The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, and Vice Minister of Science and Technology Ms Lin Xin co-chaired the 18th meeting of the Mainland/Hong Kong Science and Technology Co-operation Committee held in Xi'an today (November 12).
 
     Professor Sun said at the meeting that the National 14th Five-Year Plan indicates clear support for Hong Kong to develop into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre, providing Hong Kong with a clear position and mission. With the country's staunch support, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government was taking forward various important measures in accordance with the directions and strategies set out in the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint to promote the synergistic development among the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors of Hong Kong's I&T ecosystem, with a view to supporting Hong Kong's high-quality development, and serving the country's needs with Hong Kong's own strengths.
 
     Professor Sun also expressed his gratitude to the Central Government and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) for their staunch support for Hong Kong's I&T development over the years. He said that in the past year, many important measures have been implemented in the two places, including the continuous expansion of the National Key Research and Development Programme and the National Science and Technology Major Project open to Hong Kong, and the opening up of the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars of China under the National Natural Science Foundation of China to Hong Kong's young scholars, allowing Hong Kong researchers to participate rigorously in the national science and technology programmes. The assessment exercise of State Key Laboratories in Hong Kong has also been preliminarily completed. In addition, the HKSAR Government and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology signed the Co-operation Agreement on the Development of New Quality Productive Forces and the Promotion of New Industrialisation in September this year, to support Hong Kong's development of new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions.
 
     Looking ahead, Professor Sun said that the HKSAR Government will continue to adopt a multipronged approach to deepen the co-operation and exchanges in I&T with the Mainland. The HKSAR Government will publish the Development Outline for the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen‑Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co‑operation Zone, setting out innovative policies to facilitate the flow of key elements of scientific research between the two parks of Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Capitalising on the strengths of "one country, two systems" with the geographic advantages of "one river, two banks", the HKSAR Government will develop the Hong Kong Park in the Loop into a world-class, industry-academia-research platform, an internationally competitive research and development (R&D) transformation and pilot production base for industries, a hub for pooling global I&T resources, as well as a testing ground for institutional and policy innovation, with a view to becoming the bridgehead for intensive I&T co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong, facilitating the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
 
     "The HKSAR Government will continue to go full steam ahead in establishing Hong Kong as an international I&T centre, and accelerate the formation and development of new quality productive forces with Hong Kong's competitive edge. We will also make good use of Hong Kong's distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the Motherland and being closely connected to the world, play well our important role as a 'super connector' and 'super value-adder', with a view to becoming a platform for high-level I&T exchange, dialogue and co-operation, as well as an important bridge and two-way platform connecting the country and the world, thereby better serving the country's high-quality development," he added.
 
     Mainland members attended the meeting included representatives from the MOST, the Shaanxi Provincial People's Government, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, the Beijing-Hong Kong Exchange of Personnel Centre, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the National Health Commission, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Engineering, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the China Association for Science and Technology, the Department of Science and Technology of Guangdong Province, the Department of Science and Technology of Shaanxi Province, the Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, the Science, Technology and Innovation Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, the Xi'an Municipal Bureau of Science and Technology, and the Development Authority of Shenzhen Park of Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone.
 
     The Hong Kong delegation comprised representatives from the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, the Innovation and Technology Commission, the Digital Policy Office, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Chengdu, the City University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Baptist University, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences, the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Sciences, the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute, the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel, the Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre, the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute, the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute and the Greater Bay Area Association of Academicians.
 
     In addition, Professor Sun called on the Mayor of the Xi'an Municipal Government, Mr Ye Niuping, to exchange views on deepening I&T co-operation between the two places. He pointed out that Shaanxi and Hong Kong will continue to proactively explore specific measures for deepening I&T cooperation, and jointly promote the advancement of Chinese modernisation.
 
     Professor Sun also visited a number of important science and research platforms in Shaanxi, including the State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering and the Collaborative Innovation Center of High-end Manufacturing Equipment of the Xi'an Jiaotong University, the State Key Laboratory of Continental Dynamics at the Northwest University, and the Qinchuangyuan Innovation Platform, to understand their latest developments and to explore the room for enhancing co-operation between R&D institutes of the two places.
 
     The State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering focuses on research work in additive manufacturing, micro-nano manufacturing and bio-manufacturing; the Collaborative Innovation Center of High-end Manufacturing Equipment supports the R&Ds and transfer of core and innovative technologies in the high-end manufacturing equipment industry, attracts talents, and serves as a window for international exchanges and co-operation. The State Key Laboratory of Continental Dynamics carries out original research with a focus on such topics as dynamics, resource-energy effects of tectonic processes, and tectonic-environmental-life co-evolution. The Qinchuangyuan is the general platform for innovation-driven development, co-ordinating the promotion of technological and industrial innovation, and fostering the development of new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions.
 
