6G Global Summit Kicks Off in Hong Kong, Uniting Leaders to Shape Future of Mobile Technology

Hong Kong hosts first 6G Global Summit in Asia-Pacific region to explore future of next-generation communications

The two-day 6G Global Summit, held for the first time in the Asia-Pacific region, opened today (May 8) in Hong Kong, bringing together top-level industry and policy representatives from around the world to explore the potential of the sixth-generation (6G) mobile communications technology in shaping a better future.

With the support of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Communications Authority (CA), which is the statutory regulator for the telecommunications industry, is hosting the Summit in a hybrid format today and tomorrow (May 9). The prominent international conference attracted over 600 participants from more than 80 countries, including high-level representatives from policymakers, regulatory bodies, international organisations, telecommunications operators and corporations, as well as industry experts and scholars.

In his keynote speech at the Summit, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, said that Hong Kong's hosting of the Summit not only reflects the city's long-standing stature as a global and regional telecommunications hub, but also underscores the Government's commitment to driving innovation and fostering collaboration in this transformative field.

Mr Yau highlighted Hong Kong's highly acclaimed position in leading the development of 6G, with the city's telecommunications market being one of the most advanced and dynamic in the world and having a proven track record of embracing innovation and driving connectivity. He also shared with the audience Hong Kong's various achievements in telecommunications, which showcase the city's readiness to embrace the future of telecommunications.

Mr Yau stressed that the Government is fully committed to fostering a conducive environment that drives technological advancement and prepares Hong Kong for the 6G era. These include releasing suitable spectrum through auctions to support the development of advanced mobile communication services, exploring further facilitation measures from telecommunications perspectives to support the development of the low-altitude economy, and conducting a review on streamlining the licensing procedures of Low Earth Orbit satellites to enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness in satellite development.

Addressing the opening ceremony this morning, the Director-General of Communications, Mr Chaucer Leung, said that the first set of technical standards for 6G is expected to be finalised in 2029 so that commercial service can be introduced in 2030, adding that the Summit serves as an opportunity for the participants to delve into various key aspects of 6G and have better preparation for it.

Delivering his keynote speech in the afternoon session, the Chairman of the CA, Mr Jenkin Suen, outlined the roles and functions of the CA, and emphasised Hong Kong's unique role as the gateway between Mainland China and the rest of the world. "Being a telecommunications hub in the Asia-Pacific region and a gateway to Mainland China, Hong Kong is an ideal place for exploring, developing and deploying the new generation of mobile technology," Mr Suen said.

Over the two days, the Summit will feature discussions on the key priorities shaping 6G developments, including standardisation, technological innovations, sustainability and potential applications, as well as the strategic role of the Asia-Pacific region and the opportunities presented by a more connected and intelligent global network. In addition to the main programme, the Summit also includes a networking reception hosted by the Communications Association of Hong Kong. Details of the Summit are available at www.global6gsummit.com.

First held as a virtual conference in 2022 by Forum Global, the Summit has entered its fourth edition this year. The previous two editions were held in Bahrain in 2023 and the United Kingdom in 2024.

Hong Kong hosts first 6G Global Summit in Asia-Pacific region to explore future of next-generation communications Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong hosts first 6G Global Summit in Asia-Pacific region to explore future of next-generation communications Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong hosts first 6G Global Summit in Asia-Pacific region to explore future of next-generation communications Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong hosts first 6G Global Summit in Asia-Pacific region to explore future of next-generation communications Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CHP reminds public to take precautions against cold weather

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (January 2) reminded the public, particularly the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, pregnant women, infants and children, to adopt appropriate measures to protect their health in view of the cold weather.

Elderly and people with chronic illnesses

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A spokesman for the CHP said that in general, elderly people have less insulating fat, and their body temperature control mechanisms would be weaker. Their body may not respond appropriately to the cold weather. In addition, some senior persons may have decreased mobility, which can impair their ability to generate and conserve body heat.

Chronic illnesses, such as hypertension, diabetes or hypothyroidism, would lower their metabolic rate, subsequently causing their body to generate less heat. Besides, persons with chronic illnesses, such as chronic respiratory illnesses or cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, are vulnerable to disease aggravation due to cold weather.

