Latest news with #AlbertWong
South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong must grow ‘exponentially' to match Shenzhen: outgoing Science Park CEO
Hong Kong will have to grow 'exponentially' before it can be compared to the likes of Shenzhen with its innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem, a goal that can be achieved by bringing in talent and capital, the Science Park's outgoing CEO has said. Advertisement In an exclusive interview before he steps down on Friday, Albert Wong Hak-keung said the government-backed innovation hub at Pak Shek Kok had come a long way from its early days about two decades ago, from first being seen as simply a landlord to now staking its claim as a start-up incubator for the city's future growth. 'At the beginning, we were struggling to determine whether Science Park is a real estate project or what we are,' said Wong, who joined the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation in 2016. He will be succeeded by Terry Wong Ping-sau, who has 30 years of global executive leadership experience across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Europe and the United States. The outgoing CEO said he had not yet made any future plans. Advertisement The Science Park supports 700 to 1,000 start-ups at any given time with incentives such as allowing them to operate rent-free in the first year, and provides communal facilities including semiconductor, biomedical and robotics labs, along with an extensive incubation programme.
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
‘Technology is pervasive': HKSTP CEO on young people in STEM and innovative AI
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) will soon close a chapter as Albert Wong Hak-keung, its chief executive officer for nearly a decade, is set to retire at the end of July. 'I've done what I know how to do. And I think that when everything is good, you should change … find new ways [to move forward],' Wong said. Wong has been the head of the vibrant innovation and technology hub since 2016. He has spent his time in the role mentoring young, bright minds and creating opportunities for Hong Kong's future generation of technicians, engineers, scientists and mathematicians. He spoke to Young Post about all things STEM, education and learning. STEM for Hong Kong students Wong recognised the speed at which new discoveries, tools and inventions emerged in the 21st century. But for students and schools, he said, there was no need to stress about keeping up with these changes. Instead, they should focus on the basics. 'Physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics … personally, I still believe these are the most important basics,' he said. Once you have mastered these foundational subjects, you could begin to specialise in a STEM field. Wong advised students to choose an area of study that aligned with their interests. He added that even secondary students were perhaps too young to 'determine what [their] career would be'. For example, while robotics and artificial intelligence are on the rise now, 'the future has not happened yet'. A driverless car by Apollo Go, Baidu's robotaxi service, drives on a road in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. Photo: Reuters Wong emphasised that while reading journals and studies was not necessary for every individual, it was essential to 'keep your eyes open' and stay updated on developments in STEM. He encouraged students who were not as inclined to study STEM subjects to still learn what they could in school. 'Technology is pervasive,' he said. Lawyers would need to be aware of AI, and those in marketing may use the technology, he added. 'You don't need to be a technologist, you don't need to know how to code, you don't need to know how to do biomedical research, but you have to know what is going on, because the future will be all about technologies.' A Chinese start-up based in Shenzhen announced it had developed a new humanoid robot that can change its own batteries – allowing it, in theory, to work nonstop for 24 hours a day. Photo: Weibo Time as a SOTY judge Wong has been a judge at the annual Student of the Year (SOTY) Awards eight times. The SOTY Awards are a competition organised by the South China Morning Post and solely sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Wong said he kept in touch with all the winners. As a judge, he said he looked at two things among the candidates: 'One is how do you help others instead of just being a good student yourself? Two is … the aspiration.' Wong explained that many SOTY Award recipients had a very 'focused target' for their career or life goals. He described one such winner as a young man with an 'entrepreneurial mind'. The student was a good coder and eventually worked at Google. Luo Junhong, the 2021 Student of the Year's scientist and mathematician award winner, receives the prize from Albert Wong, CEO of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation. Photo: SCMP Another winner graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the world – and now worked in the financial industry. 'I cannot imagine myself doing that at that age,' said Wong, who was born and educated in Hong Kong. But while he said these bright, top students deserved such opportunities, Wong stressed another focus. What was most important, he said, was not just helping the topmost student but also the ones in the middle. 'That is how we build a base [in Hong Kong],' he said. Looking ahead When asked about the future of STEM development in Hong Kong and globally, Wong highlighted artificial intelligence as a significant influence across various industries. But exactly how AI would affect humans and the economy was still to be determined, he said. 'It will definitely happen, but will be a different form that we do not visualise today,' he said. '[We are] still at the beginning.' Wong also believed that, over the next three to four years, AI would take on a different form. Developers may start putting AI agents – a system that autonomously performs tasks using available tools – in everything, he said. That would include finding the right doctor or searching for groceries. 'I think teachers and students should learn more about the trend,' he said. Albert Wong thinks all students, regardless of their grades or inclination for STEM, should stay updated on new tech and innovations. Photo: May Tse Wong said he hoped Hong Kong would jump on these innovations. 'I don't think we have done [them] justice in Hong Kong,' he said. 'There weren't opportunities because we focus on finance and tourism … [because it's] quick money.' This, he said, was the reason he worked outside Hong Kong for much of his career – because the opportunities in the city were so limited. Wong said he hoped that in the future, there would be more emphasis on technology, innovation and science. 'We owe it to the future generation to create … opportunities, internships, development [prospects], not just for the brightest students, but everyone,' he said.