     Professor Sun will conclude his visit and return to Hong Kong tomorrow (November 13) afternoon.

                

     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Shaw Prize 2024 Award Presentation Ceremony today (November 12):

Dr Raymond Chan (Chair of the Shaw Prize Foundation), Professor Kenneth Young (Chair of the Shaw Prize Council), Professor Reinhard Genzel (Chair of the Board of Adjudicators of the Shaw Prize Foundation), esteemed laureates, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good evening. And such a special evening this is, with the Shaw Prize now into its third decade of bestowing annual awards, for internationally distinguished achievement and significant advances in three scientific disciplines: astronomy, life science and medicine, and mathematical sciences.
 
     This evening, we honour, and celebrate, the far-reaching accomplishments of five Shaw Prize laureates – four of them recipients of this year's Prize and one here with us to accept his award from 2021.
 
     My congratulations to all of you. The outstanding contributions you have made, and continue to make, advance your respective fields of specialisation – and much more. Your remarkable insights and innovation open the doors of scientific possibility – of human possibilities – that much wider. For that, for your commitment both to science, and to civilisation, we are all grateful.
 
     In addition to our laureates, I would also like to pay tribute to the late Sir Run Run Shaw and the Shaw Prize Foundation, for the vision in creating this internationally renowned celebration of science.
 
     Thanks to the Shaw Prize, the youth of Hong Kong can see for themselves the promise, and the possibilities, of science. As a career. As a way of life.
 
     The Hong Kong SAR Government is determined to develop Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre, and an international hub for post-secondary education. It helps that Hong Kong is the only Asian city that has as many as five universities in the world's top 100. The people of Hong Kong are energetic, enterprising and perseverant.
 
     In my Policy Address delivered last month, I announced that the preparatory work of our third InnoHK research cluster is underway. It will focus on advanced manufacturing, materials, energy and sustainable development.
 
     The first two InnoHK research clusters target healthcare technology, along with artificial intelligence and robotics. Together, they pool more than 2 500 research personnel from over 30 notable universities and research institutes, and 12 economies.

     I also announced the establishment of the Committee on Education, Technology and Talents. It will co-ordinate the integrated development of education, technology and talent policies, and promote Hong Kong as an international hub for high-calibre talent.
 
     We are putting a priority on science and technology in our education system. By the 2026/27 academic year, students studying STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) disciplines will reach some 35 per cent of all students in our publicly funded universities.
 
     Like the Shaw Prize Foundation, and the laureates they honour, Hong Kong is determined to thrive in this ever-changing world. And making good progress, too.
 
     On that note, I wish you all the best in the world of science. Enjoy this memorable evening. Thank you.

    

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (November 12) investigating a case of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection, and hence reminded the public to maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene against intestinal infections.

     The case involves a 1-year-old girl with good past health, who presented with diarrhoea on October 28. She was brought to CUHK Medical Centre on October 31. Her condition was stable and did not require hospitalisation.

     Her stool specimen grew STEC upon laboratory testing.

     Initial enquiries of the CHP revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. Information from the patient's family members revealed that she did not consume any high-risk food (such as raw meat and unpasteurised dairy products) during the incubation period. Her home contacts are asymptomatic so far. The CHP is following up their health conditions and the relevant investigations are ongoing.

     "Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium that is commonly found in the gut of humans and warm-blooded animals. Most strains of E. coli are harmless. Some strains, however, such as STEC, can produce powerful toxins and cause severe food-borne disease. The most recognised serogroup of STEC is E. coli O157:H7," a spokesman for the CHP explained.

     Preventive measures for STEC infection are similar to those recommended for other food-borne diseases. The public are advised to observe good personal and food hygiene:
 

• Adopt the Five Keys to Food Safety in handling food, i.e. Choose (choose safe raw materials), Clean (keep hands and utensils clean), Separate (separate raw and cooked food), Cook (cook thoroughly) and Safe Temperature (keep food at a safe temperature) to prevent food-borne diseases;
• Wash hands properly with liquid soap and water before handling food, after handling raw meat or poultry and before eating, and after going to the toilet or changing diapers;
• Cook food and boil water thoroughly before consumption. When cooking or reheating, the core temperature of the food should reach at least 75 degrees Celsius;
• Avoid consumption of unpasteurised milk or undercooked food; and
• Consult your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of STEC infection, particularly bloody diarrhoea.

