Tag Archives: China

     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) delegation achieved remarkable results at the Asia Pacific Information and Communications Technology Alliance (APICTA) Awards 2024, held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei from December 4 to 7. The HKSAR delegation once again ranked first among the 15 participating economies, bagging a total of eight Winner Awards, four First Runner-up Awards, three Second Runner-up Awards and three Merit Awards.
 
     This annual awards programme serves as a platform for information and communications technology (ICT) talents from the 15 participating economies across the Asia-Pacific region to exchange innovative ideas and forge partnership. Led by the Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Tony Wong, the HKSAR delegation comprising 25 teams showcased their innovative products and applications in the event this year.
 
     The following projects from the HKSAR shone at the competition and won awards among over 260 entries:
 
Winner Awards

• Public transport ridership simulation – MTR to Keep Cities Moving –  The Unprecedented Strategy and Intelligence in Railway Planning by MTR Corporation Limited / the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Business Data Analytics category)
• Try.Eat! – Influencer Matching Platform by InnoLab Limited (Consumer category – Digital Marketing / Advertising)
• CityGeni – Smart City App Specializing in Barrier-Free Navigation by Maphive Technology Limited (Consumer category – Tourism & Hospitality)
• AI-Driven Sorting System by Green AI Technology Limited (Inclusions & Community Services category – Sustainability and Environment)
• HKeToll by Transport Department, the Government of the HKSAR / Autotoll Limited / Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Limited (Public Sector and Government category – Government & Citizen Services)
• A-EYE AI visual impaired shopping assistant by ELCHK Lutheran Secondary School (Senior Student category: Application)
• From Romanised Nepali to Pure Nepali: AI Transliteration Using Transformer Architecure for Low-Resourced Languages by Hong Kong Baptist University (Tertiary Student category: Application)
• SAFERIN by Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology at IVE (Tuen Mun) (Tertiary Student category: Application)

First Runner-up Awards

• “ChillStream®” AI chiller optimizer by Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the Government of the HKSAR (Artificial Intelligence category)
• Housing Authority Project Information Management and Analytics Platform by Hong Kong Housing Authority / Geosys Hong Kong Limited (Business Data Analytics category)
• PhysioPlay gamified physical training & monitoring system by Medmind Technology Limited (Inclusions & Community Services category – Health & Wellbeing)
• Housing Authority Project Information Management and Analytics Platform by Hong Kong Housing Authority / Geosys Hong Kong Limited (Public Sector and Government category – Digital Government)

Second Runner-up Awards

• Public transport ridership simulation – MTR to Keep Cities Moving – The Unprecedented Strategy and Intelligence in Railway Planning by MTR Corporation Limited / the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Industry category – Transport)
• Medisafe by St. Paul’s Co-educational College (Junior Student category)
• Ball Type Rolling Robot for inspection and rescue by Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the Government of the HKSAR (Public Sector and Government category – Government & Citizen Services)

Merit Awards

• Occupational safety guard by Pui Ching Middle School (Junior Student category)
• UMeta – Educational Metaverse by Diocesan Girls’ School (Senior Student category: Application)
• Green Recycling by Good Hope School (Senior Student category: Solution)

     â€‹Mr Wong congratulated all winning teams. He said, “The outstanding performance of the HKSAR delegation highlights Hong Kong’s innovative ideas and cutting-edge technology in the ICT field, enhancing Hong Kong’s leadership position as an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre. We will continue our efforts in fostering a more flourishing and vibrant I&T ecosystem, further promoting the I&T development in Hong Kong.”
 
     During the competition, the “Hong Kong Night” was also held in Bandar Seri Begawan on December 6. Mr Wong extended his sincere gratitude to Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Brunei, Mr Shi Rongke, for attending the event and cheering for the delegation from the Mainland and the HKSAR. Mr Wong also thanked the organisers – the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Computer Society, for providing this valuable opportunity that enabled the HKSAR delegation to share and exchange their innovative ideas and technology solutions with representatives from other participating economies.
 
     The Digital Policy Office also sponsored 24 non-governmental organisations representatives and students to participate in the event this year to compete and interact with leading ICT talents from the Asia Pacific region, with a view to helping them extend their reach and move beyond local boundary.
 
     The annual APICTA Awards is hosted in rotation by member economies, with the goal of identifying and recognising ICT innovations, promoting the development of ICT talents, products and solutions, as well as technology and knowledge sharing among the member economies. This prestigious annual event also provides valuable business matching and pitching opportunities, facilitates the in-depth collaboration between business and research and development, as well as promotes the joint development of the industry as a whole. Through the concerted support of the member economies, the APICTA Awards is highly regarded by the ICT industry in the Asia-Pacific region. read more

     Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident happened in Tin Sum tonight (December 8) in which a man died.                  At about 7.08pm,… read more

     The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) today (December 8) conducted the second stress test at the Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground and Kai Tak Arena in the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) to evaluate the capability of the venues and their nea… read more

     Following is the video speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the 2024 Yidan Prize Awards Ceremony today (December 8):
      
Dr Charles Chen (Founder of the Yidan Prize), Yidan Prize laureates, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
      
     I am pleased to speak to you at this year’s Yidan Prize Awards Ceremony. You are educators, researchers, and government and community leaders from around the world. You are here to celebrate the contributions of our laureates, and indeed of education, to society. Education cultivates the good virtues of our young, and is the driving force for social progress. Like all of you, I firmly believe in the power of education.
      
     The Yidan Prize, established by Dr Charles Chen in 2016, represents a profound commitment to the transformative power of education. The Yidan Prize aims to create a better world through education. The bright minds, and dedication, of laureates throughout the years have helped to reshape the future of education, paving the way for a better future for our students.
      