Associated Press
17-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
EPIC 2025 Outdid Itself with Record-High 1,200 Applications
Doubled from last year with 87% entering the Hong Kong startup competition from overseas HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 July 2025 - EPIC 2025, organised by Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), has reached new heights with the 9th edition saw an influx of global applications hitting close to 1,200, entering from more than 70 economies, setting a record for the I&T arena gaining global recognition, and regional representation for the development of I&T ecosystems. EPIC 2025 received 1,200 applications from 70+ economies. With the application period open from March to June, the response to participating in one of Asia's largest innovation arenas has been taken by storm. Where global startups with solutions in Digital Health Tech, FinTech, and Green Tech will be seen at 60-second pitches to get through to an unprecedented US$100M targeted investment funding and US$240,000 cash prizes, backed by 20 global financial and corporate partners that manage collectively of an AUM close to US$100B and operate across Asia, Europe and North America. Monetary payoff aside, business matching and investment opportunities, as well as an extensive experience will be made available throughout EPIC Week––putting innovative solutions on display for potential investors and corporate decision makers with Tech Spotlight, and pulling a glimpse into the vast opportunities of the cities with Greater Bay Area Exploration guided tour––the series of highlights entailing complimentary flight and accommodation sponsored (* T&C applies) to contestants overseas, are set to enable mid- to late-stage startups to grow from indigenous names to international labels. 'First time ever that we're met with over a thousand applications, it's a feat right off the bat––we're expecting to see more aspiring tech gurus and their auspicious ideas rise to this year's shifts,' said Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP. Currently in the works, multiple regional pitching sessions will be held July to August, for the best and brightest in US, Europe, APAC and Hong Kong, to show and tell a story of their visions, where only the top 100 will be making it to the next round into the finals, taking place in November at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, Hong Kong's former international airport furbished to be a runway for an expedition in tech. Please visit for more #HKSTP The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. HKSTP Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 to create a thriving I&T ecosystem grooming 13 unicorns, more than 15,000 research professionals and over 2,300 technology companies from 25 countries and regions focused on developing healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies, etc. Our growing innovation ecosystem offers comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures, with the I&T journey built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined. Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen plays positive roles in connecting the world and the mainland with our proximity, strengthening cross-border exchange to bring advantages in attracting global talent and allowing possibilities for the development of technology companies in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability, with both dry and wet laboratories, co-working space, conference and exhibition facilities, and more. Through our R&D infrastructure, startup support and enterprise services, commercialisation and investment expertise, partnership networks and talent traction, HKSTP continues to contribute in establishing I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong. More information about HKSTP is available at
The Sun
17-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
EPIC 2025 Outdid Itself with Record-High 1,200 Applications
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 July 2025 - EPIC 2025, organised by Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), has reached new heights with the 9th edition saw an influx of global applications hitting close to 1,200, entering from more than 70 economies, setting a record for the I&T arena gaining global recognition, and regional representation for the development of I&T ecosystems. With the application period open from March to June, the response to participating in one of Asia's largest innovation arenas has been taken by storm. Where global startups with solutions in Digital Health Tech, FinTech, and Green Tech will be seen at 60-second pitches to get through to an unprecedented US$100M targeted investment funding and US$240,000 cash prizes, backed by 20 global financial and corporate partners that manage collectively of an AUM close to US$100B and operate across Asia, Europe and North America. Monetary payoff aside, business matching and investment opportunities, as well as an extensive experience will be made available throughout EPIC Week––putting innovative solutions on display for potential investors and corporate decision makers with Tech Spotlight, and pulling a glimpse into the vast opportunities of the cities with Greater Bay Area Exploration guided tour––the series of highlights entailing complimentary flight and accommodation sponsored (*T&C applies) to contestants overseas, are set to enable mid- to late-stage startups to grow from indigenous names to international labels. 