The Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) today (May 13) launched the 2024 Mainland-Hong Kong Joint Funding Scheme to invite proposals for applied research and development (R&D) projects jointly conducted by institutions in Hong Kong and the Mainland under three specific themes:
 
(i) Biotechnology: R&D of innovative drugs to treat chronic diseases;
 
(ii) Artificial Intelligence (AI): research on the security and privacy of AI systems, brain-inspired intelligence, smart healthcare (including medical robots), smart city; and
 
(iii) Sustainability engineering and technology: optoelectronic materials, third-generation semiconductor technologies, advanced green manufacturing, power management integrated circuits and modules.
 
     Applications will be accepted from today until June 28.
 
     Launched in 2019, the Scheme aims to support and encourage further R&D collaboration among universities, research institutes and technology enterprises in Hong Kong and the Mainland. Applications must be submitted simultaneously by the Hong Kong and Mainland institutions to the ITC and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) respectively, and the R&D work must be conducted in both places and involve co-operation between the two places. The ITC and MOST will provide funding to the Hong Kong and Mainland applicant organisations respectively, and will monitor project progress according to their own requirements.
 
     An ITC spokesman said, "The Scheme facilitates R&D collaboration between Hong Kong and the Mainland, thereby enhancing the R&D development in the two places. As at end-February 2024, 94 projects were approved under the Scheme, involving a funding amount of over $180 million."
 
     Further information is available on the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) website (www.itf.gov.hk/en/mhkjfs). For enquiries, please contact the ITF Secretariat (Tel: 3655 5678; email: enquiry@itf.gov.hk).

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The Legislative Council (LegCo) delegation, led by the President of the LegCo, Mr Andrew Leung, began the seven-day duty visit to Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore today (May 12) to learn about the latest development of these three member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in respect of politics, economy, trade, arts, culture and tourism, etc.

     The delegation arrived in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in the afternoon and met with the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia, YB Khairul Firdaus bin Akbar Khan. They exchanged views on various topics, including the integrated development of culture and tourism, the development of cultural and creative industries, smart tourism, hosting mega events and Muslim friendly tourism, etc, and discussed potential collaboration opportunities between Hong Kong and Malaysia in these areas.

     In the evening, the delegation had dinner and exchanged views with representatives of the Hong Kong-Malaysia Business Association. Apart from exploring ways to strengthen the bilateral trade and investment co-operation between Hong Kong and Malaysia, they also held in-depth discussions on the opportunities and contributions that could be brought by Hong Kong's accession to Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

     The delegation will continue its duty visit in Malaysia tomorrow (May 13).

     The delegation, led by the President of the LegCo, Mr Andrew Leung, visits Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore from May 12 to 18. Deputy delegation leader is the Chairman of the Parliamentary Liaison Subcommittee of the LegCo, Mr Tommy Cheung. Other participating Subcommittee members are Mr Jeffrey Lam, Ms Nixie Lam, Ms Joephy Chan, Mr Tang Fei, Ms Carmen Kan and Mr Yim Kong.

    

     Police today (May 12) laid a holding charge against a 32-year-old non-ethnic Chinese (NEC) man with one count of murder.

     The man was arrested yesterday (May 11) in suspected connection with a murder case happened in Yuen Long on the same day, in which a 50-year-old NEC man died.

     The case will be mentioned at Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (May 13) morning.

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 (May 12) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

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 (May 12) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.