November 10, 2025
By Our Correspondent
Hong Kong’s top cybersecurity event, the Cyber Security Summit Hong Kong 2025, kicked off this week with a clear message: artificial intelligence is reshaping the way governments and businesses defend against cyber threats.
Jointly organized by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and 13 regional cybersecurity organizations, the two-day summit — held November 6–7 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre — marked its 22nd year under the theme “Future-Proofing Digital Infrastructure: Harnessing AI for Enhanced Security and Resilience.” The event drew over 1,200 participants from Hong Kong, mainland China, and overseas, reflecting growing regional collaboration around AI-driven digital security.
“We are facing a new reality where seeing is no longer believing,” said Emil Yu, Deputy Chairman of HKPC, at the opening ceremony. “From January to September 2025, HKCERT handled over 11,981 security incidents, with phishing surging 55% year-on-year—a sign of how AI is fueling an explosion in cyber threats.”
Yu added that traditional cyber defenses are “no longer sufficient” in the age of AI. HKPC, he said, is working to build a “robust local cybersecurity services ecosystem” in line with China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, aiming to strengthen Hong Kong’s digital infrastructure and cultivate cybersecurity talent.
Government Pushes Ethical AI, Stronger Security Frameworks
At the summit, Tony Wong, Commissioner for Digital Policy of the Hong Kong SAR Government, outlined the city’s efforts to balance innovation with security. He highlighted the rollout of the Ethical AI Framework and the Hong Kong Generative Artificial Intelligence Technical and Application Guideline, part of the government’s broader push to promote responsible AI use.
“Emerging technologies bring immense opportunities but also new ethical and cybersecurity challenges,” Wong said, emphasizing Hong Kong’s goal of becoming a “resilient digital city” through stronger public-private collaboration.
AI-Enhanced Threat Detection on the Rise
According to the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT), phishing attacks accounted for more than 6,500 incidents, or 55% of total cases, between January and September 2025 — a 22% increase from a year earlier. Total cybersecurity incidents reached 12,536 in 2024, up sharply from an annual average of 8,000 between 2020 and 2023.
To counter the surge, HKCERT has ramped up its use of AI-powered threat detection, completing 2.4 billion scans by September 2025 and flagging multiple high-risk websites. HKPC said it continues to integrate AI tools and data analytics into its security assessments and audits to help organizations identify vulnerabilities and mitigate risk.
Connecting Businesses with Certified Cybersecurity Providers
In a bid to strengthen the city’s defense ecosystem, HKCERT recently launched the Cybersecurity Service Providers Connect Programme, a one-stop initiative that links businesses — particularly SMEs — with vetted cybersecurity firms. The program has so far certified 18 service providers across four key categories: internet security, security assessment, managed services and incident response, and cybersecurity training.
All certified providers are listed on a dedicated HKCERT portal to help companies “save time and reduce mismatch risk,” the council said.
Nurturing Next-Gen Cyber Talent
Beyond technology, HKPC is also focused on developing local expertise. Together with HKCERT and the Digital Policy Office, it will co-host the sixth annual HKCERT Capture the Flag (CTF) Challenge later this month. The competition will include categories for secondary schools, universities, and open international participants, aimed at boosting hands-on cybersecurity skills among young professionals.
Building a Resilient Digital Future
HKPC said it plans to continue strengthening Hong Kong’s cyber resilience through three pillars — technology, collaboration, and talent. By leveraging AI, expanding cross-sector partnerships, and training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, the council aims to fortify Hong Kong’s critical information infrastructure and ensure the city remains a secure and trusted digital hub in Asia.
