The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, started the second day of his visit in Singapore today (May 23) by calling on the Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies of Singapore, Mr Heng Swee Keat.

Professor Sun said he was pleased to see Mr Heng again after the Deputy Prime Minister's working visit to Hong Kong in August last year. He briefed Mr Heng on the latest developments of innovation and technology (I&T) in Hong Kong since the promulgation of the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint last December. They had exchanges on issues of common interest and concerns over common challenges faced by the two places. While Hong Kong was keen to foster closer collaboration on the I&T front with other economies, including Singapore, Professor Sun looked forward to creating a powerful synergy that drives economic growth and innovation in the region.

Professor Sun delivered a thematic speech, "Hong Kong: The innovation powerhouse of Greater Bay Area (GBA) - Propelling the I&T development of the Region" at a business luncheon attended by around 100 leaders and executives from the Singaporean I&T community organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore and Invest Hong Kong. Sharing with the community the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's vision and efforts to develop Hong Kong into an international I&T centre, Professor Sun stressed that Hong Kong and Singapore, both renowned as leading financial and business hubs in Asia, have immense potential to collaborate in the field of I&T development.

“While Hong Kong is the primary gateway to Mainland China and a central city in the GBA powering its regional development, Singapore is one of the leading players and I&T powerhouses in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region. By working together, we both cities can become dual engines propelling the growth of I&T in the region, benefitting not only ourselves but also the entire Asia-Pacific region. Hong Kong can serve as a springboard for Singapore start-ups and enterprises to venture into the GBA and Mainland China markets. In contrast, Hong Kong tech companies can make full use of Singapore as a gateway to expand their businesses in the ASEAN region,” he said.

In the afternoon, Professor Sun called on the Minister for Communications and Information, Mrs Josephine Teo. They exchanged views on data, artificial intelligence and Singapore's Smart Nation initiatives. Mrs Teo also shared Singapore's experiences in drafting Singapore's Personal Data Protection Act.

Professor Sun then called on the Chinese Ambassador to Singapore, Ms Sun Haiyan, and briefed her on Hong Kong's continuous efforts in integrating into the national I&T development.

Professor Sun will continue his duty trip in Singapore tomorrow (May 24) to visit JTC Corporation and tour One-north.

-ENDS-