Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Alfred Sit, at the Launch Event of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) InnoAcademy & Technology Leaders of Tomorrow today (October 7):
 
Albert (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Mr Albert Wong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning. I am delighted to join you all today at the launch event of the Science Park's InnoAcademy and Technology Leaders of Tomorrow 2020.
      
     As we all know, talent development is the key to success for I&T development. For many years, the Government, together with our I&T flagships, for instance Science Park as well as our industry players have spared no effort in attracting, nurturing and retaining I&T talent. The current term of Government has been pushing ahead the I&T development along eight major areas, including to increase resources for R&D and to pool technology talent. I am very pleased to learn that the Science Park's InnoAcademy and Technology Leaders of Tomorrow 2020 programme is driving along the same directions.
      
     Indeed, I&T is among the top policy agenda of the current term of Government. We have allocated a substantial amount of over $100 billion in the past three years and implemented various policy initiatives to help drive local I&T development and enhance the I&T ecosystem in Hong Kong. We keep reviewing our initiatives to help industries and talents to cope with the ever-changing markets. Among the many examples, we had broadened the funding scopes of the Researcher Programme and the Postdoctoral Hub earlier this year and having them consolidated into the Research Talent Hub in July, under which each eligible company or organisation can obtain funding support to engage up to four I&T talents with a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree to conduct R&D work, thereby providing more flexibility for employers in engaging research talents.
      
     Another key initiative I would like to highlight is our commitment to develop Hong Kong into a hub for global research collaborations through the development of the InnoHK research clusters. The first two clusters with the focuses on healthcare technologies and artificial intelligence as well as robotics technologies will soon be set up at the Science Park. InnoHK will be an ideal platform where research work of the highest quality and technology transfers are made to happen with the collaboration between scientists from renowned global research institutes and their Hong Kong counterparts. Through these clusters, we hope to create more high-quality jobs and business opportunities for both young talents and the industries. We will not be able to succeed without the commitment of the talented younger generations and the contribution of the industry partners and teams.
      
     Before I close, I would like to thank Albert and his team again for creating this meaningful programme to help empower our younger generation, and the hosting companies for their participation and support to this programme. I would also like to congratulate our eight young talents, who are selected from over 600 applicants, for having this exciting on-the-job training opportunity. They will attach to the Science Park's teams during the first two months with the goal of empowering their leadership skills and I&T knowledge, and then engage into a full-time R&D role for two years at their hosting companies which are all leading technology firms based in the Science Park.
      
     Last but not least, may I wish today's event and the programme a great success, and our interns a fruitful, enjoyable and inspiring experience. Thank you very much.

Ends/Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Issued at HKT 13:04

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