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Financial Secretary Paul Chan Opens ABU Robocon 2024 in Hong Kong

about 2 hours ago2 MIN
Financial Secretary Paul Chan Opens ABU Robocon 2024 in Hong Kong

Summary

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po officiated the opening ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Robot Competition (ABU Robocon) in Hong Kong on Saturday. The competition features 16 university teams from 15 countries and regions, marking Hong Kong's second time hosting the event after 14 years. Chan encouraged Hong Kong's teams to give their best efforts while highlighting the city's rise as an international innovation and technology hub.

Key Points

  • The ABU Robocon brings together 16 university teams from 15 countries and regions for the robotics competition in Hong Kong this year
  • Paul Chan Mo-po attended as the guest of honor, interacting with participating teams and encouraging Hong Kong representatives to strive for excellence
  • Hong Kong is honored to host this competition for the first time in 14 years, showcasing the city's emergence as an international innovation and technology center
  • The city's innovation ecosystem is thriving, with over 5,200 startups recorded last year—a historical high representing nearly 40 percent growth over five years
  • More than 30 percent of startup founders in Hong Kong come from outside the city, reflecting the attractive environment for global talent
  • The Greater Bay Area, with a population exceeding 87 million, offers a comprehensive industrial supply chain where robotics companies can source components within just 30 minutes

Why It Matters

The ABU Robocon serves as a platform for Hong Kong to demonstrate its capabilities as an innovation and technology hub supported by the nation's 15th Five-Year Plan. The competition's return after 14 years highlights growing international recognition of Hong Kong's tech ecosystem, which could attract more talent and investment to the city. The strong turnout of regional teams also reinforces Hong Kong's role as a bridge connecting the mainland's manufacturing base with global innovation networks.
The ABU Robocon serves as a platform for Hong Kong to demonstrate its capabilities as an innovation and technology hub supported by the nation's 15th Five-Year Plan. The competition's return after 14 years highlights growing international recognition of Hong Kong's tech ecosystem, which could attract more talent and investment to the city. The strong turnout of regional teams also reinforces Hong Kong's role as a bridge connecting the mainland's manufacturing base with global innovation networks.