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Leopold Chen

Theodora Yu

In the third of our series of previews on the five-year plan and policy address, to be announced on September 16, Leopold Chen and Theodora Yu look at how the city can raise its game and expand the adoption of artificial intelligence. Read part one here and part two here.
Spotting bags of construction waste illegally dumped near a temporary refuse collection point in Hong Kong’s Southern district last year, former lawmaker and resident Michael Tien Puk‑sun immediately dialled the government’s 1823 hotline to file a complaint.
Days later, he saw the bags at the same spot. The hotline had not recorded his complaint at all, he said, as he went on social media to lambast the authorities’ lack of action.
“The problem comes down to the hotline simply saying it had never received the initial report,” Tien told the South China Morning Post.
Soon, residents’ grievances about the government’s inefficient handling of public complaints will be addressed differently as the government pledged last month to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into public services, including the hotline.
The expanded adoption of AI is expected to take centre stage when Hong Kong unveils its first five-year plan and its latest policy address on Wednesday.

Experts say significant challenges remain as the government has been slow to embrace AI. They have urged authorities to boost their risk appetite, refine data governance frameworks and ensure that local tools remain internationally compatible if the city is to raise its game in an environment where privacy concerns still loom large.
In July, the government introduced three AI tools – HKChat, HKPilot and HKMeeting – on its private cloud service to enhance civil service efficiency. The tools assist government workers with smart searches, document drafting and meeting transcription respectively.
But Hong Kong’s roll-out lags behind those of regional peers. Singapore launched its Pair smart search chatbot for public officers in 2023, which now reaches over 80 per cent of its civil servants, boasting 73,000 monthly active users and more than 7,700 agency-tailored bots.
The city state also equips officers with SmartCompose to draft responses to public inquiries and Transcribe for speech-to-text recording, while making chat.gov.sg available as an all-in-one public inquiry AI chatbot for citizens.
In February, Singapore set up the National AI Council, chaired by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, to formulate strategic directions for the country’s AI development agenda.
Hong Kong has a similar Committee on AI+ and Industry Development Strategy, chaired by Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, which held its first meeting in late June.
Hong Kong’s Digital Policy Office, under the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, is mainly responsible for driving changes across government departments.
The office is planning to introduce a public-facing chatbot on the iAM Smart digital identity portal later this year. It also pledged to integrate AI into 1823 to transcribe calls and generate case summaries, freeing frontline staff to handle more complicated cases. The measure is one of its 30 initiatives using the technology to enhance public services efficiency.
“Nowadays, the government has placed the adoption of AI across different industries and using the technology to facilitate future development as a top priority,” said Duncan Chiu, lawmaker for the innovation and technology sector.
“We must maintain such a positioning as AI will bring significant change to our life, work and future.”

But Chiu, also deputy leader of the government’s AI efficiency enhancement team, noted that a legal framework heavily focused on privacy had historically made it difficult for different units to share resident data with one another.
Chiu said the government had long lived in a risk-averse culture that hindered broader AI adoption.
“Authorities should refine their AI governance. In the past, when AI had some level of risks, they would refrain from using it entirely,” he said.
He called for a risk-based, tiered classification mechanism for application scenarios within the civil service over the next five years, encouraging officials to be bolder in applying new technologies to lower-risk situations while remaining cautious in high-risk areas.
“In the first five-year plan, what is bigger for us is how to establish more legal regulations around data,” Chiu said. “Once you have a proper data governance framework, how AI moves forward under it becomes much clearer.”
Professor Ray Cheung Chak-chung, associate provost in digital learning at City University (CityU), noted that while Hong Kong could leverage a “latecomer’s advantage”, it faced key bottlenecks in digital literacy and risk appetite.
He urged the government to establish a clear “trial-and-error” policy to encourage AI experimentation.
“As long as you maintain close communication with stakeholders while doing it, even if you make a mistake or the results are not ideal, you will not stray too far off track,” said Cheung, an electrical engineering professor.

