Hong Kong's technological development is promising; we must continue to work hard

I attended two technology-related events today.

The first was an international conference on stem cell and regenerative medicine held this morning. Stem cell research is highly beneficial to enhancing the people's health, particularly in addressing the needs of an ageing population. The conference brought together a wide range of speakers and guests from the Mainland, the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States.

The second event was the signing ceremony for the collaboration between Hong Kong International Aviation Academy and Ecole Nationale de l'Aviation Civile (ENAC) held this afternoon. The ENAC is one of the organisations that I visited during my trip to France in June. Its collaboration with Hong Kong will help nurture more aviation management talent, keeping in line with the policy objective to "further strengthen Hong Kong's edge as a major regional aviation hub" as mentioned in my Policy Address early this year.

Innovation and technology are important to the development of Hong Kong. The Innovation and Technology Bureau was finally set up last year after surviving several filibusters at the Legislative Council. The Bureau's efforts have now begun to bear fruit. World-renowned technology institutions now attach greater importance to collaborations with Hong Kong. Some of them have established branches here, and some have been working with local institutions.

Hong Kong's technological development is promising. We must continue to work hard.

December 16, 2016