MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Financial Secretary Paul Chan

Good morning, and welcome to Hong Kong. It is a pleasure to join you today for the inaugural AI Global Talents Connect, hosted by the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC) and the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence (BAAI). This landmark occasion brings together some of the world’s most brilliant minds in artificial intelligence – researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs and thought leaders.

 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is fundamentally reshaping industries, economies and societies, and ultimately, the global economy’s competitive landscape. Its impact is both far-reaching and accelerating. Unlike many other technologies, where breakthroughs may take years, advances in AI often unfold within months. And its rapid progress has transformative promise across every sector. At the same time, it presents complex challenges around ethics, governance and responsibility for the society. For example, how can we prevent algorithm bias? How can we address concerns about job displacement? How can we ensure the safe and responsible development of AI, and that the red lines are not crossed? They demand collective wisdom and global co-operation.

 

Given the geopolitical landscape, technological fragmentation is intensifying. Nevertheless, no single country or region can – or should – dominate technological innovation. More breakthroughs will emerge from open dialogue, knowledge exchange and cross-border collaboration among scientists, innovators, engineers, entrepreneurs and businesses.

 

In this context, building an open, collaborative and inclusive community for AI is vital. Not only is it the key to advancing science and technology, it is also essential to attracting and retaining global talent, which is the driving force behind every innovation.

 

Here in Hong Kong, we are fully committed to that vision. We have prioritised AI as a core industry for future development, a key enabler to upgrading our traditional industries and sectors. And we are leveraging our unique strengths across multiple dimensions.

 

First, in technology. Hong Kong is home to some of the world’s top academic institutions. We take pride that three of our universities rank among the global top 20 in AI and data science. These institutions are producing cutting-edge research and nurturing next-generation talent.

 

We have also been making significant, long-term investments in industry research and development. That includes the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research & Development Institute, which we aim to establish next year. It will put emphasis on translating research into real-world applications, in areas such as healthcare, finance, logistics, education, and more.

 

Second, access to capital. As Asia’s premier international financial centre, Hong Kong provides tech startups and companies at various stages with a full spectrum of funding options, from angel and venture capital to private equity, patient capital and IPOs (initial public offerings). By connecting global capital with promising and mature projects, we will create a dynamic environment where great concepts and ideas can scale and thrive.

 

Third, data advantage. Under our “one country, two systems” framework, Hong Kong guarantees the free flow of information and data. At the same time, we will introduce mechanisms for cross-boundary flow of data from the Chinese Mainland to Hong Kong for research and development purposes, under clear safeguards and robust data-security protocols. This will enable Hong Kong to serve as a unique convergence point of Mainland and international data, and a testing field for different applications. These are valuable assets in the age of AI.

 

Fourth, and most important, talent. Hong Kong’s international and cosmopolitan culture, high quality of living, simple and low tax regime, and world-class education system make it an attractive destination for global talent.

 

But to ensure an abundant influx of AI talent, we want to raise our visibility and global standing in AI. That’s why, in this year’s Budget, I proposed the organisation of a young scientist forum on AI. I am delighted to see it come to life today, thanks to the joint efforts of the HKIC and the BAAI.

 

This forum is underpinned by two fundamental elements: openness and cross-disciplinary collaboration. It welcomes scientists, policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs from across geographies, whether they come from the Mainland, Asia, North America, Europe, or beyond. We believe this platform will catalyse intellectual exchanges, spark new ideas, and foster more partnerships in the AI space.

 

I am pleased to note a further milestone: the Qingyuan Club, one of the BAAI’s most important interdisciplinary initiatives, is being brought to Hong Kong with the support of the HKIC.

 

The Beijing Qingyuan Club has gathered many of China’s top AI scientists, including leading contributors in large language models and embodied intelligence. The establishment of the Hong Kong Qingyuan Club marks another step forward in our ambition to become a global AI hub.

 

I very much hope that the club will contribute to Hong Kong’s AI ecosystem in three key areas.

 

First, pioneering frontier technologies. This, of course, includes engaging in more cutting-edge AI research and applications. This will entail more partnerships with academic institutions, investors, startups and tech firms so that we build a more vibrant and robust AI ecosystem together.

