The 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance concluded in Shanghai on July 20, with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) participating for the fourth consecutive year. Together with Cyberport, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), and Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited (HSITP), the HKTDC mounted the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion, showcasing 18 leading AI enterprises and institutions. The pavilion highlighted solutions in 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 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,” he said. The HKTDC facilitated participation in major international tech exhibitions, enabling deeper exchange and collaboration with global corporations, investors, and research institutions.
On the first day of WAIC, the HKTDC organized a seminar on fostering economic innovation and global collaboration through AI. Representatives from government, research institutions, the financial sector, and I&T enterprises discussed AI industrialization, governance, and standards alignment. 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” in deepening collaboration and contributing to AI innovation.
Jacky Chung, HKTDC Associate Executive Director (Global Network and Supply Chain), noted President Xi Jinping’s emphasis on a fair 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,” he said. The HKTDC will continue to support Mainland AI enterprises in expanding internationally and foster cross-border collaboration.
The HKTDC also organized business matching activities, including a visit to a Shanghai-based business incubator and a roundtable with enterprises from Xuhui District. These facilitated connections between Hong Kong enterprises and Mainland I&T companies, investors, and industry representatives. Additionally, the My Favourite Start-up Award was presented to AI SEMI Limited, an HSITP start-up focusing on AI-empowered semiconductor manufacturing innovation.
Since its inception, WAIC has brought together over 8,100 leading scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors globally. This year’s conference, themed “AI Partnership for a Brighter Future,” featured more than 1,100 companies and over 3,000 innovative products. The HKTDC’s participation underscores its role in promoting Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub, as detailed on its website. For more information, visit the HKTDC Media Room.
