In a landmark event, the Hong Kong Generative AI Research & Development Center (HKGAI) has received a substantial $200 million donation to propel advancements in artificial intelligence. This generous contribution will facilitate the creation of HKGAI V1, a locally developed large language model, and introduce "HKChat," an innovative chatbot tailored for Hong Kong residents. The funding ceremony was attended by Financial Secretary Paul Chan, underscoring the government's commitment to fostering AI innovation and collaboration among various sectors. The initiative aims to integrate local data and support multiple languages, enhancing the city's position as a global AI hub.
HKGAI Receives Major Funding to Advance Locally Built AI Model and Multilingual Chatbot
In a significant development, the Hong Kong Generative AI Research & Development Center (HKGAI) has been bolstered by a generous $200 million donation from the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation and Sino Group. This pivotal moment took place during a formal ceremony attended by key figures, including Financial Secretary Paul Chan, where a cheque was presented to Professor Guo Yike, Provost of the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology and Director of HKGAI. The funds will be instrumental in developing HKGAI V1, a locally built large language model, and establishing a service platform featuring the multilingual AI chatbot “HKChat.”
The new chatbot will incorporate local data and offer support in Cantonese, English, and Putonghua, catering specifically to the needs of Hong Kong citizens. Financial Secretary Chan emphasized the transformative impact of AI on global economies and highlighted the importance of integrating digital technologies with industry. He also noted Premier Li Qiang's call for expanding AI applications, as mentioned in the latest Government Work Report. Chan further stressed the significance of strengthening collaboration between the government, industry, academia, and investors to accelerate Hong Kong’s AI sector.
HKGAI is one of 30 research centers under InnoHK, a crucial government initiative for innovation and technology. InnoHK has established partnerships with over 30 world-renowned institutions, such as the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Peking University, Harvard University, Stanford University, the University of Oxford, and the University of Cambridge. These collaborations aim to develop open-source AI models for various applications, including text and image generation, medical diagnosis, and legal affairs.
From a journalist's perspective, this significant donation marks a pivotal step towards positioning Hong Kong as a leading international hub for AI exchange and cooperation. The integration of local data and multilingual support in the new chatbot demonstrates a thoughtful approach to meeting the unique needs of Hong Kong residents. Moreover, it underscores the city's commitment to fostering closer ties between different sectors, driving forward the future of AI innovation and technological advancement.