HONG KONG – Cyberport welcomed more than 450 attendees at the “AI x Data Forum” with a clear focus on the theme “AI in Action, Data at the Core: Unlocking Infinite Potential.”
Participants included leaders from government, finance, innovation and technology, cybersecurity, and academic fields. The event highlighted new ways to use artificial intelligence and data to drive real-world progress in different industries.
During the forum, Cyberport, the Canton Data Exchange, and China Unicom Global signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement sets up a working model where established data applications and companies from Mainland China can enter Hong Kong’s market.
The partnership covers areas such as financial risk management, healthcare, cross-border trade, and the low-altitude economy. It will also provide technology platforms and help with regulatory matters.
This joint effort aims to help businesses reach both local and international markets. The three partners will also host incubation, investment, and networking events to boost Hong Kong’s reputation as a data application hub.
Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, opened the forum and said that artificial intelligence is now a key driver of the world economy, with data as its backbone. He noted that these two elements work best together.
AI a Priority
The HKSAR Government has made AI a priority industry this year, encouraging every sector to drive growth through new technology. He added that Hong Kong’s position as an international data centre will support fresh innovation in AI.
With the benefits of “One Country, Two Systems,” Hong Kong is set to be a key base for AI growth in the Greater Bay Area.
Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, welcomed guests and said, “Data is the base of the digital economy. It moves smart city growth forward and is essential for AI progress. Cyberport works hard to build a strong innovation and tech community.
We want to see safe, effective, and compliant use of AI and data across different sectors. Our new partnership with the Canton Data Exchange and China Unicom Global marks a big step for data industries in Guangdong and Hong Kong. Cyberport will keep driving tech adoption and help Hong Kong stand out as a leader in innovation and data.”
Dr. Crystal Fok, Director of AI Applications at Cyberport, led the Leaders Dialogue sessions. The panel included speakers from the Hong Kong Police Force, the Spatial Data Office, the Canton Data Exchange, and China Unicom Global.
Panellists talked about ways to boost data security and make cloud data movement more transparent. They shared new ideas for data management and compliance.
The group discussed how platforms with multilingual and context-aware features can improve services. They stressed the need to review and upgrade system security so that information can flow safely and within regulations. The panel also said that well-designed data platforms help different industries work together and encourage growth for smart companies.
Cyberport, as Hong Kong’s digital technology hub and AI launchpad, works across sectors to build reliable and responsible AI systems. Last year, Cyberport opened the city’s largest Artificial Intelligence Supercomputing Centre (AISC) and created an AI Lab to support start-ups from research through to market. These facilities give tech companies a strong base for testing and applying their ideas.
The HKSAR Government has put HK$3 billion toward a three-year Artificial Intelligence Subsidy Scheme (AISS) run by Cyberport. About 20 companies have applied so far. By the end of June, the committee had approved almost 10 projects covering large language models, new materials, synthetic biology, and medical AIs with total funding close to HK$300 million. From January, approved projects started using the AISC, now running at over 90 per cent capacity.
Cyberport 5, set to open soon, will feature top-tier infrastructure like a Tier-III+ sustainable data centre. Alongside the AISC and the Hong Kong Internet Exchange (HKIX), this new building will anchor a high-performance tech corridor. The facility will offer reliable storage and computing for business, education, and government, speeding up digital upgrades across sectors.
Now, Cyberport supports more than 400 start-ups focused on AI and data science, while also attracting major AI companies. Cyberport has built key partnerships with global tech leaders, growing its support for start-ups and helping bring in new talent, research, and technology use. This effort is shaping Hong Kong into an international centre for AI and innovation.
About Hong Kong Cyberport
Cyberport is fully owned by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. It works as the city’s digital tech hub and AI accelerator. The goal is to support digitisation across industries, boost the digital economy, and help Hong Kong become a global leader in AI and innovation.
Over 2,200 companies are based at Cyberport, including five listed companies and seven unicorns. Founders from 26 countries and regions are on site, and Cyberport companies now do business in more than 35 global markets.
With the city’s largest AI Supercomputing Centre and AI Lab, Cyberport supports an ecosystem of industry-leading AI companies and about 400 AI and data science start-ups.
By growing tech clusters in AI, data science, blockchain, and cybersecurity, Cyberport helps many industries, including smart city projects, finance, digital entertainment, tourism, healthcare, education, construction, logistics, and property management. It is also home to Hong Kong’s biggest FinTech community.
Commissioned by the government, Cyberport runs pilot projects, adoption grants, tech training, and start-up support to help move technology forward and bring ideas to market. This work is speeding up the digital shift and smart upgrades for industries and society.
As Hong Kong’s main incubator, Cyberport provides funding, office space, and access to networks of businesses, investors, and technology experts. Entrepreneurs get help with business growth, entering China and overseas markets, and attracting talent. Cyberport acts as a launchpad, helping start-ups at every stage succeed. Learn more at https://www.cyberport.hk/en.