 

Second, contributing to global exchanges on AI. Technologies and applications aside, it would also be important to participate in the global dialogue about the future of AI, in particular its safe and responsible development.

 

Third, nurturing talent. Leverage your networks to attract, connect and cultivate AI talent, especially young innovators who will shape the future of the industry.

 

Financial Secretary Paul Chan gave these remarks at AI Global Talents Connect on August 26.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Labour Department will hold the Go Career! Job Fair at MacPherson Stadium in Mong Kok on Thursday and Friday, offering over 3,100 quality job vacancies in the catering, retail and various other industries.

      

The job fair is co-organised with the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment & Progress of Hong Kong.

 

While more than 60 organisations will participate in the fair, around half of them will set up booths and conduct recruitment on the spot each day.

 

The positions being offered include store manager, duty engineer, accounting officer, shipping clerk, administrative assistant, chef, barista, shop assistant, cashier, customer service assistant, taxi driver, cleaner and security guard.

      

Around 82% of the vacancies at the fair are full-time jobs, and most of them offer monthly salaries ranging from $12,000 to $26,000.

 

Among the vacancies, about 95% require a Secondary 7 education level or below and 60% are open to job seekers without relevant work experience.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, will depart for a visit to Guangzhou tomorrow afternoon (August 26). Ms Linn will attend the Launching Ceremony of the Advanced Capability Building Programme for Project Leaders and Talents in the Guangdong-Hong Kong Construction Industry and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Talent Hub Forum jointly organised by the Development Bureau, the Human Resources and Social Security Department of Guangdong Province and the South China University of Technology. She will also visit an industry park and an urban renewal project.

Ms Linn will return to Hong Kong on the afternoon of August 27. During her absence, the Under Secretary for Development, Mr David Lam, will be the Acting Secretary for Development.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Police are investigating a murder case happened in Tin Shui Wai this morning (August 25) in which a man was found dead.     

     At 6.18am, Police received a report that a man was found injured and lying on Yick Yuen Road.     

     Police officers sped to the scene and found the 51-year-old local man sustaining head injuries. He was certified dead at the scene. Initial investigation revealed that the man was suspectedly attacked by someone with a knife.     

     Post-mortem examinations will be conducted later to ascertain the cause of death of the deceased.     

     Active investigation by the Regional Crime Unit of New Territories North is underway.

     Anyone who witnessed the case or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 3362.
 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, together with representatives from civil service staff unions, visited “Remembering History Cherishing Peace” roving exhibition in commemoration of 80th Anniversary of Victory in Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre this evening (August 25) to gain a deeper understanding of the war of resistance against Japan to protect the country, remember history and honour martyrs.

     Mrs Yeung said that in this entire nation’s resistance against Japanese aggression, the brave soldiers spared no effort and fought as one against the enemy to defend the country amid the most difficult situation. They, with their attentiveness to duties and dedication, served as a role model for the civil service to learn from. She said, “The sacrifices and sufferings of countless compatriots must not be forgotten. I call on civil servant colleagues, especially those of the younger generation, to gain a deep understanding and take to their hearts the blood, tears and hardship during the war, to grasp the significance of the victory in the War of Resistance to national rejuvenation, and to cherish the hard-won peace.

     “It has been 80 years since the victory in the War of Resistance. For those who have no first-hand war experience and were born in an era of rapid national development, it may be difficult for them to imagine the brutality of the war. As such, we particularly encourage new recruits and the younger new generations to participate in activities commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance, or to visit thematic exhibitions. Through heart-touching historical photos, they feel the efforts made by our predecessors for our country, learn from history, and remain steadfast in safeguarding national sovereignty and national security, and development interests in the face of the complex and rapidly changing environment in the future.”

     The Civil Service Bureau (CSB) also encourages civil service staff unions to take an active role in organising thematic activities on commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance to enhance colleagues’ sense of national identity and cultivate their patriotism. The CSB will arrange for representatives from the civil service staff unions to visit a thematic exhibition on the War of Resistance at the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence in September, and support them in organising related visits to deepen colleagues’ understanding of the history of the War of Resistance in the country and Hong Kong.

     To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance, the Civil Service College (CSC), following a talk to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and in World Anti-Fascist War in late July, will host two more thematic talks on the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression in September and October. The talks will explore how the Chinese nation resisted the impacts of the war, underwent transformation amid hardships, and advanced the process of national modernisation. The talks will also review Hong Kong’s role and contributions during the war.