Cheung argued that after careful operational analysis, the government should prioritise funding for “quick wins” that deliver immediate relief to residents, with 1823 being one example.
“In the use of AI, the government naturally takes up a demonstration role,” he said. “When more people benefit [from AI-powered public service], society’s support for AI adoption will increase.”
Accelerating AI adoption is also a core policy priority for Beijing. In China’s 15th five-year plan, research into AI chips and the application of the technology in different scenarios were identified as key policy directives to promote the country’s technological self-reliance.
Hong Kong, meanwhile, is positioned as an innovation and technology hub under the blueprint.
Last year, the State Council stipulated that the penetration rate of next-generation smart terminals and AI agents across priority sectors should surpass 70 per cent by 2027 and reach more than 90 per cent by 2030.
Both Chiu and Cheung agreed that Hong Kong should draw on mainland China’s approach by establishing concrete adoption goals.
Cheung added that Hong Kong must also introduce a unique indicator for internationalisation to set itself apart.
“Take languages as an example – different regions have different linguistic environments. On the mainland, AI is largely Chinese-centric, whereas in Western countries, AI is predominantly English-focused,” Cheung said.
“Can Hong Kong set policy benchmarks to track whether our AI adoption and content can seamlessly cater to both languages?” he added, noting that Hong Kong must outperform regional competitors such as Singapore in bilingual execution to maintain its edge.

Hong Kong has also taken the initiative to expand AI adoption in the education sector to facilitate teaching and learning, while enhancing digital literacy among students.
In June this year, authorities rolled out the Blueprint for Digital Education Development in Primary and Secondary Schools, requiring teachers to undergo digital education training and schools to integrate AI education strategies into their annual development plans.
Earlier in 2023, the Education Bureau also introduced an AI curriculum for junior secondary students, covering basic concepts, ethical issues and social effects of the technology.
Major universities in Hong Kong have also launched AI literacy initiatives for students, with some institutions making completion of such programmes a graduation requirement.
Kenny Shui Chi-wai, vice-president of think tank Our Hong Kong Foundation, said allowing students to learn about AI as early as primary school would be “a positive step” to foster talent and drive widespread AI adoption.
He said it was crucial to update the curriculums and teach students from an early age how to gather information with AI, frame appropriate questions and address its underlying limitations and biases, as well as to fact-check and exercise independent decision-making rather than relying on generated answers.
For Cheung, although these measures offer some policy guidance on promoting digital education, clearer operational indicators – such as how to approach execution and who is held accountable – must be set out.
He added that more resources should be devoted to training people rather than mere hardware upgrades, while an integrated AI education framework should be introduced to bridge classroom learning and real-world application.
Despite these shared goals, a policy debate remains over whether Hong Kong needs a dedicated strategy.
A recent Legislative Council research report noted that nearly 70 economies globally had promulgated stand-alone AI development strategies – a document currently absent in Hong Kong.
Instead, the government identified AI as a strategic priority under its broader Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint in 2022.
The report also cited an International Monetary Fund report in 2024 that Hong Kong ranked 20th out of 174 economies in overall AI preparedness, trailing many regional markets including Singapore, Japan and South Korea.

All experts agreed that keeping AI at the top of Hong Kong’s policy agenda would be essential to closing the regional gap, with Cheung calling for a stand-alone strategy under which a dedicated cross-bureau task force was formed to drive overall AI development and use.
Shui supported the idea of devising a comprehensive AI development blueprint in the city.
He said the committee chaired by finance minister Chan could help formulate the plan, which shall establish medium- to long-term plans alongside quantifiable key performance indicators.
“For instance, there could be specific targets to boost AI adoption rates, measure how much AI should contribute to GDP growth, or define target figures for increasing the supply of AI talent – for Hong Kong as a whole or for specific industries,” Shui said, adding that having clear objectives enabled regular progress reviews and adjustments.
He also agreed that refining data governance would be helpful in reassuring residents in handing their data over to government-managed AI, so as to enhance the use of AI in public services.
In response to the South China Morning Post’s inquiries, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau said the authorities had been promoting the wider and deeper application of AI in public administration to enhance operational efficiency and provide more convenient public services.
The bureau added that it had also launched various subsidy schemes to promote digital transformation across different industries.
“These multidimensional AI policies and specific measures are not only in line with the national ‘AI+’ initiative but also highly coherent with the global development path of AI,” it said.
CityU’s Cheung said Hong Kong did not need to compare itself with other places.
“As the Chinese saying goes, ‘those who start later can still arrive first and overtake’,” he said. “What I care about most is whether Hong Kong is making progress and whether we have the determination to press forward in this direction.”


