The new Hong Kong Institute of AI for Science, established by the City University of Hong Kong, is set to enhance the city’s standing in the global artificial intelligence landscape by attracting international talent and promoting the fusion of AI with scientific research.

At the inauguration ceremony earlier this week, local officials, scholars, and industry leaders hailed the institute as a testament to Hong Kong’s significant potential in AI development.

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Ma Wei-ying, director-designate of the institute, said that recruiting global talent is one of his primary objectives in advancing Hong Kong’s AI capabilities. He said that the university will provide adequate support to secure top-notch scholars in the field.

While acknowledging the gaps in general AI applications’ research and talent between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland, Ma said Hong Kong can carve out a niche in AI technologies for science research, aiming for groundbreaking discoveries.

Ma said that the integration of AI technologies and scientific research holds the key to addressing complex global issues. He pledged to lead the institute to build an open and inclusive research environment that encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration, and cultivates talent with a global perspective to benefit humankind.

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In a statement, CityU said the institute will bring together experts from computer science, data science, statistics, and bioinformatics. It plans to collaborate with industries, governments and academia to propel deep-tech startups.

During the ceremony, CityU President Freddy Boey Yin Chiang, and Lillian Cheong Man-lei, the city’s undersecretary for innovation, technology and industry, witnessed the signing of memorandums of understanding between the institute and various academic and industry partners.

Boey reaffirmed his confidence in Hong Kong’s immense potential for AI development, while stressing the need for joint efforts from both the special administrative region’s government and scientific community to realize this potential.

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“Everyone is talking about AI, but just talking is not enough,” said Boey. He cited instances in which slow and inadequate government support in some regions had led scientists to relocate for better research opportunities, urging the Hong Kong authorities to act promptly in this regard.

The Hong Kong administration’s latest Policy Address on Oct 16 proposed a HK$10 billion ($1.29 billion) IT-industry-oriented fund to channel more market investment in strategically important sectors, including AI technologies.

Boey applauded the government’s effort to attract capital and talent to the science sector, saying he will lead the university, including the new institute, in leveraging these resources to become a frontrunner in AI innovation.

Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com