The Innovation & Technology Commission held the Reception for I&T Awards 2024 today, where more than 300 representatives from the local innovation and technology (I&T) sector, including academics, scientists, and representatives of institutes and government departments were commended for bringing Hong Kong glory by showcasing its I&T strengths and telling Hong Kong’s good stories to the world.

In the past year, representatives from Hong Kong have stood out in a number of I&T competitions or exhibitions globally and on the Mainland, including the Edison Awards 2024, the 2023 R&D 100 Awards and the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva.

At the Geneva event, a record-high number of over 350 prizes were won by Hong Kong, with the Police Force and the Fire Services Department receiving Gold Medals with Congratulations of the Jury.

Local scholars and scientists also received a number of globally renowned individual awards and made significant contributions to the country.

Addressing the reception in Hong Kong today, Chief Executive John Lee said that the remarkable achievements of Hong Kong's talent not only reflected the international recognition of the city’s research and development outcomes, but also exemplified the profound strength of the local I&T sector, laying a solid foundation for developing the city as an international I&T centre with the support of the National 14th Five-Year Plan.

He highlighted that the award-winning individuals and teams straddle various sectors, including the Government and industry, academic and research sectors, covering fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, medical science, green technology, polymer science, electronic and electrical engineering, and architectural engineering, which demonstrate Hong Kong’s fervent I&T atmosphere.

The Government will continue to promote full co-operation with all sectors to boost I&T development in Hong Kong, and support the industry to achieve greater success in the future, Mr Lee added.