John Lee praises HK’s R&D boost as 15 state key laboratories recognized

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu highlighted Hong Kong’s growing research and development (R&D) capabilities on Monday after the central government formally designated 15 state key laboratories in the city.

The laboratories, which were restructured following instructions from the Ministry of Science and Technology in January, commenced operations on July 1.

Speaking at an award ceremony, Lee noted that the recognized labs are affiliated with universities ranked in the global top 100, including The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the City University of Hong Kong.

Also included are laboratories from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

Each lab is eligible for a maximum of HK$20 million in annual funding to support manpower, equipment, consumables, and other services essential for R&D work.

Lee stressed that the laboratories will provide a crucial platform for fostering collaboration with top-tier universities and institutions, helping to attract global talent and contribute to the city’s development as an international innovation hub.

He also emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to advance the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, a project aimed at promoting the integrated development of education, technology, and talent.