Hong Kong Promotes AI Innovations for Energy Efficiency at APEC Ministerial Meeting in Busan

Speech by SEE at thematic session three of APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting in Korea

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, at "Thematic Session 3: AI-Driven Energy Innovation" of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Energy Ministerial Meeting held in Busan, Korea, today (August 28):

Thank you, Chair and fellow colleagues. AI is the key driver to overhaul our energy systems. AI will help us optimise energy production, distribution and consumption, ultimately leading to more resilient and adaptive energy systems. To this end, Hong Kong, China is proactively applying I&T (innovation and technology) and putting efforts and resources into advancing the development of AI. Taking this opportunity, I would like to share with you some examples of AI applications in the energy sector in Hong Kong, China.

This year, we have launched Engentica, the first AI agent in the Building E&M (electrical and mechanical) industry that redefines intelligent infrastructure management. Leveraging Semantic AI and large language models, Engentica revolutionises facility management by providing real-time chiller optimisation and adjustments based on live weather data, automated fault diagnosis, and predictive maintenance, etc, contributing to enhanced operational efficiency and reliability of infrastructures.

In addition, one of our power companies has introduced an advanced AI management system to monitor the company's critical power facilities. With the help of AI, the management system integrates and monitors real-time signals from about 3 000 sensors and cameras across the power company's electricity networks in the city, alerting engineering personnel to respond to incidents immediately when potential risks are detected.

Last year, Hong Kong, China also showcased two innovative AI applications at the Knowledge Sharing Platform for the APEC Energy Smart Communities Initiative: the ChillStream - an AI-based Chiller Plant Optimisation System, and Power-hawk Inspector - a drone-based inspection system using AI to identify power grid defects. We are delighted that the two initiatives were recognised by fellow APEC member economies, receiving three awards at the ESCI (Energy Smart Communities Initiative) Best Practices Awards Program.

With cutting-edge research, robust infrastructure and a diverse talent pool, Hong Kong, China provides an ideal platform for promoting AI solutions across the region. We look forward to collaborating and partnering with APEC economies on AI projects to leverage our shared expertise and resources to drive AI development.

Speech by SEE at thematic session three of APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting in Korea Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Man convicted and jailed for dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes and possessing alternative smoking products for sale

A man was sentenced to 13 months' imprisonment by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on January 14 for dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes and possessing alternative smoking products for sale, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO) and the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance.

During an anti-illicit cigarette operation conducted in a commercial building in Tsuen Wan on October 20, 2025, Customs officers intercepted a 40-year-old man who claimed to be a warehouse assistant for inspection and seized a total of about 980 000 illicit cigarettes and 620 000 alternative smoking products from his trolley and a unit inside the building. The total estimated market value was about $6.3 million, and the duty potential of the illicit cigarettes was about $3.2 million.

Customs welcomes the sentences. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Moreover, under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance, no person may promote, manufacture, sell, or possess for commercial purposes alternative smoking products. An offender is liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette 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).

Man convicted and jailed for dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes and possessing alternative smoking products for sale Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases