Global AI Challenge Advances Smart Solutions in Building and Construction Industry

EMSD promotes AI application in building E&M industry

The Global AI Challenge for Building E&M Facilities 2025 - Building and Construction AI Conference and Awards Ceremony, jointly organised by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) and the Guangdong Provincial Association for Science and Technology, was held today (August 8) at the Hong Kong Science Park to promote the application of artificial intelligence technologies in the building electrical and mechanical (E&M) industry.

The Global AI Challenge, held from June to August, introduced two sub-themed competitions, namely "Build Your AI Model" and "Innovative Proposal for Construction and Engineering", attracting participation of over 200 teams from 26 countries and regions. The competitions provided a platform for researchers, students, AI specialists, start-ups and industry professionals to exchange ideas and demonstrate how to leverage innovative AI technologies to drive the development of the building E&M industry.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said that with world-class infrastructure, robust intellectual property protections, and unparalleled connections with other cities in the Greater Bay Area and the rest of the world, Hong Kong is well placed as a testing ground for cutting-edge innovative solutions. For the construction sector, the Development Bureau (DEVB) has been driving digitalisation and the application of AI technologies in public works projects. By leveraging AI technologies and its self-developed Integrated Capital Works Platform, the bureau has established a centralised hub that consolidates all key data of public works projects. This platform enables AI-driven cross-dimensional analyses to forecast project performance in areas such as cost control and work progress, optimising efficiency and the decision-making process for overall public works management. Riding on the success of pilot trials, the bureau aims to roll out later this year a policy to mandate the use of high-impact AI applications in public works projects.

The Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Poon Kwok-ying, commended the participants for driving AI transformation. In his speech, he said that remarkable advancements of AI in areas such as energy, construction, and innovation and technology in recent years have created numerous opportunities for synergy. The Global AI Challenge has not only accelerated AI transformation in Hong Kong but also laid a strong foundation for the younger generation to master the application of artificial intelligence.

In her speech, Member of the Party Leadership Group and Standing Vice-Chairman of the Guangdong Provincial Association for Science and Technology, Ms Zhou Youying, said that the construction industry is at a key stage of transformation to become more intelligent, green and sustainable. Hosting the Global AI Challenge aligns with national innovation strategies and the changing trend in the industry, and reflects proactive commitment to technological revolution and upgrade of the industry. The competitions not only provided a global platform for knowledge exchange and talent development, but also fostered cross-disciplinary collaboration, offering practical models to drive the smart transformation of the building E&M industry and injecting new momentum into high-quality growth of the industry.

An international conference themed "Transforming Construction with AI - Paving the Way for Smart Cities" was also held today, bringing together industry leaders and experts to explore how AI technologies enhance efficiency, sustainability and safety in the construction industry. The conference attracted over 360 university students, professional engineers and IT specialists, as well as about 32 500 viewers via online live streaming.

For event details, please visit: globalaichallenge.com/en/home/.

EMSD promotes AI application in building E&M industry Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

EMSD promotes AI application in building E&M industry Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

EMSD promotes AI application in building E&M industry Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

EMSD promotes AI application in building E&M industry Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

EMSD promotes AI application in building E&M industry Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Two persons arrested for suspected illegal Internet sale of product with undeclared controlled drug ingredient

The Department of Health (DH)'s investigation revealed the suspected illegal sale of a product containing undeclared controlled medicines via an instant messaging application and carried out an enforcement operation with the Police today (January 14). During the operation, a 27-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of illegal sale of Part 1 poisons andunregistered pharmaceutical products.

Following up on a public complaint, the DH purchased samples of a product named "The Goat Sublingual Strip" (see photo) via an instant messaging application for analysis. The label of the oral pills indicated it was a natural virility product. Test results from the Government Laboratory revealed that the samples contained sildenafil, which is a Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) (the Ordinance). The product is alsosuspected to be an unregistered pharmaceutical product.

The DH urged members of the public who have purchased the product concerned to stop consuming it immediately and reminded the public not to buy or consume products of doubtful composition or from unknown sources.

The DH reminded the public that selling medicines controlled under the Ordinance illegally, regardless of the sales channel (including instant messaging apps or social media), carries criminal liability. Do not risk breaking the law.

The DH will continue to investigate the incident and take appropriate follow-up actions.

Sildenafil is a prescription drug used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and should only be used under a doctor's advice and supplied in a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist upon a doctor's prescription. Side effects of sildenafil include low blood pressure, headaches, vomiting, dizziness and transient vision disturbances. It may interact with some drugs (such as nitroglycerin for the treatment of angina) and cause a decrease in blood pressure to dangerous levels. Improper use of sildenafil may pose serious health risks, especially for patients with heart problems.

According to the Ordinance, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be sold in the market. In addition, pharmaceutical products containing Part 1 poisons can only be sold at the registered premises of an Authorized Seller of Poisons (commonly known as "pharmacy") under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. If any contravention of the law is suspected, the DH will follow up and carry out enforcement action. After seeking advice from the Department of Justice, prosecutions against relevant persons may be initiated. The illegal sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons is a criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.

The DH remindedmembers of the public that all registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of "HK-XXXXX". The safety, quality and efficacy of unregistered pharmaceutical products are not guaranteed.

Members of the public who have purchased the above products should stop consuming them immediately. They should consult healthcare professionals for advice if feeling unwell after consumption. The public may submit the products to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1804-1806, 18/F, Wing On Kowloon Centre, 345 Nathan Road, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal.

The public may visit the DH's Drug Office webpage for health message on sexual dysfunction and virility products and virility products found to contain undeclared Western medicines.

Two persons arrested for suspected illegal Internet sale of product with undeclared controlled drug ingredient Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases