Tag Archives: China

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the World Intellectual Property (IP) Day Reception today (April 26):
 
Algernon (Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau), David (Director of Intellectual Property, Mr David Wong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good evening. I’m pleased to join you today in celebration of World Intellectual Property Day.
      
     This annual gathering brings together IP principals and stakeholders, academia, the creative and innovation and technology sectors, government officials, consular representatives, business leaders and more. All of us, I’m pleased to say, share a passion for encouraging creativity, innovation and technology, for making the most of our intellectual creations for the good of the Hong Kong economy and community.
      
     As you know, this Government is determined to develop Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre. We are also fast-tracking the growth of the creative and cultural industries to fuel our ambition of becoming an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
      
     For these industries to thrive, a robust system of IP registration and protection is a must. More than playing an indispensable role in the commercialisation of R&D (research and development) outcomes and creative works, they help creativity and innovation flourish.
      
     And, no less important, with proper legal protection, IP can become valuable assets for trading.
      
     Hong Kong, with all the advantages of the “one country, two systems ” principle, has been entrusted by the country to become a regional IP trading centre under the 14th National Five-Year Plan.
      
     We are rapidly moving towards this goal. That includes building our own patent regime to enrich the innovation and technology ecosystem. In 2019, we implemented the Original Grant Patent System, allowing our Patent Registry to examine scientific inventions and grant standard patents locally.
      
     The results of this patent reform are encouraging. We’ve now received more than 860 original grant patent applications, and have approved more than 110 applications. About half of them are from Hong Kong inventors, I’m pleased to note.
      
     The system is still at a relatively early stage of development. Creating a pool of patent examiners proficient in technology and IP law and practice is key to its long-term success.
      
     In that regard, the Government has been recruiting and training patent examiners with wide-ranging backgrounds, from fresh science and engineering graduates to patent and industry practitioners. Our goal is to build a team of about 100 strong by 2030. That will help us achieve institutional autonomy in handling substantive patent examinations.
      
     It is important to develop patent talent in the private sector as well.
      
     Working in consultation with stakeholders, we plan to introduce regulatory arrangements for local patent practitioners.  In the Budget this year, I set aside $12 million to support the process over the next three years.
      
     The proposed regulatory arrangements will, of course, be proportionate and sustainable, balancing diverse interests, patent users included.
      
     The global IP system features a wealth of systematic technology and patent information in the public domain. We should help enterprises navigate this landscape, so that they can better grasp industry trends and market opportunities. That can only help them better direct resources to the right R&D projects, identify possible partners and competitors, and exploit the commercialisation potential of technological breakthroughs.
      
     The World Intellectual Property Organization runs a dedicated programme to help members set up Technology and Innovation Support Centres, or TISCs, which provide relevant IP information services. The Mainland has established more than 100 such centres, with another 100 in the making.
      
     In the recent Budget, I set aside $45 million to help the Hong Kong Productivity Council host a TISC in Hong Kong, one that will offer patent search and analysis, consultation services regarding IP management and commercialisation, and much more.
      
     No less important, the Centre can also help nurture local professionals to become well-versed in patent knowledge and broader IP development landscape.
      
     My Budget also includes a “patent box” initiative, reducing the tax on profits derived from qualifying IP from the existing 16.5 per cent to 5 per cent. The relevant bill to amend the Inland Revenue Ordinance is now being scrutinised by the Legislative Council. This is a significant tax concession, but I am confident it will bring in much more return for Hong Kong as a whole.
      
     Ladies and gentlemen, working together, we can accelerate Hong Kong’s development as a regional IP trading centre, ensuring that Hong Kong maintains its competitive edge, and flourishing future, in the global market.
      
     My thanks to the Intellectual Property Department for organising today’s reception.
      
     I wish you all a rewarding day, and the best of health and IP business in the coming year. Thank you.

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     Hong Kong Customs today (April 26) detected two drug trafficking cases involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport. About 22.3 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds and about 25 grams of suspected THC gummies with an estimated market value of about $4.7 million were seized.
          
     A 33-year-old female passenger and a 25-year-old male passenger today arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand, respectively. During Customs clearance, Customs officers found 24 bags of suspected cannabis buds, with a total weight of about 12.9kg, and 23 bags of suspected cannabis buds, with a total weight of about 9.4kg, inside their check-in suitcases respectively. About 25g of suspected THC gummies were also seized from the suitcase of the male passenger. The passengers were subsequently arrested.
          
