Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit today (April 13):
Honourable Minister Zhuang Rongwen of the Ministry of the Cyberspace Administration of PRC, Honourable Director Zhou Ji of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Honourable Secretary General Ren Xianliang of the World Internet Conference, honourable ministers and officials from around the world, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. I am delighted to welcome you to the 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit.
It is an honour for Hong Kong to be hosting this prestigious event – and for the second consecutive year.
This year’s Summit gathers more than 1 000 high-profile participants from some 50 countries and regions. You’re here to seek collaboration opportunities, to network with a world of like-minded professionals, and to come together on a cohesive digital strategy, given today’s fast-evolving global digital landscape.
The theme of this year’s Summit, “Digital and Intelligent Empowerment for Innovative Development – Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace”, underlines the essential value of digital collaboration on a global scale.
The impressive turnout for this Summit is a testament to Hong Kong’s unparalleled role under the unique “one country, two systems” framework.
A premier international financial, shipping and trade centre, Hong Kong thrives thanks to our robust common law system, free flow of information, capital, goods and talent, and peerless connectivity both to the vast Mainland market and the wide world beyond. All under the auspices of “one country, two systems”.
Hosting this international Summit also underscores Hong Kong’s growing prominence as an international innovation and technology hub. No less important, it reinforces our deep integration into national development strategies. The country’s National 15th Five-Year Plan, approved last month, continues to champion Hong Kong’s development as an international I&T hub, let me add.
That includes supporting the development of I&T in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The Greater Bay Area is a cluster city development that brings together Hong Kong and Macao with nine southern cities, and brings together a population of over 87 million.
A prime example of that is the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen‑Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, which officially opened in December. Straddling Hong Kong’s boundary with the Mainland’s technology hub of Shenzhen, the Co-operation Zone provides more than the much-needed land resources for I&T development. It presents vast opportunities for innovative synergy between the two places, and great potential for co-operation that radiates beyond boundaries.
The Hong Kong Park of the Zone has already attracted more than 70 tenants from key technology sectors, including artificial intelligence and data science, life and health technology, and new energy.
We are also working with Mainland authorities on implementing facilitating policies at the Co-operation Zone. They include enabling the cross-boundary flow of bio-samples and other innovation elements.
Not surprisingly, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster topped the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Global Innovation Index last year to become No.1 in the world. That’s up one place from the year before.
Complementing Hong Kong Park’s development, we published a conceptual outline of our development plan for I&T in the San Tin Technopole last November.
The Technopole and adjacent Hong Kong Park, both in our burgeoning Northern Metropolis, can provide land on a larger scale, to support the growth of strategic I&T industries. Together, San Tin Technopole and Hong Kong Park will form a crucial node for integrated development across upstream, midstream and downstream industries, offering full-chain support – from offices and prototyping to testing, pilot production and manufacturing – and working with the Greater Bay Area’s industry supply chains.
AI is central to the HKSAR Government’s accelerating I&T development. Over the past few years, it has earned Hong Kong international recognition.
Hong Kong ranks among the world’s leading economies in AI preparedness. That’s according to last year’s Technology and Innovation Report on Inclusive AI for Development, published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. Meanwhile, Hong Kong came third in the Global AI Competitiveness Index, after only New York and London.
And we are putting together a comprehensive strategy combining world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge research and development and a culture of responsible innovation. Boosting our computing power, a key driver of AI development, is a priority.
Hong Kong’s overall computing power rose to 5 000 petaFLOPS, following the launch of Cyberport’s AI Supercomputing Centre in December 2024, which laid a vital foundation for pioneering AI research and applications.
And the upcoming data facility cluster at Sandy Ridge, also in the Northern Metropolis, will further expand Hong Kong’s overall computing power. By 2032, this cluster alone will provide 180 000 petaFLOPS. That’s 36 times Hong Kong’s current computing power.
As for R&D, our InnoHK Research Cluster focused on AI and robotics is funding 16 laboratories, together with over a thousand local and international researchers.
There’s more. The Hong Kong AI Research and Development Institute’s opening, later this year, will help drive breakthroughs from upstream AI R&D. It will also transform midstream and downstream R&D outcomes and expand use cases.
We are no less committed to making AI accessible to all. Under the “AI+” and “AI for all” campaigns, all segments of society – companies, employees, the civil service, students and even our older population – will have better access to AI literacy programmes.
