Following is the speech by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, at the 1st OSH (occupational safety and health) Innovation and Technology (I&T) Award Presentation Ceremony organised by the Occupational Safety and Health Council (OSHC) this afternoon (March 8):

Cindy (Chair of OSH Innovation and Information Technology Committee of OSHC, Mrs Cindy Chow), David (Chairman of the OSHC, Dr David Mong), May (Commissioner for Labour, Ms May Chan), friends and distinguished guests, both locally and from all over the world,

     I am really thrilled to be back to this venue. You have been very kind to give me a round-trip ticket – I was here for the opening ceremony yesterday, and I also had the privilege of having a quick tour around this hall and try some of the new gadgets and innovations in improving occupational safety. I am really impressed.

     I am back here for the closing ceremony and I know I got a very important job to take – to give you a few remarks about the first ever OSH I&T Award. I am sure this is the child of the OSHC. This award ceremony cannot be held successfully without the support of the Labour Department (LD), Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks, Cyperport, I&T organisations and trade associations. Thank you so much for your assistance and help to make this possible.

     I am very glad to see a lot of young faces here. For this very first I&T award, we have received nearly 130 entries, including 78 under the Secondary School Category, which is very important. We see a bright future from the enthusiastic participation from secondary school students. Around 50 entries are from the Open Category, which are more sophisticated and equally creative. This competition signifies Hong Kong's drive and determination in promoting the use of I&T to raise the OSH standard in Hong Kong, as we can see from the amazing winning projects from the public and secondary school students exhibited here today. I think many of you have visited the booths and tried out their inventions.

     As Cindy said, their look might be rudimentary; what's more important is the idea and the thinking behind. With a little bit help from the professionals, I am sure some of the products might eventually become products that can be commercialised and make some money. I really look forward to it one day.

     As we all know, technology – in particular modern technology – can save you money and time. When it comes to OSH, it can also save your life, which is really important. Very sadly, recently there have been a couple of accidents happening inside confined spaces. We truly believe by making use of modern technology, there are various practical ways for us to improve the safety environment in confined spaces.

     One example is the use of Light Detection and Ranging system and sensors to allow the operation of the cage drone in enclosed and GPS-denied areas, such as boilers, to carry out safety inspections as well as maintenance. The use of such technology will allow us to inspect confined spaces in a safer, more controllable and comprehensive manner. Apart from saving lives, it will also save us the time and cost of erecting scaffolding, which is a win-win solution. I encourage all of you to consider it. Moreover, the video recording by a cage drone helps workers analyse the condition and defects of facilities in fine detail so that maintenance can be carried out at the right moment to prevent deterioration of equipment.

     To go alongside the advancement in technology, the LD is updating the Code of Practice – Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces (CoP). We will be issuing the revised CoP very soon – in the coming couple of weeks. The revised CoP will put in place some new requirements for works in confined spaces, such as installing cameras at the entrances and exits of confined spaces during works to improve monitoring and supervision. By using cameras and making it known to everybody that the camera is on, we believe this will enhance worker's compliance with safety measures. We hope by publishing the revised CoP, we are going to see a significant improvement in the safety operation for those working in confined spaces.

     The Government is well aware of the advantages of applying technology in works projects to enhance site safety. Since last year, the Development Bureau has introduced the new requirement of using the Smart Site Safety System (SSSS) in public works with a contract sum exceeding $30 million. In addition, a fund has been set up in the Construction Industry Council to encourage private sectors to use the SSSS at their worksites. The SSSS is featured with a centralised management platform which provides a one-stop hub for alerts generation. It can be used to provide timely alerts to site management staff if abnormalities are detected, for example an exceptional long stay of a staff member in a confined space, unauthorised entry into dangerous areas, or improper movement of construction equipment.

