The 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance concluded in Shanghai, 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 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 and its unique advantage as a bridge connecting China with global innovation resources.
Silas Chu, HKTDC Associate Executive Director (Technology and Digital Innovation), stated that the HKTDC is committed to fostering Hong Kong’s I&T and start-up ecosystem through various platforms, actively helping start-ups enhance market visibility and expand into the Chinese Mainland and overseas markets. “We continue to facilitate the participation of local I&T enterprises in major international technology exhibitions and industry events, enabling deeper exchange and collaboration between the industry and global corporations, investors, research institutions and business partners,” Chu said. These efforts help the sector stay abreast of developments in AI and other frontier technologies while exploring new application scenarios and market opportunities. Through participation in WAIC, the HKTDC aims to showcase Hong Kong’s vibrant I&T ecosystem to a global audience.
On the first day of the conference, the HKTDC organised the Seminar on Fostering Economic Innovation and Global Collaboration through AI, bringing together representatives from government, research institutions, the financial sector and I&T enterprises. The seminar discussed AI industrialisation, real-world applications, governance and standards alignment, financial empowerment and the global expansion of Greater Bay Area AI enterprises. Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, delivered opening remarks, emphasising the Hong Kong SAR Government’s push to transform Hong Kong into an international I&T centre and build a robust, trustworthy AI ecosystem. He noted that leveraging the unique advantages of “One Country, Two Systems,” Hong Kong will deepen collaboration among government, industry, academia, research and investment sectors, and strengthen ties with Mainland provinces.
Jacky Chung, HKTDC Associate Executive Director (Global Network and Supply Chain) and Director of Chinese Mainland, highlighted President Xi Jinping’s keynote speech emphasising 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, accelerate AI adoption across diverse application scenarios, build international I&T platforms, and foster cross-border collaboration.
The HKTDC also organised business matching and networking activities, including a visit to a Shanghai-based business incubator on 16 July, a roundtable and networking dinner with enterprises from Shanghai’s Xuhui District. These activities facilitated connections between Hong Kong enterprises and Mainland I&T companies, investors and industry representatives, deepening I&T collaboration. Additionally, the HKTDC presented the My Favourite Start-up Award to AI SEMI Limited, an HSITP start-up focused on AI-empowered semiconductor manufacturing innovation centred on AI optical proximity correction (AI-OPC).
The HKTDC has been actively bringing Hong Kong enterprises to major international tech shows, including CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Mobile World Congress (MWC) and 4 Years From Now (4YFN) in Barcelona, and Viva Technology in Paris. WAIC 2026, under the theme “AI Partnership for a Brighter Future,” brought together over 1,100 companies and featured more than 3,000 innovative products. For more information, visit HKTDC.
