Scheme boosts new industrialisation

In July 2020, the Government launched the New Industrialisation Funding Scheme (NIFS) to subsidise local manufacturers in setting up new smart production lines in Hong Kong. The NIFS involves awarding grants, with the Government topping up sums spent by companies on new equipment on a 1:2 basis.

Technology upgrade: With government support, a family-owned fruit and vegetable juice manufacturer has been able to replace manual production processes with smart machinery. Source: news.gov.hk

Established in 2010, Sam Chan’s company – a family-owned firm that produces fresh fruit and vegetable juices – is among the beneficiaries to date. As with many other traditional manufacturing enterprises in Hong Kong, heavy reliance on manpower and manual manufacturing processes limited the firm’s development in its early years.

After taking over the business in 2018, Mr Chan resolved to upgrade and transform its operations, and with the help of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, he set up a smart production line.

The whole production process is now done by machines, making it more hygienic. The company has also introduced a retort machine, which uses high-pressure steam to sterilise products.

Enhanced sterilisation: Juice manufacturer Sam Chan explained that his firm’s new sterilising equipment has extended the shelf life of its products. Source: news.gov.hk

“In the past, the shelf life of our products was only about 10 to 12 days, but with the new steriliser it can be extended to 90 days at most,” said Mr Chan.

In addition, the production line is equipped with smart sensors that enable data to be collected on aspects such as electricity and water consumption, for cost analysis.

Innovative solutions

Believing that innovation and technology (I&T) are the cornerstones of smart production, the HKPC actively assists enterprises in applying I&T solutions to address industry pain points. The technologies it helps companies to adopt correspond to the actual needs of different industries.

In the case of the food and beverage industry, focus on sterilisation has grown over the years. In working with Mr Chan’s company, the council’s priorities have been to extend the shelf life of products while avoiding the use of preservatives or additives in the sterilisation process.

Tailored solutions: Hong Kong Productivity Council Chief Digital Officer Edmond Lai says the council addresses industry pain points by helping enterprises to adopt the right innovation and technology applications for their needs. Source: news.gov.hk

The council’s Chief Digital Officer Edmond Lai explained that the application of I&T in manufacturing varies according to the characteristics of different products. He added that the council provides customised services to different sectors, with the overall aim of enhancing the competitiveness of Hong Kong’s manufacturing industry.

Policy support

The Chief Executive announced plans to enhance the NIFS in his 2023 Policy Address. From January 8 this year, applicants are able to carry out a maximum of three projects at any one time, accessing a maximum of $45 million in total funding.

Commissioner for Industry (Innovation & Technology) Ge Ming emphasised that the enhanced policy is designed to further promote the development of new industrialisation.

“The Government's target is to achieve a total of at least 130 smart production lines by 2027,” he said.

Strong impetus: Commissioner for Industry (Innovation & Technology) Ge Ming believes Hong Kong should apply its innovation and technology strengths for the benefit of industry, in order to boost the city’s economic development. Source: news.gov.hk

Mr Ge added that Hong Kong should apply its I&T strengths, and its scientific research capabilities, to promote new industrialisation, giving a new impetus to the city’s economic development.

As of mid-July, the New Industrialisation Vetting Committee had agreed to support 43 applications to the NIFS, delivering a total of 68 production lines in sectors ranging from food manufacturing and processing, to textiles and clothing, construction materials, medical devices, and more.

BALTIMORE (AP) — Kristian Campbell agreed to a $60 million, eight-year contract with the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday, less than a week after his major league debut.

Campbell agreed to the deal with just six days of major league service time. Boston struck a big-money deal with a rookie for the second straight year following a $50 million, eight-year contract last April with outfielder/infielder Ceddanne Rafaela, who started 2024 with 35 days of service.

“I know we have a really good team and a really good system," Campbell said. “It's a winning culture, a winning organization. ... Winning people, in the city of Boston. That made the decision fairly easy.”

Campbell gets a $2 million signing bonus, half payable within 60 days of the contract’s approval by Major League Baseball and half next Jan. 15. He receives salaries of $1 million this year, $2 million in 2026, $3 million in 2027, $4 million in 2028, $6 million in 2029, $9 million in 2030, $13 million in 2031 and $16 million in 2032. The deal includes a $19 million team option for 2033 with a $4 million buyout and a $21 million team option for 2034 with no buyout.

Salaries for 2031-34 can escalate based on accomplishment in the immediately preceding season: $200,000 for making the All-Star team, $2 million for winning an MVP award, $1 million for finishing second or third in the voting, $500,000 for fourth or fifth, and $250,000 for sixth through 10th.

A 22-year-old infielder and outfielder, Campbell made his big league debut March 27 as Boston's youngest opening day starter at second since Reggie Smith. He entered Wednesday hitting .375 (6 for 16) with two doubles, one homer, two RBIs and four walks.

“They developed me from day one, as soon as I got drafted. They've been working with me every day,” Campbell said. “I've learned something new every day. They've helped me become the player I am today. So it means a lot to me that I'm with the Red Sox for a long time.”

Campbell's new deal supersedes a one-year contract paying the $760,000 minimum while in the major leagues.

“I've just got to worry about baseball now. Everything that's happened is life-changing for sure," he said. “I'm looking forward to just playing baseball now, winning games.”

Campbell's contract comes the same week the Red Sox agreed to a $170 million, six-year contract with ace left-hander Garrett Crochet, whom Boston acquired in an offseason trade from the Chicago White Sox.

“We're building something really good,” Campbell said. “We have a lot of great players. ... Going in the right direction for sure.”

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Boston Red Sox's Kristian Campbell gestures as he stands on second base after he doubled during the second inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Boston Red Sox's Kristian Campbell, left, runs the bases past third base coach Kyle Hudson (84) after his home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Boston Red Sox's Kristian Campbell slides into third, reaching on a Wilyer Abreu single in the fourth inning of a baseball game, Friday, March 28, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)