Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong today attended day one of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Digital & AI Ministerial Meeting in Incheon, South Korea.

Prof Sun called for international collaboration to ensure safe and responsible adoption of digital and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, and to facilitate innovation across the region.

Speaking at a thematic session, “Facilitating Digital & AI Innovation to Address Challenges”, he outlined that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has placed AI at the forefront of its strategic agenda, and has made meticulous preparations to build the infrastructure and ecosystems needed to thrive in an AI-driven era.

Highlighting that Hong Kong is committed to using digital strategies to enhancing public services and promote economic transformation, he said the city’s advanced digital infrastructure, including its iAM Smart and Digital Corporate Identity platforms, will accelerate the development of the digital economy.

Speaking at another thematic session, “Creating a Safe & Trustworthy Digital & AI Ecosystem”, Hong Kong's tech chief stressed that strategic, vigilant and responsible deployment of AI is imperative for all governments and organisations. To this end, he explained, Hong Kong works closely with international cybersecurity organisations in responding quickly and proactively to cyber threats and attacks.

He added that in line with global best practices, the city has developed its own Ethical Artificial Intelligence Framework and Generative Artificial Intelligence Technical and Application Guideline to the promote responsible and healthy development of AI technology, with a view to balancing cutting-edge progress with accountability, accuracy and security.

In a joint statement, ministers at the meeting recognised the need to address emerging opportunities and challenges in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating to ensure digital innovation benefits people.

During the meeting, Prof Sun held in-depth exchanges with Meeting Chair and South Korean Minister of Science & ICT Bae Kyunghoon on the subject of co-operation between Hong Kong and South Korea in technological innovation and information technology. He also had brief discussions with Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy & Society Prasert Jantararuangtong, and Indonesia's Ministry of Communications & Digital Affairs Secretariat General Ismail Achmad.

Separately, Prof Sun met Vice Minister of Industry & Information Technology Xiong Jijun. The Hong Kong official briefed Mr Xiong on the the Hong Kong SAR Government’s work to develop innovation and technology, and new industrialisation, in the city. They also discussed progress in the implementation of initiatives following the signing of a Co-operation Agreement on the Development of New Quality Productive Forces & the Promotion of New Industrialisation between the Ministry of Industry & Information Technology and Hong Kong SAR last September.