MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     Members of the Legislative Council (LegCo) continued the National Affairs Study Visit in Beijing today (23 July). In the morning, Members attended a thematic seminar on the continuous improvement of the socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics centred on the Constitution. The seminar focused on the development process of the socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics, as well as the national legislative mechanism with the National People’s Congress system at its core. Fully adhering to law-based governance is the fundamental requirement and an important guarantee of socialism with Chinese characteristics. The legislative bodies must uphold Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law as its guidance, deeply advance scientific legislation, democratic legislation as well as law-based legislation, and expedite the improvement of the socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics centred on the Constitution. This would ensure that the people act as masters of the country, and drive reform, foster development and safeguard good governance through good laws, thereby realizing rapid economic development and long-term social stability.

     Members gained a profound understanding from the seminar that LegCo, as the legislature of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), exercises important constitutional functions under the Constitution and the Basic Law. Members have the responsibility to refine legislative processes, enhance the quality and efficiency of legislation, assist the HKSAR Government in resolving long-standing, big and difficult issues in society. Furthermore, under the executive-led system, legislation in key and emerging fields should be strengthened to enhance the targetedness, timeliness and operability of laws. During the seminar, Members actively raised questions and exchanged views with experts, noting that more communication with Mainland legislative bodies and drawing reference from national experience would enable LegCo to better discharge its duties and responsibilities.

     In the afternoon, Members were divided into four groups to visit projects relating to new quality productive forces, grassroots legislation and urban renewal projects to draw on local experiences.

     One group of Members inspected projects relating to innovation and technology (I&T) development and application such as new energy vehicles, robotics and embodied intelligence. Members first visited the Xiaomi Auto Super Factory in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA) to receive a briefing from representatives of the Xiaomi Group on the planning and layout of the intelligent factory. While visiting the production workshops, Members learnt about the key components and manufacturing processes. Members noted that the support of BDA policies has facilitated independent research and development (R&D) and innovation at the factory, which has established full-chain R&D capabilities, and deployed over 700 robots to achieve round-the-clock automated new energy vehicles production. It has also opened its workshops to visitors to promote industrial tourism.

     Members later visited the Robot World in the BDA, where they observed robots made by enterprises across the country and their applications in industrial manufacturing, elderly care and bionic animals. They also visited an experience zone of popular science education to learn about the innovation achievements in areas such as artificial intelligence and biomimetics.

     Members noted that the nation holds a globally leading position in I&T development, while Hong Kong is the home to five of the world’s top 100 universities with outstanding research capabilities and talents. The HKSAR can play a key role in accelerating high-level scientific and technological self-reliance under the National 15th Five-Year Plan. During the visit, Members also deeply appreciated that removing red tape for the development of the I&T industry requires the coordination and support of policies, legislation and funding. This serves as an important demonstration for Hong Kong in expediting the development of the Northern Metropolis, including the Northern Metropolis Development Bill currently being scrutinized by LegCo.

     Another group of Members visited Beijing Tashan Technology Co., Ltd (Tashan) to learn about the I&T application in robots and embodied intelligence. Tashan is a leading enterprise in tactile sensing technology in the Mainland, focusing on developing artificial intelligence tactile sensing chips and application solutions, which are applied to areas such as robots as well as smart vehicles and home appliances. Tashan is also one of the first Zhongguancun high-tech enterprises that has signed an agreement for R&D cooperation with the Hong Kong Productivity Council, enabling the Mainland enterprise to explore overseas markets. Members observed demonstrations of tactile sensing technology for humanoid robots, including the application of “electronic skin” on robots. Members considered that in light of the growing I&T collaboration between the Mainland and Hong Kong, LegCo could proactively support the HKSAR Government in promoting the integration of an efficient market with a capable government, and join hands with the Government to develop high-quality industries, realizing R&D outcomes. Giving full play to Hong Kong’s distinctive advantages of having our nation’s strong support and being closely connected to the world would enable more Mainland high-tech companies to “go global” through Hong Kong, strengthening the city’s status as an international I&T centre.

