What Changed
- Over 14,000 participants completed free AI training and generated 1,200 AI policy templates under the Secure AI@Work Enablement Campaign as of October 2026.
- The Digital Policy Office plans to release sector-specific AI guidelines and promulgate AI Agent safety-management guidelines in 2027.
- The Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme 2.0 will launch by the end of 2026, subjecting SME AI solutions to strict independent vetting on data processing and cybersecurity.
On November 11, 2026, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, provided a written reply to Legislative Council question LCQ9 regarding government support for enterprises adopting artificial intelligence (AI) safely in Hong Kong SAR. The response details progress under the "Secure AI@Work Enablement Campaign" launched in mid-2026 by the Digital Policy Office (DPO) and the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited (HKIRC), alongside broader governance and support measures.
According to the reply, an HKIRC survey of 806 organisations across various sectors found that while 94 percent of responding organisations applied AI at work, 63 percent had not formulated an AI policy, 68 percent had not arranged AI training, and 49 percent of employees used unauthorised AI tools. To address these gaps, the Campaign offers free online training courses, an "AI Strategy and Policy Generator," and one-on-one advisory services. As of October 2026, approximately 14,000 participants joined the online training, around 1,200 AI policy templates were generated, and 30 applications for one-on-one advisory services were approved out of a total quota of 150.
To guide safe adoption, the DPO has established the Ethical Artificial Intelligence Framework and the Hong Kong Generative Artificial Intelligence Technical and Application Guideline. Under the 2026 Policy Address strategy, the DPO will collaborate with industry bodies to develop sector-specific AI application guidelines and governance frameworks. In 2027, the DPO and the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute plan to promulgate AI Agent safety-management guidelines.
Additionally, the Government plans to launch the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme 2.0 by the end of 2026 to assist SMEs in adopting off-the-shelf basic AI solutions. Solutions must satisfy data processing and cybersecurity standards and undergo vetting by an independent committee. Further support initiatives include the "AI for All" Inclusive Programme launched in July 2026 in partnership with Cyberport, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC), and the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), offering training, risk awareness, and technical testing services.
Who May Be Affected
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), public and private organisations, schools, NGOs, and employees operating in Hong Kong SAR.
Cross-Border Context
Multinational companies and cross-border service providers operating in Hong Kong SAR must align their internal AI usage and customer-facing AI applications with local ethical frameworks, cybersecurity standards, and data processing requirements.
What to check next
- Monitor the release and parameters of the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme 2.0 expected by the end of 2026.
- Track the upcoming promulgation of AI Agent safety-management guidelines scheduled for 2027.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.