Edge computing tops Hong Kong priorities as NaaS market expands

This is as 29% of local IT leaders plan to explore edge computing opportunities in 2026.

Colt Technology Services (Colt) predicted that Naas 2.0, artificial intelligence (AI) inference, and tighter regulatory frameworks will be the key technology trends that chief information officers (CIO) in Hong Kong will focus on in 2026.

The NaaS market will continue to grow, pushed by AI, edge computing, and cloud adoption to enterprises’ need to build in flexibility, the digital infrastructure company said.

The next generation of NaaS will be designed for adaptability and autonomy for AI-driven enterprises, it added, as Hong Kong leads the world in edge computing priorities.

According to Colt's IT Priorities Research, edge computing is a standout priority for local IT leaders, with 29% of them citing 'exploring edge computing opportunities' as their top IT priority for the next 12 months, leading all 13 markets surveyed.

Amongst Hong Kong firms currently investing in AI, 68% are spending over $2m yearly, yet 95% of respondents in a recent MIT study see no return on their investments.

Japan (22%) is the only other market with comparable edge computing focus, the research added.

AI inference will account for a majority of AI workloads by 2030, Colt said, citing a McKinsey study.

In day-to-day consumer tasks, agentic AI, driven by inference, will support automation and digitalisation, from privacy management and healthcare, and from scheduling assistance to management of household chores, it added, citing research from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Apart from Hong Kong's first cybersecurity law that took effect in January, 2026 will see a slew of regulations, strategies, and guidelines impacting CIOs, particularly in AI and cybersecurity, it added.

The city’s Protection of Critical Infrastructure (Computer System) Ordinance will impose strict obligations on operators of critical infrastructure across eight essential sectors, including banking, telecommunications, and IT services.