Speech by SITI at Awards Presentation Ceremony of Asia Pacific Information and Communications Technology Alliance Awards 2023 (English only) (with photo)
8.12.2023

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Awards Presentation Ceremony of Asia Pacific Information and Communications Technology Alliance (APICTA) Awards 2023 today (December 8): Mr Inserra (Chairman of the APICTA, Mr Fulvio Inserra), Rocky (President of the Hong Kong Computer Society, Dr Rocky Cheng), Peter (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, Mr Peter Yan), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good afternoon. I am thrilled to join you in celebrating with all entries of the APICTA Awards 2023, as well as congratulating the winners. Your talent, dedication and perseverance have propelled you to the forefront of the global ICT (information and communications technology) industry. Your achievements have not only inspired the aspiring innovators across the Asia-Pacific region, but also spurred the growth and evolution of the region's ICT industry and digital economy at large. I am proud to say that all entries into the APICTA Awards have displayed exceptional quality. Your hard work and brilliance will drive innovative solutions and inspire new approaches to the challenges we face. As the host, I would also like to give a special mention to our Hong Kong entries. They have not only showcased the vibrant ecosystem of innovation and technology (I&T) of Hong Kong, but also highlighted our persistent efforts in fostering Hong Kong's I&T development and entrepreneurship. Hong Kong's strategic location at the heart of Asia provides unparalleled access to regional markets and opportunities. Hong Kong is also renowned for its vibrant I&T ecosystem, robust infrastructure and business-friendly environment. To create further impetus for Hong Kong's growth, the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government has introduced an array of innovative measures to encourage the overseas and Mainland companies, particularly those global strategic enterprises with good potential, to set up a base and expand their business in Hong Kong. These enterprises come from a range of strategic fields including AI (artificial intelligence) and data science, life and health technology, and advanced manufacturing and new-energy technology. Indeed, we are making very good progress in attracting these strategic enterprises. The HKSAR Government equally values the contributions of talent with diverse backgrounds and expertise and we will pursue our prevailing strategy of attracting and retaining talent. To underline this commitment, apart from the establishment of the Hong Kong Talent Engage office in October this year, we have continued to adopt a multipronged approach to attract overseas and mainland I&T talent through various schemes, such as the Technology Talent Admission Scheme and the Research Talent Hub. To all ICT talent and enterprise representatives present here today, I invite you all to seize the opportunities that await you in Hong Kong. Together, we can nurture an even more vibrant and thriving I&T ecosystem that will shape a future driven by endless possibilities of I&T. We look forward to welcoming you to Hong Kong again. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude again to all members of the APICTA Executive Committee, the APICTA Awards 2023 Hong Kong Organising Committee, and all the judges for making this signature regional ICT event another resounding success. We couldn't have achieved this without you. And to all our overseas delegates, as you prepare to bid farewell to Hong Kong, I hope that this city has left you with fond memories and you have built up invaluable friendships during your stay in Hong Kong. I encourage all of you to stay connected and continue to support each other for the greater benefit of the Asia Pacific ICT community. Lastly, may I wish you all an enjoyable day at Hong Kong Disneyland. Thank you.