CUHK
News Centre

The Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies (HKIAPS) at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), in collaboration with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, the Hong Kong Chiu Chow Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of HK Shantou Community Organizations, held the “Building the Hong Kong-Shenzhen-Shantou Hydrogen Energy Corridor” Policy Advocacy Forum today (19 May). The forum attracted 200 participants in-person and online. Bringing together government officials, policy experts and industry leaders in the hydrogen energy sector, the forum explored feasible pathways for the development of a cross-regional hydrogen energy industry chain, fostering new quality productive forces, advancing green and low-carbon transition, and supporting the development of the Northern Metropolis.

The forum was officiated at and addressed by Mr Poon Kwok-ying, Director of Electrical & Mechanical Services; Mr Arthur Lee Hok-yin, Climate Change Commissioner of the Environment and Ecology Bureau in the HKSAR Government; Mr Li Fei, Member of the Standing Committee and Vice Mayor of Shantou Municipal Committee; Dr Winnie Ko Pui-shuen, President of the Hong Kong Chiu Chow Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Federation of HK Shantou Community Organizations; and Professor Anthony Fung Ying-him, Dean of Social Science and Director of HKIAPS at CUHK.

A key part of the “International Hydrogen Energy Development Forum” on 18 to 20 May 2026, the forum took place against the backdrop of national development strategies and shifting global energy dynamics. Domestically, the Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan calls for the development of the Northern Metropolis to be accelerated, with the aim of consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness. The HKSAR Government has also positioned the Northern Metropolis as the new engine for the city’s future development.

Globally, geopolitical tensions have led to significant fluctuations in energy markets. In contrast, China has maintained a stable energy supply thanks to its successful transformation towards renewable energy, energy source diversification and power sector reform. Backed by the motherland, Hong Kong enjoys a relatively stable and secure energy supply and is well-positioned to seize new industrial opportunities in high-reliability data computing and storage, as well as the manufacturing of critical components for supply chains.

Building on this context, this forum extensively discussed the “Hong Kong-Shenzhen-Shantou Green Energy Industry Corridor” initiative. During a presentation and commentary session, Dr Victor Zheng Wan-tai, Associate Director of HKIAPS, delivered a report, as did Dr Shi Lop-tak, Vice President of the Hong Kong Chiu Chow Chamber of Commerce. Legislative Council Member the Hon Elizabeth Quat provided commentary, while the session was moderated by Mr Kwok Yat-ming, Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong News Workers Association.

The forum also featured two thematic panel discussions, focusing on “Theoretical Exploration and Conceptualisation” and “Rationalising Multi-dimensional Division of Labour to Build the Industry Chain”. They brought together senior government officials, scholars and industry leaders, who shared insights on the feasibility, policy frameworks and implementation pathways of the proposed hydrogen energy corridor, contributing to policy dialogue and regional collaboration.