The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's 2026/2027 fiscal year budget, announced on the 25th, features "innovation and technology-driven growth" as a key theme. On the 26th, Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the Hong Kong SAR Government, attended a press conference on budget-related measures and outlined three priority areas for advancing innovation and technology in Hong Kong. First, the city will seize the opportunities presented by AI (Artificial Intelligence) development, improve the innovation ecosystem, promote "new industrialization," drive the growth of the digital economy, and build a smart Hong Kong. Second, Hong Kong will leverage its unique advantages to actively integrate into the national development strategy and serve as a bridge connecting Mainland China with the rest of the world. Third, it will expand the talent pool in innovation and technology to enhance development momentum.

The budget proposes establishing an "AI+ and Industrial Development Strategy Committee," initially focusing on the life and health sectors. Sun Dong explained that Hong Kong has achieved notable research outcomes in the diagnosis and treatment of age-related health issues and hopes to further position the city at the forefront globally.

Regarding the budget's allocation of HK$50 million for universal AI training, Sun Dong stated that Hong Kong has made progress in recent years in computational infrastructure, talent development, scientific research, and corporate establishment. The current focus is on enabling citizens to grasp AI opportunities and enhance their capabilities. The universal AI training initiative is a preliminary effort, and additional funding may be considered if results are positive. Additionally, the tender results for the Shatin Data Park will be announced shortly. Once operational, the park is expected to significantly increase Hong Kong's computational capacity.

In a separate press conference on budget-related measures held the same day, Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the Hong Kong SAR Government, indicated that Hong Kong will enhance its role as an international financial center through four key areas: "promoting reform," "expanding infrastructure," "increasing capacity," and "strengthening connectivity." These efforts will contribute to the national strategic goal of "accelerating the development of a financial powerhouse." Key measures include optimizing the ongoing regulatory framework for listed companies, providing specific guidelines for secondary listings of overseas companies, and recognizing more overseas markets as approved exchanges. The government will also explore tax incentives for eligible institutions engaged in gold trading and settlement in Hong Kong and establish a training framework for the industry.