     The public may visit the CHP's STEC page for more information.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (November 12) investigating a probable case of botulism after a patient received injections of botulinum toxin on the Mainland. The CHP again reminded the public that botulinum toxin injections should only be prescribed and performed by registered doctors.

     The case involves a female patient aged 38 with good past health. According to information provided by the patient, she received injections that were claimed to be botulinum toxin from a person at a premises in Dongguan on October 27. However, the patient was unable to confirm the professional qualifications of the person who performed the injections. She has presented with symptoms including limbs weakness, swallowing difficulty and bilateral partial ptosis since October 29. She attended a hospital in Dongguan on November 3 and was admitted the same day. The patient attended the North District Hospital on November 8 due to persistent symptoms and was admitted the same day. She is still hospitalised and is in stable condition. She was clinically suspected to have botulism caused by botulinum toxin injection.

     The CHP has reported the case to the relevant authority on the Mainland. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing.

     "In Hong Kong, botulinum toxin injections should only be performed by a locally registered doctor. Customers should verify the doctor's full name against the list of registered doctors of the Medical Council of Hong Kong as well as their professional qualifications and relevant experience. When receiving injections outside Hong Kong, pay special attention to ensure the provider is qualified or registered with relevant jurisdictions for practice. In case of injections offered from suspicious sources, refrain from receiving them. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice from eligible medical professionals as soon as possible," a spokesman for the DH said.

     Due to the weakening of associated muscles and the fact that botulinum toxin may spread and affect other areas beyond the injection site, affected patients may have drooping eyelids, double or blurred vision, problems with chewing, hoarseness, or even difficulties in swallowing, speaking or breathing, which may happen hours, days or weeks after the injection.

     The DH urged the public to observe the health advice below before receiving botulinum toxin injections:
 

• Injections in Hong Kong should only be performed by locally registered doctors;
• Understand the procedure, potential risks and complications before receiving injections. Consult a doctor for an informed decision;
• Do not receive injections from suspicious sources;
• Do not receive an injection in the case of a history of allergy to botulinum toxin, or if there is an infection or inflammation on the injection site;
• Request the full name of the doctor in writing if referred by a beauty service provider for the procedure, as well as the professional qualifications and relevant experience; and
• If symptoms develop, such as a fever or feeling unwell, seek medical attention immediately.

     The public may visit the DH's webpage on the differentiation between medical procedures and beauty services, the Drug Database of the Drug Office and the CHP's botulism page for more information.​

     The flag presentation ceremony for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Delegation to the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of the People's Republic of China (NTGEM) was held at Tsuen Wan Sports Centre this afternoon (November 12).
          
     The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Head of the Delegation, Mr Kevin Yeung, officiated at the ceremony and presented the HKSAR regional flag to the President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China and the Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Delegation, Mr Timothy Fok.
      
     Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Yeung said it is the first time that the HKSAR Delegation will participate in the NTGEM under an invitation from the National Ethnic Affairs Commission of the People's Republic of China and the General Administration of Sport of China. He expressed hope that the Hong Kong athletes would seize this rare opportunity to share skills with other athletes, thereby helping them gain a deeper understanding of the nation's unique culture, broaden their horizons, and bring their experiences back to Hong Kong.
      
     He is also looking forward to gaining new insights on how to integrate culture, sports, and tourism through participation in this event.
      
     Jointly organised by the National Ethnic Affairs Commission of the People's Republic of China and the General Administration of Sport of China, and undertaken by the People's Government of Hainan Province, the 12th NTGEM will be held from November 22 to 30 in Sanya, Hainan. The HKSAR will send a total of 86 athletes to participate in three competition events, namely shuttlecock, dragon boat, and folk martial arts as well as in the demonstration event of dragon dance sport. They will also present a lion dance performance during the opening ceremony.
      
     The NTGEM, held every four years, was first held in 1953. Positioned as a mass participation sporting event, participants in the NTGEM are mainly amateur athletes. To encourage active involvement from people in different regions and ethnic groups, there will be first, second and third prizes in the competitions instead of gold, silver and bronze medals. The NTGEM comprises 18 competition events and three categories of demonstration events, along with cultural activities such as opening and closing ceremonies and an ethnic gala, showcasing rich and distinctive ethnic cultures.
      
     Also attending the ceremony today were the Deputy Director General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Mr Li Shuguang; the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau; the Acting Director of Leisure and Cultural Services and the Deputy Head of the Delegation, Miss Winnie Chui; the Commissioner for Sports and member of the Organising Committee of the Delegation, Mr George Tsoi; and the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Delegation, Professor Patrick Yung.
      
     For the latest information on the 12th NTGEM and Hong Kong athletes participating in the Games, please visit the LCSD's dedicated webpage (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ntgem/2024/index).