San Tin Technopole aims for preliminary industrial layout within 10 years

The San Tin Technopole will be divided into three development hubs and three industry corridors, with the project expected to generate at least HK$250 billion in annual GDP upon full operation and create more than 300,000 full-time jobs.

This came as the government unveiled the Conceptual Outline of the Development Plan for the Innovation and Technology Industry in the San Tin Technopole, setting out a top-level design for 210 hectares of new innovation and technology land.

The three hubs – Hetao, Chau Tau and Ki Lun – will run north to south, alongside corridors dedicated to life and health technology, artificial intelligence and robotics, plus microelectronics and advanced industries.

The development will proceed in five phases, covering introduction, ecosystem expansion, city-industry integration, and consolidation.

Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong said the project spans a vast area and will be rolled out over nearly a decade starting next year.

The first four phases are expected to take about eight years, with the goal of completing the preliminary industrial layout within 10 years.

He added that the government would not rule out accelerating the pace of development if necessary.

The Technopole will be anchored on three pillars: providing space for prototyping, pilot production and small-scale manufacturing; fostering high-quality local innovation and technology industries; and attracting global resources and talent.

Industry development will focus on six areas, namely life and health technology, AI and robotics, microelectronics and smart devices, new materials, new energy, and green technology. Advanced manufacturing will serve as the backbone of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology system.

“For these six industries, we have made preliminary plans for land allocation, but adjustments may be made depending on market feedback and the settlement of enterprises, especially leading companies, in Hong Kong,” Sun said.

On the development model, Sun noted that – in accordance with the principle of a capable government and efficient market – the creation of a dedicated company to drive the project in partnership with industry is possible, thereby leveraging market resources to accelerate progress and optimize costs.

Permanent Secretary Kevin Choi Kit-ming stressed that the approach will remain government-led and industry-oriented, with flexibility in structure.

As for the future positioning of the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation and Cyberport, Sun said they will form part of a coordinated north-central-south innovation and technology layout.

Cyberport in the south will focus on AI and blockchain, HKSTP in the central area will serve as a comprehensive industrial park with strengths in health biotechnology and advanced manufacturing, and San Tin Technopole in the north will work with the Hetao area to concentrate on research and development, helping to bring Hetao’s scientific achievements to fruition.