This screenshot of a video message taken on Oct 14, 2023 shows Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivering a speech for the opening ceremony of the 2023 Future Science Prize Week at the Hong Kong Science Park.

HONG KONG – Hong Kong is committed to enhancing its innovation and technology prowess to promote progress and economic development, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said Saturday.

In a video speech at the opening ceremony of the 2023 Future Science Prize Week, Lee said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government has invested more than HK$200 billion ($25.56 billion) in developing infrastructure, promoting research and development, nurturing talents and supporting the I&T industry.

The Future Science Prize was initiated by a group of Chinese entrepreneurs and scientists in 2016 aiming to honor outstanding scientific research in basic science and its application

“We are now moving at full steam along the strategies as set out in the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint. And I can assure you that more targeted measures in boosting our I&T prowess will be announced in my upcoming Policy Address later this month,” Lee said.

Under the blueprint, announced in December 2022, the HKSAR government set out eight major strategies to foster I&T development under four broad directions: Enhancing the I&T ecosystem and promoting "new industrialization" in Hong Kong, enlarging the I&T talent pool, promoting the development of the digital economy, and proactively integrating into the overall development of the country.

More than 25 I&T enterprises have also already established or are preparing to expand their operations in Hong Kong.

ALSO READ: Talent powers HK to become an international I&T hub

These firms span artificial intelligence, big data, robotics, medical technology, and healthcare. They possess cutting-edge technologies within their respective industries, with several having an estimated value exceeding HK$10 billion.

Lee said that over 100 outstanding scientists from all over the world will take part in a two-day science symposium starting Saturday as part of the 2023 Future Science Prize Week.

Future Science Prize

The Future Science Prize was initiated by a group of Chinese entrepreneurs and scientists in 2016 aiming to honor outstanding scientific research in basic science and its application.

“I am delighted to note that for the very first time in the prize's history, this year's Prize Week is being held here in Hong Kong. The opening ceremony today takes place in the Hong Kong Science Park, a flagship I&T facility that is home to over 1,000 thriving tech firms,” Lee said.

READ MORE: Great ideas honored

The award ceremony will be held at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, which showcases national treasures from the Forbidden City in Beijing, and is part of Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District.

“I surely hope that our guests will have an extraordinary and memorable experience there, as you marvel at the synergy between science and culture, in this dynamic Asia's world city of Hong Kong,” Lee said.

“These world-class scientific events and exchanges will certainly inspire our young and budding scientists to pursue excellence in their careers, and go a long way towards consolidating Hong Kong's strategic position in developing into an international I&T center,” he added.