The 2024 Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest – Hong Kong Chapter (MiCHK) is open for enrolment starting from today (July 15). Hong Kong start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) aiming to expand in the Mainland market are welcome to join the contest. The deadline for enrolment is August 16.

     The contest covers various technology fields that enhance new quality productive forces, including Fintech, AI & Big Data, Advanced Network Equipment, Third Generation Internet and Metaverse, Quantum Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, New Materials, New Energy and Green Technology, Biomedicine, as well as Smart Living and Smart Mobility.

     The contest allows Mainland investors and enterprises to learn more about the innovative technology products and solutions of the local industry, and also enables local innovative technology SMEs to explore business opportunities on the Mainland. In the MiCHK 2024 Final to be held on September 26, the top 10 finalists will have one-on-one business matching sessions with investors and enterprises from the Mainland. They will also have the opportunity to receive support to participate in various start-up programmes and exhibitions, and to promote their innovative projects to different regions through multiple platforms. The champion, first runner-up and second runner-up will represent the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to compete in the state-level Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest Final in Guangzhou in November, where they will compete for opportunities to gain support in entering the Mainland market by connecting with Mainland investors, setting up in the Mainland entrepreneurial parks, and receiving guidance on result transformation.

     The MiCHK 2024 is jointly organised by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer of the HKSAR Government, the China Centre for Promotion of SME Development of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China, the Department of Youth Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, and the China International Cooperation Association of SMEs, and formulated by the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, the Angel Investment Foundation and the Guangzhou SME's Promotion For Specialization Refinement Differentiation Innovation Development. For more details about the contest, please visit www.makerinchina.hk.

     With a view to further enabling the public to visit the Ex-Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir and appreciate its internal structures, the Water Supplies Department (WSD) today (July 15) announced that no prior appointment will be required for the public to visit the service reservoir from August 1. The opening hours will be from 9am to noon and 2pm to 5pm from Monday to Sunday (closed on the first Tuesday of each month), with final admission time at 11.30am and 4.30pm each day.

     For guided tours, the WSD will organise one session for groups in the afternoon from Monday to Friday (closed on the first Tuesday of each month) and two sessions for individuals in the afternoon on Saturday and Sunday. Members of the public are welcome to make appointments through the WSD's Guided Tour to Ex-Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir dedicated webpage.

     The service reservoir has a maximum capacity of 100 persons. The WSD will arrange entry on a first-come, first-served basis. For other special arrangements, the WSD will make announcements through its dedicated webpage.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 15) that due to big waves, the red flag has been hoisted at Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach in Islands District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (July 15) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Renville County of the State of Minnesota and Weld County of the State of Colorado in the United States (US), the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the above-mentioned areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

     A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 16 480 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat and about 7.73 million poultry eggs from the US in the first three months of this year.

     "The CFS has contacted the American authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation," the spokesman said.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 15) reminded members of the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather.

     "The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     "Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system," the spokesman explained.

     "Infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, outdoor/manual workers, and individuals who are overweight are more vulnerable to heat stroke.. They should pay special attention," the spokesman added.

     The public should adopt the following precautions:
 

• Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;
• Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion can place additional demands on the physique;
• Perform outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible;
• For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation;
• Do not stay inside a parked vehicle; and
• Reschedule work to cooler times of the day if feasible. If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable. Start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Move to a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.

     
     â€‹The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index is high (6 or above):
 

• Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;
• Wear long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothes;
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella;
• Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;
• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion of at least sun protection factor (SPF) 15 – ideally higher – and reapply every two hours if you stay out in the sun, or after swimming, sweating or towelling off; and
• While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.

    
     â€‹If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
     
     â€‹The public may obtain more information from the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111), heat stroke page and UV radiation page; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200), latest weather report and forecast, UV Index and weather information for hiking and mountaineering; and press releases of the Labour Department on precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force.