Hong Kong – Speech by SITI at event of “Unleashing Tomorrow, Today at InnoPark” (English only)

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the event of “Unleashing Tomorrow, Today at InnoPark” today (September 26):

Sunny (Chairman of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC), Dr Sunny Chai), Albert (Chief Executive Officer of HKSTPC, Mr Albert Wong), honourable LegCo Members, Ivan (Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Mr Ivan Lee), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. I am delighted to join you all today at the event of “Unleashing Tomorrow, Today at InnoPark”. It is my pleasure to witness the launching of the two notable initiatives in InnoPark, namely the High-Performance Computing Service in Tseung Kwan O and the Microelectronics Centre (MEC) in Yuen Long. 

     A complete innovation and technology (I&T) industry chain has to be backed by industries. We strive to attract and nurture more technology industries of strategic importance conducive to the real and digital economy and promote the development of “new industrialisation” in Hong Kong. Developing AI (artificial intelligence) and microelectronics industries are both our focus.

     The Government has been adopting all-round strategy to develop the AI ecosystem. The new High-Performance Computing Service is expected to support the growth of around 300 companies working on AI and data technology in Science Park’s ecosystem and provides them with new insights and discovery in various fields. Together with the new AI Supercomputing Centre in Cyberport, with the first phase facility to start operating this year, the support to the strong local demand for computing power will be further strengthened.

     Earlier this year, we obtained the LegCo’s approval for the establishment of the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute (MRDI). As the anchor tenant, the MRDI will make good use of microelectronics-specific infrastructure to be provided by the MEC, including the lightweight workshops and co-working spaces to be commissioned later this year. I also look forward to the timely commissioning of the remaining critical parts, before end of next year to bolster the full support for the microelectronics industry, from design to pilot run and beyond. 

     Taking this opportunity, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Hong Kong Science Park for launching these two meaningful initiatives. I look forward to the synergy to be created with other stakeholders to promote the development of emerging industries, including AI and microelectronics, in Hong Kong, and to build a vibrant I&T ecosystem, so as to contribute to the development of “new quality productive force” and high-quality development for our country and Hong Kong. Thank you very much.