Could Hong Kong become the next Silicon Valley? This was the question posed by Professor Tony F Chan, President of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) during his speech to over 500 guests at the 29th HKMA Awards for Excellence in Training and Development Presentation Ceremony on 10 September.
Delivery his speech, entitled ‘Nurturing Human Capital for Dynamic Growth—The Right Minds for The Right Time’, Chan spoke of the importance of encouraging the next generation of Hong Kong to think creatively to develop innovation and technology and bring Hong Kong one step closer to becoming the next Silicon Valley.
Using the example of HKUST, which has established itself as a top global university leading in the advance of science and technology through its core values of excellence, critical thinking and entrepreneurship, Chan stressed that the new generation of Hong Kong holds the potential to change lives for the better. He explained, “Developing innovation and technology helps to develop the whole of society,” however, in order to nurture growth and development, the new generation must be given the opportunity to take risks and not be afraid of failure.
With this in mind, Chan brought to light the need for more research and development centres to open up in Hong Kong in line with the Government’s role, which is to create long-term plans to attract global talent and foreign investment. “Hong Kong has something going for it,” he declared, and if it continues to invest in tomorrow’s talent, there is nothing stopping Hong Kong from becoming the next Silicon Valley.
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
