In his latest policy address, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu unveiled a dual-focus strategy aimed at technological integration and social support. Central to the government's digital agenda is the creation of an 'AI city brain,' a system designed to enhance the city's management of extreme weather events, public safety, and general public order. To oversee the ethical and security implications of this transition, the government plans to establish the role of an artificial intelligence commissioner, who will be tasked with managing seven key areas of AI risk, including the prevention of AI-assisted criminal activity.

Simultaneously, the government is addressing Hong Kong’s declining birth rate through a series of 11 new measures. The policy includes an extension of the existing HK$20,000 newborn bonus scheme for an additional three years. Furthermore, the government is introducing a new cash bonus specifically for second and subsequent children, alongside reduced down payment requirements for parents with newborns looking to purchase subsidized housing. These initiatives represent a significant effort to lower the financial barriers to starting or expanding a family in the city. While both the AI and pro-natalist policies were presented as part of a cohesive five-year vision, the government faces the challenge of balancing rapid technological adoption with the practical needs of residents struggling with the cost of living.