Artificial Intelligence Subsidy Scheme opens for application
The Artificial Intelligence Subsidy Scheme was officially launched today (October 7). Eligible organisations are welcome to submit applications to Cyberport.
To promote the development of the artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem in Hong Kong, the 2024-25 Budget announced an allocation of $3 billion for the launch of a three-year Subsidy Scheme, mainly to support local universities, research institutes, enterprises, etc, in leveraging the computing power of Cyberport's AI Supercomputing Centre (AISC) to achieve scientific breakthroughs.
Under the Subsidy Scheme, eligible users may generally be subsidised up to 70 per cent of the service list price of Cyberport's AISC. The Committee of the AI Subsidy Scheme appointed by the Government will vet and approve subsidy applications, including the specific amount, duration and conditions of use.
The first-phase facility of Cyberport's AISC is expected to commence operations within this year. The computing power of Cyberport's AISC will progressively increase to reach a level of around 3000 petaFLOPS.
A hybrid information session for the Subsidy Scheme will be held on October 10. For more information about the Subsidy Scheme and application details, please visit the thematic page of Cyberport ataisc.cyberport.hk/aiss. For enquiries, please contact the Secretariat of the Subsidy Scheme (email: aiss_enquiry@cyberport.hk).
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $2.2 million at airport
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (December 12) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 11 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $2.2 million.
A male passenger, aged 43, arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds concealed inside vacuum-sealed bags in his carry-on suitcase. He was subsequently arrested.
The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The cases will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on December 15.
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
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 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $2.2 million at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