     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to creating an equitable and effective educational environment for all learners. In my third Policy Address, delivered in October, I highlighted our vision of developing Hong Kong into an international post-secondary education hub. We will incentivise more local students to pursue advanced studies, expand our vocational talent pool, and promote the “Study in Hong Kong” brand. We endeavour to attract more students from the member states of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and other Belt and Road countries.
      
     In my Policy Address, I announced the establishment of a new Committee on Education, Technology and Talents. This high-level committee will be led by the Chief Secretary for Administration – who I know is seated with you this evening – and will drive the integrated development of education, technology and talent. It will expand Hong Kong’s connections, formulate policies to attract and cultivate talents, foster the development of technologies, and promote Hong Kong as an international hub for high-calibre talents.
      
     For our shared mission in education, we fully support the Yidan Prize. This year, a total of four Prize laureates are awarded. Professor Wolfgang Lutz, laureate of the Yidan Prize for Education Research, has shaped our understanding of how education underpins human potential and well-being. His work illustrates how education is not only key to building human capital, but also central to sustainable development that propels human progress.
      
     The laureates of the Yidan Prize for Education Development this year, Professor Mark Jordans, Ms Marwa Zahr and Mr Luke Stannard, are the team behind the “Can’t Wait to Learn” Program from the War Child Alliance. The platform focuses on enhancing foundational literacy and numeracy skills among marginalised children, through personalised digital learning. The laureates, who were teachers and researchers themselves, have led the initiative to grow from a pilot project, to an evidence-based intervention, reaching over 200 000 children.
      
     My warmest congratulations to all laureates this year. Your distinctive contributions to education are inspiring to all educators, and demonstrate the commitment to enhancing learning opportunities for all. I look forward to your continued efforts, and the positive impact you will undoubtedly have on education, on society, and on all our students.
      
     My thanks to Dr Chen and the Yidan Prize Foundation, along with everyone who has consistently supported the Yidan Prize in its noble mission. Your unwavering commitment has been instrumental in advancing the cause of education.
      
     On that note, I wish you all an enjoyable evening. Thank you. read more

     â€‹Following is the keynote speech by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the opening ceremony and cocktail reception of the 3rd ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition – Hong Kong today (December 8):
     
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     I am very delighted to be here today, seeing some familiar faces, as well as so many young ones. I would like to start by expressing my gratitude to the International Chamber of Commerce – Hong Kong (ICC-HK), along with the professional mediators, adjudicators, sponsors, supporting organisations, volunteers, teachers, students and many others who have dedicated their time and efforts to bring this competition to life.

ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition

     The ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition serves as an important platform that offers university students from around the globe the opportunity to apply mediation advocacy skills in simulated mediation for commercial disputes, and gain a thorough understanding of the mediation process. This experience also provides the chance to meet new friends and exchange valuable perspectives.

     The ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition – Hong Kong is now in its third iteration. The last competition was held online in 2020, spanning 16 time zones. This time, I am truly excited that we get to see everybody here in Hong Kong. We are pleased to welcome 18 teams to the competition. The champion team will gain the qualifications to attend the annual ICC Mediation Competition at the ICC global headquarters in Paris next February. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I must admit I am a bit jealous.

Latest mediation developments in Hong Kong

     Mediation continues to grow in popularity worldwide as an effective mechanism for resolving disputes. It provides a confidential and safe space facilitating parties to express their views candidly, often leading to creative and mutually beneficial solutions. Mediation is typically quicker and less costly than litigation, allows parties to preserve their relationships, and in turn promotes harmony and peace in society. For these reasons, the Department of Justice of Hong Kong (DoJ) has always been a keen supporter of mediation.

     The year 2024 has been fruitful for Hong Kong in terms of advancements in mediation. As a pioneer in capacity building, DoJ hosted the inaugural Greater Bay Area (GBA) Mediator Training Course in August 2024, providing training to approximately 400 participants in cross-boundary dispute mediation. Furthermore, DoJ continues to co-organise the latest rounds of the Investment Law and Investor-State Mediation Training in May and November 2024, and has over the years offered investment law and investor-state mediator training to more than 250 mediators and state officials from about 40 jurisdictions.

     We anticipate a very busy year ahead in 2025 and are eager to continue our important work in promoting the wider use of mediation. As we proudly announced just last month during Hong Kong Legal Week 2024, the Hong Kong Government will, as a matter of general policy, incorporate a mediation clause in all government contracts requiring parties to mediate first in case of dispute. We hope that by taking the lead, the Government will inspire the private sector to follow suit. Apart from appealing to businesses, on a community level, the Pilot Scheme on Community Mediation will be introduced to raise the awareness of the general public in using mediation to resolve daily disputes. Together, we aim to deepen the mediation culture in Hong Kong.

     On the international front, the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) headquarters is set to be established in Hong Kong in 2025, making it the world’s first intergovernmental legal organisation dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation. Upon its establishment, IOMed will offer accessible, flexible, cost-effective, and efficient mediation services, strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a global hub for international mediation.

     To foster a mediation culture in society, it is crucial to start early and broad. We are always excited to connect with young people like many of you here. In addition to co-organising the ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition, we have consistently supported peer mediation initiatives, including co-organising the Hong Kong Secondary School Peer Mediation Competition, which aims at exposing students to mediation concepts and equipping them with essential skills for resolving real-life problems. The Department of Justice will continue to champion these efforts.
     
Concluding remarks

     As more people recognise the benefits of mediation, increasing resources are being invested in its development. Mediation is not just a process; it is becoming an essential skill across industries and jurisdictions. What a wonderful time it is to get involved and gain exposure. I believe mediation shapes the future – and you are that future.

     I sincerely hope you take away valuable insights from this competition, and I wish you all the very best. Make lots of friends, and most importantly, have a lot of fun in Hong Kong! Thank you.

read more