On March 18, Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of Hong Kong, Zhang Manli, responded to legislators' inquiries, stating that the Hong Kong government is accelerating efforts to promote the industrialization of artificial intelligence (AI) and deepen its integration with various industries. Simultaneously, the government is actively encouraging the widespread application of AI to achieve universal usage and effective utilization by all citizens. Throughout this process, the government has consistently advocated for the organic combination of AI technological innovation and safe usage to foster a healthy and orderly AI development ecosystem. Zhang Manli emphasized that AI governance is the cornerstone for ensuring the safe, ethical, and responsible application of AI. The Digital Policy Office has issued and continuously updated documents such as the "AI Ethical Framework" and the "Guidelines for Generative AI Technology and Application in Hong Kong," providing an AI governance framework tailored to the Hong Kong context. This framework covers essential principles and safety standards for identifying and managing potential AI risks. As a public institution leading AI research and accelerating its application in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong AI Research Institute is committed to enhancing the local AI governance system and strengthening the foundational empowerment of AI technology. The institute's objectives include: (i) formulating AI standards and promoting institutional alignment, such as the "National Standard for AI Service Capability Maturity Assessment" and ISO 42001 AI Management Systems; (ii) providing AI safety assessments and related consulting services, enabling local AI systems and enterprises to conduct AI model training and compliance testing under safe and standardized conditions that meet international standards; and (iii) establishing cross-sectoral and cross-regional AI collaboration platforms to jointly promote AI standardization and safe application with stakeholders. The Hong Kong government appointed the institute's board of directors this month to expedite personnel arrangements, aiming for full operational status in the second half of this year to implement the aforementioned initiatives promoting AI safety and ethics. Under existing legislation, the dissemination of obscene images or personal privacy violations, regardless of whether AI was used in their creation, is regulated by relevant current ordinances. Regarding the use of AI to produce pornographic, indecent, or obscene images, the Computer Network Crime Subcommittee under the Law Reform Commission is studying existing laws from the perspective of computer network-assisted crimes and will conduct public consultations at an appropriate time. Zhang Manli noted that to review whether laws across different policy areas can keep pace with technological advancements, including AI, the Secretary for Justice has convened a steering committee meeting to establish a cross-departmental working group on "Reviewing Legal Support for Wider AI Application." This highlights the government's proactive approach to addressing risks associated with AI development and application, such as deepfake pornography and the generation of false information, and the necessary regulations, including AI governance, to strike a balance between promoting development and mitigating risks. The establishment of this working group is crucial for addressing issues arising from the rapid development and widespread application of AI. Its core members will come from various policy bureaus and departments. Each bureau/department will conduct a comprehensive and in-depth review of existing laws to identify gaps or deficiencies, followed by research into targeted and actionable solutions based on Hong Kong's specific circumstances. The working group is actively proceeding with its tasks, and no decision has been made yet regarding whether legislative measures are needed for specific issues. Regarding educational curricula, the Hong Kong Education Bureau has maintained close communication with universities funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC), encouraging institutions to further strengthen measures related to students' application of AI and internet technologies. In 2023, the UGC allocated HKD 100 million to establish the Science and Innovation Education Fund, aimed at promoting the use of technology by universities to advance teaching innovation and enrich learning experiences. The fund seeks to cultivate a new generation of talent with both ethical integrity and professional competence in the digital economy. One of the fund's supported areas is promoting technological social responsibility and academic integrity, including legal and ethical issues such as academic honesty, data privacy, and security. Additionally, to advance "AI for All," the 2026–2027 Budget proposed organizing AI-related courses and activities to enhance students', youths', and the public's understanding and application skills of AI, as well as their responsible use of the technology. The authorities are actively preparing for these initiatives, with relevant projects expected to be launched in the second half of this year through collaborations between AI-savvy public institutions, enterprises, and tertiary institutions.