Cyberport ready for low-altitude flying tests: CEO

Cyberport CEO Rocky Cheng said on Thursday that the park is well-positioned for low-altitude flying trials with its ample space and a pier, adding that there are plans to set up a landing port for test flights. As a venue partner for sandbox pilot projects for developing low-altitude economy, Cyberport will provide suitable locations and supporting facilities for drones and other aerial technology. Speaking to RTHK on the sidelines of the Wuzhen summit, Cheng said the park has what it takes for low-altitude flight tests. “Cyberport's geographical environment is very suitable for conducting low-altitude economy trials. The new Phase 5 building, set to open in the third quarter of next year, offers a stunning sea view. There is also a 150-metre-long pier adjacent to the ocean, and ample space within Cyberport,” he said. Cheng outlined plans to set up a landing port at the pier and organise exhibitions on drones to educate the public. On the AI supercomputing centre due to start operation at the end of this year, Cheng said it is progressing well with some computing power already available for use. Cheng said the centre hopes to start off by providing 1,300 petaflops of computing power, before brining it up to 1,700 by next year. “The government wants to develop and promote AI to help various industries in Hong Kong surpass other advanced economies, so this computing power serves as crucial infrastructure. We should see gradual increases in computing capacity in the future. I believe it will quickly exceed 10,000 petaflops,” he added. Hendrick Sin, who chairs the committee on a HK$3 billion subsidy scheme to help AI researchers and companies make the best use of Cyberport's computing power, said the project marks the start of a new era. “I personally believe this is the opening of the AI era… So I think if more investment and more initiatives are provided by the government, I think that will give Hong Kong a further push to give more experts, professionals, to have more chance to exercise what they want to show to innovate and to benefit Hong Kong,” he said. Sin added that the scheme, which opened for application in October, will favour firms that have expertise in research and development, and present innovative ideas that benefit the SAR.