Immigration Department and ASTRI sign MOU to promote innovative technologies in public services

2024-04-30 19:08 Last Updated At：19:18

Immigration department teams up with astri to revolutionize public services with innovative technologies

The Immigration Department (ImmD) and the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today (April 30) to explore an innovative proposal for the application of technologies in four areas, i.e. Innovative Immigration Control Operation, Biometric Identification and Authentication, Artificial Intelligence Assisted Immigration Application and Collaborative Robotics Technology, with a view to providing quality and efficient public services. The MOU was jointly signed by the Director of Immigration, Mr Benson Kwok, and the Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, Dr Denis Yip, witnessed by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, and the Board Chairman of ASTRI, Mr Sunny Lee.

In his speech, Mr Kwok stated that the ImmD has been actively adopting advanced technologies and innovative thinking in various business areas to enhance service quality and efficiency. The collaboration with ASTRI this time will support the research and development of local innovation and technology, and pursue the goal of developing Hong Kong into a Smart City. It is of paramount importance to facilitate Hong Kong's transformation into an international innovation and technology centre under the National 14th Five-Year Plan, enabling the public and visitors from around the world to experience the benefits of innovative technologies.

In appreciation of the ImmD's decision to co-operate with ASTRI to support technology research in Hong Kong, Mr Lee stressed that the collaboration would set an example for neighbouring smart cities to expedite the adoption of innovative solutions that enhance public convenience.

LegCo delegation begins duty visit in Singapore

2024-05-17 23:45 Last Updated At：23:58

Legco delegation embarks on exciting visit to singapore

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

The Legislative Council (LegCo) delegation led by the President of LegCo, Mr Andrew Leung, began its duty visit in Singapore today (May 17).

The delegation visited the Parliament of Singapore to pay a courtesy call on the Speaker of the Parliament, Mr Seah Kian Peng, and met with some Members of Parliament. Both parties exchanged views on various topics including the relationship between the executive authorities and the legislature, as well as Innovation and Technology, land and housing, digital economy, etc. The delegation received a briefing on the Meet-the-People Sessions (MPS) conducted by Members of Parliament in Singapore, and shared LegCo Members' experience in handling public complaints.

The delegation had the opportunity to observe a MPS conducted by a Member of Parliament in his constituency in the evening, to gain a deeper understanding of how these sessions facilitate direct communication between Members of Parliament and their constituents and address community issues. Members believed that MPS can enhance public engagement and such experience is worth referencing. During the session, the delegation also shared insights with the Member of Parliament on parliamentary work.

The delegation also met with the Chinese Ambassador to Singapore, Mr Cao Zhongming, to introduce the latest social and economic developments in Hong Kong and explore how Hong Kong could play a bridging role in the mutually beneficial and co-operative relation between China and Singapore. The delegation also expressed its gratitude to the Central Government and Ambassador Cao for continuously supporting Hong Kong's accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which will facilitate enterprises of member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to expand their businesses in Hong Kong and tap into the Mainland market.

During the visit, the delegation went to JTC Corporation (JTC), a government agency responsible for the development of industrial land and infrastructure, supporting and promoting Singapore's new industrialisation and enterprise development. Members received a briefing by representatives of JTC on its landmark projects, including the development of One-north, which is positioned as a national research and development hub. The delegation opined that various projects of JTC could serve as valuable references for Hong Kong in developing "new quality productive forces" and transforming the Northern Metropolis into a "new international I&T city".

The delegation then met with representatives of the Housing & Development Board of Singapore to gain an overview of local housing policies and projects that provide affordable and quality subsidised housing for citizens. Delegation members would draw on the relevant experience, with a view to putting forward suggestions to the Government on further enhancing the housing ladder in Hong Kong.

In addition, Members met with representatives of the Hong Kong Singapore Business Association and Hong Kong community groups to understand their work, businesses and lives in Singapore. Members also highlighted Hong Kong's unique advantages under "one country, two systems" to investors in Singapore, encouraging them to utilize Hong Kong as a platform to gain access to the Mainland market.

The delegation will continue its duty visit in Singapore tomorrow (May 18) before departing for Hong Kong in the afternoon.

Promote transformation of R & D outcomes of Hong Kong higher education institutions and support high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

Immigration Department and ASTRI sign MOU to promote innovative technologies in public services

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