John Lee unveils five-year innovation and talent plan
RTHK · 1 SOURCES1 day ago5 MIN

Summary
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (李家超) has released his first five-year plan, setting the goals of building Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre and an international hub for high-end talent. He said Hong Kong should deepen collaboration with world-renowned universities and across disciplines, while helping demonstrate industry standards. The plan also aims to position the city as an important external window and channel for the country's open cooperation in science and technology innovation. Alongside talent and research, it proposes regulatory reform for drugs and medical devices and a stronger “Study in Hong Kong” drive
Key Points
- Lee said the five-year plan focuses on building an international innovation and technology centre and a global high-end talent cluster in Hong Kong
- The plan calls for stronger ties with world-famous universities and interdisciplinary cooperation to help showcase and set industry standards
- Hong Kong will host and join major international innovation events, including the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit and Hong Kong International Innovation and Technology Fair
- Lee said a centre for drug and medical device regulation will be established and developed into an internationally recognised authoritative regulator
- The government will promote “Study in Hong Kong” and “Explore Hong Kong through Study” through a dedicated programme, while supporting international school places for non-local families
Why It Matters
The plan links Hong Kong's technology ambitions with talent attraction, higher education and healthcare regulation, pointing to a more integrated development strategy for the next five years. For residents and businesses, the practical test will be whether these initiatives translate into stronger research capacity, faster access to innovative medicines and a more competitive environment for international talent to settle in the city