Hongkongers pay tribute to late leader Tung Chee-hwa at community halls

Ngong Ping 360 cable car opens in Hong Kong after typhoon delay - SCMP archive

The story begins …

Hong Kong’s new chapter

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong is lagging in the AI race – can it raise its game, and how?

Illustration: Brian Wang 

Officials from the Digital Policy Office brief the media on 30 initiatives to enhance public services efficiency, including the 1823 platform. Photo: Elson Li

Lawmaker Duncan Chiu. Photo: Karma Lo

Professor Ray Cheung. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Singapore has set up a National AI Council that will be chaired by the prime minister. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong’s iAM Smart is a one-stop platform for personalised digital services. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong can become AI literacy hub, industry leaders say

(From left) Artificial Intelligence Association of Hong Kong founder and chairman Neil Tan, IBM Consulting's Sony Angel Han, Fano Labs' Albert Lam and Ellen Lau of Preface AI at the panel discussion. Photo: Jonathan Wong

AI use on 1823 platform will cut frustration but data safeguards needed: experts

Hong Kong’s Digital Policy Office will expand AI use on the 1823 platform to help staff transcribe calls, summarise emails and log complaints. Photo: ISD

Lawmaker Duncan Chiu says AI upgrades to Hong Kong’s 1823 platform could reduce wrong referrals and shorten waiting times for residents. Photo: Karma Lo

Hong Kong to expand AI use on 1823 platform to vet public inquiries by end of year

The Hong Kong government plans to expand its use of AI to manage cases on the 1823 platform by the end of this year. Photo: Elson Li

(From left) Simon Lam, assistant commissioner for contact centre and change management, Ng Ping-Chung, deputy commissioner for data governance, Daniel Cheung, acting commissioner for digital policy, Benny Leung, assistant commissioner for data platforms, and Brian Sun, assistant commissioner for data applications. Photo: Elson Li

News

Hong Kong

Society

Hong Kong’s 5-year plan: what’s at stake?

Why does Hong Kong need a 5-year plan – and will it crimp its free-market economy?

Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Hong Kong is moving into uncharted territory by rolling out a five-year plan. Photo: Sam Tsang

 Macau is expected to release its third five-year plan this month. Photo: Eugene Lee

Lawmaker Rock Chen says long-term planning can ensure policy continuity. Photo: Jelly Tse

American free-market economist Milton Friedman once called Hong Kong his “favourite economy”. Photo: SCMP

Deng Xiaoping said that both planning and the market were tools for allocating resources. Photo: AFP

Economist Heiwai Tang says Hong Kong needs to be more resilient. Photo: Sun Yeung

Unpacking Hong Kong's five-year plan and its role in China's development

What comes next for Hong Kong as a global financial hub?

Illustration: Henry Wong

Our Hong Kong Foundation vice-president Kenny Shui says yuan globalisation is a key plank of Beijing’s plans for Hong Kong under the 15th national five-year plan. Photo: Elson LI

Mofiz Chan of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Professionals Association says the city should offer more renminbi-denominated products to boost the yuan’s pricing power among international assets. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Dan Ronald Leung, CEO of Esperanza Fintech Group, says the city needs to help Chinese financial products expand overseas at a time when the US dollar is being “deglobalised”. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Hong Kong was the world’s top IPO destination until June, when billionaire  Elon Musk’s SpaceX listed in New York. Photo: Elson Li

Hong Kong’s university town: where’s the money and what will success look like?

Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Professor Christopher Chao, senior vice-president for research and innovation at Polytechnic University, says the Northern Metropolis presents an opportunity to integrate industry, academia, research and application. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Electronics brand Shokz has already established a presence in the Northern Metropolis. Photo: Wency Chen

Professor Joshua Mok Ka-ho, vice-president of academic and research at Hang Seng University, a private institution, urges the government to mobilise corporate investors. Photo: Edmond So

The HKUST campus in Sai Kung. A university spokesman has suggested that authorities do more to facilitate cross-border flows of capital and technologies. Photo: May Tse

‘Enjoying two worlds at once’: work in Hong Kong, live and play in Greater Bay Area

The lower prices in cities such as Guangzhou allow Hongkongers to enjoy the best of both worlds – a career in Hong Kong and leisure on the mainland. Photo: AFP

