The 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance concluded successfully in Shanghai on July 20, marking the fourth consecutive year that the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) participated. The HKTDC, together with Cyberport, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), and Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited (HSITP), mounted the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion, which showcased innovative solutions from 18 leading Hong Kong AI enterprises and institutions. The pavilion covered areas including intelligent robotics, smart city technologies, cybersecurity, and enterprise intelligence, demonstrating Hong Kong's strengths as an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre.
Silas Chu, HKTDC Associate Executive Director (Technology and Digital Innovation), emphasized the council's commitment to fostering Hong Kong's I&T and start-up ecosystem. "Through various platforms, we actively help start-ups enhance their market visibility, expand into the Chinese Mainland and overseas markets, and further promote Hong Kong's I&T strengths," Chu said. The HKTDC facilitated participation in major international technology exhibitions, enabling deeper exchange and collaboration with global corporations, investors, research institutions, and business partners.
On the first day of the conference, the HKTDC organized the Seminar on Fostering Economic Innovation and Global Collaboration through AI, bringing together government, research institutions, the financial sector, and I&T enterprises. Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, delivered opening remarks, stating, "The Hong Kong SAR Government is pressing ahead with transforming Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre, while building a robust, trustworthy, internationalized and sustainable AI ecosystem." He highlighted the unique advantages of 'One Country, Two Systems' and Hong Kong's role in contributing to AI innovation nationally and globally.
Jacky Chung, HKTDC Associate Executive Director (Global Network and Supply Chain) and Director of Chinese Mainland, noted President Xi Jinping's emphasis on building a fair and equitable global AI governance framework. "As AI shifts from R&D breakthroughs towards large-scale industrial application, Hong Kong will leverage its unique strengths to contribute to the national 15th Five-Year Plan," Chung said. The HKTDC will continue to support Mainland AI enterprises in expanding internationally and foster cross-border collaboration.
The HKTDC also organized business matching and networking activities, including a visit to a Shanghai-based business incubator and a roundtable with enterprises from Shanghai's Xuhui District. These events facilitated connections between Hong Kong enterprises and Mainland I&T companies, investors, and industry representatives.
During the exhibition, the HKTDC presented the My Favourite Start-up Award to AI SEMI Limited, an HSITP start-up driven by AI-empowered semiconductor manufacturing innovation. The award recognized the company's strong innovation capability and market potential. AI SEMI focuses on AI optical proximity correction (AI-OPC) to reshape lithography technology value chains.
The HKTDC has been actively bringing Hong Kong enterprises to major international tech shows, including CES 2026, Mobile World Congress, and Viva Technology. This participation at WAIC underscores Hong Kong's vibrant I&T ecosystem and its role as a bridge connecting China with global innovation resources. For more information about the HKTDC, visit www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
