Hong Kong Bets on Decentralized AI to Power Ethical Public Sector Innovation

FLock.io has been designated as the sole decentralised AI training partner for the Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Centre (HKGAI), marking a significant advancement in the adoption of privacy-preserving AI technologies within the public sector. The partnership, announced on August 25, 2025, will see FLock.io leveraging its federated learning technology to develop domain-specific AI models tailored for government and public services [2]. This collaboration is a key component of the Hong Kong government’s broader initiative to promote responsible AI development while ensuring data privacy and security.

HKGAI, established in October 2023 under the government’s InnoHK initiative, serves as a flagship hub for generative AI innovation in the region. The centre is led by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and has already launched its first large-scale generative AI model, HKGAI V1, in February 2025. The partnership with FLock.io will further enhance the centre’s capabilities by enabling secure, multi-institution collaboration in AI model training without the need to centralise sensitive data [2].

FLock.io’s approach is centred on its federated learning protocol, which allows organisations to jointly train AI models while preserving the privacy of their data. This is particularly relevant for the public sector, where data confidentiality and regulatory compliance are paramount. Jiahao Sun, CEO of FLock.io, highlighted the strategic significance of the alliance, noting that it demonstrates strong institutional support for the company’s decentralised AI infrastructure. “We’re excited to introduce decentralised AI infrastructure into public sector operations, driving efficiency, innovation, and real-world impact,” he said [2].

The partnership follows FLock.io’s recent engagement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as an AI strategic partner in its SDG Blockchain Accelerator. In that role, FLock.io mentors pilot projects in areas such as climate risk modelling and energy planning, showcasing the versatility of its technology across different domains [3]. The company’s collaboration with HKGAI represents another step in expanding the application of decentralised AI solutions to diverse sectors.

The Hong Kong government has been actively working to establish a balanced regulatory environment for AI, ensuring that technological progress aligns with ethical standards and public interests. Earlier this year, the Digital Policy Office introduced the Ethical Artificial Intelligence Framework, outlining 12 ethical principles for AI development. These include transparency, robustness, fairness, and data privacy, all of which are integral to the FLock.io-HKGAI partnership [4].

In addition to its strategic partnerships, HKUST continues to play a central role in advancing AI research and development in Hong Kong. The university recently received recognition for its contributions to science and technology, including the award of three State Key Laboratories by the Ministry of Science and Technology. HKUST is also home to several cutting-edge AI initiatives, including the development of HKGAI V1 and the implementation of AI-powered educational tools [5].

As AI adoption continues to grow, the collaboration between FLock.io and HKGAI underscores the potential of decentralised and privacy-preserving AI to enhance public sector efficiency while maintaining data integrity. With the support of both government and academic institutions, Hong Kong is positioning itself as a key player in the global AI innovation landscape.

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[1] United Nations Development Programme Announces Stellar and FLock.io as New Partners in SDG Blockchain Accelerator (https://innovation.eurasia.undp.org/united-nations-development-programme-announces-stellar-and-flock-io-as-new-partners-in-sdg-blockchain-accelerator/)

[2] HKGAI and FLock.io Partner to Advance Decentralised AI for Government Efficiency (https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/currencies/hkgai-and-flock-io-partner-to-advance-decentralised-ai-for-government-efficiency-1035071395)

[3] FLock.io becomes sole AI training partner for Hong Kong Government’s HKGAI (https://crypto.news/flock-io-becomes-sole-ai-training-partner-for-hong-kong-governments-hkgai/)

[4] Hong Kong government charts ethical path for AI (https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3322307/hong-kong-government-charts-ethical-path-ai-development)

[5] The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology News (https://hkust.edu.hk/)