2026 Budget allocates $2b for AI education and 5,000 petaFLOPS supercluster

Paul Chan announced 2026 funding for schools, universities, and Sandy Ridge data hub.

AI adoption across education, data infrastructure, and public services will be prioritised by Hong Kong, according to Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po's speech on 
HK's 2026–27 budget on 26 February.

Chan said the government will allocate $50m to fund AI courses, seminars, competitions, and STEAM programmes at universities whilst an additional $2b will support AI education in primary and secondary schools, including teacher training, to equip students and educators with AI skills.

Hong Kong’s 5,000 petaFLOPS computing capacity and the Sandy Ridge data facility cluster covering 250,000 square metres will support AI applications and industrial research and development, according to Chan.

The Transport Department will implement an AI-driven traffic system, the Labour Department will enhance job matching, and the Drainage Services Department will strengthen flood and landslide alerts.

$100m is also earmarked to accelerate AI adoption across government departments.

Chan said these measures position Hong Kong as a hub for AI-driven industrial growth and workforce development.