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JULY 4 - 10, 2023

TECHNOLOGY

Speaking at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2023 held in Shanghai on Jul 6, the Financial Secretary Paul Chan pointed out that Hong Kong can make unique contributions in supporting AI development in three areas, namely gathering top research institutions and talent with strengths in scientific research from the Mainland and overseas; facilitating AI enterprises and institutions to raise funds in the city; and complementing the strengths of sister cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to form a complete industrial chain of AI. He also quoted Hong Kong's experience in developing Web 3.0 as an example to illustrate the need to set appropriate guardrails for technology and its applications, so that they could develop in a responsible and sustainable manner.

BUSINESS

Hong Kong's vibrant startup scene ranks world's No. 2, and first in Asia, among Top 100 Emerging Ecosystems, according to the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2023 published by Startup Genome. The report puts the estimated value of the city's startup ecosystem at US$70 billion, which is twice the global average. The report findings affirm Hong Kong's determination to grow into an international innovation hub. Evaluating 290+ global ecosystems, the ranking is based on six factors: performance, funding, market reach, talent & experience, connectedness, and knowledge.

AVIATION

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) celebrated its 25th Anniversary on Jul 6, staging several rounds of music and dance performances in the terminal and distributing souvenirs to passengers and airport staff to share the joy. Speaking at a celebratory cocktail reception (Jul 10), Chief Executive John Lee said that HKIA is consistently rated as one of the best and busiest airports anywhere. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is committed to bringing fresh impetus to HKIA to stay ahead of the competition with other regional airports, enhancing Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub.

ARTS AND CULTURE

The Hong Kong Panorama film series returns to the New York Asian Film Festival (Jul 14 – 30) with an exciting lineup of nine Hong Kong films, from dramas to noirs to action thrillers, including one world premiere and five North American premieres. Tickets are selling fast and some of the screenings have been sold out. Singer-dancer-actor Anson Kong, a member of Cantopop supergroup Mirror will attend the question and answer session after the screening of Uncaged Competition film Back Home on Jul 25.

ADMINISTRATION AND CIVIC AFFAIRS

The HKSAR Government vehemently objected (Jul 6) to the European Union’s misleading comments on District Council (DC) reform and the skewed remarks about the city’s democratic development. It pointed out that neither the Sino-British Joint Declaration nor the Basic Law contains a single word stipulating that DCs or district organizations are formed through election; and to describe the DCs as part of the so-called democratic development is merely an unfounded and deliberate misrepresentation.

The HKSAR Government strongly opposed and condemned (Jul 6) countries, organizations and politicians who have made unsubstantiated and irresponsible accusations regarding a move by the Hong Kong Police Force’s National Security Department to put a number of individuals at large on a wanted list. It added that Police’s actions are reasonable, rational and legal, and stressed that extraterritoriality in relation to national security fully aligns with the international legal principle of protective jurisdiction.

BASIC LAW

The Basic Law (BL) is the constitutional document of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). It provides the guarantees to maintain our existing way of life, including socio-economic development, the rights and duties of Hong Kong people, the rule of law and other areas. The Basic Law was put into effect on July 1, 1997.

Q: Is Chinese the only official language allowed under the Basic Law?

A: No, in addition to Chinese, English is also an official language used by the executive authorities, the legislature and the judiciary of the HKSAR. (BL Article 9)