Former city leader Leung Chun-ying says Hong Kong must pair its strengths in biotech, research and professional services with specific mainland hubs in Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Photo: Dickson Lee

More Hongkongers are moving to Guangzhou to access cheaper medical services with shorter waiting times. Photo: Getty Images

Legislator Simon Lee Hoey says Hong Kong must act as a “global gateway and rule connector” for the bay area, helping Chinese innovation meet international standards. Photo: Jelly Tse

The MixC shopping centre in Nansha. For many in Hong Kong, connectivity to the bay area is less about macroeconomics than about cheaper and better lifestyle options. Photo: May Tse

Hong Kong’s growing wealth inequality: will it be an M- or olive-shaped society?

Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen 

Fung Yu-hoi (left) and Man Chi-ying, a couple in their early seventies, rely on government allowances, amounting to a combined HK$8,690 per month. Photo: Elson Li

Paul Yip, chair professor of population health at HKU, warns that the twin challenges of an ageing society and a declining birth rate will put a strain on Hong Kong’s public funds and services. Photo: Sun Yeung

Even in her small 200 sq ft flat, the monthly rent of HK$5,000 and other expenses are onerous for housewife Zeng Meishi and her husband, a construction worker who earns HK$15,000 per month. Photo: Sam Tsang

Sze Lai-shan, deputy director of SoCO, has called for more aid to help targeted groups such as new arrivals from mainland China and carers. Photo: May Tse

Former labour and welfare chief Law Chi-kwong believes Hong Kong’s declining birth rate can be slowed but not reversed. He has called for better housing options to attract overseas students. Photo: Edward Wong

Softer focus on national security in Hong Kong’s 5-year plan? Why it won’t happen

 Credit: Brian Wang

Pressure is mounting on the leader to deliver on the Northern Metropolis near the Shenzhen border. Photo: Edmond So

The blaze that tore through the Wang Fuk Court housing estate last November killed 168 people and displacing about 5,000 residents. Photo: Eugene Lee

A student walks past a banner stating “National security is everyone’s responsibility”. Photo: Jelly Tse

Can John Lee untie the 4 knots choking the tech loop in Northern Metropolis?

Max Meng is the chief scientist at Yuanhua Tech. Photo: Handout

Professor Tim Cheng says Hetao’s competitive edge will rest on seamless cross-border integration of four key elements. Photo: Jonathan Wong

HKU’s Professor lan Wong says Hong Kong will benefit from mainland data being made available. Photo: Sun Yeung

Lawmaker Johnny Ng says Hong Kong lacks middle-tier engineers. Photo: Edmond So

How to solve Hong Kong’s triple whammy: ageing population, baby dearth and job losses?

Hong Kong’s labour force stood at 3.79 million people between May and July. Photo: Dickson Lee

Professor Eric Fong has called for a review of existing pro-family measures. Photo: Dickson Lee

Sze Lai-shan says labour importation has compromised the jobs of low-income locals. Photo: Elson Li

The jobless rate is 14.6 per cent for those aged 15-19 and 8.4 per cent for 20-29 age group. Photo: Elson Li

Lawmaker Lam Chun-sing (standing) has urged the government to roll out extra subsidies for certain groups. Photo: Eugene Lee

Beijing’s ‘trust issue’ with Hong Kong and what the city can promise in its 5-year plan

 Illustration: Brian Wang

Secondary school students visit the Hong Kong Museum of History’s national security exhibition gallery in Tsim Sha Tsui. Photo: Elson Li

Mainland customers opening accounts in the city must declare any funds that originate from outside mainland China. Photo: AFP

A man celebrates the 29th anniversary of the return of Hong Kong to Chinese rule at the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront on July 1 this year. Photo: Jelly Tse

As Singapore pulls ahead, experts say Hong Kong must overcome risk aversion and refine its governance frameworks to boost adoption


As Singapore pulls ahead, experts say Hong Kong must overcome risk aversion and refine its governance frameworks to boost adoption.


Hong Kong is lagging in the AI race – can it raise its game, and how?

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}As Singapore pulls ahead, experts say Hong Kong must overcome risk aversion and refine its governance frameworks to boost adoption

As Singapore pulls ahead, experts say Hong Kong must overcome risk aversion and refine its governance frameworks to boost adoption