The Chief Executive’s Policy Address on Innovation & Technology, and Sports Development

The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, John Lee delivered the 2023 Policy Addres recently. Giving equal importance to the continuous development of the Hong Kong economy and the enrichment of the wellbeing of Hong Kong citizens, the Policy Address actively aligns with the national strategy and formulates a policy blueprint for Hong Kong's development.

These include important measures to continue to vigorously create the International Innovation and Technology Centre and to develop sports, which are highlighted in this article.

1. International Innovation and Technology Centre:

The Government promulgated last December the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint for developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre. On the Emerging Ecosystems ranking in 2023, Hong Kong ranks second in the world and first in Asia. To further implement the Blueprint, we will:

1) set up the New Industrialisation Development Office – Established under the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau and led by the Commissioner for Industry, the office will adopt an industry-oriented approach to promote new industrialisation in Hong Kong, support strategic enterprises to develop their businesses in Hong Kong, assist the manufacturing sector in upgrading and transformation by making use of I&T, and provide support for start-ups;

2) facilitate the research and development of microelectronics – We will establish the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute next year to lead and facilitate collaboration among universities, R&D centres and the industry, which will include exploring the third-generation semi-conductor core technology and leveraging the GBA's well-developed manufacturing supply chains and enormous market. The newly-built Microelectronics Centre will also be commissioned next year to provide advanced infrastructure and hardware facilities designated for microelectronics;

3) expedite the establishment of a supercomputing centre to foster AI development – From next year onwards, Cyberport will establish an AI supercomputing centre in phases, with a view to supporting the huge demand for computing power from R&D and relevant sectors and promoting industry development;

4) support transformation of R&D outcomes from start-ups – The Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme seeks to promote the transformation and commercialisation of R&D outcomes from universities. The results of its first batch of applications will be announced in the first quarter next year. We will double the maximum funding provided for the Technology Transfer Office of each specified university to $16 million, enabling universities to strengthen their support on technology transfer and expand marketing services. We will also attract more renowned Mainland and overseas start-up services agencies to set up their operations in Hong Kong for providing incubation services and development guidance;

5) set up a $10 billion New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme – To promote the downstream development of new industrialisation, we will provide financial assistance for enterprises in the fields of life and health technologies, AI and data science, advanced manufacturing, and new energy technologies. These include providing funding support for the set-up of new production facilities on a one (Government) to two (company) matching basis, subject to a funding ceiling of $200 million. We will also explore the feasibility of allowing enterprises under the scheme to employ non-local technical personnel more flexibly, and relaxing the limitation of the number of subsidised research talents that can be employed;

6) promote cross-boundary data flow – We signed a memorandum of understanding with the Mainland in June to foster secure cross-boundary flow of Mainland data within the GBA. We are liaising with the Guangdong Province to adopt an "early and pilot implementation" approach in the GBA to streamline the compliance arrangements for the flow of personal data from the Mainland to Hong Kong. This will facilitate the provision of cross-boundary financial and medical services within the GBA; and

7) establish the third InnoHK cluster – The two existing InnoHK research clusters focusing on healthcare technologies and AI have successfully convened top-notch R&D personnel from across the globe. We will initiate preparations next year for the establishment of the third cluster focusing on advanced manufacturing, materials, energy and sustainable development.


2. Sports Development:

1) In recent years, Hong Kong athletes have achieved great results in major sports events. In the recent Asian Games in Hangzhou, Hong Kong won a record high of 53 medals. The Government will continue to promote sports development in Hong Kong, supporting elite sports, enhancing professionalism, maintaining Hong Kong as a centre for major international sports events, developing sports as an industry, and promoting sports in the community.

2) On promoting elite sports and professionalism, the new building of the Hong Kong Sports Institute, to be completed in mid-2024, will provide more advanced training facilities for elite athletes. We will also allocate additional resources to enhance its Sports Medicine Centre. CSTB will continue to implement the 10-year Development Blueprint on Sports and Recreation Facilities, providing sports and recreation facilities such as sports centres, sports grounds and parks, amongst which include a swimming pool suitable for hosting international competitions, as well as an arena with fencing training and competition facilities. Furthermore, we will collaborate with the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) in mid-2024 to offer more professional training and internship opportunities to coaches. This will enhance the professional standards of our coaches and the quality of training for our athletes.

3) On maintaining Hong Kong as a centre for major international sports events and developing sports as an industry, over 15 major international sports events supported by the "M" Mark system will be held in Hong Kong this year, the highest number ever. These events have attracted elite athletes and visitors around the world to visit Hong Kong. The supported events include the FIA World Rallycross Championship, the Aramco Team Series Hong Kong, as well as the Hong Kong Tennis Open, which will be staged in Hong Kong for the very first time. Being the largest sports infrastructure built in Hong Kong, the Kai Tak Sports Park, to be completed by the end of next year for opening in 2025, will be a premier venue for major events, such as international football and rugby matches as well as concerts. This will boost our soft power as a sports hub and foster the development of the related industries.

4) On promoting sports for all, we will collaborate with the SF&OC to organise Festival of Sport events on the Sport For All Day so that more people of Hong Kong may participate. The LCSD will also consider opening its sports facilities for free admission on specific festive occasions every year, where thematic sports days will be held for public participation. From next year onwards, the LCSD will set up self-test fitness corners at its sports centres, and introduce smart fitness equipment to its outdoor recreation venues. This will allow users to store or retrieve data of their physical activities and access information on sports and health via mobile applications. In addition, we will encourage and assist community organisations to arrange various sports activities and competitions.