     One group of Members proceeded to Nanmofang Township in Chaoyang District in Beijing Municipality to visit the Home for Deputies to the People’s Congress and Legislative Contact Point (Home and Contact Point), learning about the grassroots legislation there and exchanging views with representatives of the Standing Committee of Chaoyang District People’s Congress of Beijing Municipality. The Home and Contact Point collects citizens’ views on legislative work through online and offline channels, conveying feedback directly to the National People’s Congress. This initiative is regarded as a “direct train” for national legislation and a successful practice of “whole-process people’s democracy” in the legislative field. Members considered that maintaining close contact with the public, conducting in-depth research and fully taking on public views and pooling public wisdom make the Home and Contact Point an important practical innovation in democratic lawmaking with significant reference value. Serving as representatives of public voice, Members can draw on the successful experience of the Home and Contact Point to further listen to grassroots citizens, strengthen the sense of responsibility and commitment, and fully reflect public opinion in LegCo’s work.

     Another group of Members visited the Longfu Temple Historical and Cultural District (Longfu Temple District) in Dongcheng District in Beijing Municipality to inspect urban revitalization and renewal projects in the area. Since 2012, Longfu Temple District has promoted historic preservation and urban renewal projects, blending traditional “hutong” courtyards with modern architectural designs to transform the old district into a new landmark for culture and consumption. Members visited shops with a long-established reputation, cultural and creative parks, and cultural centres in Longfu Temple District, gaining an understanding of how new vitality was injected into traditional commercial projects during renovation and renewal, as well as the promotion of the integrated development of culture, commerce and tourism. Members took the view that Longfu Temple District has successfully preserved its original features while breaking new ground. It not only renovates and upgrades public spaces, but also organically integrates culture, arts and trendy lifestyles. Hong Kong can draw on its experience to promote urban revitalization, strengthen research and offer suggestions on urban renewal policies, so as to inject new economic momentum into old districts.

     Members will continue with the Study Visit programme tomorrow (July 24).

     Click here to watch the highlight of today’s Study Visit.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Department of Health (DH) today (July 23) conducted a joint enforcement action with the Police against illegal practice of dentistry in North Point and Yau Ma Tei. During the operation, a 72-year-old man was arrested in North Point for the alleged illegal practice of dentistry. A suspected intra-oral scanner, dental chair and dental instruments were seized at the scene. Relevant investigation and evidence collection are still ongoing, and prosecution against related persons will be conducted in accordance with the law based on the information and evidence collected.
 
     The Dentists Registration Ordinance (Cap. 156) stipulates that only registered dentists may practise dentistry, which includes taking a digital impression with an intra-oral scanner in another person. Any person who provides the relevant services but not being a registered dentist will commit an offence. The offender is liable to a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment. If the act results in personal injury, the offender is liable to a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment. Employers who employ unregistered individuals to provide dental services also commit an offence and are liable to a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment.
 
     The DH reminded members of the public not to patronise non-registered dentists. If in doubt, citizens should refrain from receiving such services to ensure safety. To protect their own health, citizens may check the List of Registered Dentists published by the Dental Council of Hong Kong online before choosing dental services to verify the qualifications of service providers.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) today (July 23) held the “Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs – Shanghai Gold Songs Showcase” in Shanghai, comprising a three-week RTHK Vinyl Pop Up and an evening Cantopop party, showcasing Hong Kong’s strong musical soft power and further promoting cultural exchanges and integration between Shanghai and Hong Kong.

     Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director of Broadcasting, Ms Angelina Kwan, said music is a medium that transcends geographical and linguistic boundaries. RTHK hopes to use Cantopop as a bridge, leveraging Hong Kong’s unique cultural soft power to deepen cultural ties between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, while also bringing the RTHK Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs brand beyond Hong Kong to a wider stage in the Chinese-language music scene.

     As a highlight of the event, the RTHK Vinyl Pop Up showcases a collection of treasured items from RTHK’s music archive, including about 130 classic vinyl records from different eras, as well as trophies and programme booklets from past editions of Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs Awards. The exhibition features an audiovisual zone and a photo zone, offering visitors an immersive experience to relive the development of Hong Kong popular music. Visitors can write song requests and messages, with selected entries to be read out on RTHK programmes such as “Music Lover” and have a chance to win attractive prizes.

     The RTHK Vinyl Pop Up will run from tomorrow (July 24) to August 13 at WYSH, Changning District, Shanghai. Opening hours are 10am to 7pm from Monday to Friday, and 10am to 8.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is free.

     The “Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs – Shanghai Gold Songs Showcase” is co-organised by RTHK, the Shanghai Hong Kong Association, the Shanghai Fraternity Association and the Federation of Hong Kong – Shanghai Associations, with the Shanghai Chinese Overseas Friendship Association as the guiding unit and Dragon Television as the media partner. Co-organisers include K Wah International Holdings Limited and the Shanghai Defa International Trading Co, Ltd. Supporting organisations include the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Shanghai Public Relations Association, the Shanghai Changning Overseas Friendship Association, the Shanghai Xuhui Overseas Chinese Friendship Association, the United Prospect Elite Association, the Hong Kong – Shanghai Youth Association, the Composers and Authors Society of Hong Kong Ltd, IFPI (Hong Kong Group), the Hong Kong Recording Industry Alliance Limited and the Hong Kong Record Merchants Association.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at “Session 3: Supporting Digital Inclusion and Digital Skills Improvement” of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting in Chengdu today (July 23):

Chair (APEC Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting Chair, Minister of Industry and Information Technology, Mr Li Lecheng), and distinguished fellow colleagues,

     Good afternoon. It is my pleasure to share Hong Kong, China (HKC)’s efforts in digital inclusion and digital skills improvement. 

     HKC implements a comprehensive range of digital inclusion measures, including outreach activities, mobile digital service stations and a web-based learning portal to equip citizens with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the digital world safely and effectively. In particular, we set up community digital support stations under the “Smart Silver” Digital Inclusion Programme to provide technical support and basic digital training for the elderly and other people in need. For seniors with foundational skills, the Enriched Information and Communications Technology Training Programme for the Elderly offers free advanced courses.

     The Government of HKC further promotes the widespread adoption of AI and training through the “AI for All” initiative, aiming to foster the broad application of AI across society. We have engaged three public organisations to organise, in collaboration with technology companies and tertiary institutions, a wide array of courses, competitions, and activities tailored to different target groups.

     Specifically, participating organisations will design activities for the vulnerable groups, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities and low-income families, with multilingual support and community outreach training as necessary. They will also collaborate with schools to help students with special educational needs adopt AI through gamified learning.

     We are also empowering our broader workforce through digital transformation. Our citizens can access I&T training through multiple channels. For example, our Employees Retraining Board will be upgraded as Upskill Hong Kong, offering a wide range of skill-based courses, including AI applications. 

     Within the Government, we are strengthening digital capability to enhance public service delivery. Regular briefings, thematic seminars and training are organised to enhance the core digital skills of senior management, who are instrumental in leading public service innovation. Guided by the AI Efficacy Enhancement Team, we collaborate with industry experts to expand AI adoption, provide technical support and strategic advisory services, as well as upskill government tech talents to build a digital-ready and well-prepared team for ongoing digital transformation and technological innovation.

     While we develop the workforce of today, we are mindful of the need to nurture responsible digital citizens of tomorrow. Last month, HKC launched the Blueprint for Digital Education Development in Primary and Secondary Schools. It sets out clear guidance and implementation strategies for promoting digital transformation of education in schools, with a view to enhancing students’ digital literacy and equipping the younger generation to leverage the opportunities and rise to the challenges of the digital era.

     Digital inclusion and digital skills improvement are not final destinations but an ongoing journey. HKC stands ready to share our experience and learn from our partners across the APEC community. Working together, I am sure we will build a human-centric and inclusive digital society. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region