Tokyo panel discussion promotes Hong Kong as vibrant and international tech hub for start-ups and corporates

Unlocking opportunities: tokyo panel showcases hong kong as a thriving tech hub for start-ups and corporates

A luncheon panel discussion entitled "Hong Kong: A Vibrant Tech Hub for Startups and Corporates" was held in Tokyo, Japan, today (May 16) to promote Hong Kong's dynamic business environment and proactive approach to innovation and technology (I&T).

Co-organised by Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), the panel discussion is a side event of the Hong Kong Pavilion at the SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024 Global Startup Program, a global start-up event being held from May 15 to 16.

InvestHK Senior Vice President (Startups), Mr Lu Chin-yung, introduced Hong Kong's vibrant and dynamic start-up ecosystem, noting that according to the results of InvestHK's 2023 Startup Survey, start-ups in Hong Kong continued to flourish, with the number of start-ups reaching a record high of 4 257, up 272 from the previous year. He added that these start-ups spanned across various business sectors such as financial technology, e-commerce, supply chain management and logistics technology.

Other panelists included HKSTP Business Development Senior Manager Mr Isaac Tse, who introduced the HKSTP's programmes and support for start-ups; representatives of three start-ups from Hong Kong who shared their experiences in setting up and starting businesses in Hong Kong; and the Chief Commercial Officer of Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, Mr Teddy Lui, who introduced how the Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund is creating a sustainable impact on Hong Kong's start-up ecosystem, empowers start-ups and supports innovation and technology in Hong Kong and across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The Hong Kong Pavilion at the SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024 Global Startup Program was set up by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Tokyo) and InvestHK at Tokyo Big Sight, a convention and exhibition centre in Tokyo. It brings together 20 Hong Kong start-ups to present their business, services and products, and serves as a platform for them to seek business opportunities and collaboration on a global scale. It also introduces to Japanese and international business communities Hong Kong's dynamic business environment and vibrant and diverse start-up ecosystem as well as its active approach to I&T.

Tokyo panel discussion promotes Hong Kong as vibrant and international tech hub for start-ups and corporates Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Tokyo panel discussion promotes Hong Kong as vibrant and international tech hub for start-ups and corporates Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Tokyo panel discussion promotes Hong Kong as vibrant and international tech hub for start-ups and corporates Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Tokyo panel discussion promotes Hong Kong as vibrant and international tech hub for start-ups and corporates Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Former registered contractor convicted for carrying out building works in a dangerous manner

The Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today (October 31) ruled that a former registered general building contractor and its sub-contractor had contravened the Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123) (BO) and imposed each with a fine of $8,000. The Buildings Department (BD) will seek legal advice on whether to appeal against the amount of the fines imposed.

The case involved a fatal incident at a construction site at Tung Yuen Street, Yau Tong in December 2022. A worker was hit by a collapsed steel section when carrying out removal works of a temporary lateral support at the construction site, and died subsequently. An investigation by the BD found that precautionary measures had not been adequately provided by the contractor and its sub-contractor during the dismantling of the temporary lateral support. The BD initiated prosecutions against the contractor and its sub-contractor under section 40(2B)(a) of the BO in December last year.

The subject contractor (i.e. Aggressive Construction Engineering Limited) was removed from the Register of General Building Contractors on November 16 last year.

Pursuant to section 40(2B)(a) of the BO, any person directly concerned with the relevant building works, who carries out or authorises or permits such works to be carried out, in such manner that it causes injury to any person or damage to any property, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine of $1,000,000 and to imprisonment for three years.