The Forum was organized by the International Alliance of Academicians (IAA), an alliance initiated by international academicians and scientific leaders in Hong Kong, and was co-organized by the Hong Kong Association of Overseas Scholars (HKAORS). As IAA's inaugural flagship event, it gathered over 50 world-renowned academicians and more than 250 leaders in Hong Kong to establish a premier platform for cross-disciplinary dialogue on frontier technologies. Centered on the visionary theme “AI for Health & Future City,” the Forum catalyzed meaningful exchanges that bridged academia, industry, and policy-making, advancing Hong Kong’s role as a global nexus for scientific talent and innovation.
Theme丨AI for Health & Future City
The Forum centered on two critical pillars shaping our collective future: harnessing artificial intelligence to transform healthcare outcomes, and reimagining urban environments through smart, sustainable technologies. These interconnected themes explored how technological convergence can create healthier populations and more resilient and livable cities.
Leadership
Chairman
Professor Nancy Y. Ip
AI for Health Forum
Chair - Professor Russell Gruen
Co chair - Professor Lei Chen
Future City Forum
Chair - Professor Hui Lin
Co chair - Professor Jianguo Dai
Forum Highlights
A HK$30 Billion Initiative to Establish Hong Kong as a Global I&T Hub
Mr. John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, attended the Forum to congratulate the establishment of the IAA, affirming its role in uniting global scientists and advancing sustainable I&T development. In his address, he announced that the HKSAR Government will soon launch a HK$3 billion Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme to fund groundbreaking basic research driven by world-class academics, aligning with Hong Kong’s vision to become an international I&T centre.
Leadership Insights
Global Scientific Leaders on Seizing Opportunities and Responsibilities in the AI Era
The Forum convened top academic leaders who shared their profound insights. IAA Chair Prof. Nancy Y. Ip highlighted the critical importance of cross-regional, interdisciplinary, and cross-sector synergy in today’s world. Nobel Laureate Prof. George F. Smoot and Fields Medalist Prof. Pierre-Louis Lions elaborated on the future of harmonizing human and artificial intelligence, and the foundational role of mathematics in tackling key AI challenges such as reliability, trust, and energy.
Exploring Actionable Blueprints for AI-Driven Healthcare and Future Cities
Two parallel sub-forums guided discussions toward concrete practices. “AI for Health” brought together global experts to delve into the transformative applications of AI in disease diagnosis, medical imaging, and healthcare resource optimization. “Future City” focused on leveraging data and smart technologies to build resilient and sustainable cities capable of addressing the needs of climate change and an aging population, showcasing technology’s potential to tackle major societal challenges.
Expert Insights
Media Coverage
With over 92 media reports, the Forum garnered extensive coverage that highlighted its pivotal role in advancing scientific collaboration and enhancing Hong Kong’s innovation landscape.