Speech by SITI at Hong Kong Laureate Forum 2025 Press Conference
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Hong Kong Laureate Forum 2025 Press Conference today (September 15):
Professor Tong (Chairman of the Council of the Hong Kong Laureate Forum, Professor Timothy Tong), Dr Lee (Chairman of Henderson Land Group and Director of Lee Shau Kee Foundation, Dr Martin Lee), Dr Chan (Chair of The Shaw Prize Foundation, Dr Raymond Chan), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. It is my great pleasure to join you all at the press conference for the Hong Kong Laureate Forum 2025.
Two years ago, the inaugural Hong Kong Laureate Forum set a bold precedent for international scientific exchange. It was a resounding success, welcoming over 2,400 participants, including 23 Shaw Laureates, 200 young scientists from nearly 30 countries and regions, and 1,500 secondary students. They brought unique perspectives, aspirations and energy to cross-sectional dialogue that continues to inspire.
This year, we build on the momentum. From November 5 to 8, 12 Shaw Laureates in astronomy, life science and medicine, and mathematical sciences, as well as over 200 young scientists from around the world, will be gathered at the 2025 forum under the theme of "Meeting of Inspirational Minds", and it will surely once again elevate Hong Kong's profile as a global hub for scientific excellence and innovation.
The Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government has made innovation and technology (I&T) the cornerstone of our economic transformation. We have strategically invested in I&T infrastructure, talent, and industry development to create a vibrant and sustainable I&T ecosystem in Hong Kong. Today, our investment and initiatives are bearing fruits.
Early this month, the World Intellectual Property Organization announced its Global Innovation Index 2025. The Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster ranked first globally among the top 100 innovation clusters, which is an extraordinary recognition of the I&T capacity of the Greater Bay Area. And just last week, Hong Kong was also ranked first in Asia in the International Institute for Management Development's World Talent Ranking. These remarkable achievements reaffirm Hong Kong's position as an international I&T centre and high-calibre talent hub.
Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong is a place where policy meets purpose, and talent meets opportunity. The Hong Kong Laureate Forum is more than a scientific gathering. It is also an investment for the youth in curiosity and inspiration that will echo for decades. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Council of the Hong Kong Laureate Forum, the Lee Shau Kee Foundation as well as the Shaw Prize Foundation for organising and supporting the event. As we prepare to welcome brilliant minds this November, I extend a heartfelt invitation to all partners to join, support and share this collective endeavor.
The future is not just something we await. It is something we build. Please stay tuned for the Hong Kong Laureate Forum 2025 and I look forward to welcoming all our distinguished guests to Hong Kong in November. Thank you.
Speech by SITI at Hong Kong Laureate Forum 2025 Press Conference Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
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
