PoD Research Institute

A Look Ahead at Hong Kong's Potential to Lead Asia's Artificial Intelligence: A Comparative Analysis with Singapore, Japan, and Mainland China

Public Administration / /

This study aims to explore the current state of artificial intelligence (AI) development in Hong Kong and compare it with that of Singapore, Japan, and mainland China. Based on longitudinal data (2021–2025) and stakeholder interviews, the report assesses Hong Kong's performance across seven AI ecosystem elements and proposes corresponding policy directions to enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness in the next phase of AI development.

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Hong Kong Economic Health Report 2025

Public Administration / /

Against the backdrop of continued tensions in Sino-US trade relations and the US imposing a new round of tariffs on the world, the Hong Kong Policy Research Institute will officially release its first thematic research report, "Hong Kong Economic Health Report 2025," which will provide key analysis on Hong Kong's economic resilience and strategic path under the impact of tariffs.

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From Public Interest to Strategic Industries: A Roadmap for Hong Kong's Development as an International Education Hub

Public Administration / /

Hong Kong is at a critical juncture in its economic diversification, urgently needing to transform from traditional finance and tourism to a knowledge-based economy. Despite possessing a vast but underutilized asset of world-class universities, Hong Kong has missed opportunities in the estimated $10 trillion global education market due to a lack of a comprehensive city-level strategy. Drawing on international experience, by developing diverse models such as Transnational Education (TNE), Hong Kong can not only leverage its unique advantages—the "One Country, Two Systems" framework and its close ties with the mainland—to stimulate economic growth and create high-value jobs, but also significantly enhance its international reputation and soft power. Therefore, formulating and implementing a comprehensive education export strategy is crucial for Hong Kong's future prosperity.

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Combating Collusion: An Analysis of Bid-rigging in Hong Kong's Building Maintenance Industry and Lessons Learned from the Hung Fook Court Fire

Public Administration / /

The soundness of Hong Kong's urban infrastructure depends on efficient, transparent, and ethical construction and maintenance. However, allegations of bid-rigging and collusion have long plagued this sector, leading to increased costs.

Combating Collusion: An Analysis of Bid-rigging in Hong Kong's Building Maintenance Industry and Lessons Learned from the Hung Fook Court Fire Read More »

Recommendation for the 2026-27 Budget

News / /

Our team at the POD Research Institute met with the Financial Secretary to present our 2026–27 Budget Recommendations. We called for a strategy of prudent management and targeted investment, focusing on accelerating AI development, advancing the low‑orbit economy, strengthening public financial management, improving family‑friendly policies, and introducing a safeguarded mechanism for first‑time buyers to use limited MPF funds for down payments. With Hong Kong’s finances stabilising, this is a pivotal moment to invest in the city’s long‑term competitiveness.

We propose strengthening AI governance and establishing a strategic fund, launching low-track talent and international cooperation initiatives, introducing cost-benefit analysis and zero-based budgeting to enhance fiscal discipline, while also increasing the child tax exemption and introducing support vouchers for first-time parents. We also suggest allowing first-time homebuyers limited withdrawals of their Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) for down payments under a prudent mechanism. With public finances returning to stability, now is the best time for Hong Kong to invest in its future.

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Centrist political groups strive to survive and win government research projects

Media Interviews / , /

Following the official liquidation and dissolution of the Civic Party last year, the Democratic Party Central Committee also decided a few days ago to set up a team to follow up on the dissolution process. In addition to political space, the survival of centrists in Hong Kong's political arena has attracted much attention, and fiscal constraints are another test. As far as I know, one of the self-proclaimed centrist organizations, Democratic Ideas, is currently conducting a research project with government resources. It is conducting in-depth interviews with stakeholders such as industry professionals, scholars and experts on the changes in press freedom in Hong Kong in recent years. These funded projects can alleviate financial pressure.

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The Hetao Cooperation Zone becomes a data "demonstration unit" to provide an ideal experimental platform for enterprises

Media Interviews / , /

Last month, the government announced the "Outline for the Development of the Hong Kong Park in the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone," proposing a number of innovative policies to promote circulation in the park. A think tank convener believes that the cooperation zone can serve as an ideal demonstration, allowing citizens and the industry to observe how cross-border data can meet the needs of different industries and services. Observe how to effectively manage and protect data.

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