The Boao Forum for Asia International Science, Technology and Innovation Forum was held today (June 6) to discuss technological innovation and sustainable development. The roundtable meeting this morning was themed "Youth Leadership for an Intelligent, Green and Inclusive Future", attracting young representatives from government, enterprises, scientific research institutions, and academia to participate.
The meeting emphasized that young people have become the core driving force of technological innovation with their curiosity, adaptability, and creativity. The "post-90s" and "post-00s", known as the "Internet generation", are the leaders in the era of artificial intelligence. The delegates exchanged views on topics such as global science and technology governance, new technology rule-making, the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and narrowing the digital divide, calling for strengthening international cooperation to create more equitable development opportunities for young people.
Zhang Jun, Secretary-General of the Boao Forum for Asia and former Chinese Permanent Representative to the United Nations, emphasized that young people need to have a sense of mission and a global vision. "Technology should promote common prosperity, not divide the world." He mentioned that China's promotion of open source technology, blockchain, and artificial intelligence development aims to benefit the world, especially to help developing countries improve their digital capabilities and achieve inclusive growth.
In his sharing, the Legislative Council member for the Science and Technology Innovation Sector, Chiu Duncan, pointed out that Hong Kong can serve as an intermediary platform to help the country cooperate with the "Belt and Road" brother countries. "Hong Kong actively promotes cross-border youth exchanges and capacity building through scholarship programs, entrepreneurship support and technology training." He gave an example that many universities in Hong Kong welcome students from ASEAN and other places to study, and the local entrepreneurship subsidy program also supports international youth to develop technology projects in Hong Kong, which will further promote knowledge sharing and resource connection in the future.
After the meeting, Qiu Dagen was interviewed by Dian News and elaborated on the current status of Hong Kong's innovation and technology development. Hong Kong is actively transforming into an innovation and technology hub. "The current government is policy-driven and has made clear arrangements in the fields of artificial intelligence and microelectronics. At the same time, it accelerates development through talent introduction and ecosystem construction." He listed three major focuses: scientific research funding programs, international talent visa optimization, and venture capital fund cultivation, and expected that "results will be seen in the next few years."
Youth representatives and officials from more than a dozen countries, including Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, and Pakistan jointly advocated expanding opportunities for youth to participate in technological innovation. Representatives from ASEAN and Asian countries focused on the theme of "integration", proposing the need to strengthen transnational youth cooperation networks, eliminate barriers to unequal resources, and empower the next generation through education and entrepreneurship support.
Participants highly affirmed the value of Hong Kong as a "super connector". Ngai Chee Foong (Jasper), Secretary General of the Malaysian Junior Chamber International, said, "Hong Kong's sound legal system, English environment and gateway status to the Chinese market have greatly lowered the entry barriers for Asian start-ups." He suggested simplifying the process for foreign entrepreneurs to come to Hong Kong and setting up cross-border R&D subsidies to ease operating cost pressures.
Pablo Marales Navarrete, CEO of Atom Semiconductor Technology Co., Ltd., shared his successful entrepreneurial experience in Hong Kong. "Our team consists of members from China, the United States and India. Hong Kong's international environment and capital market access are conducive to the commercialization of laboratory technology." He particularly mentioned that local medical research infrastructure and government support are key drivers of the cross-border development of semiconductors and biotechnology.
Related News:
HK to host first Global Finance and Industry Summit in June, aiming to become Asia's 'Davos Forum'
Watch This | Boao Forum 2025: International voices reflect on China's development
Comment