Hong Kong and Japan Strengthen Technology Collaboration Through Innovation & Technology Forum 2025
Hong Kong SAR – November 1, 2025
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) in collaboration with the Consulate General of Japan in Hong Kong, DEFTA Partners, and Alliance Forum Foundation under the Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) successfully co-hosted the Japan-Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Forum today. The event gathered prominent leaders from government, academia, and industry to deepen cooperation in innovation and technology (I&T) between Japan and Hong Kong.
A Strategic Hub for Global Innovation
The forum reaffirmed Hong Kong’s position as a global launchpad for innovation and a strategic bridge connecting Japan’s deep tech capabilities with Hong Kong’s globally connected I&T ecosystem. It highlighted the growing synergy between the two regions, leveraging their complementary strengths to accelerate technological advancement.
Distinguished Attendees and Insights
Key figures present at the event included:
- Ambassador Jun Miura, Consul General of Japan in Hong Kong
- Ms. Lillian Cheong, Deputy Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Hong Kong SAR Government
- Ambassador George Hara, Group Chairman & CEO of DEFTA Partners and adviser to HKSTP
- Mr. Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP
- Prof. Yutaka Matsuo, AI expert from University of Tokyo
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Jun Miura emphasized the critical importance of Japan-Hong Kong collaboration amid rapid technological development, especially in artificial intelligence. He encouraged mutual exchanges between startups from both markets to explore new business opportunities.
Ms. Lillian Cheong outlined the Hong Kong government’s strong commitment to innovation through significant funding programs, including:
- The One-plus Research, Academic and Industry Sectors Scheme with a budget of HK$10 billion
- The Pilot I&T Accelerator Scheme worth HK$180 million
- The Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund totaling HK$10 billion
She expressed optimism that Japanese technology companies would gain substantial benefits by establishing a presence in Hong Kong, facilitating access to Mainland China and international markets.
Building Infrastructure and Commercial Synergies
HKSTP’s CEO, Terry Wong, described the forum as a symbol of synergy between Japanese deep tech and Hong Kong’s global platform. He noted that over 150 tech companies had participated in nine major innovation events in Japan, generating over USD 5 million in commercial value.
Highlighting future developments, HKSTP is accelerating construction of INNOPOLE, a 20-hectare science and technology park in the San Tin Technopole. This upcoming innovation hub aims to be a center for AI collaboration and an economic driver in the Northern Metropolis region.
Toward a Collaborative Innovation Future
Ambassador George Hara underscored the importance of strategic international partnerships in shaping the future of technology. He identified Hong Kong as a critical meeting point for Japan, China, and the United States, offering significant potential for developing capitalism focused on public benefit and the growth of the middle class.
The forum included panel discussions on artificial intelligence, investment strategies, business collaboration, and biotechnology, bringing together entrepreneurs, scientists, and industry leaders from both Japan and Hong Kong.
Conclusion
The Japan-Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Forum 2025 successfully laid a robust foundation for future bilateral cooperation in technology and innovation. HKSTP reaffirmed its dedication to expanding Hong Kong’s global startup network through its “Attract In and Expand Out” strategy and pledged to deepen partnerships with Japanese stakeholders to foster sustained technological growth and cross-border collaboration.
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