Above all, Hong Kong recognises that the power of AI must be balanced by its responsible, and inclusive use. After all, technology is a tool to help us enable innovative new approaches to connectivity, trust and shared prosperity. A tool that could function well only with a spirit of co-operation and creativity.
Hong Kong looks forward to working with partners around the region, and across the world, to help shape a digital future built on openness, innovation and inclusivity.
My thanks to the World Internet Conference for hosting this year’s Asia-Pacific Summit, and for your staunch support and trust in Hong Kong to put it together for the global internet community.
I wish everyone a productive and rewarding Summit, and an enjoyable stay in Hong Kong, Asia’s world city. And the region’s fast-rising innovation city.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Opening Ceremony of the 3rd Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference and Xiangjiang Nobel Forum 2026 today (April 12):
Deputy Director Zhang Yong of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Deputy Commissioner Li Yongsheng of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR, Director Chen Wei of Bureau IV of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Ms Li Ran, President of the Hong Kong Alumni Association of Beijing Universities, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. It is a great pleasure to join you, today, at the opening of the 3rd Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference and Xiangjiang Nobel Forum.
There are more than 1 000 innovation-inspired individuals – from over 30 countries and regions – here for the Science Conference, the Nobel Forum and the relevant events, taking place from today to this Thursday.
This week is therefore a week of gathering for extraordinarily talented people. Today is a gathering of winners of the Nobel Prize and Turing Award, and more than 100 academics from China and overseas, as well as representatives from over 20 international institutions and organisations. And that’s not the half of it. More than 300 outstanding innovation and technology (I&T) enterprises from the Mainland and Macao are here, together with leading entrepreneurs and representatives from tech innovation companies and students from all over the world.
This series of events are held under the overarching theme of “Innovating the Future Globally”. Beyond today’s Science Conference and Nobel Forum, you’re taking in forums ranging from quantum information technology, biomedicine and artificial intelligence, to an innovation achievement exhibition, visits to institutes and more.
And what better place to come together, to help shape an innovative and inclusive future for us all, than Hong Kong. Thanks to the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong has long served as the world’s “super connector” and “super value-adder”. We are the only city in the world that counts as many as five universities in the global top 100. Our business environment is open and transparent. We enjoy a long tradition of the rule of law, and our common law legal system is similar to most global financial hubs. We make it easy for companies and investors from China, our country, and from around the world, to do business together here.
Fundamental to Hong Kong’s thriving development is that we enjoy the unwavering support of our motherland, China. Last month, China launched its 15th Five-Year Plan, which continues to champion Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology centre.
InnoHK, our flagship R&D (research and development) initiative, is a good example to showcase how our city is rapidly rising as a hub for global research collaboration.
Our two existing InnoHK research clusters focus on healthcare technology, and on AI and robotics. They’re built on collaboration with more than 30 world-renowned universities and research institutes from 12 economies, bridging together some 3 000 researchers, locally and globally, to conduct ground-breaking research.
A third InnoHK research cluster, focusing on sustainable development, energy and advanced manufacturing and materials, is in the works. I’m pleased to inform you that, like the original two, it will serve as a centre for international research collaboration, linking local research institutions with prominent universities and research institutes around the world.
Eight proposals have already been approved, and the R&D centres under this cluster will be set up, in phases, beginning in the coming couple of months.
InnoHK is just one of many tangible illustrations of Hong Kong’s commitment to I&T, and collaboration, on a global scale. We welcome strategic technology companies, professionals and talented graduates to come to Hong Kong for their innovative future. In short, we welcome you.
The Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference, the Xiangjiang Nobel Forum and the related events are all part of this year’s Business of Innovation and Technology Week.
Running until April 16, the Business of Innovation and Technology Week includes InnoEx, showcasing technology in five key areas: AI+, the low-altitude economy, property technology, retail technology and robotics.
Our very own Digital Policy Office has set up a Smart Hong Kong Pavilion at InnoEx, which will open its doors tomorrow. Themed “AI+ Hong Kong”, the pavilion will showcase over 100 I&T solutions, including those developed by the HKSAR Government, as well as award-winning I&T projects by businesses and students. You’re all invited to take part in the interactive experiences and innovative demonstrations there, and see for yourselves Hong Kong’s achievements in I&T and developing into a smart city.
My thanks to the Hong Kong Alumni Association of Beijing Universities for its organisation of this year’s Conference and associated forums.
