Co-hosted by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and China International Capital Corporation (CICC), the 2026 Hong Kong Innovation Forum concluded successfully yesterday. Centered on "Building a Global Innovation Ecosystem," the Forum explored the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation and technology (I&T) industries. It brought together prominent experts from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland to engage in comprehensive discussions on the global innovation landscape, Hong Kong's development as an international I&T hub, the integration and synergy between industry and financial capital in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), technology ethics, and smart society governance. The event attracted approximately 400 participants from government departments, academia, industry, and investment community.
During the opening ceremony, Mr. Paul CHAN, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government; Prof. Harry SHUM, HKUST Council Chairman; and Mr. CHEN Liang, Chairman of CICC, delivered speeches. Concurrently, the HKUST R and D Corporation Limited and CICC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The two parties will further deepen the integration of academic research resources, innovative capital, and industrial ecosystems, aiming to inject fresh collaborative momentum into Hong Kong's development as an international I&T center. Other distinguished guests included Ms. Lillian CHEONG Man-Lei, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government.
Mr. Paul Chan remarked, "I would like to thank the HKUST and CICC for jointly organizing this event, which brings together leaders from the academia, investment community and industry to explore how we can cultivate a global innovation ecosystem together. AI is at the heart of today's innovation ecosystem. What we are witnessing is not a single technological breakthrough, but the simultaneous convergence of multiple disruptive technologies. As an international financial centre and a rapidly emerging I&T hub, Hong Kong is well positioned to become a key driving force in the next wave of I&T development. We will fully leverage the institutional advantages of the 'one country, two systems' arrangements, our 'Finance+' strategy, and the innovation and financial resources brought together in the GBA."
"At a time when technological transformation is bringing both challenges and opportunities, collaboration and support from the academia, research community, business sector and the society as a whole are essential. We should adopt a 'plus' mindset in unlocking the dividends of AI, and steer the technology towards more inclusive, accessible and responsible development. Through technological innovation, we can create more business opportunities and build a more inclusive, better future for all."
Prof. Harry Shum said, "Hong Kong is home to a wealth of world-class universities and internationally renowned scientists, solidifying its role as a 'super connector' bridging the Chinese Mainland and the global community. HKUST will harness its strengths to bolster the city's capacity in fundamental research and to address critical technological challenges. Through a diversified talent-development framework and interdisciplinary platforms, it aims to nurture young innovators equipped with a global perspective, a strong sense of national pride, and an innovative spirit-continuously injecting momentum into Hong Kong and the GBA. HKUST will also strengthen collaboration with industry and the financial sector to accelerate the commercialization of research outcomes. This Forum convenes diverse perspectives from multiple sectors, fostering intellectual exchange and dialogue while exploring, from various angles, how to build a more open and interconnected global innovation network, how to empower the upgrading of traditional industries through key technologies such as AI, and how to promote 'people-centered' technological progress. Looking ahead, HKUST is committed to collaborating with partners to establish Hong Kong as an interdisciplinary research powerhouse, a launchpad for youth entrepreneurship, and a pivotal gateway linking the Chinese Mainland with global innovation resources."
Mr. Chen Liang said, "The world is currently undergoing a new wave of technological revolution driven by AI, quantum technologies, and life sciences. Meanwhile, restructuration of industry and supply chain, and global economic uncertainties are posing challenges to the flow of innovation resources. Hong Kong, with its highly internationalized environment, robust legal system, advanced education infrastructure, deep talent pool, and close ties to global capital markets, plays a unique role in fostering a global innovation ecosystem. CICC will continue to leverage its integrated service model of 'investment, investment banking, and research' and utilize digital tools such as the 'CICC Research Insights' to deeply integrate AI technology with research and investment. It will strengthen collaboration with the universities, research institutions, and technology parks in Hong Kong. We aim to promote secure and efficient cross-border flows of innovation resources and support the city's development as an international I&T hub."
During the keynote session, Prof. Tim CHENG, HKUST Vice-President for Research and Development, delivered a speech titled "Synergies and Future Trends in AI Computing and Semiconductor Chips," offering an in-depth analysis of the industry's future trajectory. He discussed future trends in the semiconductor industry, highlighting the rapid growth of the market and the increasing demand for customized, automated chip designs tailored for AI, as well as the construction of more semiconductor manufacturing plants to address the robust growth of AI technologies.
Prof. Thomas SARGENT, 2011 Nobel Laureate in Economics and Professor at New York University, shared visionary insights on "Learning, Work, and Innovation in the Age of AI". Prof. CHAN Ching-Chuen, Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and Distinguished Chair Professor at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, presented cutting-edge perspectives on "AI Empowerment: Driving Global Energy and Transportation Integration in the GBA".
A thematic roundtable titled "Innovation Capital and Regional Collaboration: New Opportunities in the GBA" was also held, assembling experts from government, financial and investment fields to discuss Hong Kong's role in leveraging its strengths as an international financial center and innovation hub to propel innovative growth across the GBA and neighboring regions.
In the afternoon session, discussions focused on critical topics such as the innovation economy, global tech cooperation, industrial integration, and technology governance. During the keynote session, Prof. LI Zexiang, Professor of the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering at HKUST and Director of the Automation Technology Center, analyzed "GBA Goes Global: The Rise and Development of China's Innovative Technology Brands" from a forward-looking perspective. He explored how the GBA, equipped with strengths in mechatronics technology and supply chain capabilities, can aid scientific and technological brands in their global expansion. He also highlighted the importance of engineering education and talent development.
Mr. PENG Wensheng, Chief Economist of CICC, Head of Research Department, and Executive Dean of CICC Global Institute, shared expert insights on "From Economies of Scale to an Innovation-Driven Economy".
Two roundtables facilitated in-depth exchanges and cross-sector dialogue on "China and the World: Breakthroughs in Technological Innovation and Industrial Integration" and "Technology and Society: Policy and Ethical Co-construction in the Intelligent Age." Bringing together leading scholars, researchers, and industry representatives from semiconductor, AI, smart healthcare, tech ethics, law and public governance fields across Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, these discussions aimed to advance Hong Kong's I&T ecosystem by fostering collaboration and leveraging diverse expertise.
