The 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance concluded successfully in Shanghai on July 20, 2026. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) participated for the fourth consecutive year, mounting the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion alongside Cyberport, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), and Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited (HSITP). The pavilion showcased innovative solutions from 18 leading Hong Kong AI enterprises and institutions, covering intelligent robotics, smart city technologies, cybersecurity, and enterprise intelligence.
Silas Chu, HKTDC Associate Executive Director (Technology and Digital Innovation), stated, "The HKTDC is committed to fostering Hong Kong’s I&T and start-up ecosystem. Through various platforms, we actively help start-ups enhance their market visibility, expand into the Chinese Mainland and overseas markets, and further promote Hong Kong’s I&T strengths." The participation aimed to demonstrate Hong Kong’s strengths as an international I&T centre and its unique advantage as a bridge connecting China with global innovation resources.
On the first day, the HKTDC organised a seminar on "Fostering Economic Innovation and Global Collaboration through AI," bringing together government, research institutions, financial sector, and I&T enterprises. Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, delivered opening remarks, emphasizing Hong Kong's transformation into an international innovation and technology centre and its integration into the national AI Plus initiative. He noted, "Leveraging the unique advantages of ‘One Country, Two Systems’, Hong Kong will continue to deepen collaboration among government, industry, academia, research, and investment sectors."
Jacky Chung, HKTDC Associate Executive Director (Global Network and Supply Chain) and Director of Chinese Mainland, highlighted President Xi Jinping’s call for a fair and equitable global AI governance framework. He said, "As AI shifts from R&D breakthroughs towards large-scale industrial application, Hong Kong will leverage its unique strengths to contribute to the national 15th Five-Year Plan." The HKTDC plans to support Mainland AI enterprises in expanding internationally and foster cross-border collaboration.
The HKTDC also organised business matching and networking activities, including a visit to a Shanghai-based business incubator on July 16, and a roundtable and networking dinner with enterprises from Shanghai’s Xuhui District. These activities facilitated connections between Hong Kong enterprises and Mainland I&T companies, investors, and industry representatives.
Additionally, the HKTDC organised the "My Favourite Start-up Award," where visitors voted for the most innovative start-up. The award was presented to AI SEMI Limited, an HSITP start-up focused on AI-empowered semiconductor manufacturing innovation. AI SEMI's technology centers on AI optical proximity correction (AI-OPC), reshaping the lithography technology value chain.
The HKTDC has been actively bringing Hong Kong enterprises to major international tech shows, including CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Mobile World Congress (MWC) and 4 Years From Now (4YFN) in Barcelona, and Viva Technology in Paris. The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at WAIC provided start-ups a platform to showcase their technology solutions and connect with international investors.
Since its inception, WAIC has brought together over 8,100 leading scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders. This year's conference, under the theme "AI Partnership for a Brighter Future," featured more than 1,100 companies and over 3,000 innovative products. For more information about HKTDC’s initiatives, visit www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
