Author Archives: hksar gov

     The StartmeupHK Festival 2024 concluded on October 25, following an exciting week filled with engaging events, networking opportunities, and pitch competitions.

     The flagship startup event set the stage for over 200 visionary speakers and attracted over 3 400 participants, including industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, tech enthusiasts, and government officials from 49 territories. The Festival also welcomed six delegations from Canada, Mainland China, India, the Philippines, Thailand and the United Kingdom, highlighting the diversity of Hong Kong’s international start-up ecosystem.

     For the first time, a series of 15 roadshow events have been held across eight economies, successfully expanding the Festival’s international influence. These events attracted over 1 400 participants, connecting them with Invest Hong Kong. These impressive figures once again augment the city’s great potential and aspirations in becoming a global start-up and innovation and technology (I&T) hub.

     Under the theme “A Future Unlimited”, the Festival featured a range of hot topics in the tech sector in particular, including artificial intelligence (AI), web3, GameFi, responsible tech, healthtech, sustainability, and more.
     
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government strongly committed to nurturing vibrant startup ecosystem in Hong Kong

      Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong said at LOUDER Connect that by connecting the dots for responsible tech the Hong Kong Government is dedicated to fostering a robust start-up ecosystem that promotes innovation while ensuring responsible technology use. He highlighted that a significant milestone was the establishment of the Digital Policy Office (DPO) in July, pivotal in advancing data-driven, user-centric, and outcome-oriented digital policies across government and various sectors. 

     During the Asia Health Innovation Summit, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, emphasised that Hong Kong is well positioned to become an international I&T centre as well as a health and medical innovation hub. It is home to five of the world’s top 100 universities, two world top 40 medical schools, eight state key laboratories and 16 InnoHK research centres which are life and health-related, offering world-class research and development (R&D) capabilities.

      The Director-General of Investment Promotion for Invest Hong Kong, Ms Alpha Lau, spoke at the JUMPSTARTER Ignition Gala, stating that cross-sector government support, combined with a comprehensive stakeholder ecosystem, has made Hong Kong an ideal destination for start-ups to thrive. “There is a record high of over 4 200 startups operating in Hong Kong, employing over 16 000 staff. Twenty-six per cent of these start-ups have founders from outside of Hong Kong, demonstrating the dynamism of our startup ecosystem,” she said.

AI and sustainability: driving innovation across industries

     The JUMPSTARTER Ignition Gala kicked off the Festival with a dynamic showcase of cutting-edge ideas and technologies. Industry leaders and experts gathered for thought-provoking discussions focusing on AI’s future and its impact on diverse markets. Sessions explored the challenges of adapting AI technologies to meet the needs of the Asia-Pacific region, as well as global trends and ethical considerations.

     In a keynote session, the Founder and CEO of Redcoat AI, Mr John Whaley, said that humanity is currently at a pivotal moment in history with the rise of generative AI and foundational models. While their full potential remains largely unexplored, their significance is widely acknowledged and has the potential to change humanity for the better.

     At Game On! 2024, a standout moment was the inspiring story of Cheng Yip-kai, the 16-year-old Pokémon GO world champion. His journey to the top demonstrated the dedication and quick decision-making needed in this fast-paced game, like speed chess, with only a few players able to consistently excel at the global level. Cheng sees Olympic gold medalist Cheung Ka-Long as his role model, as he aspires to become a world champion for the second time, just like him. 

     At LOUDER Connect, industry leaders and experts debated the importance of responsible tech and its role in shaping a sustainable future. The event also introduced for the first time pitch debates on the iconic Star Ferry, which challenged student founders by placing them in the dynamic and competitive context of pitching against their peers.

     The 1.5°C Summit – The defining decade for impact with tech brought a sharp focus to climate change and technological solutions. This unique event gathered industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore how technology can revolutionise industries and foster a more sustainable future. Through keynotes and panel discussions, participants shared insights on critical actions needed to reduce emissions over the next decade.

Innovative pitching formats and an array of community events

     The StartmeupHK Festival 2024 also showcased innovative pitching formats that connected startups with investors, and a wide range of community events that fostered meaningful discussions among investors and startup founders. Highlights included exclusive breakfast sessions organised by Hupo for business leaders, and dynamic events hosted by Rock & Run, which combined a hike to Victoria Peak with a jog along the Hong Kong Harbourfront, allowing investors and founders to connect in a relaxed, scenic setting.

     “We are thrilled to celebrate another successful year of the StartmeupHK Festival, which has facilitated deeper engagement between start-ups and investors. Bringing overseas attendees to our festival not only enhances the vibrancy of our start-up ecosystem but also fosters invaluable connections that drive innovation and collaboration. As we continue to engage with the world, we unlock new opportunities that are essential for our growth as a leading innovation hub,” said the Head of Startups, Invest Hong Kong, Ms Jayne Chan.

read more

     The Second Legal Forum on Interconnectivity and Development, organised by the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Department of Justice (DoJ), was held today (November 5) as part of the Hong Kong Legal Week 2024. More than 900 registrations from over 40 jurisdictions have been received for this event.

