Hong Kong Hosts 2nd International Cerebro-Cardiovascular Medical Innovation Summit to Advance Health Innovations

Speech by SITI at 2nd International Cerebro-cardiovascular Medical Innovation Summit

Following is a speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the 2nd International Cerebro-cardiovascular Medical Innovation Summit (ICMIS) today (December 8):

Professor Yang (Senior Vice-President (Innovation and Enterprise) of the City University of Hong Kong (CityU), Professor Michael Yang), Professor Noble (Technikos Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Professorial Fellow of St Hilda's College of the University of Oxford Professor Alison Noble), Professor Shum (Vice-President (Research) of CityU, Professor Anderson Shum), Professor Chan (Director of the Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-Cardiovascular Health Engineering, Professor Kannie Chan), Terry (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Mr Terry Wong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you all today at the 2nd International Cerebro-cardiovascular Medical Innovation Summit organised by the Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-Cardiovascular Health Engineering, COCHE in short.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally. Today's Summit provides a vital platform for interdisciplinary exchange and dialogue among world-class experts. We are happy to see the gathering of experts from different disciplines dedicated to addressing critical challenges and advancing medical innovation in cerebro-cardiovascular health - a domain that directly impacts millions of lives worldwide.

Pursuant to the country's 14th Five-Year Plan and the 15th Five-Year Plan proposal to develop Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to building a vibrant I&T ecosystem. Amongst our efforts, InnoHK stands out as a flagship I&T initiative that has successfully established a total of 30 research centres in Hong Kong, collaborating with more than 30 world-renowned universities and research institutes from 12 economies, pooling more than 3 000 researchers locally and from all over the world.

The COCHE, one of the InnoHK centres in the area of life and health sciences and the organiser of this Summit, specialises in developing innovative technologies for the early prediction and intervention of cardiovascular diseases. With strategic partnerships with world-leading institutions including the University of Oxford and the Karolinska Institutet, the Centre has made significant advancements in AI-powered imaging, biosensing, and drug delivery systems by strategic partnership since its establishment in December 2020. This shows us how breakthroughs can be achieved through global research collaboration. Through shared datasets and cross-border clinical validation, the participating institutions integrated the Centre's technical innovation and clinical applications. Besides, students from the University of Oxford visited the COCHE in 2024 with an aim of strengthening academic exchange and cultivating future talent. Such exchanges of talents lay a fertile ground for Hong Kong to develop an international research hub.

Building on the successes of the first two InnoHK clusters which focus on life and health sciences as well as AI and robotics, we are expediting the establishment of the third InnoHK research cluster which focus on sustainable development, energy, advanced manufacturing, and materials. This cluster aims to drive the development of new industrialisation in Hong Kong and promote the development of advanced technologies and the related industries.

Ladies and gentlemen, innovation does not happen in isolation. It thrives through collaboration. As we gather here today, let us reaffirm our commitment to working together for the betterment of humanity. With the concerted efforts of the Government, academia, research institutions and industry partners, I am confident that our I&T ecosystem will not only thrive, but also strengthen Hong Kong's competitive edge. May I wish the 2nd ICMIS every success. Thank you.

Speech by SITI at 2nd International Cerebro-cardiovascular Medical Innovation Summit Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Labour Department highly concerned about fatal work accident that happened in Kai Tak today

The Labour Department (LD) is highly concerned about a fatal work accident that happened at a construction site in Kai Tak this afternoon (January 12). While a male worker was detaching the lifting gear connected to the top of a water tank, the water tank displaced suddenly, trapping the worker between the water tank and a bored pile casing nearby. He was certified dead later in hospital. The LD is saddened by the death of the worker and expresses its deepest sympathy to his family.

The LD's spokesman said, "We commenced an immediate on-site investigation as soon as we were notified of the accident and have issued suspension notices to the contractors concerned, suspending the use of mobile cranes for lifting operation at site concerned. The contractors cannot resume the work process until the LD is satisfied that suitable measures to abate the relevant risks have been taken."

The spokesman added, "We will complete the investigation as soon as possible to identify the cause of the accident, ascertain the liability of the duty holders and recommend improvement measures. We will take actions pursuant to the law if there is any violation of the work safety legislation."

To prevent workers from being struck or trapped by loads when engaged in unrigging process, the LD reminds employers to (i) ensure that the place supporting the loads is secure; and (ii) formulate proper unrigging methods for detaching lifting gear so as to prevent displacement of the objects in the course of unrigging operations.

The general duty provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance require employers to provide safe working environments, plant and systems of work for their employees. Those who contravene the relevant provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for two years.

In regard to today's accident, the LD will issue a Work Safety Alert through its mobile application "OSH 2.0", website and email, giving a brief account of the accident concerned to duty holders, workers' unions, professional bodies of safety practitioners and others, and reminding the industry of the importance of following safety precautionary measures to prevent a recurrence of similar accidents.

The LD will also remind the employer concerned of the liability for employees' compensation under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance, assist family members of the deceased to claim employees' compensation and closely follow up on the case. For those with financial difficulties, the LD will assist them to apply for appropriate emergency funds. Subject to the needs and wishes of family members of the deceased, the LD will also liaise with the Social Welfare Department for financial or other assistance.

For the sake of securing the safety and health of employees at work, the LD appeals to employers to provide plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health. Employees should co-operate with their employers, adopt all safety measures and use personal protective equipment provided properly to avoid endangering their own work safety and that of other workers.

Source: AI-found images