The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (October 15) the "ART" Framework to support the responsible adoption of AI in the banking sector, fostering an AI-enabled banking ecosystem with "Accountability", "Resilience", and "Trust".
      
     AI systems are becoming more autonomous, with greater access to data, tools and workflows. With the aim of supporting banks in seizing the opportunities presented by AI while maintaining robust governance and operational resilience, key initiatives under the "ART" Framework include:
 

• Issued the latest Supervisory Guidance for Responsible Adoption of Artificial Intelligence, drawing on insights from the second cohort of the Generative AI (GenAI) Sandbox;

• An AI training data sharing platform in collaboration with Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited (Cyberport) and the University of Hong Kong, with data quality assurance as a core design principle; and

• Further testing of agentic AI applications through the GenA.I. Sandbox++ and an upcoming discussion paper on a proposed supervisory framework for agentic A.I. governance, exploring intent-anchored accountability, a registry of material AI agents, and effective intervention mechanisms.

     ​The HKMA is also co-hosting the two-day Finance+A.I. Forum with Cyberport on October 15 and 16, marking the successful completion of the technical trials under the second cohort of the GenAI Sandbox, which delivered positive results. Notably, more than 60 per cent of the use cases explored agentic AI, demonstrating the industry's active pursuit of advanced AI applications, such as automated planning and execution of multi-step tasks within defined boundaries and controls.
      
     Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA Mr Arthur Yuen said, "The progression from generative to agentic AI represents an important new stage of innovation for the banking sector. Under Fintech 2030, the HKMA is introducing the 'ART' Framework, which stands for 'Accountability', 'Resiliency' and 'Trust', with the aim of providing a clear foundation for banks to develop and deploy AI responsibly. By pairing innovation with clear accountability, resilient operating models and effective human oversight, banks can fully realise the benefits of AI while maintaining the trust and stability for Hong Kong's financial system."

     The Hong Kong Space Museum is screening a new 3D dome show, "Explore 3D", at its Space Theatre from today (October 15). The show will lead audiences across centuries to explore the scientific journey and abstract laws of physics in an immersive visual experience.
 
     Through a series of stunning and richly detailed scenes, the show bridges the past and future of astronomy while transporting audiences to see how pioneering scientists reshaped mankind's understanding of the Universe and gradually uncovered the mysteries of celestial motion. From tracking the relative paths of the Sun and the Moon across the zodiac to help in predicting eclipses and placing the Sun, rather than the Earth, at the centre of the Universe, to developing laws of physics that help calculate orbits of spacecraft, and more, these insights laid the foundation for modern space exploration, paving the way towards the dream of landing on Mars.

     The 28-minute show will be screened until July 14, 2027. Screening times are 2pm and 6.30pm on weekdays and 12.30pm and 5pm on weekends and public holidays respectively. Tickets priced at $30 (front stalls) and $40 (stalls) are now available at the Hong Kong Space Museum Box Office and URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For details of the show, please visit (hk.space.museum/en/web/spm/shows/3d-show/explore-3d.html).
      
     The Hong Kong Space Museum, located at 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, is closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays).

          

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Future Technology · Future Scenarios · Future Talent – Youth Scientists and Industry Application Scenario Matching Forum today (October 15):

Sophia (Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Ms Sophia Chong), Paul (Chairman of the Hong Kong Electronic Industries Association, Mr Paul So), Clara (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited, Ms Clara Chan), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. It gives me great pleasure to join you today at the Young Scientists and Industry Application Scenario Matching Forum.

     Scientific breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, robotics, life and health technology, advanced manufacturing and new materials are opening up new possibilities for economic and social development. Yet, technological advancement alone does not guarantee successful commercialisation. Promising research must be tested, validated and refined to meet actual market needs before it can develop into commercially viable products, services and industries.

     This is where a scenario-driven approach becomes particularly important. Hong Kong itself offers a rich test bed through its advanced public services, infrastructure and international connectivity. Combined with the GBA (Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area)'s extensive manufacturing capabilities and supply chains, we offer enterprises unmatched opportunities for pilot testing and market entry. Furthermore, the Government is supporting the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks in exploring the establishment of the Innovation and Technology Application Scenario Promotion Centre, with a view to matching the practical needs of public and private sectors with innovative technological solutions provided by local I&T (innovation and technology) enterprises. This resonates with the "30 × 30" matching initiative of today's event that aims at connecting technologies with actual industrial demands.

     We are also accelerating the development of Hong Kong's new industrialisation system. The New Industrialisation Funding Scheme has already funded nearly 150 smart production lines so far. Through the HK$10 billion New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme, we are also supporting enterprises in establishing advanced manufacturing facilities in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, the Microelectronics Research and Development Institute (MRDI) is taking lead in establishing Hong Kong’s first national manufacturing innovation centre. The two pilot lines of the MRDI will start operation this year and focus on the R&D (research and development) and trial production of third‑generation semiconductors.

     Innovation transfer is a people-driven process. This requires not only scientific expertise, but also an understanding of the industry needs, intellectual property management and business development. To this end, our InnoHK research clusters have brought together some 3 000 researchers from institutions that are among the global top echelon to collaborate with local institutions to set up research centres or laboratories in Hong Kong. 

     To provide the fertile soil for local talents to grow, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks has expanded its Talent Foundry programme to provide training for local university students, researchers, career newcomers and professionals, focusing on AI+ and emerging technologies. We will also introduce a young researcher category under the Innovation and Technology Support Programme, strengthening support for young scientists to explore and pursue a career in new I&T disciplines.

     Ladies and gentlemen, turning scientific discoveries into future industries calls for real application scenarios and capable talents. I trust that today's exchanges will yield tangible collaborations, helping more breakthrough technologies march successfully towards commercialisation and offering broader social impact.

     I wish today's forum every success, and all of you a rewarding exchange. Thank you.

  

     The Education Bureau (EDB) released today (October 15) the online version (in Chinese and English) of the Profile of Kindergartens and Kindergarten-cum-Child Care Centres 2026/27 School Year (www.chsc.hk/kindergarten) to provide basic information on all kindergartens and kindergarten-cum-child care centres (collectively referred to as kindergartens), enhancing the transparency of schools and helping parents make informed school choices for their children. Schools can update the online version of the Profile whenever necessary so that parents can obtain the most up-to-date school information.

     The Profile covers basic information on about 930 kindergartens in Hong Kong, including the list of kindergartens joining the Kindergarten Education Scheme in the 2026/27 school year, the approved school fees of all kindergartens, the numbers and overall professional qualifications of the principals and teaching staff, enrolment, teacher-to-pupil ratio, curriculum details, reference prices of major education items being sold, application fees, registration fees and information on application for admission. The Profile also includes columns on "Support to non-Chinese speaking students" and "Support to students with special needs" for parents' easy reference.

     For kindergartens joining the Scheme, the Profile will show their approved school fees after the deduction of government subsidies. Parents can also refer to the Fees Certificate of respective schools for details of the approved fees, including school fees and meal charges, if applicable. All kindergartens joining the Scheme are also required to disclose the allocation of expenditures across major spending areas in the Profile.

     All kindergartens joining the Scheme are required to undergo the Quality Review (QR) for quality assurance. For those kindergartens that have completed the QR process, information on whether they have met the prescribed standards is indicated in the Profile and the latest QR Report can be accessed through the link provided.