     The keynote address was delivered by the General Counsel of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Mr Alberto Ninio, on promoting good governance and high-quality development under international law. It was followed by an exchange on the interconnectivity of rules and the contribution of the HKSAR to China’s institutional opening-up, including the HKSAR’s role as a “super-connector” bridging the Mainland and global markets, the unique strengths of the HKSAR in the interface of rules and mechanisms in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, as well as the extensive practice and experience of the HKSAR in the field of international arbitration.

     The Legal Forum also discussed the importance of the rule of law in mitigating risks and safeguarding sustainable development for both the HKSAR and the nation against the backdrop of financial sanctions, foreign interference and the emergence of artificial intelligence.

     In his welcome remarks, the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR, Mr Cui Jianchun, emphasised that, in light of unprecedented changes around the globe and China’s strategic arrangements for further comprehensive reform, Hong Kong can capitalise on the rule of law to reach greater heights by seizing the “Three-fold Opportunities” brought about by the improvement of the Hong Kong’s rule of law, China’s rule of law development, and development of global governance. It is crucial for Hong Kong to strengthen the rule of law by reinforcing competitiveness in the legal field, improving connectivity of its rules and standards and bolstering confidence in the rule of law. The OCMFA is committed to working with the legal field to help Hong Kong make new contributions to the new era of China’s national development.

     In his closing remarks for the Legal Forum, the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, emphasised his hope that the discussions in the forum could bring out a spirit of co-operation and collaboration in traditional fields and emerging areas, with the sustainable development safeguarded by the rule of law. Citing Confucius’ saying “a gentleman seeks harmony, not uniformity”, Mr Lam highlighted that in an interconnected world, such harmony through diversity is essential for achieving lasting success and mutual respect across boundaries. As China moves towards deeper institutional opening-up, Hong Kong has a significant role to play in facilitating international engagement and promoting the progress of international rule of law.

     For more details on the Legal Week, please visit the dedicated website www.legalweek.hk.

read more

      The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, and 11 Members and non-members of the Legislative Council Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene today (November 5) visited the modern mariculture demonstration farm of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) at Tung Lung Chau. They received a briefing by representatives of the AFCD on the operation of semi-submersible steel truss cage farm in the demonstration farm to learn about the latest development of the Government’s work to promote modern and sustainable fisheries. The Government expects the local mariculture production can be doubled as compared to 2022 within 2027.
      
     Promoting the development of deep sea mariculture is one of the key initiatives of the Blueprint for the Sustainable Development of Agriculture and Fisheries. Four new fish culture zones located at Wong Chuk Kok Hoi, Mirs Bay, Outer Tap Mun and Po Toi (Southeast) respectively will come into operation in phases, covering a total of about 590 hectares of sea area, more than doubling the area of the fish culture zones. The marine fish culture licences for Wong Chuk Kok Hoi and Mirs Bay fish culture zones have been open for applications since October. It is expected that the first batch of new marine fish culture licences will be issued in the first quarter of 2025 at the earliest.
      
     Mr Tse said the AFCD will set up five sets of modern deep sea cages in phases for rental to fisheries associations/organisations starting from next year, so as to reduce the fishermen’s start-up costs and assist the industry to develop modern deep sea mariculture with intensification of production. The Government will also provide financial and technical support to eligible persons in need through the Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund.
      
     The AFCD set up the modern mariculture demonstration farm at Tung Lung Chau in 2021 to facilitate the industry to switch to deep sea mariculture. The demonstration farm has adopted semi-submersible steel truss cage farm design, which can withstand strong winds, waves and ocean currents. It is also equipped with modern mariculture technologies, such as a real-time water quality monitoring system, an automated feeding system, and a solar and wind power generation system.
      
     The Acting Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Food), Ms Ivy Law, and the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai, also attended the visit. 

read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (November 5) reported the latest investigation progress of an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in a child care centre (CCC) announced last week and confirmed that the outbreak was attributable to enterovirus (EV) 71 infection. The CHP again urged the public and institutions to maintain strict hand, personal and environmental hygiene.
      
     The officers of the CHP visited the CCC twice last week to evaluate and request improvements in childcare procedures and infection control measures. In addition to health education for the staff of the CCC on October 31, an online health seminar was held on the evening of November 1 to remind parents of precautions for EV71 and preventive measures for their children. The seminar was attended by about 30 parents.
      
