Professor Sun Dong Visits University of Waterloo to Enhance Innovation and Technology Collaboration

SITI continues visit to Canada

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, continued his visit to Canada on November 6 (Toronto time).

Professor Sun visited the University of Waterloo and met with the University's President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Vivek Goel; the Dean of Arts, Professor Alexie Tcheuyap; the Dean of Engineering, Professor Mary Wells; the Dean of Faculty of Health, Professor Lili Liu; the Dean of Mathematics, Professor Mark Giesbrecht; the Dean of Science, Professor Chris Houser; and Associate Vice-President Professor Bernard Duncker. The University of Waterloo is a comprehensive and research-intensive university. It ranked 21st in computer science and information systems and 40th in engineering and technology in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject 2024.

Professor Sun was briefed on the University's work in transforming research outcomes. He noted that Hong Kong attaches great importance to the co-ordinated development among upstream, midstream and downstream in innovation and technology development. An array of measures have specifically been launched in recent years to provide support to start-ups, including the I&T Accelerator Pilot Scheme, which provides subsidies to attract professional start-up service providers with proven track records in and beyond Hong Kong to set up accelerator bases in Hong Kong.

The University of Waterloo is one of the top quantum computing universities in the world. Professor Sun visited the Institute for Quantum Computing to learn more about the frontier technology developed by this cross-disciplinary Institute in the field of quantum computing, which consolidates Canada's leading position in the quantum research area through promoting research and innovation. The Institute also serves as a strategic partner for the emerging quantum industry and nurtures talent in the research area.

Professor Sun said that to further enhance research on frontier technology in Hong Kong, HK$3 billion has been allocated in the 2023-24 Budget to launch a scheme in support of the relevant development of frontier technology fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum technology, with a view to better realising basic technology research capabilities for making breakthroughs out of the blue.

Moreover, Professor Sun toured the University's School of Optometry and Vision Science and was briefed on the latest developments, research projects and advanced research equipment of the School by Professor of the School of Optometry and Vision Science and CEO and Scientific Director of the Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR) under InnoHK Clusters, Professor Ben Thompson. The University of Waterloo is one of the non-local partners of InnoHK Clusters. It established the CEVR with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University to promote vision health by making use of clinical, basic and applied research.

Professor Sun noted that InnoHK is committed to fostering global research and development collaboration, while the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government strongly encourages strengthening academic exchanges to advance translational research and innovative applications, pooling together outstanding researchers from around the globe for the benefit of innovation and technology development in Hong Kong and worldwide.

Professor Sun concluded his visit to Canada in the evening and will return to Hong Kong in the morning on November 8 (Hong Kong time).

SITI continues visit to Canada Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SITI continues visit to Canada Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SITI continues visit to Canada Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SITI continues visit to Canada Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SITI continues visit to Canada Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SITI continues visit to Canada Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SITI continues visit to Canada Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SITI continues visit to Canada Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects suspected cases of illegal importing of animals

Hong Kong Customs today (July 20) detected two suspected cases of illegal importing of animals at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. Three suspected illegally imported live cats with a total estimated market value of about $36,000 were seized.

Customs officers today intercepted a 59-year-old incoming Mainland male passenger and a 58-year-old incoming Mainland female passenger at the Arrival Hall of the Control Point. Upon examination, two live cats and one live cat were seized from their backpacks respectively. The two passengers were subsequently arrested. The cases were handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.

Customs reminds the public that importing animals into Hong Kong without a valid permit is an offence.

Under the Rabies Regulation, any person found guilty of illegally importing animals, carcasses or animal products is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for one year.

Hong Kong Customs detects suspected cases of illegal importing of animals Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects suspected cases of illegal importing of animals Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases