Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Development Bureau and its departments have achieved a new record at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, winning 36 awards for the 36 projects presented by the teams.

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn today extended her congratulations to the teams from the bureau’s Works Branch and its various departments for their outstanding performance.

She noted that the bureau and the works departments have been actively engaged in research and development to apply innovative technologies. Ms Linn said that many of the award-winning projects at the exhibition introduced novel solutions in artificial intelligence, robotics and drones, earning them international recognition. 

She highlighted that these projects not only enhance the quality, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of public services but also serve as a model for the industry. She added that such initiatives drive wider technology adoption across the sector, supporting Hong Kong’s development into an international infrastructure centre.

The “T300” Crawler-type all-terrain survey robot,  jointly developed by the Drainage Services Department and a professional team from the Chinese Mainland, won the Saudi Innovation Excellence Prize from the Ministry of Education of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is the first time a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government department has received this prestigious award.

Equipped with a zoomable high-resolution camera, LiDAR and an adaptive lighting system, this robot captures comprehensive visual and spatial data. Its transformable tracked structure enables it to navigate complex and challenging terrain.

The robot can simultaneously collect photogrammetric information and point cloud data to automatically construct detailed three-dimensional models of drainage facilities. Its modular design also accommodates other sensors, such as gas detectors for monitoring air quality in confined spaces.

Inspection data is automatically uploaded to an artificial intelligence-powered online platform for real-time analysis and rapid generation of inspection reports.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said today the Government’s proposed regulatory measures in the money lenders regime are highly targeted to address issues that need to be dealt with.

Speaking to reporters this morning, Mr Hui said the move aims to protect citizens, particularly households often used as referees in loan activities involving domestic helpers.

Under the proposal, money lenders will be prohibited from requesting borrowers to provide a loan referee from August 1.

Another measure is to introduce debt servicing ratio caps for low-income earners to prevent excessive borrowing.

Mr Hui stated that the new measure will limit the proportion of monthly income used for debt repayment. The requirement applies to all individuals with a monthly income below $12,000, including foreign domestic helpers.

“The overall approach that we take to deal with this money lending regime is that we are applying a rather equivalent requirement, not just to domestic helpers but everybody with a monthly income below $12,000,” he said.

He added that to prevent borrowers from circumventing the rules by using multiple lenders, all licensed lenders will be required to share borrower information.

Regarding the situation in the Middle East, Mr Hui affirmed that Hong Kong’s financial system remains robust, stable and sophisticated on both domestic and international fronts. 

“That’s why against this backdrop, we are proposing some measures to strengthen our role as an asset and wealth management centre in the current regime where many investors would like to diversify their investments,” he added.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Located in Tsing Yi, Ching Fu Jolly Net is redefining community support for the elderly. Subsidised by the Social Welfare Department and operated by Po Leung Kuk, the centre will officially open in mid-March, providing tailored services for seniors and their carers.

As one of three Jolly Net facilities managed by Po Leung Kuk, the centre aims to challenge traditional stereotypes of elderly care. By offering a diverse range of modern and engaging activities, it empowers seniors to lead fulfilling lives within their own communities.

 

These vibrant programmes have already become a significant draw for local residents, fostering a culture of active ageing.

Virtual vistas

After undergoing surgeries on both knees, Mr Sam So could not move and spent his days at home feeling bored. By chance, he saw the Po Leung Kuk Jolly Net nearby. Since they had an e-sports class, he decided to join.

Before retirement, Mr So navigated the city’s streets as a taxi driver and possessed a strong knack for car maintenance. Now, he has found a new outlet in the world of e-sports racing games, where he often outperforms younger players. 

“Life is vibrant and colourful now. I teach my friends the techniques I have learned and we play together.

“Everyone is happy. Recently, the centre even arranged for us to compete against some teenagers from Tuen Mun.

“We were lucky enough to win the championship. My friends and I were thrilled,” he added.  

The centre’s diverse programmes take a holistic approach to wellness, enhancing both the physical health and mental well-being of its members.

Among those benefiting is Ms Lucia Tam. Previously struggling with poor health and requiring mobility assistance to walk, her life took a positive turn after she joined the centre. By actively participating in stretching and yoga classes, she has seen a significant improvement in her physical fitness and now enjoys a clearer, more vibrant mind.

“Discovering the centre had opened was a happy accident and I thought why not give it a try.

“So, I became a member. Now, I never miss a stretching class and I also take part in yoga.

“I have noticed a real improvement in my body. I used to struggle with simple movements and needed help just to walk or sit. Since joining the centre, I have completely set aside all worries.

“This is why I am so eager to take part in activities here.” 

Golden opportunities

Po Leung Kuk Assistant Principal Social Services Secretary Rebecca Wong said traditional elderly centres often focus on basic care and social activities. While these services are important, she said they do not fully meet the expectations of younger seniors for growth and development.

“We aim to provide innovative and specialised activities that offer seniors more opportunities to develop their skills, showcase their abilities and achieve self-fulfilment,” she explained.

