Category: MIL-OSI

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Construction robots enhance efficiency

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

For the Trunk Road T2 & Cha Kwo Ling Tunnel project, the Civil Engineering & Development Department has applied innovative technologies including an autonomous air-ground co-operative tunnel inspector and a drilling robot.

 

Efficiency boost

Giving rein to the synergy of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and total-station positioning techniques, the autonomous air-ground co-operative tunnel inspector can automatically carry out all necessary tunnel inspections, covering tunnel linings and various tunnel internal structures in a safer, more efficient and cost-effective manner.

Consultancy company Senior Resident Engineer Albert Sung explained that the system is equipped with ultra-high-definition cameras to automatically capture images of the tunnel’s internal structures.

“The aerial drone focuses on the upper half of the tunnel, while the unmanned ground vehicle focuses on the lower half, enabling 360-degree full coverage of the tunnel. These images are transmitted in real time to the AI module on the unmanned ground vehicle for defect detection.

“It can instantly and accurately detect millimetre-level defects and generate electronic reports. The entire process is 23 times faster than conventional methods and reduces inspection costs by 50%.”

The system was co-developed by the Civil Engineering & Development Department, a consultancy firm and the Hong Kong Productivity Council and has obtained three patents as well as receiving multiple local and international innovation awards, including 2025 Gold Edison Award.

Rapid robots

In addition, the tunnel project employs an automatic drilling robot that improves efficiency by reducing time and labour costs.

Civil Engineering & Development Department Engineer Kelvin Ma explained that, in the past, before constructing the corbel for overhead ventilation duct slabs inside a tunnel, workers had to repeatedly carry out tasks such as chiselling the concrete surface, and positioning, drilling and installing anchor bolts, while working on elevated platforms.

“The Trunk Road T2 project has introduced an automatic drilling robot. Using laser scanning technology for precise positioning, the robot performs accurate drilling and anchor bolts installation on tunnel walls and ceilings while simultaneously extracting dust generated during the process.

“Compared to traditional methods, which involve manual lifting and installation, the adoption of the Multi-trade Integrated Mechanical, Electrical, & Plumbing and drilling robot has reduced onsite labour requirements by 60% and shortened the associated construction time by 40%.”

Tech application

With the rapid development of robotics technology, the Development Bureau is encouraging the application of construction robots in all public works projects.

Development Bureau Chief Assistant Secretary Felix Poon stressed that the bureau prioritises the promotion of highly-effective construction robots that demonstrate high cost-effectiveness, scalability and necessity for onsite construction.

“We first pilot construction robots for different tasks in some public works projects. Based on the outcomes of the trials, we mandate their application for suitable public works projects.

“In addition, the Government provides subsidies to the private construction sector. This measure gradually establishes a robust ecosystem for the development of construction robots.”

Mr Poon added that the bureau will soon implement a policy requiring suitable construction robots to be adopted in all public works projects, with the aim of enhancing the overall quality, safety and productivity of construction projects.

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CS attends games press event in GZ

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Vice President of the Organising Committee of the 15th National Games (NG) and Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki today attended a press conference on preparations for the games held by the Organising Committee of the 15th NG in Guangzhou, along with officials from the General Administration of Sport of China, Guangdong Province and the Macau Special Administrative Region.

Mr Chan said at the press conference that the NG this year is of extraordinary significance as it is being jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau for the first time.

It fully reflects the country’s high level of trust and expectations for Hong Kong, and demonstrates the enormous potential and promising prospects of co-ordinated sports development in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), injecting new momentum and energy into developments in the bay area and facilitating high-quality regional development, he added.

Mr Chan also noted that the 15th NG is the largest NG in history, with an expected nearly 4,000 people in total participating in the games in Hong Kong, including over 2,100 athletes and more than 1,800 officials and technical officials.

He said that hundreds of media representatives will also come to Hong Kong to cover the games and that the games will attract a large number of visitors to the city, experiencing its charm and passion for sports.

By organising the NG, Hong Kong showcases its capability to organise large-scale competitions, further solidifying its reputation as an international capital of mega events, laying a solid foundation for attracting more premier sports events to be held here in the future, Mr Chan said.

In addition, organising large-scale sports events will leverage the synergistic effect to drive the development of tourism, hotel, retail, and food and beverage industries. As more tourists from the Mainland and overseas are attracted to Hong Kong to enjoy the games and visit other GBA cities, it brings long-term benefits to the tourism trade and creates more collaboration opportunities in the bay area, he added.

Regarding the cross-boundary road cycling event, Mr Chan said: “As the first-ever cross-boundary event in the history of the NG, it highlights the unique feature of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau cohosting the games.

