Policy Address 2026: Hong Kong will build an ‘AI City Brain’ for urban management

In his annual Policy Address, Hong Kong's leader John Lee announced the creation of an "AI City Brain" to enhance urban management and emergency response capabilities. This new task force, headed by the Chief Secretary, will include representatives from various bureaus such as Security Bureau, Transport and Logistics Bureau, Development Bureau, and Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau.

The concept of the "city brain" originated in Hangzhou a decade ago, developed by Alibaba, and has since been replicated in numerous Chinese cities. This digital infrastructure aims to centralize real-time data from various sources, including CCTV cameras, tracking systems, smart sensors, government databases, social media, and mobile applications. The gathered information would then be utilized to optimize traffic lights, waste management, and other urban governance aspects.

In the initial phase, the Security Bureau's Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre will be integrated into the system. The Transport Department plans to develop an AI traffic management platform that will collect real-time traffic data and assist authorities in creating contingency plans for extreme weather and major public events.

Similarly, the police force will establish a new "Inter-departmental Major Incident Platform" to consolidate real-time data from all units during significant public incidents, facilitating a more comprehensive understanding of casualties and missing persons, and expediting support for those affected.

Moreover, Lee revealed the establishment of an independent commission to investigate the causes of the Wang Fuk Court fire, which claimed 168 lives and displaced thousands from the Tai Po housing estate in November 2024. Several individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident. The government has also introduced various measures and amended relevant laws to improve the maintenance of older buildings.

However, victims have expressed dissatisfaction with the government's inability to effectively monitor renovation works, demanding accountability from both officials and construction firm managers. Lee announced plans to draft a bill criminalizing bid-rigging, set to be introduced later in the year.