Hong Kong Hosts Seminar on Generative AI for Civil Service Innovation and Efficiency

Innovation and Technology leadership series thematic seminar held to explore Hong Kong locally developed generative AI model technology and application

The Digital Policy Office (DPO) and the Civil Service College (CSC) jointly held the second Innovation and Technology leadership series thematic seminar on the topic "Hong Kong locally developed generative AI model technology and application" today (June 13). The seminar was delivered by the Provost of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Director of the Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center (HKGAI), Professor Guo Yike. About 180 civil servants in the directorate and senior ranks from various bureaux/departments (B/Ds) attended the seminar today.

Professor Guo introduced the local large language model "HKGAI V1" developed by the HKGAI and its applications to participating government personnel during the seminar. Among the applications, the document processing copilot application "HKPilot" is currently in trial use in various government B/Ds to assist in handling document processing work, such as drafting, translation and producing summaries of documents. He also shared in detail various AI application scenarios for improving the efficiency of public services.

At the seminar, the Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Tony Wong, shared the Government's latest initiatives in promoting AI, including the establishment of the AI Supercomputing Centre in Cyberport in December last year to support the local AI development with strong computing power. In addition, to promote the wider application of AI in government departments, the DPO will launch the "AI + Civil Services" initiative to drive the broader use of AI technology in various government departments.

As one of the strategies to accelerate the development of digital government and lead public service innovation, the DPO and the CSC collaborate to regularly organise thematic seminars and training to enhance the core skills of senior management of B/Ds in using digital technology, thereby promoting more effective use of digital technology by B/Ds to drive digital transformation.

Innovation and Technology leadership series thematic seminar held to explore Hong Kong locally developed generative AI model technology and application Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Innovation and Technology leadership series thematic seminar held to explore Hong Kong locally developed generative AI model technology and application Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Innovation and Technology leadership series thematic seminar held to explore Hong Kong locally developed generative AI model technology and application Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Innovation and Technology leadership series thematic seminar held to explore Hong Kong locally developed generative AI model technology and application Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $0.9 million at airport

Hong Kong Customs today (February 5) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 4.5 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $0.9 million, as well as 81 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes.

A 47-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Ko Samui, Thailand, today (February 5). During customs clearance, suspected cannabis buds, weighing about 4.5 kg in total, and 81 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes were found inside his baggage. The male was subsequently arrested.

Investigation is ongoing.

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.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

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/en).

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $0.9 million at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases