Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong said on Monday that three departments would be in the first batch of a trial scheme to try out the use of artificial intelligence to raise government efficiency.

The scheme is part of a broader push for the use of AI in the government as proposed by Chief Executive John Lee in his Policy Address in September, with moves afoot to set up an AI efficacy enhancement team.

Speaking on an RTHK radio programme, Sun said the ultimate goal is for all government departments to adopt AI to assist their day-to-day operations.

He is expecting more departments to be included in the first batch and all other departments to be covered in the initiative within three years.

The AI efficacy enhancement team, led by the deputy chief secretary, will oversee and co-ordinate the effort.

Sun stressed that the use of AI is not aimed at reducing manpower.

"Using AI is to assist and enhance, not to replace, a person's work," he said.

"It cannot replace the accountability of relevant personnel in departments. However, it is undeniable that AI can improve efficiency."

Sun also told the programme that the first three buildings in a technology zone co-developed by Hong Kong and Shenzhen have already been completed, with another five to be finished in stages starting from 2027.

He described the development of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone as having reached a critical stage of increasing speed and scale.

Extraordinary measures such as a dedicated task force comprising around 18 departments and agencies, Sun added, are necessary to ensure efficient communication for the projects.