Luncheon with Advisory Committee on Innovation and Technology

Today, I hosted a luncheon at Government House for members of the newly established Advisory Committee on Innovation and Technology to thank them for their support in promoting innovation and technology development in Hong Kong.

Members of the Committee include Mr Frank Wang, founder of DJI, which manufactures some of the best-selling aerial camera systems in the market, and Mr Chan Yik-hei, who has an asteroid named after him for winning a competition. They can both provide input to the Committee from the perspective of young technology entrepreneurs. Together with other members, the Committee sets a good example of co-operation among the Government, industry, academia and research sectors.

Before the luncheon, I told members of the Committee that I expect innovation and technology to be not only a new industry that contributes to Hong Kong's economy but also a means to promote social development. For example, in view of our ageing population, we should use innovation and technology to provide a safe, comfortable and convenient living environment for the elderly.

I also asked the Committee to think about the following three questions:

First, given the huge scope of innovation and technology, on which areas should the Government focus its efforts?

Second, how can Hong Kong better utilize its role as a super-connector? For instance, Sweden's Karolinska Institutet, renowned for its life science research, and the United States' Cornell University, famous for its veterinary sciences programmes, have established their presence in Hong Kong, which testifies to Hong Kong's role as a super-connector.

Third, how can the Government contribute in the co-operation with the industry, academia and research sectors?

Here I would like to thank members of the Committee again for devoting their valuable time in promoting Hong Kong's innovation and technology development. I look forward to their concrete recommendations and advice.

I hosted a luncheon at Government House today for the Chairman, Mr Nicholas W Yang (front row, fourth right), and other members of the Advisory Committee on Innovation and Technology.

April 15, 2015