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Promoting Integrated Development of Education, Technology and Talent
Accelerating the development and practical application of innovation and technology (I&T), as well as fast-tracking the upgrading and transformation of industries and enterprises through technology, requires not only cutting-edge tech companies but also high-quality talent. In addition to attracting outstanding professionals from both Mainland and overseas regions to settle in Hong Kong, it is equally important to nurture young people’s interest in I&T. By better integrating education, technology and talent development, we can strengthen our talent base to support the needs of I&T development in Hong Kong more effectively.
Yesterday, I attended an event focused on nurturing talent in I&T. There, I interacted with a group of primary and secondary school students. Some secondary school students shared the coding techniques they had learnt, including how to use artificial intelligence (AI) to optimise and enhance programme interfaces and operations using simpler commands.
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| Several secondary school students shared the coding techniques they had learnt. |
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| A few primary school students showed me how using mini-programmes that integrate AI can enhance the effectiveness of learning Putonghua. |
Encouraging students to apply the technology and AI knowledge they have gained to solve everyday problems can inspire their interest in science and ignite their passion for pursuing their I&T dreams.
Therefore, in this year’s Budget, we have proposed inviting large-scale tech companies in Hong Kong to provide resources, technical guidance and practical scenarios for technology education, such as coding and AI learning in schools. Moreover, we will invite the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC), the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC) and Cyberport to coordinate efforts among partners and startups to showcase their products in schools or arrange site visits for students, sharing their experiences in cutting-edge technology exploration and entrepreneurship.
The purpose of these two initiatives is to bring together the most advanced talent, knowledge and experience from the tech sector to the education frontlines, thereby stimulating young people’s curiosity for innovative exploration, igniting their dreams and encouraging them to become future leaders in I&T.
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| Speaking at Tencent’s “WeTech for Good” event. |
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| Exchanging views on the future of I&T development in Hong Kong with some young people at the event. |
The event also marked the establishment of the first youth I&T academy by a large tech company, created to align with the Budget’s measures. The academy aims to support coding training and AI learning in schools. It features a one-stop cloud development learning space equipped with engaging teaching tools that integrate AI coding and large language model (LLMs) applications. It would enable teachers and students to better grasp AI development skills through practical experience. Furthermore, the academy will host a global youth coding challenge. That initiative will encourage young people to identify real-world problems and propose innovative tech solutions based on their coding knowledge.
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| Witnessing the inauguration of Tencent’s WeTech Academy at the event. |
We encourage more tech companies to participate in nurturing young talent in Hong Kong and to provide them with quality employment and development opportunities. In fact, many tech companies that have established a presence in Hong Kong or plan to expand their operations are actively seeking to hire more staff. For example, HKSTPC hosted a thematic job fair last month, with over 150 AI-related companies participating. Together, they offered more than 1 000 I&T positions across various fields, such as software development, data analysis, LLMs and algorithms. Cyberport will also hold a two-day career fair focusing on AI starting this Friday, featuring over 580 companies and institutions that will offer more than 2 000 positions, with about 60% related to AI.
This year, the HKIC will host the “International Young Scientist Forum on Artificial Intelligence”, bringing together top talent in the industry to promote technology exchange and industrial development of AI, including open-source technologies. A key focus of this initiative is the design and application of RISC-V open-source chips, which are a key to the strategic planning for Hong Kong’s I&T future.
All smart electronic products, along with many other devices, rely on chips for their hardware and software. The underlying design logic of chips undergoes significant transformation approximately every decade. Many industry players believe that the chip sector is currently at another critical point of innovation. The open-source instruction set architecture RISC-V, known for its openness and flexibility, is considered the most promising option for development. Its open-source nature allows companies to save on patent fees, significantly reducing the cost of innovation. With global players actively exploring this area, it is anticipated that developments in this domain will accelerate further in the future.
As “patient capital”, the HKIC will announce a strategic partnership with a tech company specialising in RISC-V technology this Friday, aiming to fast-track the development of related industries and talent in Hong Kong. The HKIC will also host the inaugural “Hong Kong RISC-V Development Summit” in collaboration with this strategic partner, showcasing Hong Kong’s unique role and potential in this field. Secondary school students will be invited to participate. This event will provide them with an opportunity to learn more about the latest development and trends in the chip industry.
Enhancing the nurturing and pooling of I&T talent, promoting practical applications, stimulating innovation, as well as fostering the deep integration of technology and industry, will inject vital and invigorating momentum into the high-quality development of Hong Kong’s economy.
March 16, 2025
