Anchoring the Future: Hong Kong's Path in AI and Innovation Transformation
- 秘書處
- Jun 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 2
Exploring AI Governance in the Greater Bay Area to Support National Leadership in Global Standards
Hong Kong Wen Wei Po – Mr. David Ip, Founding Chairman
The evolution of artificial intelligence is progressing far beyond the pace of regulatory frameworks. In 2025, Anthropic reported a cyber espionage case involving Claude Code, in which 80%–90% of the attack chain was autonomously executed by AI. From vulnerability discovery to exploit generation, processes that once took months are now being compressed into hours. This reflects a broader global trend in cybersecurity governance characterized by fragmentation and acceleration.
At the international level, efforts toward AI governance are increasing. The United Nations has adopted relevant resolutions and established mechanisms such as an independent international scientific panel and global dialogue initiatives. However, governance approaches across regions remain highly diverse, generally falling into regulatory-driven, development-driven, or hybrid models, with no unified global framework yet in place.
As a responsible major player in AI development, China is transitioning from a reactive to a leading role through a “systematic governance” approach. The Artificial Intelligence Safety Governance Framework 2.0, released in September 2025, introduces principles such as “trustworthy applications” and “risk prevention,” elevating governance objectives from feasibility to responsible implementation. In addition, the Global AI Governance Action Plan advocates the principle of “AI for good, serving humanity,” offering a comprehensive solution to global governance challenges. Indigenous security technologies are also paving new paths that differ from Western approaches.
In this evolving landscape, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) provides a strong model for regional collaboration. Initiatives such as the Generative AI Security Development Joint Laboratory, data security compliance laboratories, and cross-border data service platforms are fostering cross-disciplinary and cross-regional integration among government, industry, academia, and research sectors. These developments are gradually forming a coordinated governance mechanism and positioning the GBA as a pilot region for intelligent security governance.
To gain a competitive edge in global standard-setting, three key strategies are essential. First, strengthening technological capabilities to ensure global competitiveness; Chinese cybersecurity products and services have already demonstrated strong performance in international markets, particularly in Belt and Road regions. Second, advancing from product compliance to active participation and leadership in international standards, promoting mutual recognition and interoperability. Third, positioning AI as a global public good, aligning national interests with the needs of emerging markets and contributing to global governance discourse.
In this context, Hong Kong plays a unique and strategic role under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework. With its internationally aligned legal system and status as a free port, Hong Kong serves as a gateway for Chinese standards to reach global markets.
The Hong Kong China Network Security Association (HKCNSA) aligns closely with Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector.” For cybersecurity enterprises in mainland China, global expansion presents both opportunities and challenges. Amid geopolitical uncertainties and increasing concerns over single-source technologies, Hong Kong offers a trusted platform for compliance, intellectual property protection, and international collaboration.
Beyond this, Hong Kong can further strengthen its role through three key pathways: acting as a compliance incubator to support international certification and testing; establishing capability hubs such as threat intelligence centers and AI security laboratories; and developing transaction platforms to facilitate cross-border cybersecurity services and financial support for global expansion.
From global governance challenges to regional innovation in the Greater Bay Area, and from standard-setting to industry globalization, Hong Kong’s strategic importance continues to grow. As technological advancements accelerate, governance coordination and rule-making must keep pace. While integrating into national development strategies, Hong Kong must also enhance its innovative capacity on the global stage, positioning itself as a vital node in the global governance ecosystem.
Source of Information
This content is sourced from an exclusive interview by Wen Wei Po. Original article link:
The above is translated based on the original article. If any part is inconsistent with the original meaning or requires amendment, please contact the Association.