     An investigation is ongoing.
          
     Following the resumption of normal travel and exchanges with the Mainland and other parts of the world, the number of visitors to Hong Kong has also been increasing steadily. Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
          
     Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
          
     Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).

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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 26) reported the latest number of dengue fever (DF) cases, as well as the latest updates of a local DF case announced yesterday (April 25). The CHP urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.

     From April 19 to yesterday, the CHP recorded one local DF case and two imported DF cases. For the imported cases, one of the patients had been to Malaysia, and the other had been to Indonesia during the incubation period.

     Regarding the local DF case announced yesterday, no linked case has been identified so far. Meanwhile, blood samples of the patient’s two household contacts tested negative for dengue virus upon laboratory testing. As at 4pm today, the CHP has contacted over 520 residents from about 200 households of Cheerful Garden in Siu Sai Wan. None of them indicated that they presented with relevant DF symptoms.

     In addition, officers from the CHP and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) inspected the patient’s workplace in Causeway Bay today. During the inspection, a construction site under operation was found at the workplace. The CHP has recommended relevant premises to strengthen their anti-mosquito measures.

     The CHP will hold a health talk jointly with the FEHD at 10.30am tomorrow (April 27) at Siu Sai Wan Community Hall, during which the CHP will also conduct free DF antibody tests for people in the district with relevant symptoms. The CHP appeals to the neighbouring residents to attend the activity and continue their support to the CHP’s epidemiological investigations by providing relevant information to the CHP through completing the questionnaire surveys.

     â€‹Also, persons who have been to Cheerful Garden with DF symptoms are reminded to call the CHP’s hotline (2125 2371) which has been operating from 9am to 5pm from today to April 28, and from 9am to 5pm starting from April 29, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) for laboratory investigation or referral as appropriate.

     As of yesterday, 20 cases of DF, including 19 imported cases and one local case, had been recorded in 2024. In 2023, 62 imported cases of DF were recorded.

     According to the World Health Organization, the global incidence of DF has markedly increased over the past two decades, posing a substantial public health challenge. In 2023, ongoing transmission, combined with an unexpected spike in DF cases, has resulted in close to a historic high of over 5 million cases and more than 5 000 dengue-related deaths reported in over 80 countries/territories. The latest surveillance data shows that there is an increase in DF cases noted in some places in Asia (such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand) compared to the same period last year. Since the beginning of 2024, the Americas, including Brazil, Argentina and Peru, have recorded over 3 million cases, reaching a record number of cases. Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas, has been uploaded to the CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/df_imported_cases_and_overseas_figures_eng.pdf).

     “Apart from general measures, travellers returning from areas affected by DF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor,” a spokesman for the CHP said.

     The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:
 

• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
• Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

     DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:
     â€‹

• Read the label instructions carefully first;
• Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
• Apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children*;
• Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and
• Re-apply only when needed and follow the instructions.

 
* For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent.

     The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel. read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority.

     The spokesperson for United Christian Hospital (UCH) made the following announcement today (April 26) on the root cause analysis report regarding an incident of improper use of an electronic vital signs recording system (eVital):

     United Christian Hospital announced an event involving the improper use of an electronic vital signs recording system (eVital) on March 1, and a Root Cause Analysis Panel was appointed to investigate the underlying cause of the incident and make recommendations. The panel has completed the investigation, and the report has been submitted to the Hospital Authority Head Office.

     An 89-year-old male patient with diabetes and hypertension attended the Accident and Emergency Department (AED) of UCH due to vomiting and fever. The patient was admitted to the medical ward at noon on February 21. His fever had subsided, and his condition was stable. Upon the patient’s admission to the medical ward, healthcare staff measured the patient’s vital signs including blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen saturation level, and documented the information in the eVital.

     After healthcare staff conducted a detailed examination for the patient at around 12.30pm, intravenous antibiotics and insulin were prescribed and an intravenous infusion was arranged. Measurement of the patient’s blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen saturation level every four hours was also ordered. Nursing staff administered intravenous antibiotics and provided blood taking for the patient as well as measuring the patient’s blood glucose level and administering insulin to control the blood glucose level according to doctor’s instructions. Nursing and healthcare staff also assisted the patient in taking oral medication, replacing intravenous fluid and helped him change positions in bed every four hours to prevent pressure sores. At 4.45am the next day, healthcare staff assisted the patient to change positions in bed, the patient remained conscious without apparent discomfort, and his condition was stable without abnormalities.

