Hong Kong to Host International Science and Technology Forum Conference in June 2025

SITI attends press conference of International Science, Technology and Innovation Forum of Boao Forum for Asia 2025 Hong Kong Conference in Hainan

​The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, attended a press conference for the International Science, Technology and Innovation Forum (ISTIF) of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) 2025 Hong Kong Conference in Hainan this morning (March 26), together with the Executive Chairman of the BFA ISTIF, Mr Leong Vai-tac, to provide more details on the Hong Kong Conference to be held in June.

The BFA initiated the ISTIF in 2019, with a mission to strengthen global science and technology governance, promote international science and technology innovation and co-operation, lead the direction in rule making of emerging technologies, and contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Since then, three editions have been held and the ISTIF has become a premier platform for exchanges, dialogues, and co-operation in the field of science and technology innovation.

The BFA and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will jointly host the ISTIF 2025 Hong Kong Conference at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on June 6 and 7. Under the theme of "Transitioning Towards the Future: Powered by Science and Technology Innovation", the Conference is expected to attract around 800 participants from the Mainland and overseas, including top-notch experts, scholars, government and business leaders to exchange views on the latest trends in global innovation and technology (I&T) development, the development and emerging opportunities in frontier technological fields, and to inject new impetus into the I&T development of the country and the world at large.

Mr Leong said that the Conference will highlight the unique characteristics of the BFA, the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and Hong Kong, promote the transformation of research and development outcomes, foster pragmatic collaboration, and serve as an international platform bridging government, business, academic and research sectors, jointly contributing to Asia's development and addressing global challenges through international exchanges and collaboration in the I&T field.

Professor Sun said that it is a great honour for the HKSAR Government to cohost the Hong Kong Conference with the BFA in Hong Kong. He said, "Hosting the Hong Kong Conference by the HKSAR Government does not only continue the ISTIF's tradition of staging the event in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao GBA cities, but also reaffirms Hong Kong's advantages as a highly internationalised city and its pivotal role of bridging the country and the world as a dual platform.

​"Through the Hong Kong Conference, we endeavor to deepen regional and international I&T co-operation, further elevate Hong Kong's profile in the international I&T arena, and accelerate the development of Hong Kong into an international I&T centre. Hong Kong will fully leverage its strengths as a 'super connector' and 'super value-adder', harnessing its advantages to create a high-quality international science and technology mega event."

The Conference will comprise the opening ceremony, a Hong Kong forum, sub-forums, panel discussions and round tables, with internationally renowned speakers who will share their insights on a wide range of topics, including global science and technology governance, sustainable development, innovation clusters, life sciences, future mobility, AI, quantum technology, financial innovation and youth leadership, contributing to the enhancement of international co-operation and global governance in science, technology and innovation.

Professor Sun concluded his visit and returned to Hong Kong in the afternoon.

SITI attends press conference of International Science, Technology and Innovation Forum of Boao Forum for Asia 2025 Hong Kong Conference in Hainan Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SITI attends press conference of International Science, Technology and Innovation Forum of Boao Forum for Asia 2025 Hong Kong Conference in Hainan Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKSAR Government fully supports disaster relief for the earthquake in Myanmar

On March 28, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake occurred in Sagaing Region, Myanmar, resulting in serious casualties and infrastructure damage. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government expresses its deep sympathy to the people affected by the disaster and families of the deceased. The HKSAR Government sent a 51-strong search and rescue team to the quake-stricken areas in Myanmar this afternoon (March 29) to assist in the search and rescue work. In addition, the HKSAR Government has immediately reserved $30 million from the Disaster Relief Fund for emergency relief support.

The HKSAR Government is maintaining close contact with various rescue organisations regarding the detailed relief programmes with a view to providing appropriate relief assistance to the people affected and help them overcome difficulties and resume a normal life as soon as possible. The Disaster Relief Fund Advisory Committee will promptly process related funding applications from organisations.

In addition, the HKSAR Government has liaised with the Consul-General of Myanmar in Hong Kong, and will actively coordinate with various government bureaux/departments to collect the necessary relief supplies according to local needs, striving to deliver them to those in need as soon as possible to meet the current urgency.