TLDR: Albert Wong, CEO of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), is set to retire at the end of July after nearly a decade. He recently discussed the importance of foundational STEM subjects for young people and the evolving role of artificial intelligence, advising students to focus on physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics as core subjects before specializing. Wong also highlighted the pervasive nature of technology, stating that even non-technologists will need to understand AI trends.
Albert Wong Hak-keung, the long-serving Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), is preparing to retire at the end of July 2025, concluding a nearly decade-long tenure. In recent discussions, Wong underscored the critical role of foundational STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects for young people and offered insights into the future trajectory of artificial intelligence (AI).
Wong emphasized that while technology is rapidly advancing, students and schools should not feel overwhelmed by the need to constantly keep pace. Instead, he advocated for a strong focus on fundamental subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. “Physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics… personally, I still believe these are the most important basics,” Wong stated. He believes that mastering these core subjects provides a solid groundwork for later specialization in any STEM field.
Addressing the career paths of young individuals, Wong advised students to pursue areas of study that align with their interests, noting that secondary students might be too young to definitively decide their future careers. He acknowledged the current rise of fields like robotics and artificial intelligence but cautioned that “the future has not happened yet,” suggesting that the exact form AI will take is still uncertain.
Regarding AI, Wong anticipates significant transformations within the next three to four years, predicting that AI agents—systems capable of autonomously performing tasks—will become integrated into various aspects of daily life, from finding doctors to grocery shopping. He urged both teachers and students to stay informed about these emerging trends, stressing that “technology is pervasive.” Wong highlighted that even professionals in non-tech fields, such as lawyers and marketing specialists, will need to be aware of AI’s implications. “You don’t need to be a technologist, you don’t need to know how to code, you don’t need to know how to do biomedical research, but you have to know what is going on, because the future will be all about technologies,” he explained.
Beyond his role at HKSTP, Wong has been an eight-time judge for the annual Student of the Year (SOTY) Awards, a competition organized by the South China Morning Post and sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. In his judging capacity, he looks for candidates who demonstrate a desire to help others and possess clear aspirations. He noted that many SOTY Award recipients exhibit a “focused target” for their career or life goals, citing one winner as an example of an “entrepreneurial mind.”
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Earlier in March 2025, Wong also advised Hong Kong tech start-ups aiming for the US market to “talk less” about AI and instead focus on the practical applications of their products. This advice came amid geopolitical tensions and rivalry between China and the US over AI technology. He emphasized that Silicon Valley still offers valuable lessons in entrepreneurship, with its comprehensive ecosystem of funding and universities. Wong also highlighted the success of HKSTP’s internship program, which attracted over 2,000 applications for 50 foreign intern positions, demonstrating Hong Kong’s appeal as an international innovation hub.