I wish you all a rewarding week, and a most enjoyable stay in Hong Kong, the world’s fast-rising East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
That includes the famous Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, this year celebrating its 50th anniversary in unforgettable style at world-class Kai Tak Stadium. It all kicks off on Friday.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FEHD releases first batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in April
District Among the first batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering 13 survey areas in April, all were below 10 per cent, except for Sai Kung Town in Sai Kung District and Tsing Yi North in Kwai Tsing District.
For Sai Kung Town in Sai Kung District and Tsing Yi North in Kwai Tsing District, which recorded indexes exceeding 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the chikungunya fever (CF) situation (i.e. strengthening mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism), the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. In particular, the gravidtrap data for Sai Kung Town showed that areas with more mosquito problems included parks, schools, and public and private housing estates, while the gravidtrap data for Tsing Yi North showed that areas with more mosquito problems included parks, schools and public housing estates. The relevant departments are following up on the mosquito control work. The FEHD will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. In addition, the FEHD will strengthen the monitoring of the gravidtrap index in those two areas to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work. Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.
Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#Issued at HKT 18:30
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the 3rd Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference and Xiangjiang Nobel Forum 2026 today (April 12):
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you all today at the Xiangjiang Nobel Forum, an invaluable occasion that gathers distinguished scientists and academic leaders from around the world, including Nobel Laureates and Academicians. This Forum is also one of the highlights of Hong Kong’s annual Business of Innovation and Technology Week (BIT Week).
Hong Kong is proud to be a place where ideas take root, and innovation flourishes. The Hong Kong SAR Government is determined to take a bold and proactive step to propel the I&T development. Under the principle of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong enjoys the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the Motherland and being closely connected to the world.
In terms of our I&T ecosystem, we support the chain of innovation – from fundamental research to industrial application through targeted policies and infrastructure. We are establishing a new I&T ecosystem with three major I&T parks and five key research and development institutes as its framework. We are also home to five universities ranking among the global top 100. These institutions are producing cutting-edge research and cultivating next generation of scientists and innovators. For talents, we provide dedicated support – both funding and policies – to attract international talents to land in Hong Kong.
I am happy to share that our efforts have been recognised worldwide. Hong Kong ranks third globally in “Technology” in the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking published by the International Institute for Management Development. Moreover, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster ranked first globally for the first time in the 2025 Global Innovation Index Ranking of World’s Top 100 Innovation Clusters published by the World Intellectual Property Organization. We take pride in these achievements, but we will not stop there. We will continue to make Hong Kong an ideal partner for global I&T collaboration and business explorations.
Later today and tomorrow, there will be a couple of dedicated sessions on various transformative technologies. From unlocking the secrets of human well-being to exploring how technology shapes the future of humankind, I believe that the dialogues here will spark new insights and collaborations. May the discoveries shared not only expand our understanding in science but also ignite a lasting spark of curiosity and ambition in the next generation of scientists.
Innovation does not happen in isolation but thrives through collaboration. May I thank the Hong Kong Alumni Association of Beijing Universities for organising this event and bringing us together for meaningful exchanges.
On this note, I wish everyone all the best in your scientific endeavours, and a rewarding time in Hong Kong – the Asia’s world city that is full of opportunities, dynamics and creativity. Thank you.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Tenders invited for licence of fee-paying public car park at North Point Government Offices The premises should only be used to operate a fee-paying public car park for the parking of private cars.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
National Security Education Day 2026 cum Hong Kong Police Force Fun Day held today Addressing the ceremony, the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, said that national security concerns the well-being of 1.4 billion compatriots including Hong Kong people, and serves as the cornerstone of the country’s peace and stability. In safeguarding national security and stopping violence and curbing disorder, he commended the Force for unequivocally and fearlessly discharging their duties, making enormous and irreplaceable contributions to building an impregnable defence for Hong Kong’s national security, and rendering Hong Kong one of the world’s safest city.
Citing the white paper on “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems” published by the State Council Information Office in February, he emphasised that safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests remains the overarching principle under the policy of “one country, two systems”. He added that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region must faithfully fulfil its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security, and create high-standard security in support of the high-quality development of the “one country, two systems” policy. He said that the Government will, through various channels, continuously strengthen publicity and public education on the matter, lead and support all sectors of society to thoroughly study and better comprehend the white paper’s important substance and requirements, thereby enhancing citizen’s awareness of national security and their positivity and spontaneity in safeguarding it. Mr Chow further emphasised that no one can remain a mere spectator in safeguarding national security – every citizen has a duty to play their part. He expressed hope that, through National Security Education Day, members of the public would better understand and embrace the principles set out in the white paper, enhance their awareness of national security, and work together to safeguard national security and Hong Kong’s stability.
