Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang, at the Opening of the International Conference on Industry 4.0 cum Smart Seminars organised by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) today (July 26):

Victor (Acting Chairman of the HKPC, Mr Victor Ng), Agnes (Executive Director of the HKPC, Mrs Agnes Mak), distinguished speakers and guests, friends, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning and welcome to the Hong Kong Productivity Council.

     It is my great pleasure to join you at today's International Conference on Industry 4.0 organised by the HKPC.

     Now, "Industry 4.0" is certainly one of the hottest buzzwords in the innovation and technology sector this year. Just last month, I addressed local leading industrialists on the same subject at a forum organised by the Federation of Hong Kong Industries. It is a matter of great interest among the participants. Everyone showed much enthusiasm and was very positive about Hong Kong's potential to seize the many opportunities offered by Industry 4.0. I also received the same response when I talked to various professional bodies and local and overseas chambers of commerce in Hong Kong in the past few months. 

     As we all know, developed economies can no longer afford to compete on price and cost alone. With the growth of the Internet-driven economy in recent years, economies have placed a strong focus on innovation and technology-oriented and high-value added manufacturing to stay competitive globally. 

     Originating in Germany, Industry 4.0 promotes smart manufacturing through the integration of a software-intensive manufacturing system and process, big data and the Internet of Things to form an intelligent and highly efficient network. Gains achieved include enhancing business productivity, efficiency and quality. Since then, different countries have built on this concept and charted their own paths. Today's conference offers participants a great opportunity to learn from each other, especially from our distinguished speakers from Germany, the United States, Japan, Korea and the Mainland of China.

     In the same vein, the Chinese Government has formulated the "Made in China 2025" strategy in 2015, setting out a blueprint for innovation-driven development and paving the way for China to become a world manufacturing power. "Made in China 2025" aims to enhance our nation's foundation in high-tech industries and strengthen its high-end manufacturing through innovation and technology and adoption of intelligent manufacturing technologies and processes. Sectors such as information technology, robotics, biotechnology, medical devices and alternative energy are all involved. I am delighted that we will learn more in this forum from Dr Tan Jianrong of the Chinese Academy of Engineering later.

     Here in Hong Kong, we also attach great importance to promoting Hong Kong's "re-industrialisation" to drive further economic growth for Hong Kong. To grasp the opportunities brought by technology development, we hope to spur the growth of a new generation of high-value added industries in Hong Kong, and facilitate the upgrading and transformation of Hong Kong industries to smart production. This will not only increase labour productivity, lower production costs and raise our global competitiveness, but create more quality and diversified employment for our young people. Industry 4.0 will be the lynchpin in successfully "re-industrialising" Hong Kong.

     In terms of hardware, the Hong Kong SAR Government will enhance support for science, innovation and technology based industries by providing suitable premises in the industrial estates. Having obtained the funding approval of our Legislative Council, we are actively pursuing the development of two pilot projects, namely an Advanced Manufacturing Centre and a Data Technology Hub in the Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate, at a total cost of about $8.2 billion. Together, these new projects will provide an additional gross floor area of over 130 000 square metres for high-value manufacturing and data technology operations, creating also some 7 500 jobs. Through our public funding programmes and infrastructure such as the Hong Kong Science Park, we are also promoting R&D in specific technology directions where Hong Kong has an edge or the demand, such as robotics, healthy ageing and smart city.

     Turning to our host today, the HKPC has been supporting our local industries to enhance their productivity since 1967. The HKPC has witnessed the economic transformation of Hong Kong and made significant contribution in adapting our industries to the ever-changing environment. I am sure the HKPC will continue to be our industries' best partner in helping them to capitalise on the opportunities arising from Industry 4.0. 

     Finally, I would like to convey my thanks to the HKPC for hosting today's conference, bringing in an ensemble of distinguished international experts to share with us their insights and experience in the areas of smart manufacturing and technology development. Today's conference and the seminars to follow in the coming two days will no doubt generate many innovative ideas. Let us work together and help Hong Kong re-gain our position as a leading industrial hub of the region.

     Thank you.

Ends/Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Issued at HKT 11:53

NNNN