     Ladies and gentlemen, in this century of I&T, it is ever more important for us to harness and be creative in the use of technology. I am sure the increased application of I&T in OSH will save lives and reduce injuries, which in turn will enhance the well-being of workers and our citizens. I am fully grateful to the work of the OSHC, my dear colleagues at the LD and co-organisers for your unfailing efforts on this front. Last but not least, I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners today. I hope you could convert your innovative ideas into daily use, to enhance the occupational safety and health in Hong Kong.

     Thank you very much.

     Four Mainland fisherman deckhands engaged in fishing using snake cages (a type of cage trap banned in Hong Kong waters) earlier in waters off the River Trade Terminal in western Hong Kong, and a local coxswain on board were charged for breaching the Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Cap. 171) and convicted today (March 8).

     A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) noted that AFCD officers intercepted a local fishing vessel at around 4pm on March 2, 2023, for inspection. The vessel was suspected to be engaged in fishing using snake cages in the abovementioned waters. Some fishing gear (including snake cages and winches) on board was seized. Charges were laid against the five men involved.
      
     The five men, who were charged for breaching the Ordinance, were convicted at the Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts today and were fined $5,000 each. The fishing gear was confiscated.
      
     The spokesman said, "The Government is committed to combating illegal fishing activities in Hong Kong waters. The AFCD will continue to step up patrols and take stringent enforcement action."
      
     Only a vessel registered under the Ordinance can be used for fishing in Hong Kong waters and only the fishing methods listed on its Certificate of Local Fishing Vessel Registration can be employed for fishing by the vessel. The conditions of Certificate of Registration of Local Fishing Vessel regarding cage traps stipulate that any collapsible cage traps should not be connected in any way to another; or should not exceed five metres in any of its extended dimensions. Hence, fishing using snake cages is in breach of the registration conditions. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction.

    

     Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) will host regular themed seminars from today (March 8) to support talent who have arrived in the city to adapt and settle in smoothly.

     The first themed seminar was held in HKTE, 12/F, Revenue Tower, Wan Chai, this afternoon. Speakers from a recruitment agency and an online job platform outlined the trends of the local employment market and demands for outside talent, and shared with incoming talent on job searching tips in Hong Kong.

     The recent questionnaire survey on talent admitted via the Top Talent Pass Scheme conducted by the Labour and Welfare Bureau revealed that incoming talent looked for support in areas including job search, accommodation, children's education, starting a business as well as local living and culture. HKTE is committed to providing support services to incoming talent and will host regular themed seminars covering employment, education, settlement, entrepreneurship to help talent arrived integrate into the community.

     The Director of HKTE, Mr Anthony Lau, said, "To further strengthen the support for the development and needs of incoming talent, we will provide one-stop assistance and is expanding our network of collaborative partners. We will work closely with service providers catering for daily needs to hold themed events and diverse activities, so as to give full play to HKTE's mission and to show our talent that Hong Kong is a quality and liveable city and attract them to make the move to Hong Kong and settle here."

     Talent who have arrived in Hong Kong may obtain event details from the HKTE WeChat and LinkedIn or by contacting HKTE via email (hkte@hkengage.gov.hk).

      

     The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, reviewed the Fire Services passing-out parade for 10 station officers, 99 firemen and 33 ambulancemen at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy today (March 8).

     Mr Chan commended members of the Fire Services Department (FSD) for their dedicated efforts in protecting Hong Kong and saving people's lives and property. When participating in the rescue mission in the quake-stricken areas of Türkiye last year, members never hesitated and went all out to brave the harsh conditions even in an unfamiliar country.

     He mentioned that the FSD has been introducing advanced equipment and applying innovative technology to enhance operational efficiency. In October last year, a male student went missing in the hills for days. The FSD deployed drones using technologies including artificial intelligence analysis and eventually located him. Moreover, the FSD received an award from the World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance last year for its commitment to exploring and applying innovative technology in enhancing the effectiveness of mountain search and rescue operations.