     In addition, the CSC has incorporated elements of the history of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression into its regular national studies programmes, enabling civil servants to gain a deeper understanding of history, further enhance their sense of national identity, awareness of safeguarding national security and patriotism, and recognise the pivotal role of the Chinese Communist Party during the War of Resistance.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) announced a sentinel event today (August 25):
 
     A 74-year-old male patient was admitted to a medicine and geriatrics ward of PMH on August 21 due to hypertension urgency. The patient was not at suicidal risk during admission screening, and his emotional status was stable all along.
 
     When ward staff measured the patient’s blood pressure at around 5pm yesterday (August 24), the patient appeared calm without any abnormalities. At around 5.15pm, ward staff noted that the patient had not remained in the ward, but his personal belongings, including his mobile phone, were left behind. The patient’s family was informed immediately. A local search for the patient within the hospital compound and in the vicinity was conducted but the patient could not be located. The hospital then reported the incident to the Police for assistance. The hospital was informed by the Police at around 10pm that the patient was found dead after falling from a height in the evening.
 
     The hospital was saddened by the incident and expressed deep condolences to the family of the patient. The hospital will provide assistance to the family as required and will fully co-operate with the Police investigation.
 
     The hospital is very concerned about the incident, which was classified as a sentinel event. The incident has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office via the Advance Incident Reporting System. A root cause analysis panel will be formed to investigate the incident.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 5pm today (August 25), no new cases of chikungunya fever (CF) had been recorded.
 
“Although there have been no new imported cases of CF in the past 10 consecutive days, high temperatures and rainfall levels continue to pose a risk of outbreaks of various mosquito-borne diseases in Hong Kong and around the world. Members of the public must remain vigilant and take proper mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel. Individuals experiencing relevant symptoms should seek medical advice promptly and inform their doctors if they have a travel history,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui said.
 
So far this year, Hong Kong has recorded a total of nine confirmed CF cases. All are imported cases.
 
“According to information from the Guangdong Provincial Disease Control and Prevention Administration, there were 336 new CF cases in Guangdong in the past week (August 17 to 23), a significant decrease compared to the previous two weeks, which reported 1 387 cases (August 3 to 9) and 830 cases (August 10 to 16) respectively. All cases were mild, with no severe or fatal cases reported. However, we must remain vigilant and continue to adopt a multipronged approach to prevent local transmissions. As the new school year is about to begin, the CHP today issued a letter to schools again, urging them to follow the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD)’s anti-mosquito guidelines to strengthen efforts to clear stagnant water on school premises and eliminate mosquito breeding sites. They should also remind the staff members and students to enact mosquito prevention and personal protective measures to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases on campus,” Dr Tsui added.
 
Continuously strengthening prevention and control

The FEHD continues to conduct vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations and has intensified mosquito prevention and control measures at the residences of patients, as well as at locations visited after the onset of symptoms. These measures include:
 

• carrying out intensive fogging in scrubby areas within a 250-metre radius of the relevant locations to kill adult mosquitoes;
• carrying out inspections of the locations, removing stagnant water, applying insecticides and disposing of abandoned water containers every week with a view to preventing mosquito breeding; and
• enhancing public education efforts through organising health talks, setting up mobile education stations, and distributing publicity leaflets.

​The CHP’s Port Health Division continues to step up inspections at boundary control points and to remind cross-boundary public transport operators and other relevant parties to ensure good environmental hygiene and effective implementation of anti-mosquito measures. Furthermore, staff members of the Port Health Division distribute leaflets to travellers, conduct temperature screenings for inbound travellers, conduct health assessments for travellers with fever or related symptoms, and refer them to hospitals for follow-ups when necessary.

To raise awareness among the elderly about preventing mosquito-borne diseases, the Visiting Health Teams under the Elderly Health Service of the DH have been advising them on mosquito-borne disease prevention and tips on travel health at health talks conducted at District Elderly Community Centres and Neighbourhood Elderly Centres. Moreover, the Visiting Health Teams have also reminded all residential care homes for the elderly in Hong Kong to enhance mosquito control measures. The DH’s Maternal and Child Health Centres, Student Health Service Centres and Special Assessment Centres also advise pregnant women, infant carers and students on symptoms and preventive measures of mosquito-borne diseases.

To strengthen support for ethnic minority communities, essential information on CF has also been translated into 10 ethnic minority languages (namely Hindi, Nepali, Urdu, Thai, Bahasa Indonesia, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Punjabi, Sinhala and Bengali) and uploaded to the CHP website.

Dr Tsui reminded members of the public to adopt precautions during the rainy season against mosquito-borne diseases. Proper use of DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients can prevent mosquito bites, but the following precautions should be taken when using them:
 

• read the label instructions carefully first;
• apply right before entering an area with a risk of mosquito bites;
• apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children (For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent);
• apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent;
• reapply only when needed and follow the instructions; and
• in addition to DEET, there are other insect repellents available on the market containing different active ingredients, such as IR3535 and picaridin. When using any insect repellent, the public should follow the usage instructions and precautions on the product label.

​In addition, the FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as soft drink cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and estate management bodies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the CF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page, Instagram Account and YouTube Channel, and also the Mosquito Prevention and Control dedicated page of the FEHD.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:

     The opening ceremony of the Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy (HKIOA), along with a seminar themed “Nurturing a Positive Complaint Culture through Mediation”, was held at the Hong Kong Productivity Council today (August 25).

     The ceremony was officiated by the Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan; the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Chairman of the Legislative Council House Committee, Dr Starry Lee; and the Director-General of the Department of Law of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Liu Chunhua.

     In his speech, Mr Chan Kwok-ki stressed the HKSAR Government’s endorsement and support for the founding vision of the HKIOA, which not only offers training to government departments and public organisations to enhance public administration, but also serves as an exchange platform with ombudsman institutions worldwide in line with the policy objectives of the current-term Government. Mediation was highlighted as a strategy for dispute resolution, with its growing prominence in fostering a more harmonious and stable society. He also acknowledged the Office of The Ombudsman (Office)’s contributions to promoting excellence in public administration, and encouraged all public officers to embrace a positive complaint culture and contribute to the collective efforts of building a better Hong Kong. 

     In his welcoming remarks, Mr Jack Chan applauded the establishment of the HKIOA as a new chapter in the Office’s efforts to promote good public administration. The initiative aims to create an interactive platform that fosters both internal and external exchange through seminars and workshops, etc. The HKIOA is also positioned to deepen and advance the Office’s three strategic focuses: (1) enhancing mediation to resolve public complaints efficiently for win-win results; (2) vigorously fostering interdepartmental collaboration; and (3) promoting a positive complaint culture, which are pursued in response to the motherland’s expectations for the HKSAR to stay bold in reform, dare to break new ground, and innovate continuously. The Office has leveraged its internal resources to establish the HKIOA, without seeking additional funding from the Government. All functions are undertaken by existing staff concurrently with their regular duties, showcasing a new approach for “implementing new initiatives without requiring extra manpower”. Expressing his gratitude to the Chief Executive for supporting and recognising the Office’s work, and to the Chief Secretary for Administration for officiating at the opening ceremony, as well as to government departments and public organisations for their co-operation over the years, Mr Jack Chan appealed to all to support the HKIOA’s development, join forces to strengthen the management and efficiency of public services, and demonstrate the will and commitment to promote good governance.

     The seminar themed “Nurturing a Positive Complaint Culture through Mediation” was hosted by Assistant Ombudsman Mr Kenny Tang. Guest speakers included the Deputy Director of Leisure and Cultural Services (Leisure Services), Miss Winnie Chui; the Deputy Commissioner for Transport/Transport Services and Management, Ms Candy Kwok; the Deputy Director of Housing (Estate Management), Mr Michael Hong; and two advisers from the Office. They shared insights and discussed the application of mediation in complaint handling, covering mediation techniques, practical experiences and forward-looking ideas. Over 250 participants attended the seminar, including Legislative Council members and representatives from nearly 100 government departments and public organisations. Valuable perspectives and experiences were actively shared among them during the question-and-answer session.

     As the seminar drew to a close, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, offered a thought-provoking summary in his keynote speech. The whole event concluded with a group photo, featuring Mr Jack Chan, Dr Cheung and other distinguished guests.