     At around 5.30am, the patient had a cardiac arrest, with vomitus noted at the bedside. Healthcare staff immediately performed an active resuscitation on the patient, but the patient passed away at 5.58am.

     As healthcare staff reviewed the patient’s clinical records, it was noted that after the patient was admitted to the ward at noon yesterday, the patient’s vital signs were measured once. No further measurement was conducted afterwards as the scheduling instructions into the eVital system were not performed.

     After reviewing the case, the Panel noted that upon the implementation of the eVital system, the workflow in the ward has changed. Nursing staff are required to input nursing orders for new admission cases using a computer at the workstation, and at the same time, they are also required to input eVital-related orders using a tablet which is located at a distance away from the workstation. As the patient was admitted during a nursing handover, nursing staff were occupied with handover of admission orders, and upon the completion of work using the computer and clinical procedures, eVital orders were overlooked as nursing staff were not familiar with the newly introduced workflow. Moreover, the double-checking of the completeness of the doctor’s orders for newly admitted patients and review of the presence and update of vital sign records of all patients were not a routine task during the nursing clinical handover. As a result, nurses were not aware that the vital signs measurement scheduling of the patient were not inputted into the eVital system.

     The Panel made four recommendations as follows:
 

1. Redesign the workflow and set the tablet to a more convenient location in close proximity to computers at workstations to enhance work efficiency and reduce errors;
2. Explore eVital enhancements with Information Technology and Health Informatics Division;
3. Reinforce the use of Guidelines on Clinical Handover in Nursing and incorporate the review of vital signs using the eVital system into the vital sign assessment routine in nursing handover; and
4. Reinforce with staff on the use of the eVital system, including vital signs charts to monitor patients’ vital signs.

     The hospital has explained the report’s findings to the patient’s family, expressed deep condolences to the family members, and shall provide necessary assistance to them. UCH has accepted the investigation findings and recommendations and will take follow-up actions to implement the recommendations to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents in the future. The case has been referred to the Coroner for follow-up to determine the cause of death.

     The hospital also expressed gratitude for the work of the Root Cause Analysis Panel. The membership of the panel is as follows:

Chairperson:

Dr Michael Wong
Director (Quality and Safety), Hospital Authority

Members:

Dr Victor Ip
Service Director (Quality and Safety), Kowloon East Cluster

Dr Jones Chan
Consultant, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of WalesHospital

Mr Tang Siu-keung
General Manager (Nursing), United Christian Hospital

Ms Chi Chui-yee
Department Operations Manager, Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Tuen Mun Hospital

Dr Nicole Chau
Senior Manager (Patient Safety and Risk Management), Hospital Authority read more

     Hong Kong Customs today (April 26) detected a case that involved a local watch company having conducted cash transactions of precious products with a total value exceeding HK$120,000, while not being a Category B registrant under the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime.
      
     In an investigation conducted today, Customs officers discovered a local watch company, which has already registered as a Category A registrant under the Regime, had carried out several cash transactions with a total value exceeding HK$120,000 in the course of business. The investigation is ongoing and a 41-year-old director of the company is assisting in the investigation.
      
     According to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), the Regime has come into effect since April 1, 2023. Any person who is seeking to carry on a business of dealing in precious metals and stones in Hong Kong and engage in any transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 in Hong Kong is required to register with the Commissioner of Customs and Excise.
      
     In particular, no person other than a Category B registrant may carry out a cash transaction with a total value at or above HK$120,000 in the course of business of dealing in precious metals and stones. Any dealer who is not a Category B registrant, who claims to be a Category B registrant, claims to be authorised to carry out, or carries out any cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for six months.
      
     Hong Kong Customs reminds all dealers in precious metals and stones that the transitional period for registration under the Regime has ended. Any dealer who submits their applications for registration from January 1, 2024, onwards must successfully obtain relevant registration before they can carry out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000.
      
     For the forms, procedures and guidelines to submit applications for registration, please visit the website for Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Registration System (www.drs.customs.gov.hk) or Hong Kong Customs’ webpage (www.customs.gov.hk/en/service-enforcement-information/anti-money-laundering/supervision-of-dealers-in-precious-metals-and-ston/index.html).
      
     Members of the public may report any suspected transactions involving precious metals and stones with a total value at or above HK$120,000 conducted without the required registration to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002). read more