The International Low-Altitude Economy (LAE) Summit, organized by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and co-hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s Low-Altitude Economy Working Group and the Greater Bay Area Low-Altitude Economy Alliance, took place on October 9. The event drew over 1,000 participants from Hong Kong, Mainland China, Europe, and Singapore, including government officials, industry leaders, academic experts, and representatives from international organizations, aiming to explore the latest opportunities, policy frameworks, and technological innovations in the LAE sector. PolyU students and faculty also actively participated.

The Summit included a kick-off ceremony, keynote speeches, fireside chats, an innovation showcase, and multiple parallel sessions, creating a cross-disciplinary and cross-regional platform for dialogue between government, industry, and academia. The goal was to highlight emerging trends in the LAE and facilitate collaboration for practical applications.

At the opening ceremony, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong noted progress in Hong Kong’s LAE initiatives. Of the first 38 Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects, 17 have already started, with another 11 expected to launch by the end of October. Legislative amendments covering drones weighing 25–150 kilograms have also been completed, enabling unconventional aircraft trials under defined conditions. Mr. Wong highlighted that advanced “Regulatory Sandbox X” pilots are planned, targeting more complex scenarios, including cross-boundary routes and passenger-carrying aircraft. He praised PolyU for hosting the Summit and fostering talent through its LAE Research Centre and a dedicated master's program.

A fireside chat moderated by Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics Kevin Choi explored international perspectives on policy, regulation, technology, and regional coordination. Experts from the Guangzhou Development and Reform Commission, Thales Group, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore discussed how Hong Kong can leverage the LAE sector to create economic value, support global standard harmonization, and strengthen international cooperation.

In parallel sessions, Dominic Chow, Co-Head of the Project Facilitation Task Force, led a discussion on policy and regulation in the Greater Bay Area. Participants from Zhuhai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou Nansha, and Hong Kong examined collaborative approaches to standard-setting, regional connectivity, and expanding business opportunities across Asia-Pacific and international markets.

The Summit underscored the potential of the LAE to foster innovation, infrastructure modernization, and talent development. Organizers highlighted plans to continue research, training, and flagship events to showcase technological achievements and investment opportunities, positioning Hong Kong as a hub for low-altitude innovation in the region.