“To ensure the event’s smooth implementation, the three places have maintained close liaison to create a smooth and convenient cross-border clearance experience through advanced technologies and effective collaboration mechanisms, achieving the goal of ‘contactless clearance’.”

An innovative mode of “pre-entry clearance and closed-loop management” is adopted for the event, conducting advance identity verification of relevant personnel to facilitate their entry to the closed-loop area and immigration clearance.

During the event, athletes will wear wristbands with a global positioning system and radio frequency identification equipment. Live broadcast monitoring and drone inspection systems are equipped along the race course to keep track of the movements and locations of all participants.

In addition, athletes and equipment vehicles are bound with magnetic chips, allowing efficient transmission of clearance information, delivering a “contactless clearance” with zero delay, zero waiting time, and uninterrupted passage without stopping.

The Chief Secretary said that throughout the preparation and organisation process, Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau have maintained close communication, including visits to cross-boundary routes and co-ordination among relevant departments and units for several working meetings.

The governments of the three places have engaged in substantial and meticulous co-ordination across various areas such as managing road closures, implementing measures at control points, ensuring closed-loop arrangements during the events, providing motorcade escorts, “contactless clearance”, and preventing race convoys and athletes from deviating off course.

He noted that such cross-boundary collaboration mode not only ensures the smooth execution of the event but also fosters people-to-people exchanges in the GBA, deepens regional co-operation mechanisms, and enhances the bay area’s overall capabilities in holding large-scale competitions, and lays a solid foundation for future co-operation in the GBA.

“By hosting the 15th NG, Hong Kong and other GBA cities can build closer sports partnerships, break down geographical boundaries, achieve resource sharing and complementary advantages, and jointly advance the sports industry development of the GBA.

“This will attract more large-scale international sports events to Hong Kong and the GBA, continuously enhancing the region’s global influence and sports competitiveness.”

Other officials attending the press conference included Deputy Director of the General Administration of Sport of China Mr Li Jing, Vice President of the Organising Committee of the 15th NG and Standing Committee member of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee Wang Xi; Mr Chan, and Vice President of the Organising Committee of the 15th NG and Secretary for Social Affairs & Culture of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government O Lam.

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CE to attend games opening

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee will lead a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government delegation to Guangzhou tomorrow to attend the opening ceremony of the 15th National Games and return to Hong Kong the same day.

Members of the delegation include Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung, Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law, and Director of the Chief Executive’s Office Carol Yip.

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Public mortuary charge enhanced

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hospital Authority today announced it has enhanced the public hospital mortuary charge by extending the free storage period from three days, as stated in the initial arrangement, to 28 days, following a review and prudent consideration of feedback from the public and stakeholders.

The authority noted that with an ageing population, the number of deaths in public hospitals has been steadily rising from approximately 32,000 in 2007 to over 41,000 in 2024, representing a 28% increase.

The number of hospital mortuary storage spaces has been significantly raised from 1,500 to approximately 3,360 during the same period, marking a 124% increase. The ratio of mortuary storage spaces to hospital beds has increased from 1:18 in 2007 to 1:9 in 2024, it added.

To facilitate funeral arrangements for the public, the authority has been processing death certificate applications as quickly as possible, with over 95% of death certificates that can be issued within three working days and more than 99% within seven working days.

Meanwhile, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department pledged to provide cremation sessions within 15 days.

However, the average duration of storage of bodies in the authority’s mortuaries continues to rise, with approximately 10% of bodies stored for more than a month, and some even exceeding one year.

Due to the prolonged storage, the occupancy rate of the mortuaries frequently exceeds 100%, the authority noted, noting that eight out of 38 hospital mortuaries registered occupancy rates exceeding 100% between February and May in 2024.

During the service demand surge in 2025, 13 mortuaries recorded above 100% occupancy rates, it added.

Given the limited resources in public hospitals, the authority needs to effectively balance the allocation of resources between mortuaries which serve as temporary body storage facilities, and patient care services.

Emphasising that the introduction of a mortuary charge is not aimed at increasing revenue, the authority said the extension of the free storage period will give families more time to process death documentation, prepare funeral arrangements and book cremation sessions while reducing their financial burden.

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CE to lead delegation to attend 15th National Games Opening Ceremony in Guangzhou

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will lead a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government delegation to Guangzhou tomorrow (November 9) to attend the Opening Ceremony of the 15th National Games.
     
Members of the HKSAR Government delegation include the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin; the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; and the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip.
                                                                                  
Mr Lee will return to Hong Kong the same evening.

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Disciplined services support election

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Security Bureau today held a pledging ceremony to mobilise relevant departments, organisations and work partners in full support of the 2025 Legislative Council General Election, with some 400 people taking part in the ceremony.

