CUHK and Tencent forge strategic partnership - Collaboration to advance AI legal research and cultivate next-generation tech talent

This partnership not only strengthens the strategic alliance between CUHK and Tencent in AI and legal governance but also opens a new chapter in the integration of technology and law, laying a solid foundation for Hong Kong to assume a more prominent role in global digital governance.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and Tencent have entered into a strategic collaboration yesterday through the signing of a framework agreement aimed at advancing artificial intelligence legal research and nurturing technology talent. The partnership also encompassed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the “CUHK LAW – Tencent Research Institute Cyberlaw Forum”, marking a significant milestone in their shared commitment to advancing legal frameworks for AI and cultivating interdisciplinary talent.

According to the framework agreement, CUHK and Tencent will jointly spearhead research in AI law, fostering profound interdisciplinary exchange between technology and the humanities, and promote cross-sector collaboration. The two parties are also committed to establishing a distinctive career development platform for AI talent within the Greater Bay Area, identifying and nurturing tech-law professionals with visionary insight and cross-disciplinary expertise.

The agreements were signed by Professor Xi Chao, Dean of Faculty of Law at CUHK, and Dr Si Xiao, Vice President of Tencent Group and Director of the Tencent Research Institute. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Professor Isabella Poon Wai-yin, Provost of CUHK, and Mr Tang Yibin, Vice President of Tencent Group.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Professor Poon said: “As a university deeply committed to research, innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration for the betterment of society, CUHK is proud to embark on this groundbreaking partnership that bridges the domains of law and technology. Through the Forum, we aim to strengthen and promote interdisciplinary research across legal studies, technological innovation and the broader humanities and social sciences. Our aspiration is to cultivate future leaders who are both technologically adept and legally literate, driven by a spirit of innovation and a strong sense of social responsibility. We look forward to working with Tencent to inspire impactful research and practice that contributes to the development of law and technology in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, the nation and the global community.”

Mr Tang said: “Technological advancement must be supported by sound governance and guided by shared values. Tencent is committed to the principle of ‘tech for good’ and actively engages in digital governance and legal development. We are pleased to collaborate with CUHK to promote AI legal research and talent cultivation, especially in the vibrant innovation hub of the Greater Bay Area. We believe this partnership will inject fresh impetus into the region’s digital transformation.”

Dr Horace Cheung, Deputy Secretary for Justice in the Hong Kong government, expressed his strong support for the initiative, noting that the collaboration exemplifies a shared vision of integrating legal services with innovation and technology. He highlighted the rapid evolution of legal technology and AI, which presents both opportunities and challenges for Hong Kong’s legal sector. Legal tech enhances operational efficiency and service quality, reshaping industry practices. Strengthening legal tech capabilities will reinforce Hong Kong’s competitiveness and consolidate its international standing. Dr Cheung also announced that the Department of Justice will host a series of initiatives this year to promote dialogue between the legal tech industry and legal practitioners, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for legal tech development in Hong Kong.

Under the framework agreement, CUHK and Tencent will jointly promote AI law research, facilitate deep interdisciplinary engagement between technology and the humanities, and establish a distinctive career development platform for AI talent in the Greater Bay Area. The initiative seeks to identify and nurture tech-law professionals with visionary outlooks and cross-disciplinary expertise.

The collaboration has garnered committed support from key stakeholders, including Legislative Council Members The Honourable Ambrose Lam and The Honourable Eunice Yung, Deputy Commissioner (Data Governance) Mr Donald Mak, President of the Law Society of Hong Kong Mr Roden Tong, Vice President of the Bar Council of the Hong Kong Bar Association Mr Martin Hui, Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data Ms Ada Chung and Member of the CUHK LAW Advisory Board Dr Joseph Cheung.