The Global Trusted Identity Foundation (GTiDF) officially unveiled CerTrue, a professional credential verification platform, at the thematic workshop Globally Trusted Digital Identity in the AI Era: Advancing Career Development. Hosted by GTiDF and held during the 32nd Hong Kong International Education & Career Expo at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event gathered distinguished leaders from education, business, innovation and technology, and professional service sectors. Industry elites jointly explored innovative digital trust mechanisms to safeguard credential authenticity and facilitate cross-border talent mobility and career development amid booming AI adoption.
Fortifying Digital Trust Infrastructure Against Deepfake Threats
The rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence has led to rampant deepfake technology and online identity fraud, posing unprecedented trust challenges for enterprises conducting cross-border recruitment and credential verification. In his opening address, Mr. Stanley Lee, Chairman of the GTiDF, emphasised the urgency and significance of building reliable digital trust systems.
“AI unlocks boundless opportunities for industrial and societal advancement, yet deepfake-driven forgery risks continue to escalate. Establishing a secure, robust trust framework in the digital landscape remains the core mission of our Foundation,” said Mr. Lee.
As the guest of honour, Dr. Lo Kam Wing, President of The Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, noted that a credible digital identity authentication system is pivotal for enterprises expanding globally. “Cross-border mutual recognition of professional credentials via verifiable digital identities accelerates talent flow across the Greater Bay Area and worldwide. It also fuels Hong Kong’s industrial upgrading and professional service growth, consolidating the city’s position as a premier hub for top global talent,” Dr. Lo remarked.
Official Launch of CerTrue: A Reliable Anti-AI-Forgery Verification Solution
To address longstanding pain points in traditional manual credential vetting, GTiDF signed a strategic cooperation agreement with tech partner Certizen Limited during the event, marking the official launch of the CerTrue verification platform.
Dr. Welland Chu, President of ISACA Hong Kong Chapter, offered professional insights from a cybersecurity perspective. He highlighted three core strengths of CerTrue: compliance with international recognised standards, a decentralised security architecture, and full alignment with Hong Kong and mainland regulatory requirements. The platform delivers a practical, robust technical line of defence to mitigate cross-border identity fraud and counter AI-generated credential forgery.
Dr. Lo Kam Wing, President of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong (back row, second from left); Mr. Raymond Yip, Deputy Director of the Guangzhou Nansha Guangdong-Hong Kong Cooperation Advisory Committee (second from right, back row); Mr. Stanley Lee, Chairman GTiDF (back row, first from left); and Ms. Eva Chan, Founder and CEO of Certizen Limited (back row, first from right), witnessed the signing of the cooperation agreement between GTiDF and Certizen.
Industry Case Study: Tech-Powered Credential Verification Safeguards Public Safety
Dr. Johnnie Chan, Chairman of The Hong Kong China Life Saving Society, shared a successful real-world application of digital identity authentication technology. Faced with a sharp surge in lifeguard credential verification requests, traditional manual checking procedures could no longer meet operational demands efficiently.
By adopting international-standard electronic signature technology, the Society now issues legally valid digital certificates for qualified lifeguards, enabling employers to verify credential authenticity instantly with the candidates’ consent. “A forged lifeguard certificate poses direct threats to public safety. Digital credential verification builds a critical safety barrier, ensuring all on-duty lifeguards hold genuine, valid professional qualifications,” Dr. Chan stressed.
Pioneer Awards Recognise Outstanding Contributions to Digital Trust
The event also hosted the Global Trusted Identity Pioneer Awards ceremony, honouring 14 cross-sector organisations for their exceptional efforts in advancing and implementing digital trust infrastructure. Recipients include The Hong Kong China Life Saving Society, The Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, and Hong Kong General Chamber of Small and Medium Business, among other industry leaders.
Additionally, the ceremony presented graduation certificates to students from the Greater Bay Area Medical Professional Development Association and the Hong Kong Hang Seng University School of Knowledge Exchange, showcasing cross-industry collaboration in promoting lifelong learning.
Dr. Lo Kam Wing (front row, fourth from left), President of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong (front row, fourth from left); Mr. Stanley Lee, Chairman of the Global Identity Traceability Foundation (front row, fourth from right); Mr. Raymond Yip, Deputy Chairman of the Guangzhou Nansha Guangdong-Hong Kong Cooperation Advisory Committee (front row, third from left); Ms. Eva Chan, Founder and CEO of Certizen Limited (front row, third from right); Dr. Ma Kai Yum, Executive Vice President of the Hong Kong Chinese Manufacturers' Association (front row, second from left); Mr. Ng Kwok On, Vice President of the Hong Kong Chinese Manufacturers' Association (front row, second from right), Mr. Hao Jianqiang, Executive President of the Shenzhen E-Commerce Association (front row, far left), Dr. Welland Chu, President of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association Hong Kong Chapter (front row, far right), took a group photo with representatives from organizations and companies recognized as "Global Trusted Identity Pioneers."