'First time ever that we're met with over a thousand applications, it's a feat right off the bat––we're expecting to see more aspiring tech gurus and their auspicious ideas rise to this year's shifts,' said Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP. Currently in the works, multiple regional pitching sessions will be held July to August, for the best and brightest in US, Europe, APAC and Hong Kong, to show and tell a story of their visions, where only the top 100 will be making it to the next round into the finals, taking place in November at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, Hong Kong's former international airport furbished to be a runway for an expedition in tech. Please visit for more details. HKSTP Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 to create a thriving I&T ecosystem grooming 13 unicorns, more than 15,000 research professionals and over 2,300 technology companies from 25 countries and regions focused on developing healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies, etc. Our growing innovation ecosystem offers comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures, with the I&T journey built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined. Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen plays positive roles in connecting the world and the mainland with our proximity, strengthening cross-border exchange to bring advantages in attracting global talent and allowing possibilities for the development of technology companies in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability, with both dry and wet laboratories, co-working space, conference and exhibition facilities, and more. Through our R&D infrastructure, startup support and enterprise services, commercialisation and investment expertise, partnership networks and talent traction, HKSTP continues to contribute in establishing I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong.
Arabian Post
17-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
EPIC 2025 Outdid Itself with Record-High 1,200 Applications
Doubled from last year with 87% entering the Hong Kong startup competition from overseas HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 July 2025 – EPIC 2025, organised by Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), has reached new heights with the 9th edition saw an influx of global applications hitting close to 1,200, entering from more than 70 economies, setting a record for the I&T arena gaining global recognition, and regional representation for the development of I&T ecosystems. EPIC 2025 received 1,200 applications from 70+ economies. With the application period open from March to June, the response to participating in one of Asia's largest innovation arenas has been taken by storm. Where global startups with solutions in Digital Health Tech, FinTech, and Green Tech will be seen at 60-second pitches to get through to an unprecedented US$100M targeted investment funding and US$240,000 cash prizes, backed by 20 global financial and corporate partners that manage collectively of an AUM close to US$100B and operate across Asia, Europe and North America. ADVERTISEMENT Monetary payoff aside, business matching and investment opportunities, as well as an extensive experience will be made available throughout EPIC Week––putting innovative solutions on display for potential investors and corporate decision makers with Tech Spotlight, and pulling a glimpse into the vast opportunities of the cities with Greater Bay Area Exploration guided tour––the series of highlights entailing complimentary flight and accommodation sponsored (*T&C applies) to contestants overseas, are set to enable mid- to late-stage startups to grow from indigenous names to international labels. 'First time ever that we're met with over a thousand applications, it's a feat right off the bat––we're expecting to see more aspiring tech gurus and their auspicious ideas rise to this year's shifts,' said Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP. Currently in the works, multiple regional pitching sessions will be held July to August, for the best and brightest in US, Europe, APAC and Hong Kong, to show and tell a story of their visions, where only the top 100 will be making it to the next round into the finals, taking place in November at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, Hong Kong's former international airport furbished to be a runway for an expedition in tech. Please visit for more #HKSTP The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. HKSTP Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 to create a thriving I&T ecosystem grooming 13 unicorns, more than 15,000 research professionals and over 2,300 technology companies from 25 countries and regions focused on developing healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies, etc. Our growing innovation ecosystem offers comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures, with the I&T journey built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined. Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen plays positive roles in connecting the world and the mainland with our proximity, strengthening cross-border exchange to bring advantages in attracting global talent and allowing possibilities for the development of technology companies in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability, with both dry and wet laboratories, co-working space, conference and exhibition facilities, and more. Through our R&D infrastructure, startup support and enterprise services, commercialisation and investment expertise, partnership networks and talent traction, HKSTP continues to contribute in establishing I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong. More information about HKSTP is available at