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung said at the event that since the implementation of the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” in the Legislative Council, legislators have given valuable advice for the smooth passage of important legislation, including the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and laws benefitting the people and businesses, as well as facilitating the work of law enforcement departments.

He called on the participants of today’s event to cast their votes on December 7 and encourage relatives and friends to vote to create a better future for Hong Kong.

In addition to members led by the heads of the Security Bureau, the six disciplined services and the two auxiliary services, representatives from advisory and statutory bodies under the bureau and departments, including the Independent Police Complaints Council, the Disciplined Services Consultative Council and the Police Force Council, as well as staff associations, youth groups and work partners were also invited.

The security chief and the heads of the disciplined and auxiliary services performed the pledge by piecing together puzzles, each showing a department badge, onto a lighting installation with the election slogan “Join the Election Together We Create the Future”, symbolising the concerted efforts of the bureau, the disciplined and the auxiliary services to fully support the LegCo Election.

Mr Tang and the department heads then led their teams to distribute leaflets in various districts to call on citizens to cast their votes on polling day.

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Hospital Authority enhanced mortuary charge arrangement Free storage period extended to 28 days

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hospital Authority enhanced mortuary charge arrangement free storage period extended to 28 days 
With an ageing population, the number of deaths in public hospitals has been steadily rising from approximately 32 000 in 2007 to over 41 000 in 2024, representing a 28 per cent increase. The HA has been adding resources for hospital mortuary storage space. The number of spaces has been significantly increased from 1 500 in 2007 to approximately 3 360 currently, marking a 124 per cent increase. The ratio of mortuary storage spaces to hospital beds has increased from 1:18 in 2007 to 1:9 in 2024.
 
To facilitate funeral arrangements for the public, the HA has been processing death certificate applications as quickly as possible. Over 95 per cent of death certificates can be issued within three working days, and more than 99 per cent within seven working days. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department also pledges to provide cremation sessions within 15 days.
 
However, the average duration of storage of bodies in HA mortuaries continues to increase, with approximately 10 per cent of bodies being stored for more than a month, and some even exceeding one year. Due to the prolonged storage, the occupancy rate of HA mortuaries frequently exceeds 100 per cent. Taking 2024 as an example, eight out of 38 hospital mortuaries experienced occupancy rates exceeding 100 per cent between February and May. During the service demand surge in 2025, 13 mortuaries recorded above 100 per cent occupancy rates. Given the limited resources in public hospitals, the HA needs to effectively balance the allocation of resources between mortuaries, which serve as temporary body storage facilities, and patient care services.
 
“The introduction of mortuary charge does not aim at increasing the HA’s revenue. It adheres to the principle of ‘co-payment by those who can afford’ and reducing wastage, encouraging families to collect the deceased bodies to arrange funerals as soon as possible, thereby alleviating pressure and overcrowding situation in public hospital mortuaries. After listening to extensive feedback from the public and stakeholders recently, the HA has agreed to enhance the mortuary charge arrangements by extending the free storage period. This will allow families more adequate time to process death documentation, to prepare the funeral arrangement, and book cremation sessions, while also reducing their financial burden,” the HA spokesperson said.
 
After prudent consideration, the HA has decided to extend the free storage period from three days, as stated in the initial arrangement, to 28 days. The details are as follows:
 

Initial arrangement

Enhanced arrangementAccording to the past data, the median storage duration for bodies in HA mortuaries is approximately three weeks, with over 80 per cent of cases having storage periods of 28 days or less. Under the enhanced arrangement, the majority of deceased patient cases will not incur any charges. Among the remaining cases, it is estimated that another 10 per cent can have fee waivers through various mechanisms. Overall, it is projected that less than 10 per cent of all cases will ultimately need to pay for the charge.
 
“We believe that extending the free storage period to 28 days will provide most families with ample and reasonable time to manage the funeral arrangement for their deceased relatives, enabling a more focused approach on handling cases with extended mortuary stays. This adjustment aims to alleviate public concerns, ensuring that the new charge arrangement achieves the goal of effective utilisation of public resources while reflecting care and compassion for bereaved families,” the HA spokesperson said.
 
The spokesperson reiterated that the comprehensive fee waiver mechanisms for families with financial difficulties or special circumstances will remain unchanged. These mechanisms include fee waivers for eligible recipients of financial assistance, fee reductions based on medical fee waiver ratios, and exemptions for delays caused by factors beyond families’ control, such as the coroner’s inquests. If families experience financial difficulties in affording the mortuary charge for their deceased relatives, they can seek assistance from the hospital to help them apply for fee waivers based on their actual situations.
 
