Hong Kong is on a journey to establish itself as a global innovation and technology hub, with a strong focus on smart city development aimed at improving the quality of life for its residents. In the 2024 Smart City Index, the city proudly secured the 20th spot among smart cities worldwide.
Central to this transformation is the Hong Kong Smart City Blueprint 2.0, a roadmap designed to weave cutting-edge technologies into the fabric of urban living. The recent unveiling of 110 digital Government and smart city initiatives in the 2024 Policy Address is a major milestone, propelling the city further along its path to becoming a smarter, more connected place to live.
A Robust Digital Infrastructure
The Government’s commitment to establishing a robust digital infrastructure includes significant emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI), said Daniel Cheung, Deputy Commissioner (Digital Infrastructure) of the Digital Policy Office (DPO).
“In December 2024, Cyberport launched the AI Supercomputing Centre to meet the growing computational demands of academia and businesses,” said Cheung. “Additionally, a $3 billion AI Subsidy Scheme was introduced to support local universities and research institutions in utilizing these resources, with nine applications approved within the first few months of its launch.”
The authorities are building a Big Data Analytics Platform, Government Cloud Infrastructure Services and Shared Blockchain Platform, tools that will help deliver services more efficiently and cost-effectively. The DPO has also implemented the Consented Data Exchange Gateway, allowing citizens to authorize using their data for enhanced service delivery while ensuring compliance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.
The iAM Smart app, launched in December 2020, offers residents a secure digital identity for accessing government and commercial services. With over 3.3 million registrations, it supports around 500 online services, including eHealth, eTAX and vehicle license renewals, with daily usage exceeding 100,000.
“The platform provides a secure platform for residents to conduct online transactions. On the other hand, multi-functional smart lampposts collect real-time city data to improve public services and city management,” Cheung said.
Another initiative is the Open Data Portal, providing access to over 5,500 datasets from more than 110 providers, including real-time data for public transport and weather, facilitating smarter decision-making for residents. Annual downloads surged from 5 billion in 2019 to over 60 billion last year, reflecting its growing importance in the community.
Catalysts for Innovation
With over 820 start-ups, Cyberport is Hong Kong’s digital technology flagship and entrepreneurship incubator, with a focus on sectors like smart building technologies, smart mobility solutions, green technology and healthcare innovations.
“Our community currently includes over 350 start-ups focused on AI and big data development,” said Eric Chan, Chief Public Mission Officer of Cyberport.
Chan emphasized the importance of digital transformation among businesses for Hong Kong’s smart city goals. “Cyberport’s Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme, backed by government funding, allows SMEs in sectors like F&B, retail, tourism and personal services to apply for financial help to adopt pre-assessed digital solutions,” he noted.
The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a leader in market-driven R&D, driving world-class technologies and positioning Hong Kong as a global innovation hub.
Yonghai Du, Chief Innovation Officer of HKPC, pointed out that the evolution of a smart city also depends on smart mobility. “Technologies like smart connected vehicles, autonomous driving and the low-altitude economy are reshaping the urban landscape,” he explained, highlighting that HKPC’s Automotive Platforms and Application Systems (APAS) R&D Centre develops new energy solutions, including EVs and hydrogen technologies.
“For instance, the introduction of 5G-enabled Autonomous Shuttle Light Buses at Fairview Park demonstrates Hong Kong's commitment to intelligent transportation,” said Du.
Critical to smart underground infrastructure is efficiently managing and integrating underground utility data. Professor Wallace Lai, Associate Professor from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University noted that as part of the 2021 Policy Address, the Lands Department launched the Underground Utilities Information System (UUIS) in late 2024.
UUIS uses a 3D geographic information system to consolidate underground utility records, moving beyond traditional 2D drawings – a big leap forward to build a smart underground. To ensure its effectiveness, Lai said strategic directions include regular updates every three to six months, supported by a sustainable fee structure.
“Hong Kong is, in fact, a role model because of our high concentration of utilities and quick adoption of technologies,” said Lai. “For example, the UUIS is a remarkable achievement from which many other countries can learn. PolyU has been working closely with Southeast Asian governments, surveyors and academia to share the best practices and challenges of our underground utilities ‘ecosystem.’”
The integration of AI in healthcare is also transforming medical practices, simplifying diagnostic processes and providing valuable analyses and recommendations. Fusing AI with big data and telemedicine promises increased precision and efficiency in healthcare services.
Du said partnerships with The University of Hong Kong and The City University of Hong Kong have resulted in projects such as the AI Model Development for Eczema Image Classification, which improves diagnostic accuracy and showcases AI’s potential to enhance healthcare outcomes.
Meeting ESG and carbon neutrality goals has become critical as urbanization accelerates. Hong Kong generates over 10,000 tons of daily municipal waste, making effective waste reduction solutions imperative. HKPC spearheads initiatives like Food TranSmarter®, focusing on food waste pretreatment to improve recycling efficiency, promoting sustainability and green living in this densely populated city.
Bridging Innovation and Development
The Chamber’s Smart City Working Group plays a crucial role in aligning its goals with ongoing smart city initiatives.
“We have worked with the Smart City Consortium to provide feedback on the Government’s Smart City Blueprint 2.0 based on comments collected from our members,” said Patrick Lee, Chairman of the Smart City Working Group, who emphasized the importance of learning from other smart cities such as Taipei.
Lee said the Group helps tech members identify early adopters to sponsor Proof of Concept projects and facilitates connections between tech companies and government departments through the Smart Government Innovation Lab. This serves as a vital link between innovators and potential adopters.
“Experiential learning is encouraged through site visits to key initiatives like Fairview Park’s autonomous shuttle bus and the Advanced Manufacturing Center,” said Lee. The Group also focuses on solution identification, connecting members with practical answers to pressing challenges, such as food waste technologies that enhance sustainability.
The Road Ahead
Integrating AI and other technologies enhances urban efficiency but raises data integrity and surveillance issues. Cheung said the Government adheres strictly to the PDPO when handling personal data and implements robust security measures based on the sensitivity of the information.
The Policy Statement on Facilitating Data Flow and Safeguarding Data Security in Hong Kong, published in December 2023, outlines strategies for managing data flow and ensuring security.
The DPO regularly updates its policies to enhance IT network security, requiring government departments to encrypt sensitive data and conduct regular security assessments. New measures introduced in 2024 include independent cybersecurity tests for high-risk IT projects and surprise vulnerability inspections, bolstering the overall cybersecurity posture of government systems.
The DPO works closely with the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data to develop the Consented Data Exchange Gateway, addressing public privacy concerns.
Public awareness campaigns are vital in promoting new initiatives. The DPO deploys social media to highlight the benefits of “iAM Smart” among residents. To bridge the digital divide, outreach efforts target elderly and underprivileged groups, assisting with registration.
The Government also encourages public transport operators to share data, allowing users to access real-time arrival information through apps like HKeMobility, which enhances trip planning and overall convenience.