The central government’s proposals for the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) once again demonstrate unwavering support for Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability, particularly in positioning the city as an international innovation and technology (I&T) center.
The central government has emphasized the importance of accelerating high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and cultivating new quality productive forces at the forefront. Notably, it proposes nurturing and expanding emerging and future industries while fully implementing the “AI+” initiative and accelerating the growth of strategic sectors such as the low-altitude economy and hydrogen energy.
Elevating AI to a strategic priority
In his 2025 Policy Address, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu outlined a series of forward-looking measures to advance the development of the “AI+” initiative. These measures include promoting the in-depth integration of AI across various industries and encouraging both public sector and commercial applications of AI. The Policy Address positions AI as the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s I&T development, proposing a dual-track framework of “industries for AI” and “AI for industries”. This framework represents a golden opportunity to embed AI into traditional sectors while cultivating new AI-native industries.
The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) aims to support both national and HKSAR government strategies to drive research and development in core AI technologies, promoting widespread adoption, and strengthening talent development. Our aim is to integrate AI into the daily operations of businesses across all sizes and enhance daily life, working hand-in-hand with industry to establish Hong Kong as an international I&T center and a global AI hub.
Promoting an “AI for All” movement
HKPC is fully committed to the “AI+” strategy by supporting government departments and Hong Kong enterprises in AI adoption. We have established ourselves as leaders in AI research and application, acting as promoters, connectors, implementers, and gatekeepers within the “AI+” ecosystem.
To make AI accessible to all, HKPC is launching an “AI for All” initiative through three parallel approaches: internal adoption, skills training, and technology platforms. Over the past two years, more than 22,000 individuals have benefited from training. Our in-house developed AI tool, Picasso, is widely used across the organization, equipping staff with practical tools and skills and seamlessly integrating AI into daily work. At the same time, we have consolidated more than 250 ready-to-deploy AI solutions on our Digital DIY platform, enabling SMEs to pilot and replicate AI applications at low cost.
Driving AI innovation and industrial transformation
Recently, in partnership with the Trade and Industry Department, we organized the flagship event “SME ReachOut: FUND Fair plus Tech Sourcing 2025”, providing SMEs with comprehensive support ranging from AI technologies to intellectual property (IP) branding and market expansion. We also hosted the GBA International Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Summit 2025 under the theme “Empowering Resilient Industries through Embodied AI”. The summit attracted leading experts from the Chinese mainland, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong to explore the industrialization of AI and robotics technologies.
Accompanying this event was a week-long public engagement program titled “AI and Robotics Fest”, showcasing real-world AI applications across different sectors and highlighted their potential to enhance new quality productive forces. Together, these events attracted more than 9,000 visitors and generated enthusiastic responses.
The themed week focused on four key dimensions — from standards and governance to scenario validation — to drive deeper AI adoption among enterprises:
1. Standards and governance: HKPC launched the AI Governance and Safety Assessment Service, sharing practical strategies on AI standards and cross-border compliance, helping enterprises build trustworthy and auditable AI frameworks.
2. Technologies and solutions: Multiple AI and humanoid robotics solutions across scenarios were showcased, spanning applications in voice interaction, reception, data capture and logistics operations, covering manufacturing, services and education.
3. Talent and capability: Through guided tours and technical briefings, company teams quickly grasp key AI application insights, supporting management changes and internal capacity-building during AI implementation.
4. Live scenarios and validation: Realistic demonstrations in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, food and beverage and urban services have enabled enterprises to validate the benefits of AI at low pilot costs, shortening the distance from concept to deployment.
These summits and the “AI and Robotics Fest” directly respond to the Policy Address’s focus on “strengthening infrastructure and promoting the application-oriented approach”. They enhance service and operational efficiency while driving deeper AI integration among businesses — especially SMEs.
Hong Kong’s vision for AI leadership
Hong Kong is striving toward ambitious goals in AI development. HKPC remains committed to supporting the national and HKSAR government’s blueprints for developing new productive forces, advocating widespread AI applications across all industries and advancing AI literacy for all. Through demonstration projects and standardization, we aim to lead the industry in intelligent transformation.
With our professional technical support, talent development programs and cross-sector collaboration, we strive to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness and lay a robust foundation for the future digital economy. Ultimately, we aim to fully harness AI to drive economic growth, foster development and enhance people’s livelihoods, working together to position Hong Kong as a global role model for “AI+”.
The author is executive director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
