The Transport Department (TD) today (July 24) announced that two auctions of traditional vehicle registration marks will be held on August 10 (Saturday) and 11 (Sunday) in Meeting Room N201, L2, New Wing, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai.

     "A total of 350 vehicle registration marks will be put up for public sale at each auction. The lists of marks have been uploaded to the department's website, www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/index.html," a department spokesman said.
            
     Applicants who have paid a deposit of $1,000 to reserve a mark for auction should also participate in the bidding (including the first bid at the reserve price of $1,000). Otherwise, the mark concerned may be sold to another bidder at the reserve price.
            
     People who wish to participate in the bidding at the auction should take note of the following important points:

(1) Successful bidders are required to produce the following documents for completion of registration and payment procedures immediately after the successful bidding:
(i) the identity document of the successful bidder;
(ii) the identity document of the purchaser if it is different from the successful bidder;
(iii) a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation if the purchaser is a body corporate; and
(iv) a crossed cheque made payable to "The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region" or "The Government of the HKSAR". (For an auctioned mark paid for by cheque, the first three working days after the date of auction will be required for cheque clearance confirmation before processing of the application for mark assignment can be completed.) Successful bidders can also pay through the Easy Pay System (EPS). Payment by post-dated cheques, cash or other methods will not be accepted.

(2) Purchasers must make payment of the purchase price through EPS or by crossed cheque and complete the Memorandum of Sale of Registration Mark immediately after the bidding. Subsequent alteration of the particulars in the memorandum will not be permitted.

(3) A vehicle registration mark can only be assigned to a motor vehicle which is registered in the name of the purchaser. The Certificate of Incorporation must be produced immediately by the purchaser if a vehicle registration mark purchased is to be registered under the name of a body corporate.

(4) Special registration marks are non-transferable. Where the ownership of a motor vehicle with a special registration mark is transferred, the allocation of the special registration mark shall be cancelled.

(5) The purchaser shall, within 12 months after the date of auction, apply to the Commissioner for Transport for the registration mark to be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser. If the purchaser fails to assign the registration mark within 12 months, allocation of the mark will be cancelled and arranged for re-allocation in accordance with the statutory provision without prior notice to the purchaser.
       
     For other auction details, please refer to the Guidance Notes – Auction of Traditional Vehicle Registration Marks, which can be downloaded from the department's website, www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/tvrm_auction/index.html.
 

     â€‹Hongkong Post announced today (July 24) that, as advised by the postal administration of the United Kingdom, due to the impact of the recent information technology outage incident, mail delivery services to the United Kingdom are subject to delay.

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the establishment ceremony of international AI Research Centre by Digital Domain in the Hong Kong Science Park today (July 24):

Daniel (Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Digital Domain, Mr Daniel Seah), Lala (Global President and Chief Operating Officer of Digital Domain, Ms Lala Gavgavian), Albert (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Cooperation, Mr Albert Wong), Alpha (Director-General of Investment Promotion of InvestHK, Ms Alpha Lau), and my colleague, Dr Ming Ge (Commissioner for Industry (Innovation and Technology)), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. I am pleased to be here today to congratulate the establishment of an international AI (artificial intelligence) Research Centre by Digital Domain in Hong Kong Science Park.

     Digital Domain is a renowned Hollywood visual effects studio, founded by James Cameron, who is the director of many famous movies, including the highly popular Titanic and Avatar series. Digital Domain has currently held 11 Oscar awards, including "Best Visual Effects" and "Scientific and Technical Achievement". Today's partnership between the Hong Kong Science and Technolgy Park and Digital Domain marks a significant milestone in digital entertainment and advances the creative frontier.

     As we know, AI has revolutionised the film and entertainment industry, transforming film-making, visual effects, and animation. Digital Domain is a testament to this, with its groundbreaking use of AI technology as a tool of better storytelling and immersion. By harnessing the power of AI, we can create truly exceptional products that push the boundaries of imagination. This is the future we envision for the film and entertainment industry, where humans and AI work hand-in-hand to create unforgettable experiences.

     Similarly, AI has seamlessly integrated into our everyday lives, reshaping how we live, work and interact. No matter you like it or not, those AI algorithms are reshaping our experiences in ways both subtle and profound. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been well-prepared for both the opportunities and challenges brought by AI revolution. We are dedicated to supporting the AI industry, along with other I&T (innovation and technology) industries of strategic importance, to develop in Hong Kong.

     We have been putting in place a series of favourable policies and measures to build a more comprehensive and vibrant AI ecosystem, including enhancing our R&D (research and development) capabilities, attracting I&T enterprises and investment, improving infrastructure, and nurturing I&T talents. For example, our AI Supercomputing Centre will soon be in services in phases later this year. We have also attracted more than 100 representative technology enterprises to set up or expand their business in Hong Kong. Many of them are leading AI enterprises from Mainland and abroad, facilitating the growth of local AI ecosystem and pooling together AI talents, technology and capital.

     I believe that with the joint efforts of all parties, we can unlock the full potential of AI technology to empower the Hong Kong's I&T development, as well as injecting new impetus to the local film industry, bringing a brand new digital entertainment experience to Hong Kong and overseas audience. Once again, I wish to extend my warmest congratulations to Digital Domain on its successful setting up in Hong Kong Science Park. Thank you very much.

  

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 24) that since the water of Repulse Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island is now suitable for swimming, the red flag has been lowered.

     The red flag was hoisted at the beach earlier on after a red tide was found. 

     â€‹A 45-year-old female person in custody was found unconscious in Lo Wu Correctional Institution yesterday (July 23) and was sent to a public hospital for rescue. She was certified dead today (July 24).

     At 12.29pm yesterday, the person in custody was found unconscious in her bed in the institution hospital by a correctional officer. The officer immediately called for reinforcement to provide first-aid treatment to her, and an ambulance was called at once to send her to a public hospital for further rescue. She remained unconscious after being sent to the public hospital, and her condition deteriorated until she was certified dead at 4.36am today.

     The case has been reported to the Police. A death inquest will be held by the Coroner's Court.

     The person in custody was sentenced to imprisonment for the offence of taking employment after landing in Hong Kong unlawfully and remaining in Hong Kong without the authority of the Director of Immigration in June 2024.