Inspur Cloud Services and Cyperport have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in Hong Kong.

The MoU will see the two parties building the infrastructure for a computing cluster in Hong Kong and work to "enhance" cloud computing and AI training in the region.

The computing cluster is being developed with a view to "sharing resources and fostering collaborative innovation."

Details about the compute capacity of the cluster, or its precise location, were not shared.

The announcement also marks Chinese IT services company Inspur Cloud's entrance into Hong Kong. In addition to serving enterprises and institutions in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, the company will target overseas markets including the exporting of its advanced technologies and AI services.

Rocky Cheng, CEO of Cyberport said: “Cyberport, as the hub for AI development in Hong Kong, is committed to enhancing the development of AI technology and industry ecosystem. The Supercomputing Center is targeted to launch within the year, which, together with the HKSAR Government's HK$3 billion (US$385.43m) subsidy scheme, will vigorously strengthen the support for basic scientific research and applications.

"Cyberport has already attracted a number of leading AI enterprises, bringing together over 330 start-ups focused on AI and big data research and development. With the addition of Inspur Cloud to Cyberport, the vibrant development of Cyberport's AI ecosystem will be further enhanced, boosting capabilities in cloud computing, big model construction, and high-performance computing, develop greater potential for industry applications and promote upgrades."

Liu Jiyong, general manager of Inspur Group, added: “Hong Kong, as a leading international financial center, is actively promoting the global innovation and application of AI with an open and inclusive attitude. Inspur will further strengthen cooperation with the HKSAR Government, universities, and related enterprises by leveraging its comparative advantages and resources to build an open, shared, and collaborative ecosystem.”

Inspur's server-making business was added to the US Department of Commerce's 'Entity List' in March 2023, essentially blacklisting US businesses from working with it.

Cyberport is a business park in the Southern District of Hong Kong. It is managed by Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, which is wholly owned by the Hong Kong SAR Government.

Earlier this year, reports suggested Vantage Data Centers was looking to sell its Hong Kong data centers, one of which is located in Cyberport.