The spokesman reminded the public, in particular the elderly and persons with chronic illnesses, to adopt the following preventive measures:

Take note of the weather forecast. Wear warm clothing, including hats, scarves, gloves and socks, accordingly;

Consume sufficient food to ensure adequate calorie intake;

Perform regular exercise to facilitate blood circulation and heat production;

Stay in a warm environment. Avoid going out in the morning and at night when the temperature is lower, and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure;

Use heaters with care and maintain adequate indoor ventilation;

Avoid alcoholic beverages. Drinking alcohol cannot keep you warm. Alcohol accelerates the loss of body heat through dilated blood vessels, resulting in chilling instead; and

Seek medical advice if feeling unwell.

Infants, children and pregnant women

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Infants and young children are more susceptible to heat loss during the cold weather. The spokesman reminded parents that they should ensure babies are sufficiently warm, but it is also important to keep babies relatively lightly clothed to avoid overheating them. When children engage in outdoor activities, their clothing should be adjusted accordingly, and changed quickly if soaked. Infants, young children and pregnant women should also try to avoid going out in the morning and at night when the temperature is lower.

Parents should observe the following safety measures when putting their children to bed:

Keep the room well ventilated and at a comfortable temperature;

Always place babies on their backs to sleep. Leave their heads, faces and arms uncovered during sleep;

Babies do not need pillows. Place babies on a firm and well-fitted mattress to sleep. Avoid soft objects, pillows and loose bedding;

Let babies sleep in a cot placed near their parents' bed; and

Maintain a smoke-free environment.

Outdoor workers

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Outdoor workers should take heed of the weather report and wear appropriate warm clothing for work. Clothing should be changed as soon as possible if soaked. When the Cold Weather Warning is in force, they should take appropriate precautions. They should take a break immediately and seek help and medical attention if feeling unwell.

General public

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In addition, many respiratory pathogens, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2, may have increasing activity and community transmission during winter. Seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications. Persons at higher risk of getting influenza and its complications, including the elderly and children, should receive seasonal influenza vaccinations early. Please see details of the vaccination schemes on theCHP'swebsite.

A person who gets influenza and COVID-19 at the same time may become more seriously ill and would have a higher risk of death. It is important for elderly persons, especially those residing in residential care homes, to receive both a seasonal influenza vaccination and a COVID-19 vaccination. They should also receive an additional booster against COVID-19 according to recommendations as soon as possible. The public should also maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against respiratory illnesses and note the following:

Surgical masks can prevent transmission of respiratory viruses from ill persons. It is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;

Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;

Avoid touching one's eyes, mouth and nose;

Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;

When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;

Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;

Maintain good indoor ventilation;

When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending classes at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and

Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

Food-borne diseases, particularly those linked to hotpot cuisine, are also common in cold weather. The following preventive measures should be taken:

Wash hands before handling and consuming food;

Do not patronise unlicensed vendors or those with poor hygienic standards while selecting food;

Wash and cook all food thoroughly;

Vegetables should be washed thoroughly in clean running water before cooking and consumption. When appropriate, scrub vegetables with hard surfaces with a clean brush to remove dirt and substances, including pesticide residues and contaminants, from surfaces and crevices;

Shrimps should be fully cooked until the shells turn red and the flesh turns white and opaque;

For shellfish such as scallops and geoduck, scrub the shells thoroughly and remove internal organs;

Do not eat any undercooked freshwater aquatic products. To ensure that the food is thoroughly cooked, the centre of the food should reach a temperature of at least 75 degrees Celsius so as to destroy pathogens;

Most hotpot ingredients should be stored in a refrigerator at 4 degrees C or below, while frozen food should be stored in a freezer at -18 degrees C or below;

Never use raw eggs as a dipping sauce for hotpot; and

Use different sets of chopsticks to handle raw and cooked food to avoid cross-contamination.

In addition, when using fuel-burning appliances, especially in indoor areas, the public should ensure adequate ventilation to avoid harmful exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) and prevent CO poisoning.

Fo more health information, the public may call the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111) or visit theCHP's websiteandFacebook Fanpageas well as press releases of the Labour Department on precautions against cold weather for outdoor workers and their employers when the Cold Weather Warning is in force.

The public may also call Dial-a-Weather (1878 200) or visit thewebsite of the Hong Kong Observatoryfor the latest weather information and forecasts, or itspage on Weather Information for Senior Citizens.

Source: AI-found images