It is safe to say that all of our lives are being increasingly shaped by the rapid technological changes in such areas as fintech, artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics. Likewise for businesses, technology has become an important tool to enhance and scale up operating capabilities.

The Hong Kong Government has stated its intention to make innovation and technology a new engine for growth. The Hong Kong Science Park serves a key role in fulfilling these aspirations by providing the requisite resources, and in serving as a platform for tech talent to turn ideas into reality. 

Thirty Chamber members had the opportunity to learn more during a visit to the Science Park on 28 June. Ten companies based at the park gave presentations on a variety of technological developments and their commercial applications. The innovative technologies demonstrated were in areas including cloud-based cash management, personalised health-tracking systems and smart home mobile applications. A business-matching session followed, where members were able to look at prototypes to better understand the features and functions of the various products.

The visit also included a guided tour of the Data Studio and Smart City Innovation Centre (SCIC), two facilities that house conceptual designs and ideas for transforming Hong Kong into a smart city. The Data Studio is a data-driven innovation centre that encourages and stimulates the development of economic and social solutions using open data and big data. The SCIC is equipped with cutting edge technologies, which include a 5G Application Test Bed and M2M Communications Lab.