The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a vibrant region encompassing the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao, and nine cities in Guangdong province, is accelerating toward a future defined by technological breakthroughs and economic vitality. 

Like a high-speed train of innovation, the Greater Bay Area is charting new frontiers. As a radiologist, public health expert, and policy advocate, I recently had the privilege of witnessing this showcase of Shenzhen’s advancements and the Greater Bay Area’s potential for global collaboration. This tour illuminated opportunities not only for our region but for the world, aligning with my vision of harnessing technology for societal and economic progress.

Shenzhen’s technological showcase

Shenzhen, often hailed as the “Silicon Valley of Hardware”, is now demonstrating its role as a global hub for innovation. Shenzhen, a miracle city that started out as a backwater fishing village, has transformed itself into a powerhouse of research, development, and manufacturing, driven by a thriving ecosystem of startups and industry leaders.

Among all the miracles, BYD, a trailblazer in electric vehicle manufacturing, stands out especially during the tariff war provoked by the United States. I observed the BYD U8, an electric vehicle capable of navigating both land and water. This engineering marvel underscores BYD’s commitment to sustainable mobility and its ability to redefine automotive technology.

Huawei is another miracle-maker in Shenzhen. Its latest achievement in trifold smartphones blends sleek design with cutting-edge functionality. These devices reflect Huawei’s leadership in telecommunications, pushing the boundaries of connectivity and user experience.

Watching Meituan’s drone meal delivery was a striking moment for me as it showcased the practical potential of unmanned aerial systems to streamline urban logistics and enhance efficiency.

At OH Bay, Shenzhen, I engaged with EngineAI’s synchronized dancing robots, a testament to advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics. These innovations signal the transformative potential of automation across industries, from manufacturing to entertainment.

A particularly thrilling experience was a solo ride in an eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft at the Bao’an District Urban Air Mobility Operation Demonstration Center. This glimpse into the future of urban transportation highlights the Greater Bay Area’s ambition to pioneer smart city solutions, especially in densely populated areas like Hong Kong.

Opportunities for collaboration

These technological marvels are more than displays of innovation; they position the Greater Bay Area as a global leader in research and development. Shenzhen’s economic growth, with its GDP soaring from 1.295 trillion yuan ($178.04 billion) in 2012 to 3 trillion yuan in 2021, reflects its dynamic innovation ecosystem, supported by robust infrastructure and industry-academia collaboration.

For Hong Kong, an integral part of the Greater Bay Area, these advancements open significant opportunities. My work in radiology and public health underscores Hong Kong’s potential to complement Shenzhen’s technological innovations with our strengths in finance, law, and international connectivity. The Greater Bay Area’s collaborative environment can attract global talent and investment, fostering partnerships that extend beyond the region.

Recently, the Greater Bay Area’s role as a gateway to broader Asian markets has attracted my attention. Hong Kong’s expertise in professional services, such as finance and arbitration, can facilitate the transfer of Greater Bay Area innovations, like advanced manufacturing or AI applications, to emerging economies in Southeast Asia. Countries like Cambodia and Vietnam, with their growing demand for modernization, stand to benefit from such collaborations, positioning the Greater Bay Area as a hub for regional economic integration.

In the healthcare industry, the Greater Bay Area’s advancements in AI and robotics hold immense promise. AI-powered imaging systems, aligned with my research in radiology, can enhance diagnostic precision, improving patient outcomes across the region. Hong Kong’s medical sector, bolstered by Greater Bay Area collaboration, can lead in adopting these technologies, setting a global standard for healthcare innovation.

A call to engage

The faster the Greater Bay Area speeds along its track of innovation, the better will its transformative potential appear. The region invites the world to witness and participate in shaping a future defined by technological and economic progress. My vision, rooted in fostering connectivity and collaboration, sees the Greater Bay Area as a model for global cooperation. By embracing its opportunities, we can navigate toward a shared, prosperous future, with the Greater Bay Area leading the way.

The author is a specialist in radiology, Master of Public Health of the University of Hong Kong, and an adviser of the Our Hong Kong Foundation.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.