The event, held at the “Little Grape”-themed park located at Harcourt Garden in Admiralty, featured “NSafe Voyage”, a national security education exhibition zone that resembled a vessel, to deepen public understanding of the white paper. The “NSpeed Promotional Truck” and the new “NSmarties AI Interactive Platform” engaged the public, especially the younger generation, through interactive games conveying the message that safeguarding national security is everyone’s responsibility and a duty to be fulfilled. In addition, specialised equipment from various units, including the Counter Terrorism Response Unit, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau, and the Police Dog Unit, was on display, showcasing the Force’s professionalism and the diversity of its work. Issued at HKT 13:55
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs seizes live turtles and live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species Based on risk assessment that day, Customs intercepted an outgoing medium goods vehicle at the control point. Upon X-ray examination, Customs officers spotted irregularities in the images of the vehicle’s undercarriage. Twenty-six black bags were found concealed inside the chassis frame under the cargo compartment of the vehicle. Upon examination, the bags were found to contain the batch of live turtles and live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species. A 44-year-old male driver was arrested and has been released on bail pending further investigations.
Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action based on risk assessment and intelligence analysis.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk Issued at HKT 15:30
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Working Group on Shanghai and Hong Kong Digital Co-operation, which is responsible for promoting the relevant work under the Memorandum of Understanding between Shanghai and Hong Kong on Digital Economy Co-operation (the MOU), held its first annual meeting in Hong Kong today (April 12), to continue deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and Shanghai in digital government, data elements, enterprise services, and collaboration between research, academic and industry sectors.
The meeting was cochaired by the Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Daniel Cheung, and the Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Data, Mr Qian Xiao. The Working Group discussed the latest co-operation updates between Hong Kong and Shanghai regarding innovation and technology (I&T) developments as well as the digital economy, and reviewed the progress and achievements over the past year. Both sides also discussed and exchanged views on the work plan for the coming year. The following six areas of work were reviewed during the meeting, namely:
1. jointly promoting the synergistic development of the digital economy between Hong Kong and Shanghai;
2. jointly promoting digital identity authentication between Hong Kong and Shanghai;
3. jointly promoting Cross-boundary Public Services to benefit the public and enterprises;
4. jointly promoting exchanges and co-operation in digital infrastructure;
5. deepening exchanges and talent cultivation in I&T between Hong Kong and Shanghai; and
6. jointly promoting collaboration in industry spaces and communication platforms.
At the meeting, Mr Cheung stated that since the signing of the MOU in Hong Kong last April, members of the Working Group had dedicated themselves to advancing the related work items, namely the successful connection between the “iAM Smart” and the Government Online-Offline Shanghai website as well as the “Suishenban” app; the completion of the preparatory work for the Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Open Data Challenge 2026; the Shanghai Electronic Certificate Authority’s participation in the Digital Corporate Identity Sandbox Programme as well as its study on the mutual recognition arrangements for digital corporate identities between Hong Kong and Shanghai; the setting-up of businesses in Hong Kong by five enterprises under the arrangement of the Service Station for Outbound Data Ecology (Hong Kong) and the Shanghai-Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Industry Acceleration Alliance’s assistance to enterprise members in exploring the Mainland and overseas markets, thus contributing to notable results in the synergistic development of the digital economy between Hong Kong and Shanghai. Mr Cheung said he hoped that Hong Kong and Shanghai could further deepen co-operation in Cross-boundary Public Services, AI+ Civil Services and the cross-boundary flow of personal information. Finally, he expressed his gratitude for the efforts of the members of the Working Group and encouraged them to make greater contributions for yielding more fruitful results in digital co-operation between Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Mainland representatives who attended the meeting included officials from the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Data, industry representatives from Hong Kong and Shanghai, including the Hong Kong and Shanghai Data Society, Shanghai Data Group, the Shanghai Lingang Economic Development Group Company Limited, the Shanghai Information Investment Company Limited, the Shanghai New Electric Vehicle Public Data Collecting Monitoring and Research Center, the Shanghai Shibei Hi-Tech Group, the Shanghai Digital Globalization Association, and the Shanghai Data Service Provider Association.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), Mr Zhuang Rongwen, in Hong Kong today (April 12), to exchange views on deepening innovation and technology (I&T) collaboration and jointly witness the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation in Innovation and Technology Development (MOU) between the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau and the CAC, joining hands to promote the high-quality development of the digital economy through technological innovation.
