Dong Sun: Driving Hong Kong's Innovation and Technology Agenda
Dong Sun has emerged as a pivotal figure in the strategic evolution of Hong Kong's technological landscape. From his beginnings as an elected representative to his appointment as a high-ranking government official, Sun has consistently focused on transforming the city into a global hub for science and technology, emphasizing the need for synergy with the surrounding region.
Political Ascent and Legislative Role
Dong Sun first entered the political sphere as an elected member of the Election Committee for the Technology and Innovation Constituency. During the 2021 Hong Kong legislative election, he was elected to the 7th Legislative Council of Hong Kong. Notably, in January 2022, Sun was one of only three members among 90 who chose to take their oath of office in Mandarin rather than Cantonese.
During his tenure in the legislature, Sun advocated for the Matrix Model of Science and Technology Innovation. This framework calls for an integrated ecosystem designed to support high-impact scientific research, accelerate technology transfer—the process of moving laboratory discoveries into commercial products—and bolster the competitiveness of local industries.
Appointment as Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry
On July 1, 2022, Dong Sun assumed office as the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government. This appointment was historic, as he became the first bureau secretary in Hong Kong's history to hail from mainland China.
Upon taking office, Sun expressed urgency regarding the city's competitive standing. In October 2022, he stated that Hong Kong was lagging behind other global cities and warned that the coming years represented the city's final opportunity to establish itself as a global innovation and tech hub.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Policy Initiatives and Public Stances
Sun's leadership has been marked by a push for regional integration and the development of specialized tech sectors. He has strongly advocated for Hong Kong's development as an international science and technology center that works in synergy with the Greater Bay Area, a macroeconomic region in southern China.
Semiconductors and Infrastructure
In May 2024, the government established a HK$2.8 billion fund dedicated to a semiconductor center. Sun stated that through this investment, the government aims to position Hong Kong as a regional leader in semiconductors, the essential components used in almost all modern electronic devices.
Sun has also navigated complex infrastructure projects, such as the San Tin Technopole plan. In August 2023, he mentioned experiencing significant pressure from Kenneth Lau regarding the integration of villages into this development plan.
Digital Governance and Legal Disputes
Sun's tenure has also involved managing controversial digital tools and legal challenges. In October 2022, he defended the use of the LeaveHomeSafe app, a digital contact tracing tool used during the pandemic. Despite his support, the app faced criticism over location tracking and the presence of a facial recognition system, leading to its discontinuation three months later.
Additionally, Sun engaged in a prolonged dispute with Google starting in November 2022. He requested the removal of "wrong information" regarding the search engine's ranking of the song "Glory to Hong Kong." After Google requested legal proof of the song's illegality, the Hong Kong government filed a motion to ban it; however, the High Court rejected the proposed ban in July 2023.
Key Facts
- First Mainland Secretary: Dong Sun is the first bureau secretary of Hong Kong from mainland China.
- Strategic Vision: Promoted the "Matrix Model of Science and Technology Innovation" to integrate research and industry.
- Financial Investment: Oversaw the creation of a HK$2.8 billion fund for a semiconductor center.
- Regional Focus: Emphasizes synergistic development between Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.
- Legislative History: Member of the 7th Legislative Council, elected via the Election Committee.
| Date | Event/Action | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Elected to Legislative Council | Represented the Election Committee constituency |
| July 1, 2022 | Appointed Bureau Secretary | Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry |
| October 2022 | Public Policy Defense | Defended the LeaveHomeSafe app |
| July 2023 | Legal Action | High Court rejected ban on "Glory to Hong Kong" |
| May 2024 | Industry Funding | HK$2.8 billion fund for semiconductor center |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Matrix Model of Science and Technology Innovation?
It is a model promoted by Dong Sun that calls for an integrated ecosystem to support impactful scientific research, accelerate the transfer of technology to the market, and strengthen competitive industries.
Why was Dong Sun's appointment as Secretary significant?
His appointment was significant because he became the first bureau secretary of the Hong Kong government to come from mainland China.
What is the goal of the HK$2.8 billion semiconductor fund?
The government intends for this fund to help Hong Kong become a regional leader in the semiconductor industry.
What happened with the LeaveHomeSafe app?
Despite Dong Sun's defense of the app as a successful anti-pandemic tool, it became controversial due to facial recognition and location tracking, and was eventually withdrawn from use in late 2022.
What was the outcome of the dispute regarding the song "Glory to Hong Kong"?
After negotiations with Google failed and the government sought to make the song illegal, the High Court rejected the proposed ban in July 2023.