Hong Kong's AI Strategy: The City's Bold Leap Towards Global Domination

In a recent meeting at the Legislative Council, Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, laid out an ambitious roadmap for propelling Hong Kong into the forefront of the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape. The comprehensive plan is part of Hong Kong's Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint, which recognizes AI as a pivotal industry poised to transform the local economy.

Among the key initiatives driving this strategy is the AIR@InnoHK research cluster that fosters groundbreaking AI research collaboration. Also noteworthy is the establishment of the Hong Kong Generative Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Center (HKGAI) and the Artificial Intelligence Supercomputing Centre (AISC) located at Cyberport, which are set to advance cutting-edge AI innovations.

To further stimulate growth in this sector, the Hong Kong government has unveiled a substantial HK$3 billion AI Subsidy Scheme designed to support scientific research. They are also expanding data center capabilities and launching a hefty HK$10 billion industry-focused fund with a spotlight on AI and robotics. Notably, the 2025-26 Budget allocates HK$1 billion for the creation of the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute, aiming to enhance AI research and bridge gaps between innovation and real-world applications.

Recognizing the importance of nurturing talent, the government is actively encouraging local universities to introduce AI-centric programs. They have also set forth a multifaceted approach to AI upskilling, including the Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions and a Continuing Education Fund offering an array of over 20 AI-related courses. The Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology has recently been established and will admit its inaugural cohort in the 2024/25 academic year.

Moreover, the New Industrialisation and Technology Training Programme is at work subsidizing local businesses keen on training their staff in AI competencies. The presence of a HK$100 million Fund aimed at fostering innovative technology within education also demonstrates the government's commitment to enhancing academic partnerships with industry players.

On the horizon, the Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS) prioritizes the recruitment of AI professionals from the Mainland and beyond, expediting the immigration process for eligible tech companies. To date, 152 foreign AI experts have been approved under this scheme as of January 2025.

AI applications are not limited to industry; the government is also integrating AI into public services. With the development of HKGAI V1, a homegrown large language model, and advancements such as the HKPilot tool designed to assist civil servants with document drafting and summarization, the city is on a clear path towards smarter governance.

Between 2024 and 2025, over a hundred digital government initiatives incorporating AI and big data analytics are set to launch, underscoring Hong Kong's dedication to digital transformation and enhanced civic services.

Regional collaboration is equally vital, with a focus on strengthening ties within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Strategic agreements like the “Co-operation Agreement on Technology and Innovation Exchange between Guangdong and Hong Kong” are facilitating cross-border research, while initiatives such as the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Co-operation Zone are poised to attract AI companies and foster data flow across borders.

With a Development Outline for the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Zone set to emphasize AI, the government reaffirms its commitment to bolster research and business opportunities in this sector.

In summary, Hong Kong is positioning itself as a potential global AI leader through an aggressive strategy that emphasizes research, talent acquisition, and regional collaboration, paving the way for a future dominated by AI innovation. The world is watching—will Hong Kong become the next Silicon Valley of AI?