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, and the Deputy Director of the CAC, Mr Wang Jingtao, singed the MOU. Covering key areas including promotion of AI, cross-boundary data flow and blockchain, the MOU aims to deepen the implementation of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, supporting Hong Kong’s development into an international I&T centre, promoting a new real economy driven by technological innovation, and driving Hong Kong’s deeper integration into and contribution to the overall national development. The two places will further strengthen co-operation and jointly propel new quality productive forces development, deepen co-operation in cybersecurity, and strengthen international exchanges and promotion.
Mr Lee expressed his gratitude for the CAC’s support for Hong Kong’s I&T development. He said, “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will actively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, formulate Hong Kong’s first five-year plan, striving to develop Hong Kong into an international I&T centre and a hub for high-end international talent, and achieving high-quality development. The MOU signed today marks a new milestone in the co-operation between the HKSAR Government and the CAC in the development of the digital economy, and fully demonstrates the country’s high commitment and support to Hong Kong’s I&T development. Hong Kong will continue to capitalise on our distinctive advantages of having strong support from the motherland and close connection with the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, deepen collaboration with the CAC to further promote cross-boundary data flow in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and jointly contribute to building a technologically advanced nation.”
Mr Lee said that Hong Kong was designated again to stage the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit this year on April 13 and 14. Hong Kong will proactively demonstrate its strengths in the digital economy and innovation capabilities, and leverage the pivotal role as a bridge for “going global and attracting foreign investment”, so as to further deepen international exchanges and co-operation, and to expand broader and more diversified opportunities for I&T collaboration.
Professor Sun Dong said, “The National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong’s development into an international I&T centre. At the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan and with the robust support from the country, the HKSAR Government will accelerate the promotion of I&T development to build Hong Kong into a source of innovation for the country and the world, taking a new leap forward in Hong Kong’s I&T development while serving the country’s needs.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
To support the 11th National Security Education Day on April 15 this year, the Correctional Services Department (CSD) held an open day at the Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum and the Community Education Experience Centre today (April 11) to raise public awareness of national security and allow the public to understand the CSD’s initiatives and accomplishments in safeguarding national security.
The theme of this year’s National Security Education Day is “Proactively Align with the 15th Five-Year Plan Follow a Holistic Approach to Development and Security”. The open day featured game booths centred on the 15th Five-Year Plan and national security, aimed at deepening the public’s understanding of the Plan and national security, as well as strengthening their sense of national identity. In response to the publication of the white paper on “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems” by the State Council Information Office earlier, the event also included a related game booth to enhance the public’s understanding of the white paper in an interesting and interactive way.
The CSD Sports Association’s online charity gift sales platform, Made in Prison, also set up a sales counter at the open day, selling a number of National Security Education Day limited-edition products. While promoting national security, it also encouraged the public to support rehabilitation of persons in custody.
Moreover, the Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum and the Community Education Experience Centre were open to the public. A gallery themed “Correctional Services and National Security” has been set up in the Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum to deepen the public’s understanding of the importance and significance of safeguarding national security. The Community Education Experience Centre, themed “Home, Country and Corrections”, features a number of interactive games and multimedia items to promote national security and the messages of safeguarding the country and home, leading a law-abiding and drug-free life, as well as supporting offender rehabilitation.
The Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, accompanied by the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Wong Kwok-hing, also attended the event to visit exhibitions and game booths.
In addition, the CSD today launched the “National Security Education Special Edition of Rehabilitation Express” promotion vehicle to disseminate national security messages to young people in the community. The vehicle will visit primary and secondary schools across Hong Kong, featuring four interactive games on the theme of national security, including scenario simulation and motion-sensing games, with the aim of embedding national security awareness in the community and schools, and cultivating young people’s self-awareness in safeguarding national security.
To further enhance national security awareness among persons in custody, the CSD will also convert some content in the promotion vehicle into virtual-reality games, allowing persons in custody to learn accurate national security knowledge through immersive three-dimensional virtual scenarios within correctional institutions, thereby building their sense of nationhood and strengthening national identity.
The CSD, as the last element in the criminal justice system, will continue to ensure prison stability, safeguard national security and promote national security education through organising different rehabilitation and community education activities.