The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation has partnered with the consulate general of Japan in Hong Kong, DEFTA Partners, and the Alliance Forum Foundation in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations ECOSOC to co-host the Japan-Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Forum.
The event successfully concluded as it convened distinguished leaders from government, academia, and industry, reaffirming Hong Kong’s position as a world-class launchpad for innovation and a strategic bridge between Japan’s deep tech capabilities and Hong Kong’s globally connected innovation and technology ecosystem.
Among the distinguished guests were Ambassador Jun Miura, consul general of Japan in Hong Kong; Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of HKSAR; Ambassador George Hara, founder of DEFTA Partners and advisor to HKSTP; Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP; and global AI expert Prof Yutaka Matsuo of the University of Tokyo.
Miura said, “The increasing importance of Hong Kong and HK-Shenzhen-Guangzhou cluster as a hub for innovation and technology based on their capital, information, universities, and talent is becoming clear, especially as the pace of technological advancement, including AI, and changes in the business environment, accelerates.”
Cheong noted that the government “has spared no efforts in devising support measures to promote the development of start-up ecosystem in Hong Kong”, citing the $10 billion Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme, the launch of the $180 million Pilot I&T Accelerator Scheme as well as the setting up of a $10 billion Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund and the relaxation of application threshold for the New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme.
She expressed confidence that Japanese I&T enterprises can greatly benefit from establishing footholds in Hong Kong, with a view to tapping into the vast Mainland and overseas markets.
Wong said, “Our forum today exemplifies this spirit, bringing together Japan’s deep tech strength and Hong Kong’s global platform to unlock a new era of collaboration. At HKSTP, we are committed to enabling startups to go global while attracting international innovation leaders to land and scale in Hong Kong.
“To date, more than 150 tech enterprises have participated in nine major innovation events across Japan, generating over $5 million in commercialisation value through increased exposure and strategic partnerships.”
He added that HKSTP is fast-tracking the development of INNOPOLE, a new 20-hectare San Tin Technopole campus within the Northern Metropolis.
This strategic initiative is designed to create a powerful economic engine, providing extensive space for AI development and collaboration within the Greater Bay Area. INNOPOLE will solidify Hong Kong’s position as the world’s premier gateway for innovation.
Hara pointed out that the momentum from the forum “is a clear signal that the future of tech will be written” through collaboration.
“We are committed to bringing strategic alliance with Japanese corporates, leveraging DEFTA’s expertise to turn the promising sciences and technologies out of Hong Kong into the groundbreaking enterprises of tomorrow,” stated Hara. “Hong Kong serves as a pivotal junction between Japan, China and the United States, holding significant geopolitical importance.”
He added that if Japan’s industrial sector contributes to growth by commercialising new technologies emerging from Hong Kong universities and establishing technology industries, while introducing the concept of public-benefit capitalism to cultivate a prosperous middle class, Hong Kong could become a model city for the 21st century and set an example for many Asian cities.
At the forum, panel discussions explored topics such as artificial intelligence, investment, business collaboration, and biotechnology-related technologies. These sessions brought together entrepreneurs, scientists, and industry leaders from Japan and Hong Kong to share insights and explore opportunities for mutual growth and development.
