Hong Kong must upgrade digital infrastructure to realise goal of becoming innovation and tech hub, Huawei executive says

‘Digital infrastructure, such as cloud AI computing, is the scientific research foundation for building Hong Kong into a technological innovation hub,’ Huawei’s Xu said

The Hong Kong government, realising the importance of tech and innovation to the economy, set aside US$1.27 billion for the sector’s development in the budget

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Hong Kong needs to step up the development of its cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure to become a leading tech hub, a top Huawei executive said. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 3:30pm, 13 Apr 2023Updated: 8:21pm, 13 Apr 2023

Hong Kong needs to step up the development of its cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure to become a leading innovation and technology hub, according to a key Huawei Technologies executive.

The city can build on its advantages as an international financial centre and having world leading research institutes, but it also faces challenges like a shortage of technological talent and lack of adequate investment in research and development (R&D), according to William Xu Wenwei, the chair of the scientist advisory committee at Huawei.

“Digital infrastructure, such as cloud AI computing, is the scientific research foundation for building Hong Kong into a technological innovation hub in the future,” said Xu in his keynote speech at the Digital Economy Summit organised by the government and the Cyberport hi-tech hub on Thursday.

“Building Hong Kong into a global technological innovation hub requires the combination of industry, education, research and application. Building a long-term ecosystem of technological innovation in Hong Kong requires emphasising foundational research, synergising industrial innovation and accelerating the construction of infrastructure.”

William Xu Wenwei, the chair of scientist advisory committee at Huawei, says Hong Kong’s tech ambition needs serious work. Photo: Xinhua

In the city’s annual budget in February, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po stressed the importance of innovation and technology for the economy, setting aside HK$10 billion (US$1.27 billion) to drive the sector’s development.

This includes HK$6 billion in funding to help universities and institutes develop thematic research centres related to life and health technology, HK$3 billion to enhance basic exploration of frontier technology fields such as AI and quantum technology and the development of a digital economy.

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