The centre offers a wide range of physical activities, including yoga classes, mountain climbing, canoeing and pickleball. These programmes are designed to help seniors maintain mobility, independence and overall health, while also providing opportunities to connect with nature.

To support emotional well-being, the centre also provides horticultural therapy, aroma therapy, art work sessions, latte art workshops and wine tasting activities.

These therapeutic programmes aim to reduce stress, alleviate anxiety and depressive symptoms, and help participants regulate their emotions.

To foster digital inclusion, the centre organises courses on artificial intelligence applications and e-sports activities. These initiatives empower seniors to keep pace with technological advancements, maintain mental agility through strategic thinking and strengthen their social bonds.

For many participants, Jolly Net is more than just a meeting point; it is a platform where they can showcase their talent, contribute to the community and lead fulfilling lives in their golden years.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Police today held the Good Citizen Award Presentation Ceremony 2025 to commend 80 citizens for their assistance in combating crime and saving lives. 

The Good Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Leung Ho-yin who rescued three people from drowning after they fell into the sea during Super Typhoon Ragasa in last year.

In addition, six organisations received the Good Organisation Award in recognition of their active support for Police in promoting anti-deception initiatives, fighting crime, safeguarding national security and fostering youth development.

Speaking at the ceremony, Commissioner of Police Chow Yat-ming expressed his gratitude to the awardees for their courage in making the right choices during critical moments.

Mr Chow noted that exercising calm judgment can help the public avoid falling victim to scammers. He urged citizens to use of “Scameter+” mobile app to identify suspicious calls and websites.

Regarding the six Good Organisation Award recipients, the Commissioner praised them for fulfilling their corporate social responsibilities. He highlighted their efforts in spreading anti-scam and anti-drug messages throughout the community to support police work.

A new promotional video series, A Flash Moment of Good Citizens, premiered at the ceremony. Adapted from four award-winning cases of 2025, the series features the award winners themselves portraying their stories.

The videos will be uploaded to the Police’s Facebook page and YouTube channel for public viewing.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today refuted unfounded media reports regarding the housing and rental arrangements for owners of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, reaffirming that support will continue until their long-term housing is finalised.

In a statement responding to reports that some residents would be required to vacate transitional housing within 30 days of receiving acquisition payments or new flat keys, the Government clarified that these claims are baseless. 

Affected owners will remain eligible for accommodation and rental grants throughout the transition period, including those participating in the Special Sales Exercise or “flat-for flat” arrangements. 

The Housing Bureau emphasised that operating organisations of transitional housing projects have consistently provided flexible move-out arrangements for residents.

While a 30-day move-out period is standard, the Bureau clarified that operators will offer flexibly for residents with genuine needs, such as those awaiting completion of renovations or preparing to move into new homes. This arrangement applies to all Wang Fuk Court residents, regardless of whether they arrange their own long-term accommodation or opt for the Special Sales Exercise or a “flat-for-flat” arrangement.

The Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po announced last December that it would provide owners with an annual rental grant of $150,000 for two years. The grant is disbursed semi-annually in instalments of $75,000.

For owners who choose to sell their titles for cash instead of participating in the Special Sales Exercise, the rental grants will be provided until the sale proceeds are credited to their account. While any rental grants received before the credit date do not need to be refunded, the Government clarified that no further grants will be disbursed after the funds have been credited.

For owners participating in the Special Sales Exercise, the Housing Bureau confirmed that rental grants will be provided until the intake date of their subsidised sale flats, which is the day the flat keys are collected. While any rental grants received before the intake date do not need to be refunded, the Housing Bureau clarified that no further grants will be disbursed after that date.

The Housing Bureau added that its engagement team will explain these arrangements to Wang Fuk Court owners. Residents with any questions are encouraged to contact the team directly for assistance.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Government announced today (March 13) that the Task Group on New Medical School has established working groups to strengthen support for the effective implementation of the new medical school project to be set up by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).

     As the preparatory work for the third medical school enters the implementation stage, the HKUST is steadily advancing the relevant work, including initiating the curriculum accreditation process with the Medical Council of Hong Kong, launching global recruitment of teaching staff, and finalising the design of the medical school complex building on the Clear Water Bay campus.——
Secretary for Health
Secretary for Education—–
Permanent Secretary for Health / Under Secretary for Health
Permanent Secretary for Education / Under Secretary for Education——
Chairman of the Medical Council of Hong Kong
President of the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine (or representative)
Professor Nivritti Gajanan Patil
Professor Joseph Sung Jao-yiu
Mr Philip Tsai Wing-chung
Professor Lau Chak-sing*
Professor Philip Chiu Wai-yan*
Professor Lyu Aiping*
Professor David Shum Ho-keung*
Dr Pang Yiu-kai*—–
Permanent Secretary for Development (Planning and Lands) (or representative)
Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry (or representative)
Secretary-General of the University Grants Committee (or representative)
Director of Health (or representative)
Deputy Secretary for Education (1)
Deputy Secretary for Health 3
Commissioner for Primary Healthcare (or representative)
Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority (or representative)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, officiated at the Opening Ceremony of the Yau Tsim Mong District Health Centre cum Launch Ceremony of the Primary Healthcare Co-care Network today (March 13). He announced that the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme (CDCC Pilot Scheme) had achieved the target of having over 200 000 participants earlier than expected and would be regularised. Meanwhile, the Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) launched the Primary Healthcare Co-care Network (Co-care Network) today.

