Chief Executive Carrie Lam today commended Hong Kong research and development talent for winning worldwide acclaim at the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva 2021 with their inventions.

Among more than 350 exhibitors this year, the Hong Kong delegation won a record high of 136 awards, including 14 gold medals with congratulations of the jury, 47 gold medals, 61 silver medals and 14 bronze medals.

Officiating at the reception for awardees of the event, Mrs Lam pointed out the Hong Kong delegation comprised teams from universities, secondary schools, R&D centres, startups and government departments.

This reflected a fervent innovation and technology atmosphere in Hong Kong with flourishing I&T developments in the government, industry, academic and research sectors that exemplify the city’s strong innovation and R&D capabilities, she said.

She noted that for the first time, the National 14th Five-Year Plan clearly states the support for Hong Kong to develop into an international I&T hub and has included the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Loop as one of the four major platforms of co-operation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Mrs Lam noted that this demonstrates the great importance the central government attaches to and its support for I&T in Hong Kong, adding that there will be much more room for further development.

She also said that the Government has been promoting R&D through various measures, including the establishment of the InnoHK research clusters at Hong Kong Science Park, the introduction of the Global STEM Professorship Scheme and the development of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation & Technology Park located in the Lok Ma Chau Loop.

The International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva is the largest global exhibition devoted exclusively to inventions. All exhibited inventions were evaluated by an international jury of specialists.

The event was held online for the first time this year, showcasing about 600 inventions from 24 countries and regions.