[Event Recap] Executive Speakers Forum Series #1 by Ir Dr. Ted SUEN
On 9 Oct 2025, the Taught Postgraduate Programmes Office (TPO) hosted the first Executive Speakers Forum themed “Harnessing Hong Kong’s Latest Technological Developments for Future Career Success”. The guest lecture featured Ir Dr Ted SUEN, CEO of the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) and Honorary Professor at Hong Kong Metropolitan University, who brought a compelling talk combining technological insights and career guidance.
The lecture focused on two main themes:
An analysis of the latest technological developments in Hong Kong
Career planning advice for the future
Ir Dr Ted SUEN: A Visionary Leader in Innovation and Technology
Dr. SUEN is a forward-thinking leader in cross-industry innovation, technology, and digital transformation, with over 30 years of experience. Currently, he serves as CEO of ASTRI and Honorary Professor at Hong Kong Metropolitan University. His previous senior roles include positions at Lenovo PCCW Solutions, Saudi Arabia’s NEOM smart city project, and MTR Corporation. For his outstanding contributions to ICT talent development, Dr. Sun has received numerous prestigious awards, including:
Asia CIO Award
China Top 5 CIO Award
Medal of Honour from the HKSAR Government
PART 1: AI as the Core Breakthrough in Hong Kong’s Tech Development
Drawing from ASTRI’s practical experience, Dr. SUEN highlighted that AI is currently the central focus of Hong Kong’s technological advancement. The recent surge in AI is driven by breakthroughs in hardware computing power and data availability.
Previously, limited device performance restricted AI to basic functions. Today, Hong Kong benefits from a government-established supercomputing centre and widespread IoT adoption, which provides massive data—essential “fuel” for training AI models.
AI is now deeply integrated into various sectors:
Logistics: Optimizing shipping routes to save millions in fuel costs.
Urban Operations: Collaborating with public transport agencies to develop smart inspection tools that enhance operational efficiency.
Financial Services: Real-time detection of abnormal transactions to safeguard financial security.
AI is becoming a driving force behind Hong Kong’s technological progress.
PART 2: Career Planning Tips – Key Concepts to Remember
In the career planning segment, Dr. SUEN shared practical advice based on his experience across corporate and research institutions, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness:
Leverage strengths, avoid weaknesses: Understand your own strengths and limitations to find a suitable career path and avoid blindly following trends.
Be bold, take risks: Explore different fields, step out of your comfort zone, and learn through trial and error to clarify your goals.
Lifelong learning: With rapid tech evolution—especially in AI—maintain a passion for learning and continuously update your knowledge to keep pace with the industry.
Think Big, Start Small: Set long-term career goals but begin with small, actionable steps to gradually move toward your aspirations.
Dr. SUEN concluded by encouraging students not to fear AI replacing humans. While it may take over repetitive tasks, it will also create new roles like AI ethicists and AI trainers. The key is to learn how to “master” AI, solve problems with technology, and embrace change with a positive mindset to discover new career opportunities in the tech wave.