     The CHP’s medical surveillance of the CCC revealed that there were two more patients, namely a 17-month-old girl and a 29-month-old boy. The outbreak has involved a total of eight children so far. All have sought medical consultation and are stable with no hospitalisation required. Clinical samples from three of the patients tested positive for EV71. The CHP continues to test clinical specimens from the other symptomatic children.
      
     The CHP has advised the CCC to suspend its services for 14 days from November 1. Since the two new patients had their symptoms onset at home after the service suspension, this indicates that the measure could be effective in preventing further spread of EV71 in the CCC. Medical surveillance of all children in the CCC is still ongoing.
      
     “EV71 is one of the causative agents for HFMD. The infection is transmitted by direct contact with an infected person’s nose or throat discharges, saliva, fluid from blisters or stool. Good personal and environmental hygiene are the most important measures to prevent EV71 infection,” a spokesman for the CHP said.
      
     The local HFMD activity is still at a high level currently. According to the CHP’s latest surveillance data, the number of HFMD outbreaks in institutions recorded has increased from 11 (affecting 52 persons) in the week ending September 21, to both 23 (affecting 59 and 54 persons) recorded in the weeks ending October 26 and November 2 respectively. As of yesterday (November 4), four outbreaks involving nine persons had been reported in the past two days of this week. The outbreaks were mainly recorded in kindergartens, CCCs and primary schools. The CHP will issue letter to schools again, urging them to be more vigilant and take corresponding measures to tackle HFMD.
 
     “In Hong Kong, the usual peak season for HFMD and EV71 infection is from May to July. A smaller peak may also occur from October to December. As young children are more susceptible, parents should stay alert to their health condition. Institutional outbreaks may occur where HFMD can easily spread among young children with close contact,” the spokesman added.
 
     The spokesman reminded that alcohol-based handrub should not substitute hand hygiene with liquid soap and water, as alcohol does not effectively kill some viruses causing HFMD, for example, EV71. To prevent HFMD, members of the public (especially the management of institutions) should take heed of the following preventive measures:
 

• Maintain good air circulation;
• Wash hands before meals and after going to the toilet or handling diapers or other stool-soiled materials;
• Keep hands clean and wash hands properly, especially when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing;
• Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and oral discharges properly;
• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as furniture, toys and commonly shared items with 1:99 diluted household bleach (mixing one part of household bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite with 99 parts of water), leave for 15 to 30 minutes, and then rinse with water and keep dry;
• Use absorbent disposable towels to wipe away obvious contaminants such as respiratory secretions, vomitus or excreta, and then disinfect the surface and neighbouring areas with 1:49 diluted household bleach (mixing one part of bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite with 49 parts of water), leave for 15 to 30 minutes and then rinse with water and keep dry;
• Children who are ill should be kept out of school until their fever and rash have subsided and all vesicles have dried and crusted;
• Avoid going to overcrowded places; and
• Parents should maintain close communication with schools to let them know the latest situation of sick children.

     The CHP’s weekly publication, EV SCAN (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/21639.html), is issued every Friday to report the latest local situation of HFMD. Members of the public may also visit the CHP’s page on HFMD and EV71 infection for more information. read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
 
     The Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Environmental Affairs visited the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) today (November 5) to understand the latest development of HKO’s work on monitoring and forecasting weather, as well as providing meteorological services.
 
     Members first received a briefing on the operations of HKO from the Director of HKO, Dr Chan Pak-wai, and visited the Central Forecasting Office which is responsible for round-the-clock dissemination of weather information and various forecasts/warnings on inclement weather to the public. Members exchanged views with the Director of HKO and the Commissioner for Climate Change, Mr Wong Chuen-fai, on various matters including accuracy of weather forecasts, measures to cope with extreme weather conditions, as well as expansion of meteorological services and facilities.
 
     Members then visited the Radiation Monitoring and Assessment Centre. The Centre monitors ambient radiation levels in Hong Kong, and organises training and exercises for other government departments on the contingency plan for nuclear emergencies. Members also went to the Earthquake Monitoring cum Tsunami Warning Centre and gained a better understanding of how the Centre collects and analyses real-time data from local and global seismological stations network, as well as warning messages issued by regional tsunami warning centres for dissemination of related information to the public.
 
     Members also toured HKO’s TV Studio to understand the procedures of and challenges encountered in TV weather programmes production and weather briefings under inclement weather conditions. During the visit to HKO’s History Room, Members observed various types of old observation instruments and records of typhoon hazard, advancement of meteorological technologies and the spirit of innovation of HKO’s staff.

     Members who participated in the visit were the Chairman of Panel on Environmental Affairs, Mr Lau Kwok-fan; the Deputy Chairman of the Panel, Mr Chan Siu-hung; Panel members Dr Lo Wai-kwok and Mr Robert Lee; as well as non-Panel members Mr Chan Chun-ying and Mr Yim Kong.

read more