     Professor Lo said, “The CDCC Pilot Scheme has received an enthusiastic response since its launch at the end of 2023. By the end of January this year, the number of participants has exceeded 200 000, nearly 10 months ahead of the original target date. Among the participants who have completed the screenings, about 40 per cent were diagnosed with prediabetes, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HT), or hyperlipidaemia and have entered the treatment phase, receiving government-subsidised cross-disciplinary follow-up for early management of chronic diseases. According to preliminary analysis conducted by a local university research team, the CDCC Pilot Scheme has performed well in terms of health benefits and cost-effectiveness, with participants showing overall improvements in their health conditions. The data shows that after joining the scheme for 12 months, the average glycated haemoglobin level of DM patients dropped from 7.8 per cent to 6.7 per cent; while the average systolic blood pressure of HT patients decreased from 150 millimetres of mercury (mmHg) to 135mmHg, reflecting the positive impact of sustained health management and professional support on disease control. Based on a modelled scenario of 200 000 participants, it was expected that the scheme could prevent approximately 9 000 cases of cardiovascular disease and 11 000 deaths, gaining approximately 54 000 quality-adjusted life years and saving $2.7 billion in health expenditure.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) hosted a business forum and spring reception on March 12 (Philadelphia time) in Philadelphia, one of the most significant life science clusters in the United States, to promote Hong Kong’s expanding role as a global hub for health and life sciences innovation and to explore opportunities for cross-border collaboration. Over 130 business leaders, investors, and innovators from across Greater Philadelphia gathered to learn more about Hong Kong’s role as an international life and health science hub. 

     As part of the Economic and Trade Express initiative, the business forum was co-organised by the New York ETO, Invest Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), strengthening efforts in trade and investment promotion, and reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Primary Healthcare Commission launched the Primary Healthcare Co-care Network today, with a target participation of around 700,000 people during the first phase of development of the Co-care Network over a five-year span.

Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau officiated at the Opening Ceremony of the Yau Tsim Mong District Health Centre & Launch Ceremony of the Primary Healthcare Co-care Network today, where he announced that the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme (CDCC Pilot Scheme) had achieved the target of having over 200,000 participants earlier than expected and would be regularised.

Prof Lo said that the CDCC Pilot Scheme has received an enthusiastic response since its launch at the end of 2023. By the end of January this year, the number of participants has exceeded 200,000, nearly 10 months ahead of the original target date.

Among the participants who have completed the screenings, about 40% were diagnosed with prediabetes, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or hyperlipidaemia and have entered the treatment phase, receiving government-subsidised cross-disciplinary follow-up for early management of chronic diseases.

Prof Lo noted that to address the challenges posed by an ageing population and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, the Health Bureau announced today that the CDCC Pilot Scheme will be regularised and renamed the Chronic Disease Co-Care Scheme.

The Co-care Network, launched simultaneously today, will introduce evidence-based, life-course-oriented preventive measures as well as a framework for regular screening and management of high-risk diseases.

The services under the Co-care Network will be determined by citizens’ individual health condition and risks, thereby implementing the people‑oriented primary healthcare principle and bringing about a paradigm shift.

Established under the institutional framework of the Primary Healthcare Blueprint, the Co‑care Network integrates and enhances primary healthcare services provided by the Government through expanding the scope of diseases covered, strengthening cross-disciplinary collaboration, and improving community healthcare support and auxiliary services.

The Co-care Network will also strengthen cross-disciplinary collaboration and enhance relevant assistance and support to further optimise its services.

Eligible citizens who register as members of the District Health Centres/District Health Centre Expresses (DHCs/DHCEs) and agree to sign up for eHealth can join services under the Co-care Network according to their health condition and risks.

The bureau will also continue to invite suitable patients currently attending the Hospital Authority’s Family Medicine Clinics, and participants in the General Outpatient Clinic Public-Private Partnership Programme that is scheduled to conclude in 2028, to join the services under the Co-care Network in a gradual manner.

As the entry points of the Co-care Network’s services, the DHCs provide citizens with a series of standardised and personalised healthcare services, making their role as a hub of vital importance.

At present, DHCs across all 18 districts in Hong Kong have over 100 service points.

The Yau Tsim Mong District Health Centre, operated by the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon, commenced services in late October last year. Its core centre located at 1047 Canton Road, Mong Kok features an audiometric & vision assessment room, and a smart rehabilitation zone, providing members with services such as health risk assessments and chronic disease management through the application of technology. The three satellite centres are located in Prince Edward, Yau Ma Tei and Jordan.