The HA expresses gratitude for the constructive feedback from all sectors of society regarding the mortuary charge, which has been crucial in refining the arrangement. We hope that the new arrangement will strike an appropriate balance between encouraging efficient use of public resources and showing compassion for the public.
 
The HA has considered various factors while determining the mortuary charge, including operational costs and charge levels for similar services in the market. The HA has been working to enhance mortuary services in recent years, including the setup of farewell rooms or similar facilities in certain hospitals, allowing families to arrange for the direct transfer of bodies from the hospital to cremation or burial services.
Issued at HKT 15:40

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Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cocaine worth about $2.5 million (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cocaine worth about $2.5 million (with photo) 
Through risk assessment and intelligence analysis, Customs on October 31 inspected an air consignment, declared as bolts and nuts and arriving in Hong Kong from the United of Arab Emirates, in the airport. Upon examination, Customs officers discovered that the consignment had about 4kg of suspected cocaine concealed inside.
 
After follow-up investigations, Customs officers mounted a controlled delivery operation in Mong Kok on November 6 and arrested a male consignee, aged 20. The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and he will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on November 10.
 
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people, nor to release their personal data or home address to others for receiving parcels or goods.
 
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
 
Customs reminds young people to pay attention to the fact that drug trafficking is a serious criminal offence. Criminal conviction will result in grave repercussions for their future and they should not take risks in the hope that they may not be caught.
 
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 13:10

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CHP urges public to promptly receive seasonal influenza vaccination as another severe paediatric influenza infection case reported

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (November 7) recorded a severe paediatric influenza infection case. The CHP reiterated its appeal to urge schools and parents to arrange for schoolchildren to receive free seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV), as it is one of the most effective ways to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications. Vaccination also reduces the risk of serious illness or death from infection.
 
The case involves a 13-year-old boy with good past health. He has developed a fever since October 24, the situation persisted and he further developed cough, sore throat and runny nose since October 29. He attended a private hospital on November 1 and was admitted for treatment. He was transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit of Queen Mary Hospital yesterday (November 6). He is currently in stable condition. His nasopharyngeal swab specimen tested positive for influenza A virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with pneumonia and pleural effusion.

One of his household contacts developed influenza-like illness symptoms recently, and subsequently recovered. Four of his schoolmates in the same form recently developed respiratory symptoms, one of them required hospitalisation and was subsequently discharged after recovery, whose nasopharyngeal swab specimens also tested positive for influenza A virus. The symptoms of the other three patients are mild and hospitalisation was not required. The CHP has advised the school to implement the necessary infection control measures and will continue to put the school under medical surveillance.

Including the abovementioned case, there have been 17 severe paediatric influenza cases since the start of the school year in September, including one fatal case. The affected children aged 11 months to 17 years, with 12 having good past health and 11 had not received SIV for the season.

“Hong Kong is currently in the summer influenza season, with influenza activity steadily rising since early September. It peaked in mid-October and has remained at high levels since then. According to the latest surveillance data, influenza activity began to decline in the last week of October. The percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for seasonal influenza viruses decreased from approximately 12 per cent in mid-October to 8.73 per cent while the influenza admission rate in public hospitals fell from 0.89 cases per 10 000 population to 0.53 cases. Based on current trends, influenza activity is expected to remain at relatively high levels in the coming weeks. However, as the weather turns cooler, fluctuations cannot be ruled out. We need to observe for another one to two weeks to confirm whether influenza activity has peaked. Based on past experience, Hong Kong’s winter influenza season typically occurs between January and March. Therefore, a resurgence early next year cannot be ruled out. I urge all persons aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications, who have not yet received the SIV, to act promptly, particularly those high-risk groups such as the elderly, children, and adults with underlying illnesses and immunosuppression. Members of the public may also contact their family doctors to arrange for vaccinations,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.

Dr Tsui reminded high-risk individuals to wear surgical masks when staying in crowded places. People with respiratory symptoms, even if mild, should wear a surgical mask and seek medical advice promptly. They should also consider whether to attend work or school.
 
“Members of the public, especially children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, should seek medical advice promptly if presented with fever and respiratory symptoms, for early treatment. As children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly, parents must pay close attention to their children’s condition. They should go to an AED immediately if the child’s condition deteriorates, for example if they develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions,” Dr Tsui said.

In addition to issuing timely reminders to healthcare professionals and schools based on the latest seasonal influenza development, the CHP also uploads the latest seasonal influenza information on its website weekly. Members of the public can visit the CHP’s seasonal influenza and COVID-19 & Flu Express webpages.