HK developing own AI

The government is developing a foundation model of a homegrown generative artificial intelligence system to provide a "solid" theoretical and technical base for future development, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong has revealed.

After the foundation model is completed, the government will roll out applications to expedite government paperwork, which is expected to be available within the year, Sun said.

Unlike Singapore, Hong Kong will not adopt the technology from Open AI - a US-based AI research organization, Sun said on radio yesterday.

He added the foundation model of the homegrown generative AI system has been undergoing training. Generative AI is artificial intelligence capable of generating text, images, videos or other data using generative models, often in response to prompts.

Sun described the system as an important starting point for Hong Kong being "self-sufficient" in terms of technology.

Authorities released the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint in 2022, setting out eight major strategies under four development directions.

Sun voiced confidence in the blueprint, but said the city currently lacks front-line manpower.

"Currently, the manpower shortage is mainly at the industrial level - that is, there are not enough people when it comes to hands-on work," he said.

"I think this is due to the mode of industrial development in Hong Kong in the past as traditionally we have not paid much attention to the technology industry."

But to develop the IT sector, he said authorities have to be persistent and "make a great leap forward" after setting out the goals.

On Thursday, a batch of 59 local, mainland and overseas enterprises signed memorandums of understanding with the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park in Lok Ma Chau Loop.

Sun said these enterprises were interested in the development of the loop.

"This time, almost one-fourth [of the enterprises] came from seven overseas economies, and 24 companies expanded their business in Hong Kong for the first time," Sun said.

Apart from manpower, the government also faces a funding challenge.

As of this month, the government and other funds such as Cyberport, had invested more than HK$800 million in 88 startups, and had driven over HK$16.7 billion in private investment.

But Sun considered the scale of investment as "still insufficient" for future development, adding that the government has been thinking about how to use the funding better to lead the development of the IT sector.

He said authorities will announce a plan for the Sandy Ridge site in the North District as soon as possible.

The two-hectare site at Sandy Ridge was originally reserved for building a public columbarium.

But Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said in his policy address last October that it will be used for IT development and other related purposes.

The government will also announce a development plan for the Lok Ma Chau Loop this year, with a target to reform the whole area into an "innovative highland" by 2035.

eunice.lam@singtaonewscorp.com