Kong into an international I&T hub would complement its position as a global financial centre in driving its future economic development.

Under the theme of “Innovating for Hong Kong's New Normal”, the City I&T Grand Challenge invites different sectors of the community to develop I&T solutions focusing on environmental sustainability and social connectivity.

The event has received more than 740 submissions from over 1,250 local and non-local contestants on an individual or team basis.

Winners of the university/tertiary institute and open groups will be given financial support for research and development as well as professional training sessions for refining their I&T solutions for trials at designated venues such as government departments or public organisations.

In his welcoming remarks at the finale, Secretary for Innovation & Technology Alfred Sit said the event aims to explore I&T solutions that are closely related to people's daily lives and answer the needs of specific communities.

Mr Sit added that he strongly believes I&T talent should be developed from an early age and promote young people's care about society's needs and make the best use of their knowledge to solve the public's problems.

Click here for the list of winners.