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Professor Sun Dong, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry, conducted a thorough inspection of a promising new site earmarked for innovation and technology (I&T) endeavours in Sandy Ridge, North District.
Based on the initial assessment, the government perceives the site as viable for data centre development. This visit unveiled the immense potential this site holds for furthering Hong Kong’s strides in the realm of I&T.
During the Policy Address 2023, Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive, John Lee, confirmed the integration of the Northern Metropolis with the strategic planning of Shenzhen and other cities within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (“GBA”). He announced the government’s intention to repurpose a two-hectare site in Sandy Ridge, North District.
Hong Kong stands at the frontier of digital transformation, actively exploring new sites and avenues to catalyse tech innovation. With a keen focus on harnessing technological prowess, the city is zealously identifying and repurposing spaces, like the recent scrutiny of sites such as Sandy Ridge, to nurture the growth of innovation and technology.
This vigorous pursuit underscores Hong Kong’s unwavering commitment to fostering an ecosystem conducive to ground-breaking advancements, propelling the city into a dynamic era of digital evolution and technological innovation.
The government’s concerted efforts to foster the growth of I&T industries involve augmenting land supply specifically dedicated to I&T and enhancing the accompanying infrastructure. The latest Policy Address introduced a proposal to repurpose a substantial two-hectare site in Sandy Ridge, North District, underscoring its pivotal role in bolstering Hong Kong’s I&T landscape.
Professor Sun, accompanied by key figures such as Mr Vic Yau, Director of the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office, and Mr Gavin Tse, Acting Project Manager (North Development Office) of the Civil Engineering and Development Department, meticulously examined the Sandy Ridge site.
Professor Sun inspected Sandy Ridge and received a comprehensive briefing from relevant officers regarding the site’s status, encompassing the formed land and completed infrastructure facilities.
They considered crucial factors such as site location, infrastructure plans, development timelines, and nearby commercial and community amenities, alongside the industry’s pressing need for such facilities. Importantly, this prospective development is anticipated not to significantly impact local foot traffic.
“The Government aims to expedite technical evaluations and necessary rezoning procedures within the coming year, rendering the site ripe for I&T and associated developments. This provides a swift solution for I&T expansion, complementing the existing Loop, aligning seamlessly with the ‘South-North dual-engine (finance-I&T)’ strategy,” Professor Sun emphasised.
The visit also saw the presence and active involvement of esteemed personalities like Mr Eddie Mak, Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry; Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry; and Mr Tony Wong, Government Chief Information Officer, further underscoring the significance of this prospective I&T hub in Sandy Ridge.
This proactive pursuit of fostering a dedicated space for I&T endeavours reflects Hong Kong’s commitment to fortifying its position as a regional tech leader. As the Government advances with its strategic plans, Sandy Ridge emerges as a promising cornerstone in the burgeoning landscape of innovation and technology in the region.
OpenGov Asia has reported that Hong Kong is keen to cement its reputation as a regional and global digital hub. It already is a dynamic global financial centre and a historical node for the Chinese diaspora and stands as a vibrant hub for tech and trade.
Indeed, the nation is looking to emerge as a dynamic tech hub and global business intersection, fostering innovation, propelling digital economy growth, and connecting a thriving start-up ecosystem within a vast global network.
Hong Kong’s innovation and technology sector together with that of Shenzhen and Guangzhou – the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou science and technology cluster – ranks as the world’s second performing according to the Global Innovation Index 2023.
