Funding Announcement

On March 10, 2025, Hong Kong made a significant leap in its artificial intelligence landscape with a generous donation of HK$200 million from the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation and Sino Group. This funding is earmarked for the Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Centre (HKGAI) and aims to fuel the development of a groundbreaking chatbot service named “HKChat,” utilizing the homegrown large language model, HKGAI V1.

Ceremony Highlights

The donation ceremony was graced by esteemed figures including the Financial Secretary, Mr. Paul Chan, who expressed gratitude for this substantial contribution towards AI advancement. He emphasized the role of AI in transforming global economies and echoed recent remarks by Chinese Premier Li Qiang on propelling the 'AI+' initiative, focusing on merging digital technologies with industrial strengths. This aligns with Hong Kong's ambition to become an international hub for AI innovation, inviting collaboration between government, academia, and industry players.

Statements from Key Figures

Mr. Daryl Ng, Director of the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation, underscored the necessity of cultivating a strong innovation and technology ecosystem in Hong Kong. He articulated pride in the donation, which seeks to make locally developed AI platforms accessible not just to businesses but to the general populace.

Professor Guo Yike, Provost of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the director of the HKGAI, recognized the profound impact of the donation on research and development. He assured that these funds would significantly aid in enhancing the HKGAI V1 model and the functionality of the 'HKChat' service, aligning with societal needs and expectations.

InnoHK and Research Initiatives

InnoHK, an initiative by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, aims to bolster global research collaborations. It encompasses various sectors, showcasing areas such as Health@InnoHK for healthcare technologies and AIR@InnoHK for AI and robotics, with an impressive portfolio of 30 established research centers and collaborations with over 30 prestigious international universities.

Commitment to AI Technologies

The Hong Kong Generative AI Research Centre is committed to building a robust foundation for AI technologies within the region. It is working on open-source solutions across diverse applications including text and image generation, medical diagnostics, and legal enterprises. Notably, the HKChat service will also support multiple languages including Cantonese, English, and Putonghua, integrating local data to enhance its relevance and applicability.

Conclusion

As Hong Kong sets its sights on becoming a global leader in AI, this crucial development represents an unparalleled opportunity for innovation and international collaboration. Stay tuned as the city's journey toward a technologically advanced future unfolds!