     Mr Chan said, "The FSD frequently conducts exchanges and mutual visits with its fire and rescue counterparts on the Mainland and overseas, and a regular mechanism for exchanges and observation has been created in particular with cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. In addition to conducting joint exercises, mutual visits, seminars and other activities from time to time, the Greater Bay Area Fire and Rescue Knowledge Management Platform was established which serves as a means to share experiences and information, thus strengthening mutual learning among counterparts of the area."

     He also pointed out that the FSD has strived to enhance members' understanding of national security, and established a steering committee to co-ordinate activities on national affairs and national security to be participated in by all members. The graduates also attended a national studies course on the Mainland during the training period. He encouraged the graduates to deepen their understanding of the country's development and current situation, as well as its history and culture, in order to become the backbone for members who love both the country and Hong Kong. The graduates could then work together with colleagues from various disciplinary forces and play a crucial role in safeguarding national security.

     The parade was followed by a demonstration of firefighting and rescue techniques by the graduates. The 142 graduates will be posted to various fire stations and ambulance depots.

            

     The Mega Events Coordination Group (the Group) chaired by the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, with the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, as deputy, convened a meeting today (March 8), with a view to strengthening co-ordination of major events and promoting mega event economy.
      
     At the meeting, the Group discussed the progress and arrangements of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) serving as the first point of contact in promoting mega events in Hong Kong. The dedicated team of the HKTB, providing first-stop support, has commenced operation by liaising with event organisers and conducting preliminary assessments on event proposals. The assessments cover the benefits of hosting relevant events in Hong Kong and the necessary supporting arrangements. The HKTB will also invite views from the industry or experts, bureaux, departments, or relevant statutory bodies before submitting recommendations to the Government.
      
     The Group also reviewed how to establish and update the calendar of mega events in Hong Kong. The assessment of an event is mainly based on three considerations, namely whether it can attract the public and tourists to participate, whether it can help increase Hong Kong's visibility on the global radar, and whether it can demonstrate Hong Kong's strategic positioning. The Group agreed to strive for the early publication of the calendar of mega events in Hong Kong for the second half of the year, with a view to allowing the operators in various industries, such as tourism, hotels, catering and retail, to seize the opportunity and to plan, prepare, and promote early for turning popularity into prosperity.
      
     In addition, the Group focused its discussion on enhancing the publicity of mega events for creating an atmosphere of citywide involvement and enjoyment. Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) introduced to the Group the newly produced multimedia magazine-style information programme "Mega Events Mega Hong Kong", which provides daily updates on events in town through TV, radio and online platforms, as well as related publicity efforts to keep the public abreast of upcoming events in Hong Kong. The TV programme is to be broadcast daily on RTHK TV 31 and TV32, with announcements to be broadcast on Radio 1, Radio 2, Radio 3, Radio 5 and a Putonghua channel in different programmes daily. The Information Services Department and the HKTB also presented their respective efforts in the publicity of mega events.
      
     Mr Wong said, "As the event capital of Asia, Hong Kong will host nearly 150 mega events throughout the year, with over 80 in the first half. The various events attract visitors from around the world and bring substantial economic benefits. They also provide intangible benefits to Hong Kong, such as positive global exposure and the consolidation and enhancement of Hong Kong's status as an international city. The Government will reach out more proactively to attract various mega events to anchor in Hong Kong, strengthen the co-ordination, and ensure that the events receive sufficient interdepartmental support. We will continue to adopt a multipronged approach to promote the mega event economy."
      
     Members attending the meeting today also included the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Joe Wong; the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan; the Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Joseph Chan; the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong; the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Ms Irene Young; the Director of Information Services, Mr Fletch Chan; the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau; the Commissioner for Transport, Ms Angela Lee; the Executive Director of the HKTB, Mr Dane Cheng; the Deputy Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr Patrick Lau; and other representatives of relevant bureaux and departments including the Security Bureau, the Fire Services Department, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Immigration Department and RTHK.