Hong Kong to recruit AI commissioner next Q2
SingTao · 1 SOURCES1 day ago5 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong officials said recruitment for a new AI commissioner will begin in the second quarter of next year under measures set out in the latest Policy Address. The role will be created by upgrading an existing deputy commissioner post in the Digital Policy Office to Directorate Pay Scale Point 4, with a broader remit covering AI-related work across government. Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Tony Choi Kit-ming (蔡傑銘) said the commissioner will advise on AI industry development and risk management, while Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok (林定國) said legislation is only one of several tools for governing the technology. The government also announced a voluntary Cybersecurity Defence Programme for local organisations, alongside shared defence tools and a threat intelligence sharing mechanism
Key Points
- Tony Choi said recruitment will start in next year's second quarter by upgrading a Digital Policy Office deputy commissioner post to Directorate Pay Scale Point 4
- The AI commissioner will handle a wider portfolio, including AI-related work and advice to the government on industry development and risk management
- Choi said candidates must understand AI industry trends, Hong Kong's industrial conditions, and how public administration measures affect society
- The recruitment exercise will be open to the public, meaning both industry professionals and civil servants may compete for the post
- Paul Lam said AI governance should not rely only on legislation, citing softer tools such as industry codes and education, while some issues may still require laws
Why It Matters
The planned appointment points to a more formal government structure for coordinating AI policy, balancing economic development goals with oversight of emerging risks. For Hong Kong organisations, the parallel rollout of a voluntary cybersecurity programme suggests the administration wants stronger digital resilience without immediately imposing mandatory compliance requirements