Government invites proposals for admission to third InnoHK research cluster
The Innovation and Technology Commission announced today (March 14) an invitation for proposals for admission to the third InnoHK research cluster, SEAM@InnoHK, focusing on sustainable development, energy, advanced manufacturing and materials. The global top echelon of universities/research institutions in the relevant fields are welcome to apply.
"InnoHK is a major innovation and technology initiative of the Government to develop Hong Kong as a hub for global research collaboration, with the aim to attract institutions that are among the global top echelon to collaborate with local universities/institutions to set up research centres/laboratories in Hong Kong. Following the setting up of the first two research clusters, namely Health@InnoHK, focusing on healthcare technology, and AIR@InnoHK, focusing on artificial intelligence and robotics technologies, the Government is now taking forward the establishment of the third InnoHK research cluster, SEAM@InnoHK, which will enable Hong Kong to move full steam ahead towards becoming a global research collaboration hub. It will not only facilitate top-notch universities, research institutes and the industries to collaborate in research and development (R&D) but also promote the translation of R&D outcomes into impactful, real-world applications and the development of relevant industries in Hong Kong," a spokesman of the Commission said.
The selected research centres/laboratories should conduct collaborative research that is innovative, world-class, of global relevance, and addressing real-world problems in collaboration with world-renowned non-local universities and research institutions. The final R&D deliverables are expected to achieve significant societal impact by bringing demonstrable contributions, beneficial effects, valuable changes or advantages both locally and globally. Collaboration between local universities/research institutions is also highly encouraged. Additionally, they are expected to build strong industry collaborations in their research area for the realisation and commercialisation of the R&D outcomes. The amount of subsidies to be recommended for each research centre/laboratory will depend on the merits of individual application proposals, which can be used to support operational costs, including remuneration for scholars and research teams during the subsidy period, purchase of equipment, R&D costs, and set-up costs, including fitting-out.
The deadline for application will be August 29, 2025, at 5pm. For enquiries in relation to the application for the third InnoHK research cluster, please contact the InnoHK Secretariat (Tel: (852) 3855 7671; email: innohk@itc.gov.hk).
Seven persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operation
The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted an anti-illegal worker operation codenamed "Contribute" today (January 15).During the operation, ImmD Task Force officers raided premises under renovation in a newly built public housing estate in Sheung Shui district.A total of six suspected illegal workers and one suspected employer were arrested. Thearrested suspected illegal workers comprise six men, aged 22 to 41. Furthermore, one man, aged 45, suspected of employing the illegal workers, was also arrested. An investigation into the suspected employers is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.
Apart from mounting the enforcement operation, ImmD officers and a promotional vehicle have been deployed to distribute "Don't Employ Illegal Workers" leaflets and convey the message in the estate.
An ImmD spokesman said, "Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years' imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties."
The spokesman stressed that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years' imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years' imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee's identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker's valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.
Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) and/or forced labour victims. When any TIP and/or forced labour indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP and/or forced labour elements. Identified TIP and/or forced labour victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP and/or forced labour victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.
For reporting illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 3861 5000, by fax at 2824 1166, email to anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit "Online Reporting of Immigration Offences" form at www.immd.gov.hk.
Seven persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Seven persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
